On Screen Manitoba

The Canadian Interactive Alliance/Alliance Interactive Canadienne (CIAIC) is pleased to announce that Ian Kelso has been named CEO. The CIAIC is the national federation of interactive digital media associations and Kelso will lead the organization as it gears up for several industry activities in 2012.

Celebrating two decades of funding traditional Canadian television drama series, the Independent Production Fund Board (IPF) has made a formal commitment to lead the industry in new directions for the future. The web series funding program that has been undertaken on an experimental basis for the past two years, will now become the focus of IPF funding support for the next three years.

The following article was published in the Winnipeg Free Press on December 19, 2011.

The CRTC will hold public consultations to decide the fate of a fund that has collected $300 million so far from cable and satellite companies to provide financial support for local television programming.

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission said Monday it wants to gauge the effectiveness of the fund, which has supported local programming, particularly news, in 75 small-market stations across the country.

This Housing Needs Survey is being undertaken by the Performing Arts Lodges of Winnipeg which is a registered non‐profit and charitable organization.

The organization is an affiliate of PAL Canada whose mandate is to provide assistance to members and associates of Canada’s Performing Arts Community in the areas of health, well-being and affordable accommodation. PAL buildings also encourage continued practice of the artists living within and aim to provide appropriate facilities for creative expression.

The purpose of this survey is to assess the housing and service needs of adults and seniors who require affordable housing accommodation in Winnipeg.

Whether your company is one or one hundred people strong, you are an important part of the industry in Manitoba -- and New Media Manitoba wants to make sure that you're counted in the Manitoba New Media Census (conducted by NMM).

The following article was written by Etan Vlessing and originally published in The Hollywood Reporter on December 9, 2011.

The following article was written by Etan Vlessing and was published on The Hollywood Reporter website on December 13, 2011.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Astral’s Harold Greenberg Fund/Fonds Harold Greenberg (Fund/Fonds), we are pleased to present the virtual edition of our Annual Report for fiscal 2010-2011. Highlighting the 25th and 15th anniversaries of Fund and Fonds, this annual review describes, among other things, the 2010-2011 slate of projects supported by our programs. Over the past fiscal year, our various programs funded 181 projects, for total financial support of more than $3.6 million.

Over the past 25 years, Fund/Fonds has invested more than $77.4 million in Canada’s film and television industry.

The following interesting article was written by Kenton Smith and originally published in Uptown on December 8, 2011.

The following article written by Susan Krashinsky was originally published in the Globe and Mail on December 7, 2011.

The American Film Market (AFM®), the premier event of the Independent Film & Television Alliance® (IFTA®), will remain in Santa Monica through 2017, IFTA leadership announced today.

New agreements will keep the AFM at the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel, its home since 1991, with additional exhibition space continuing at JW Marriott’s Le Merigot Beach Hotel and with conferences continuing at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows.

IFTA Chairman Paul Hertzberg noted, “We tirelessly explored every option to ensure the AFM would have the best long-term home. We look forward to many more successful Markets with the beach as our backdrop.”

The Writers Guild of Canada (WGC) began talks today with the Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA) and the Association des producteurs de films et de télévision de Québec (APFTQ) toward a new agreement governing screenwriting for film, TV and digital media.

The solid partnership between producers and screenwriters is key to the success of the film and television industry in Canada. In 2009/2010, Canadian production was worth $2.3 Billion to the Canadian economy and led to the employment of an estimated 54,700 individuals on a full-time basis. Working together, producers and screenwriters create shows that have extensive economic and cultural impact.

From December 1, right up until Christmas Day, the NFB will be offering specials on a select number of download to own titles. These films will be featured on the homepage carousel of NFB.ca at a very special low price – $0.99 for shorts (SD) and $2.99 for features (SD) – for one day only.

The following article written by Liam Lacey was originally published in The Globe and Mail on November 25, 2011.

The Executive Board of IATSE Local 856 is pleased to announce the appointment of Robert Rowan to the position of Business Agent.

The following article written by Guy Dixon was originally published on The Globe and Mail website on November 23, 2011.

This article was originally published on the Hollywood Reporter website on November 23, 2011.

This article was originally published online on November 22, 2011 at Medicastercastermagazine.com.

