NEWFOUNDLAND (CelebrityAccess) – A pioneer within the Newfoundland film industry, Paul Pope, passed away Thursday (April 14), according to his family. The cause of death was not disclosed.
Pope of Pope Productions is known across Canada as a founding member and former President of the Newfoundland Filmmakers Cooperative (NIFCO) and for hundreds of film works.
A tireless advocate for the Newfoundland and Labrador film industry, Pope played an integral part in getting the new Film, and Media Production Centre developed at College of the North Atlantic, as per an announcement on Wednesday.
Notable works include Rare Birds starring the late William Hurt, My Left Breast about Ginger Rogers’ breast cancer diagnosis, and his production work on Hudson & Rex.
He’s won many awards, including the ArtsNL’s Arts Achievement Award, the Douglas James Dales Industry Builder Award, and an honorary Doctorate from Memorial University.
Tributes on social media are plentiful at the news of his unexpected death.
We have some sad news – Paul Pope, a dear friend, colleague and Executive Producer on Hudson & Rex, has passed away. He was a partner on seven Shaftesbury projects, a beloved figure in the industry, and a force in Newfoundland. His family and friends are in our thoughts. pic.twitter.com/HAXNATvDn0
— Hudson & Rex on Citytv (@hudsonandrex) April 14, 2022
Paul Pope’s Secret Nation was my 1st job as a film extra. His Anchor Zone was my first lead role in film. Many people got their 1st jobs in film & TV from Paul. Then their 2nd, 3rd & even 100th. Because of his work with CNA, many more will now learn the craft. RIP Paul Pope.
— Mark Critch (@markcritch) April 14, 2022
I am absolutely devastated by news of #PaulPope‘s sudden passing.
Paul was a pioneer, a driving force in our film and TV industry. With passion and energy, his work was inspiring and his legacy will live on.
My deepest condolences to Lisa and their family at this tragic time. pic.twitter.com/lRk2SNZ2TY
— Andrew Furey (@FureyAndrew) April 14, 2022
“Paul was a giant in the Canadian media production community and a huge advocate for the industry in Newfoundland. Through his tireless promotion of the province, and the work of his company, Pope Productions, Paul can be credited with bringing hundreds, if not thousands, of film and TV projects to Newfoundland over his four-decade career,” the CMPA said in a statement.
