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Screenwriters and Producers Reach Tentative Deal in Record Time

The Writers Guild of Canada and the Canadian Film and Television Production Association announced today that they have reached a tentative agreement on a new 2003-2005 Independent Production Agreement (IPA) after less than six days of bargaining. The agreement, which sets out minimum rates, terms and conditions for screenwriters working in English-language film and television production across Canada, is yet to be ratified by both organizations, but both negotiating teams are recommending acceptance of the deal.

Highlights of the deal include increases in script fees of 1% in Year 1, 2% in Year 2 and 2% in Year 3 of the agreement. In light of the proliferation of low-budget fact-based programming and lower-budget features, the deal also makes these work opportunities more accessible for writers and producers to work together on these projects under the collective agreement by introducing new provisions for low-budget half-hour documentary series and low-budget features.

"Though modest, there are gains here for all writers and I have no hesitation in recommending ratification to all our membership, " said Pete White, WGC president. "In these uncertain times, I feel these new provisions will prove beneficial to both writers and producers."

"It's a testament to the good working relationship between writers and producers that we were able to conclude a fair deal in as efficient and friendly a manner as we have. We join the Guild in recommending this deal for ratification and believe that it will create increased work opportunities for both writers and producers" says John Barrack, National Vice President Industrial Relations and Counsel for the CFTPA.

In recognition of the current production climate, both parties took streamlined agendas to the table in December. Negotiations were completed in January, after three very productive sessions over a five-week period. The new IPA is expected to be in effect by February 17, 2003 in time for the start-up of the production season, and will run until the end of 2005.

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