The following article was originally published on The Wire Report website on November 14, 2011.

The following article was originally published in the Hollywood Reporter on November 14, 2011.

The following article about why people should support the Winnipeg Film Group's Cinematheque was written by Kenton Smith and originally published in Uptown on November 10, 2011.

On October 26, Library and Archives Canada (LAC) launched the Canadian Feature Film Index. This index, created as a print index in 1972, is now available as an online database and contains information on over 4,300 Canadian feature films produced from 1913 to 2009. The database also features images of movie posters from LAC's holdings. Films produced after 2009 will be added gradually to the database. The project was carried out with the support of the Department of Canadian Heritage.

CFC (Canadian Film Centre) is delighted to announce esteemed Academy Award-winning filmmaker Paul Haggis as Chair of the CFC Film Programs including the Cineplex Entertainment and Short Dramatic Film programs.

[le français suit l’anglais]

CBC’s digital channel documentary and the Documentary Organization of Canada | Association des documentaristes du Canada (DOC) are proud to announce year two of the documentary mentorship program — Giving Voice: Filmmakers Working with Filmmakers. The program, funded by documentary, is returning for 2012 and will support up to eight apprenticeships.

CBC's Kristine Stewart, the CBC’s executive vice-president of English services, recently shared her perspective on the unpredictability of the broadcast industry and adapting to the digital space in a speech delivered on Tuesday, November 1 at the Broadcast Executives Society luncheon.

The following article about the state of the BC Film Industry was originally published on October 20, 2011 by Straight.com.

Congratulations to the Winnipeg Film Group's Cecilia Araneda and the other amazingly talented women artists who were honoured this week by the Government of Manitoba for Women's History Month.

This interesting article about a proposed online video-on-demand service that highlights Canadian films was published on the CBC website.

The Canada Media Fund (CMF) today launched its first online Annual Report, which highlights its performance and contributions to Canadian culture in 2010-2011. An essential component of Canada’s digital economy strategy, the CMF provides ongoing funding support for the creation and promotion of content for all Canadians on the viewing platform of their choice.

Save the date: Next year’s Prime Time takes place at the Westin Ottawa February 29th to March 2nd, 2012.

Registration opens November 1st at www.primetimeinottawa.ca.

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) announced that its fact-finding exercise on the nature and implications of online and mobile broadcasting activity produced inconclusive results. The CRTC will continue to monitor the evolving communications environment, and this growing activity will be the main focus of its annual consultation with the broadcasting industry in November 2011.

On May 25, 2011, the CRTC launched a fact-finding exercise on online and mobile programming services and their impact on the Canadian communications system. While not containing any clear evidence, the responses filed indicate that:

The following article was written by the president and CEO of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, Dave Angus, and was originally published in the Winnipeg Free Press on October 1, 2011.

Hot Docs is delighted to announce that Charlotte Cook will join the Hot Docs team as the organization’s new director of programming.

This article was originally published in The Hollywood Reporter on October 5, 2011.

Netflix has dodged another bullet in Canada.

This article about Manitoba's economy was written by Gordon Pitts and originally published on October 3 in the Globe And Mail. Of particular interest is an infographic that states the Information, Culture, Arts and Entertainment Industry made up 4% of the 2010 Manitoba GDP.

The Canadian Media Production Association (CMPA) released two studies this week, and requested that the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) launch a specific public proceeding to examine the role of television broadcasters in supporting Canadian English-language theatrical films.

Both studies relate to Canadian theatrical films – one on the financing provided by broadcasters to English-language films supported under the Canada Feature Film Fund and one related to the broadcast of films in our television system.

The Canadian Media Production Association (CMPA) welcomes the federal government’s move to modernize Canada’s copyright laws. The Copyright Modernization Act was tabled in the House of Commons earlier this week. It mirrors Bill C-32 which died on the Order Paper when the election was called last spring.

The following article was originally published in The Chronicle Herald on September 28, 2011.

The following article was written by Kenton Smith and was originally published in Uptown on September 22, 2011.

The following article was originally published in The Globe And Mail on September 21, 2011.

