Newsroom
Press Releases
A New Name and a New Chair for Independent Producers
Banff, Alberta, June 15th, 2010 - The Canadian Film and Television Production Association is pleased to announce it is changing its name to the Canadian Media Production Association (CMPA) to better reflect the multi-screen world and the future of our industry.
“Independent producers create high-quality Canadian content and are at the heart of the feature film, broadcasting and content distribution system,” says Norm Bolen, President and Chief Executive Officer, CMPA. “The global shift towards digital technology and new forms of distribution means we have to change with the times. The new name embraces the opportunities for our members to create new partnerships and expand into the international market place.”
The new name also adheres to a tradition within the organization to update itself as technology advances. Founded in 1948, the Association was originally known as the Association of Motion Picture Producers and Laboratories of Canada. In 1974, it changed its name to the Canadian Film and Television Association. And in 1990, it merged with the Association of Canadian Film and Television Producers to form the Canadian Film and Television Production Association.
The Board of the CMPA has appointed Tom Cox as its new Chair to lead the rebranding. Cox is managing partner of SEVEN24 Films, based in Alberta. His career spans 25 years; creating, developing, and producing dramatic features, television series and movies which have garnered over 100 awards and nominations.
“I’m delighted to be working with such a knowledgeable staff and Board of Directors to ensure that Canadian producers remain at the centre of our national cultural community and form a strong and sustainable part of Canada’s entrepreneurial sector,” says Cox.
Tom’s recent executive producer credits include Heartland for CBC, Mayerthorpe for CTV and Burn Up for BBC and Global. His co-producer credits include Brokeback Mountain and The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford.
“Tom not only talks the talk, he walks the walk,” says John Barrack, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Legal Officer CMPA. “Tom knows independent producers must develop new business models to flourish in the creative economy. SEVEN24 and Toronto-based marblemedia have recently joined forces to create DISTRIBUTION360 (D360), a forward-thinking distribution company focused on the full monetization of television and interactive content across traditional and emerging global platforms. That’s the kind of innovation we need to bring Canada to the world.”
The CMPA also thanks outgoing Chair, Sandra Cunningham, for her valuable contribution to the Association over the past three years.
“Sandra’s wealth of experience in the feature film industry, her poise and her passion for Canadian stories made her a great leader for the Association,” says Bolen. “We wish her and her company, Strada Films, all the best in the future.”
About us
The CMPA represents the interests of screen-based media companies engaged in the production and distribution of English-language television programs, feature films, and new media content in all regions of Canada. Our almost 400 member companies are significant employers of Canadian creative talent and assume the financial and creative risk of developing original content for Canadian and international audiences. Independent producers create content for distribution on Internet and mobile wireless platforms in order to deliver content to consumers how and when they want it.
-30-
For further information please call:
Canadian Film and Television Production Association
Anne Trueman
Director of Communications & Media
1.800.656.7440 Ext. 227
