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CFTPA queries CTF on documentary and financial issues

Ms. Janet Yale
Chair
Canadian Television Fund
c/o CCTA
360 Albert St., Suite 1010
Ottawa, Ontario K1R 7X7

Mr. Garry Toth
President and CEO
Canadian Television Fund
111Queen St. East
5th Floor
Toronto, ON M5C 1S2

Dear Janet and Garry:
The Board of Directors of the CFTPA has asked that I raise several issues of urgent concern to our members. They have come to light as a result of the recent over-subscription of the CTF's LFP drama envelope. The CFTPA Board believes that it is vital that these matters be addressed. Our concerns are:

1. Clarity on existing reserve funding: How much money, if any, exists in reserve funds?
2. Reserve fund policy: What exactly is the Fund's policy with regard to reserve funds? Will these funds be used to help address the current over-subscription?
3. Completion of financing: The CFTPA Board proposes that the CTF needs to adopt a more realistic approach to "completion of financing deadlines" so that moneys are not tied up unnecessarily. Our Board would propose a cut-off date of June 15th. This would then allow other projects to become eligible and meet broadcasting deadlines for the upcoming television season;
4. Re-allocation of Funds: What is the LFP's policy on the allocation of moneys from LFP approved projects that cannot successfully complete financing? Will the money go to the next eligible program within its genre?; and
5. Appeals procedure: Will the CTF LFP make public its appeal policy so producers and broadcasters are assured the process is clear, neutral and transparent?

The CFTPA is one of the founding members of the CTF. We represent close to 400 production companies across Canada. Our producers are the primary clients of the Fund in English Canada who, in 2000-2001, produced 1,059 hours of television programming. It is this programming that ensures that our broadcasting system meets the fundamental goals of the Broadcasting Act, namely to ensure a distinct Canadian presence on our television screens while reflecting Canada to Canadians.

The CFTPA Board is very aware and sympathetic with the challenges that faces the CTF's LFP and its staff. With the explosion of television channels on our broadcasting system, it is quite clear that it will become increasingly more difficult to meet the demands for distinctly Canadian programming on an annual basis. However, based on the issues that I outlined above, we are requesting that a meeting of the CTF Board be called immediately.

Sincerely,
Elizabeth A. McDonald
President & CEO

c.c. The Honourable Sheila Copps, Minister of Canadian Heritage
Doug Barrett, Secretary, Canadian Television Fund
Laszlo Barna, CTF Board of Directors
Julia Keatley, CTF Board of Directors
Richard Stursberg, Telefilm Canada
Michael Wernick, Department of Canadian Heritage

April 4, 2002

Ms. Janet Yale, Chair
Mr. Garry Toth, President and CEO
The Canadian Television Fund
111 Queen Street East Floor
Toronto, Ontario
M5C 1S2

Dear Janet and Garry:
Documentary members of the Association have contacted me today about information that was posted on the Fundçs website on Wednesday April 3rd. entitled èDocumentary genre-interpretation of definition.î The reason that we are raising this issue is because it would appear to have a major impact on project eligibility. The CFTPA believes that the rules for CTFçs evaluation process must be consistent, fair and transparent. Any changes should be stated well in advance of the March 15th deadline for submission of applications.

Producers, broadcasters and other funding agencies have operated with the understanding that programs that qualified for the documentary genre last year would be eligible to compete for funding this year. However, It would now seem that a new, narrower interpretation has been introduced to the documentary definition after the submission deadline which will affect not only programs that have been renewed by broadcasters but also new projects being introduced into the system. While we appreciate that changes to the definitions may be necessary, it has been our understanding that they would be announced when the Guidelines are made public each year. This allows both producers and broadcasters to assess whether the CTF is an appropriate funding source for their projects.

I would appreciate getting your response to this issue at your earliest convenience.

Sincerely,
Elizabeth A. McDonald

c.c. Barrie Cohen, The Canadian Independent Film Caucus
Sandy Crawley, The Canadian Independent Film Caucus
Julia Keatley, CFTPA
Lazlo Barna, CFTPA
Richard Stursberg, Telefilm

For more information on this, please contact:

Jane L. Thompson
Director of Communications
Canadian Film and Television Production Association

Tel: 613 233 1444 ext 227