(le français suivra)

In order to address the current inconsistencies or conflicts between the Canada Media Fund (CMF) program Guidelines and the Terms of Trade Agreement that was reached last April by the Canadian Media Production Association (CMPA) and private broadcasters Astral Television Networks, Bell Media Inc., Rogers Broadcasting Limited, Shaw Media Inc. and Corus Entertainment Inc., the CMF has adopted changes to its Guidelines for all production programs in the Convergent Stream.

This article originally appeared in the Edmonton Journal on September 13, 2011.

The days of television viewers being bombarded with "ear-splitting" commercials are numbered, Canada's broadcasting regulator announced Tuesday.

This article was originally published on the Rapid TV News website on September 14, 2011.

Some companies in Canada are resisting the recent influx of streaming movie and TV providers like Netflix into the market, painting them as foreign interlopers. Astral Media's CEO Ian Greenberg summed it up: "They come here and don't spend a penny."

A Cultural Action Plan for Winnipeg - Info Session

Ticket to the Future is a comprehensive new plan that will enhance our city’s extensive investment in the arts and capitalize on our extraordinary cultural assets.

Earlier this week saw the release of the “In Conversation” video series, presented by Culture Days’ National Broadcast Partner, CBC.

The provincial ArtsVote Forum will be held on September 21, noon at the Winnipeg Art Gallery Muriel Richardson Auditorium.  

The Yorkton Film Festival is proud to be entering its 65th year – and they want you to join in the celebration of 65 years of film.

On Thursday September 8, William F. White International will launch Whites Interactive.

The Montreal International Game Summit (MIGS), presented by the Canada Media Fund, unveiled programming for the eighth event, to be held on November 1 and 2, at the Hilton Montreal Bonaventure. Once again, MIGS is bringing together industry experts to create a training event of unparalleled quality through lectures in six key areas of the business.

Participants will have the chance to hear the following experts:

The next CMF application deadlines for its Convergent Stream and its Experimental Stream are as follow:

Convergent Stream

Diverse Languages Program: September 6, 2011
Aboriginal Program – production: September 19, 2011
Francophone Minority Program – production: September 26, 2011

Industry registration for the Toronto International Film Festival is now open! If you are interested in accessing illuminating industry programming, networking opportunities and world class film programming, then we have a pass for you.

[the following refers to English language independent producers]

Terms of Trade FAQ

Version française ci-dessous

The Canada Media Fund (CMF) announced today an investment of $3.4 million in 16 projects through its 2011-2012 English Point-of-View (POV) Program. This program is designed to encourage English POV documentary production.

Alliance numérique today announced the launch of Montreal Digital (MTL DGTL), a new festival dedicated to the interactive digital content industry, and presented by the Canada Media Fund. This first edition, which will take place on October 31st, November 1st and 2nd, will include four different events with programs focusing on mobility, the Web, video games, as well as research and development in partnership with media technology.

Participate in the Canadian Media Fund's on-line consultation about changes for the 2012-13 programs.

The following interesting article was written by Kevin Shea and was originally published in the Globe & Mail on July 15, 2011.

The CMPA has successfully negotiated, on behalf of its members and the entire Canadian independent production sector, a Terms of Trade agreement that came into effect June 1st 2011. This is a historic deal that will redefine the relationship between producers and broadcasters.

CANADIAN MEDIA FUND - Aboriginal Program 2011-2012

The Aboriginal Program is designed to support independent Aboriginal production in Canada. To access funding a project must meet all requirements set out in the 2011-2012 Guidelines. Only applications that meet all requirements will be considered.

À la demande des producteurs francophones hors-Québec, le Fonds des médias du Canada (FMC) a reporté la prochaine date de tombée pour les projets en production de son Programme de production de langue française en milieu minoritaire 2011-2012.

Industry registration for the Toronto International Film Festival is open! 

If you are interested in accessing illuminating industry programming, networking opportunities and world class film programming, then we have a pass for you. 

Original Article by: Jennifer Pawluk

July 28,2011

Wherever filmgoers went last week to check out the offerings of the 11th Annual Gimli Film Festival, there was plenty of great conversation to be had with other enthusiastic patrons.

This great article about the upcoming Gimli Film Festival was written by Kenton Smith and originally published in Uptown on July 14.

