TORONTO – The Directors Guild of Canada (DGC) has called for a comprehensive enhancement of all federal programs of direct and indirect investment in the film, television and new media industry in Canada.
The DGC filed its submission to the House of Commons standing committee on finance today and requested to appear before the committee during its annual pre-budget consultations scheduled for this autumn.
Commenting on the current situation, acclaimed director Sturla Gunnarsson, president of the Guild and chair of its national executive board, stated that the industry has been badly buffeted by a variety of factors. “We’re at a critical juncture,” Gunnarsson observed, “and if our industry is to emerge to enjoy a vibrant, robust future, the federal government must recommit to its key role in the sector and to reinforce its programs of investment.”
The DGC says that in 2006-2007, film, television and new media production in Canada accounted for some $5 billion of economic activity and generated 126,900 jobs. However, the submission goes on to say, factors such as a strengthened Canadian dollar, competitive tax credits being offered by some states in the U.S., the recent writers strike and a possible actors strike in the U.S., and the uncertainty created by Bill C-10, have diminished production activity and employment in the sector.
“If the current situation prevails we will witness an unraveling of the growth and development we have experienced over the years,” said Brian Anthony, national executive director and CEO of the Guild. “A concerted and comprehensive enhancement of the federal role is therefore now called for, and we look forward to discussing this with the standing committee during its consultative hearings this autumn.”
