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INDEPENDENT PRODUCERS CALL FOR A NEW POLICY AND FUNDING FRAMEWORK FOR CANADIAN TELEVISION BROADCASTING
CFTPA SUBMITS RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE CRTC ON THE FUTURE OF CANADIAN BROADCASTING

The Canadian Film and Television Production Association, (CFTPA) filed comments with the CRTC today with respect to the Commission’s call for input to a factfinding report examining the future environment facing the Canadian broadcasting system.

Significant changes have occurred within Canada’s communications sector and these changes are having a direct influence on how Canadians are viewing and interacting with media. Despite these challenges, however, Canadian producers and broadcasters are adapting to new formats and looking at imaginative new ways of producing and distributing Canadian content.

“It’s clear that changing technology is having a significant impact on how Canadian programs are created, delivered, and viewed. Ultimately, we see this as an opportunity for producers and broadcasters, not as a threat,” said Guy Mayson, President and CEO, CFTPA. “Within this expanding environment, we need to ensure that a strong Canadian programming alternative is available, and meets the growing demand for quality programming, particularly in the area of high definition television production.”

The CFTPA argues that a more equitable production financing model that provides for adequate financing of Canadian production is essential. Despite changing technologies, Canadian broadcasters remain central to the financing and production of Canadian priority programming in the areas of children’s, drama, documentary, and variety. Canadian specialty and conventional television broadcasters are very healthy and need to be making a stronger contribution to the financing of Canadian production.

Another key requirement to ensure the ongoing viability of the Canadian production sector is the need for terms of trade agreements between producers and broadcasters - agreements that are monitored by the CRTC and ensure a more equitable distribution of rights.

“What is needed is a better financing model with all partners, including producers, distributors, broadcasters and government to ensure that the creation of quality Canadian production meets demand,” said Ira Levy, Chair, CFTPA Board of Directors. “Production company viability is key to the future of program creation. Effective terms of trade agreements are critical in creating an environment for strong healthy companies to develop.”

“Our recommendations urge the government, through the CRTC, to become more active in helping to rebalance the inequitable relationship that has developed between Canadian television broadcasters and independent producers,” said Mayson. “The future of the Canadian television broadcasting system depends on it.”

The CFTPA is a non-profit trade organization that works on behalf of almost 400 companies engaged in the production and distribution of English-language television programs, feature films, and interactive media products in all regions of Canada, including Quebec. More specifically, we promote the general interests of our members provincially, federally, and internationally; we negotiate and manage labour agreements with guilds and unions; we administer copyright collectives; we train new industry entrants through 6 national internship programs; and we undertake a number of other specific initiatives that help increase awareness and enhance communication within the Canadian and international production communities.

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For more information on this, please contact:

Jeff Brinton
Director of Communications and Media
Canadian Film and Television Production Association