Telefilm Canada and the Rogers Group of Funds are pleased to announce the extension of their partnership for the Theatrical Documentary Program for 2011-2012. The upcoming program deadlines are September 2, 2011 for French-language projects and September 30, 2011 for English-language projects.

The following article about Bell Media's new production fund was originally published online in Mediacaster Magazine.

The Canadian Media Production Association (CMPA) is travelling the country to support the roll-out of the Terms of Trade agreement – all elements of the deal come into effect August 1st 2011. The agreement applies to all independently produced projects developed and commissioned by Astral, Bell Media (CTV), Corus, Rogers and Shaw Media.

Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN) is pleased to announce Mr. Sky Bridges has accepted the position of Chief Operating Officer at APTN effective immediately. Mr. Bridges will be based out of the network’s Winnipeg head office.

Lionsgate a leading global entertainment company, and Alliance Films, a leading Canadian distributor of motion pictures and television programming, announced that the Alliance group has agreed to purchase Lionsgate's Canadian distributor Maple Pictures for approximately $38.5 million subject to a working capital adjustment. The announcement was made by Lionsgate President and Co-Chief Operating Officer Steve Beeks and Alliance President Charles Layton and remains subject to approval by Canadian regulatory authorities.

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) issues and renews licences for all Canadian broadcasters. In September 2011, the CRTC will hold a public hearing in order to renew the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s (CBC) radio and television licences.

The following article is about Winnipegger Nia Vardalos who will be in the city next month to film the OSM member Original Pictures co-produced American Girl movie. It was originally published in the Winnipeg Free Press on June 18.

Iconic Canadian director Norman Jewison and mega-hit producer Don Carmody as well as Royal Canadian Air Farce cast mate Alan Park are joining the list of Canada's best-known producers, directors, cinematographers, writers, editors and actors for Whites, Camera, Action!, an all-star tribute to Toronto's revitalized film and TV production community on Thursday, June 23 at the new $20-million William F. White Centre, 800 Islington Avenue, Toronto from 5-9pm. Juno Award-nominated pop-rockers The Midway State will play a special acoustic performance during the evening.

CBC/Radio-Canada contributed $3.7 billion to the Canadian economy in 2010, according to an economic impact study by Deloitte and Touche.

The chairman of the federal broadcasting regulator has raised the possibility of legislation to deal with the onslaught of so-called over-the-top services such as Netflix, Google TV and Apple TV.

Small and medium-sized businesses are the engine of the Manitoba economy and entrepreneurs are the fuel that powers this engine.

WIFT-T has partnered with Nordicity and Environics to conduct a national research study on employment trends in Canada’s screen-based industries. The study will focus on who is working, how we are working and the participation of women, people from culturally-diverse backgrounds and persons with disabilities in the screen-based industries.

This article written by Alison Mayes was originally published in the Winnipeg Free Press on June 4, 2011.

A new guide from the Independent Production Fund (IPF) seeks to unravel the mystery behind the marketing and promotion of original web series. How to Build an Audience for your Web Series: Market, Motivate & Mobilize addresses many of the marketing challenges web series creators face and provides a practical framework for launching a show and building an engaged and loyal audience. The English language guide is available for download from the IPF Website. A French language version will be published soon.

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) today released statistical and financial information on Canadian television showing increased profits for all services for the broadcast year ending August 31, 2010. The data includes information from conventional television stations and specialty, pay and pay-per-view television services, as well as video-on-demand services (pay and specialty services).

This article was originally published online on the Money Canoe website on June 2, 2011.

The business of Canadian television is coming back in a big way but the return of advertising dollars and the rise in specialty channels seems to be coming somewhat at the expense of jobs at conventional stations.

This article was originally published in Variety on June 1, 2011.

Bell Media, owner of Canada's top network CTV and 29 cable channels, launched Bell Benefits, a C$100 million ($103.1 million) fund to support scripted dramas, comedies, docus and award shows with local indie producers Wednesday.

Vice-Chair of the Board, Charles Ohayon today announced veteran arts administrator and promoter Helga Stephenson will step in as Interim CEO of the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television effective immediately.

Ms. Stephenson will oversee day-to-day operations of the Academy and will begin the process for the hiring of a permanent CEO in the next few months. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Academy which is about to celebrate its 35th anniversary in 2014.

