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Distinctly Canadian TV Near Extinction If CTF Dies

The Canadian Television Fund continues to be the only means to ensure the creation of distinctly Canadian programming according to a study released by the Canadian Film and Television Production Association.

An update of a study released last fall; the data highlights the economic impact of the public/private fund. In 2000/01 the CTF generated $683-million in production activity, and over 18,000 direct and indirect jobs. The fund also stimulates regional economies, having helped create almost half of the independent productions in Atlantic Canada and the Prairies.

"Believe it or not, a lot of people watch Canadian-made TV. But if we didn't fund it the only thing that would scream Canadian on your set is Don Cherry," said Elizabeth McDonald, CFTPA president and CEO.

According to the 104-page report the CTF targets productions in genres that are not necessarily supported by the traditional broadcasting system. These include: 66% of documentaries, 37% of children's programming, and 32% of dramas and performing arts programs that air on Canadian stations. Blue Murder, Cold Squad, Da Vinci's Inquest, Un gars, une fille, Degrassi: The Next Generation and Yvon of the Yukon are a sample of the hundreds of programs that receive CTF financing.

Updated by PWC Consulting, Assessment of the Economic Impact of the Canadian Television Fund 2002 details what would happen if the CTF were eliminated. It proposes the financing model for distinctly Canadian shows would collapse as producers were forced to seek large foreign presales. The report estimates $456-million in foreign financing would be required to maintain the production levels generated by the CTF. Foreign sales are traditionally difficult to secure for distinctly Canadian programming; obtaining them often means altering the programming to accommodate such foreign demands as the use of international creative talent.

With financing in jeopardy, producers would shift the type of programming they make. That development would lead to a 26% to 31% decline in the largest sector of independent production, and an estimated $520 to $622-million loss in production activity. Between 13,700 and 16,500 direct and indirect jobs would also disappear.

Created in 1996, the CTF distributes over $200-million to independent Canadian producers. The fund is the result of a partnership between the Department of Canadian Heritage, Telefilm Canada and the Canadian cable and satellite industries. The fund is up for renewal in April 2003.

The CFTPA is a non-profit, trade association representing almost 400 Canadian companies involved in the media content production industry. With offices in Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver, the association promotes the interests of media content producers by lobbying government on policy matters, negotiating labour agreements, offering mentorship programs, copyright initiatives, holding an annual conference, and producing industry publications.

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