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CFTPA and NFB Sign Production Guidelines Agreement
The Canadian Film and Television Production Association and the National Film Board of Canada have negotiated guidelines establishing common business practices in co-productions between independent English-language film and TV producers and the NFB. It was signed at the Banff Television Festival by Jacques Bensimon, government film commissioner and chair of the NFB, and Laszlo Barna, past chair of the CFTPA.
Known as a Code of Practice, the agreement outlines principles for transparent negotiations between producers and the agency. Specifically the NFB-CFTPA agreement clarifies development, production and distribution practices, recoupment policy, and clearly sets out the responsibilities of each party. It will strengthen the professional relationship of the CFTPA and NFB in documentary and animation production, rights management, the application of new technologies and collective agreements with industry unions and guilds.
"I am delighted by this historic agreement. The NFB has clearly shown their commitment to the independent sector and to strengthening the role of the independent producer. Tom Perlmutter and Jacques Bensimon have reached out and made the NFB a much more inclusive organization," said Laszlo Barna, past chair of the Canadian Film and Television Production Association, and executive producer, Barna-Alper Productions.
This is the second agreement the association has signed which provides guidance on best practices and standard industry contract terms. The CFTPA also has a more detailed terms of trade agreement with the CBC which was signed in November 2002.
“It takes so much work to get a production off the ground. The last thing a producer wants is for things to break down during negotiations. Everyone wants a fair deal and having clear guidelines before you negotiate with a broadcaster or agency is really the way of the future for independent producers, particularly with the advent of Internet streaming, digitalization and new applications,” said Guy Mayson, CEO and president, CFTPA.
The CFTPA is a non-profit, trade association representing almost 400 companies in the Canadian production industry. The association promotes the general interests of Canadian producers by lobbying government on policy matters, negotiating labour agreements, and offering mentorship programs and copyright initiatives.
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