This article originally appreared online in Mediacaster Magazine on May 19, 2011.

A new study of employment trends in Canada's screen-based media industry will be conducted for Women in Film & Television - Toronto (WIFT-T) by Nordicity and Environics.

Manitoba will continue to be one of Canada’s key film and television production centres as a result of a $250,000 funding increase for the province’s Feature Film Production Fund and Television and Web‑based Production Fund, which was announced on May 6, 2011 by Premier Greg Selinger.

This article originally appeared on the Transmedia Lab website and talks about guidelines to let you know if your project can be called “Transmedia.”

This article originally appeared in the Winnipeg Free Press on May 7, 2011.

IN the Erin Street film production office where people are busy preparing for a second CBC miniseries based on the life of Don Cherry, co-produced by Frantic Films, Premier Greg Selinger grabbed the spotlight Friday morning to announce a $250,000 funding increase to Manitoba's Feature Film Production Fund and Television and Web-based Production Fund.

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has updated its satellite distribution policy, and in it, the regulator is specifically requiring Bell TV and Shaw Direct to carry all local television stations supported by the Local Programming Improvement Fund.

This article written by Barry Walsh originally appeared on Realscreen.com and talks about crowdfunding for documentaries which several OSM members are using.

This article written by Kate Taylor originally appeared in the Globe & Mail on April 22, 2011. It shows both sides of the co-pro argument.

The following article written by Melissa Martin originally appeared in the Winnipeg Free Press on April 21, 2011.

(La version en français suit)

Federal Election 2011: Public Cultural Investments under Canada’s 40th Parliament
 

(La version en français suit)

Federal Election 2011 – The party platforms: what about culture?

A news release from Front des réalisateurs indépendants du Canada (FRIC) can be found below.

Good news from the Bell Fund! Back by popular demand…. the famous Bell Fund Matching Broadcaster Bonus!

On April 1, 2011, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) began using a harmonized set of rules to process nearly all broadcasting and telecommunications applications, and to guide public participation in its proceedings.

After several weeks of intense negotiations, the Canadian Media Production Association (CMPA) announced today that it has concluded an agreement in principle on Terms of Trade with Canada’s major private broadcast groups.

Canada Media Fund announces its funding approach for 2011-2012 as a result of the non adoption of the federal budget.

Given that the federal budget tabled on March 22 was not adopted, the Canada Media Fund (CMF) announced today that it will shortly be releasing a preliminary program budget for the upcoming year which will not include the 100M$ program funding allocation that was proposed in the budget, as it cannot be confirmed at this time.

Interesting article on the content that Netflix will have available for Canadians that originally appeared on Gigaom.com.

The Canada Media Fund has announced that application forms are currently available for the Convergent Stream programs:

Development Program
Performance Envelope Program
Aboriginal Program
Francophone Minority Program
English POV Program
Diverse Languages Program
English Production Incentive
&
Experimental Funding

SMPIA Members,

SMPIA is pleased to announce that our advocacy efforts and work on the Film Industry Task Force have had some success. In today’s budget announcement we learned that our industry will benefit from an increase of $116,000 to SaskFilm’s allocation. This represents an increase of over 9% to the money they receive to support the film and television industry in Saskatchewan. In light of yesterday’s announcement of the elimination of New Brunswick’s film tax credit program and the overall reduction in Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport’s budget, it is positive news to see that funding for our industry has not only been maintained but increased. We are, however, disappointed in the fact that the recommendations put forward by the Task Force were not implemented for this budget year.

The following article originally appeared in the Hollywood Reporter on March 24, 2011.

New Brunswick is first Canadian province to rethink its film production tax breaks.

SMPIA's Multi-PlatFORUM is 3 weeks away and counting and we have already reached 60% capacity. The past 3 digital events that SMPIA has hosted have been sold out so register early to avoid disappointment!

The Canada Media Fund thanks the Government of Canada and particularly the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, the Honourable James Moore, for announcing in the Budget that the CMF will receive funding support on an ongoing basis starting April 1, 2011.

Warner Brothers became the first major media company to offer a movie for rent on Facebook, a move that could position the social network to become a force in the digital distribution of movies, rivaling services like Netflix and iTunes.

