OTTAWA – The Canadian production industry is facing two significant challenges – the current economic "crisis", and uncertainty over how Canadian content will reach audiences over digital platforms, according to the Profile 2009 report.
In order to maintain the 131,600 jobs the sector creates, the industry needs new approaches to access and funding, along with a balanced approach to policy, regulation and industry funding, said the press release announcing the report’s findings.
The annual economic report is published by the Canadian Film and Television Production Association (CFTPA) in collaboration with the Association des producteurs de films et de télévision du Québec (APFTQ), and the Department of Canadian Heritage.
The report shows only a 4% increase in activity on average for Canadian production, foreign location and service production, and broadcaster in-house production for 2007-2008. Canadian production levels declined by 7% in that same time period, and a similar decline occurred in the total volume of theatrical films made by Canadian producers.
And while Canadian producers made gains in exports, up 17% to almost $2 billion, the number of international treaty co-productions dropped 48% to $298 million, the lowest level in a decade, the report continued.
A growth market for Canadian producers is the development of innovative new-media content. However, copyright reform, on-going terms of trade negotiations with the broadcasters, and "a balanced approach" to future content licensing are the key measures needed to ensure the viability of Canadian producers, broadcasters, and other stakeholders.
For a full copy of Profile 2009, click here.
