A giant of the province’s film and T.V. industry is the namesake for College of the North Atlantic’s new centre in St. John’s.
The Paul L. Pope Centre for T.V. and Film was officially opened in St. John’s Friday morning before a room packed with dignitaries, instructors and other industry members, as well as students now learning their craft at the school.
Pope, who passed away in 2022, was described as a pioneer of the industry locally and a “dynamic force” in cinema nationally.
He achieved numerous accolades over his career and served in many leadership roles including as a founding member and longtime president of the Newfoundland Independent Filmmakers’ Co-operative, or NIFCO.
CNA says the new “industry-leading” facility will be a “testament to Paul Pope’s extraordinary legacy and unwavering commitment to nurturing new talent in the province.”
Those attending the unveiling remarked on Pope’s tireless advocacy for the new centre, even in his last days from his hospital bed.
Lisa Porter, Pope’s widow and president of Pope Productions, recalls one of his last messages to then-education minister Tom Osborne about the project, saying simply and characteristically: “Don’t F this up.”
Reflecting on that comment now, with emotion in her voice and a smile on her face, she says his wish was honoured.