The federal broadcast regulator, the CRTC, said Monday it has approved the $1.3-billion takeover of CTVglobemedia by telecom firm BCE Inc.

Please be advised that the consultation process on the implementation of Canada’s Policy on Audiovisual Treaty Coproduction is open until March 24, 2011. You can participate either by sending a formal submission (until March 17, 2011) or by taking part in a discussion forum.

This article is originally from The Economist and appeared in the Winnipeg Free Press last weekend. It's a great read and talks about how the biggest markets for American films are not in its own backyard, but overseas. Russia and China lead the pack and the article states that Avatar made more than $2-billion overseas! These growing markets are changing the way films are marketed (and how stars promote them) with studios not wasting time with broad comedies that don't translate overseas.

NY’s Independent Feature Project (IFP) has joined the Erich Pommer Institut (Germany) and Strategic Partners (Canada), to present TAP 2011. The deadline for applications is March 22, 2011.

There is a unique opportunity for producers and filmmakers to take advantage of the business opportunities or explore the market first hand by participating in FICCI Frames 2011, a three day global convention on the business of media and entertainment scheduled from March 23 to 25, 2011 in Mumbai, India.

For this year, Canada will be a Partner Country at Frames, the 12th edition of Asia’s largest annual global convention organised annually by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry in coordination with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India.

SMPIA is proud to announce that this year's AGM will be held on April 14th in conjunction with Multi-PlatFORUM 2011 at the Ramada Hotel and Convention Centre in Regina. Everyone is welcome to attend.

SMPIA's Multi-PlatFORUM is a full day event focusing on case studies in Digital Content creation for Cross-Platform projects from both creative and business perspectives. Multi-PlatFORUM 2011 features an impressive list of Digital Media leaders from across the country who will come to connect with our creators in a day that's sure to inspire.

The Canada Media Fund (CMF) today announced an investment of $11.5 million in 36 new innovative interactive projects submitted in the second round of its Experimental Stream. The CMF offers financial assistance to support projects at various stages of their completion: production, development or marketing.

A year ago, a battle raged between Canada’s broadcast networks and the cable and satellite companies that beam them into millions of homes. Now, the country’s television distributors may be headed for a fight among themselves.

Almost a year after it began its study of digital media, the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage has published its report Emerging and Digital Media: Opportunities and Challenges.

Now that Corus Entertainment is launching OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network in Canada on March 1, the question for indie producers is what’s the secret for making an original Canadian OWN Canada show?

Documentary and New Digital Platforms, portrait of an ecosystem in transition — A Documentary network’s Study

The Canadian Conference of the Arts (CCA) recently submitted a brief to the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) regarding group-based licence renewals for English-language television.

Award-winning filmmaker Michael Moore has joined New Democrat MP Niki Ashton’s campaign to fight back against the devastating decision by foreign-owned mining giant Vale to close the Thompson, Manitoba smelter and refinery.

“Right now, Thompson is fighting a frontline battle in a war that’s been raging for the past 30 years -- the global war of the world's rich on the middle class," said Moore.

This article written by Jason Madger originally appeared in the Montreal Gazette on February 23, 2011.

The Canadian production sector received good news last week with word that Michigan is proposing ending its film tax credits

Canada’s TV watchdog has come out against regulating Netflix as online broadcaster. “It’s not broadcasting, within the Broadcasting Act,” Konrad von Finckenstein, chairman of the CRTC, said ahead of an industry summit Friday to deal with Netflix's Canadian expansion.

The Canada Media Fund (CMF) will hold a webcast Wednesday, February 23, 2011, to explain the changes to the 2011-2012 Guidelines and to answer possible questions raised by the changes.

The Canada Media Fund (CMF) will hold a webcast Wednesday, February 23, 2011, to explain the changes to the 2011-2012 Guidelines and to answer possible questions raised by the changes. This broadcast will be hosted by Stéphane Cardin (Vice President, Industry and Public Affairs) and Nathalie Clermont (Director of Program Management). The presentation will be in 2 stages: first in French from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. ET and then in English from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. ET.

More U.S. re-runs are coming to Canadian TV. Writers Guild of Canada topper Maureen Parker is sure of it.

On February 4, the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, unveiled Canada’s Policy on Audiovisual Treaty Coproduction and, with it, an online consultation on its implementation with Canadians.

ACTRA members have ratified a new collective agreement for the CBC’s radio and TV services.

The Canadian film industry’s report card for 2010 saw homegrown movies gross 3.3% to total box office nationwide, up modestly from a 2.9% share in 2009.

Drum roll, please: a first-time terms of trade agreement between Canadian broadcasters and indie producers appears in sight.

The CBC promises to open new local stations and expand regional programming, triggering an uneasy feeling of deja vu.

Merging Media Productions Inc. and the Canadian Media Production Association – BC Producers’ Branch (CMPA-BC) are delighted to announce Merging Media’s 2011 Program, a full slate of business and creative activities to keep us informed + inspired by the latest in cross-media trends + strategies:

The Cultural Human Resources Council (CHRC) has launched an interactive forum for its study on the Impact of Emerging Digital Technologies on the Cultural Sector in Canada. The CCA encourages you to participate in the discussion!

This article, written by Jason Schrier, originally appeared online at wired.com on January 27, 2011.

Want to make a game? You might have a hard time finding the money if you don’t have a multimillion dollar studio. Or a trust fund. Or a rich uncle.

Apple’s iPad tablet is going to be “the salvation of the long-form documentary,” CBC’s exec director of documentary programming Mark Starowicz told delegates at the Realscreen Summit in Washington DC today.

All that stocking up on free, on-demand content for online viewers by Canadian broadcasters and cable websites – good move.

This article originally appeared on the Hopeforfilm.com website, posted on January 26.

Sundance Teams With KickStarter & Facebook For New Initiative To Connect Artists With Audiences

Originally published in Marketing Magazine, January 24, 2011

It’s that time again! The Banff Festival issue of Playback will feature our 23rd annual Report on Independent Production, ranking Canadian production companies based on the volume of Canadian film and TV production they handled in 2010.

Entertainment One TV topper Laszlo Barna is leaving the mini-studio to once again run his own production shingle, Pier 21 Films, with a first-look agreement with eOne in hand.

According to the latest figures released earlier this month in Profile 2010: An Economic Report on the Screen-Based Production Industry in Canada, the Canadian film and television production industry showed limited growth from 2008/09 to 2009/10, with an overall increase in production volume from $4.8 billion to $4.9 billion.

The Cultural Human Resource Council is delighted to announce that its "Pilot Workshops" project finally got underway on January 1st, 2011. This multi-pronged project will provide important professional development building blocks for the Film and Television Industry, the Music Industry, and the Digital Media Industry. By delivering pilot workshops at strategic locations across the country, based on current CHRC material developed in collaboration with industry experts and practicing professionals, CHRC will ensure that training is available and accessible to cultural workers and employers whose skills in key areas of business and management, need upgrading.

Brad Horvath wants your short films.

Horvath is the new head of acquisitions at Toronto-based short film distributor Ouat Media Distribution, a division of indie broadcaster Channel Zero.

The Cultural Human Resources Council's (CHRC) much anticipated Cultural HR Study 2010 is now online. The Study, conducted by the Conference Board of Canada, draws on the input of thousands of employers and workers from the entire cultural community in Broadcasting; Digital Media; Film and Television; Heritage; Live Performing Arts; Music and Sound Recording; Visual Arts and Crafts; and Writing and Publishing.

CBC-TV general manager Kirstine Stewart has been named executive vice-president of CBC English Services.

To reflect the change in the industry, the Banff World Television Festival will now be known as Banff World Media Festival.

The 4th Brazil-Canada Coproduction Forum is on its way and the organizing committee is looking to send a Canadian delegation down to Rio de Janeiro for the three-day networking event.

The Canadian Short Screenplay Competition, the most prestigious screenwriting competition in Canada, recently announced a holiday gift for short filmmakers worldwide in the form of a completion fund for short films looking for that little bit extra to complete the post-production and or marketing of their finished film.

The Short Film Fund, described as having no deadline for submissions, will award up to $1,500 cash to up to three successful short film filmmakers per year, until funds are exhausted each calendar year.