CMPA-BC and other Creative Industries Associations Partner on Strategic Report

A report commissioned by a coalition of the province’s creative industries including CMPA-BC was released today.  It says a strategic approach to the future is needed – one that includes moving this $4 billion sector from the margins to the mainstream of economic and policy thinking, something that’s key to retaining British Columbia’s creative professionals, as well as their entrepreneurship and job-creating potential. Without it, the province risks losing its best talent to places such as Ontario and Quebec with their competitive tax credits, program funding and easier access to investment capital.

The 35-page report, titled From the Margins to the Mainstream: Moving BC’s Creative Industries Forward, points to Ontario, Quebec, Britain, Australia and Singapore as some of the jurisdictions that are working with their creative industries to develop the sector’s competitive potential. The report calls for a “public-private” partnership, a three-year strategy aimed at growing the creative sector, and the creation of a BC Media Development Corporation, similar to Ontario’s Media Development Corporation, as ways to make BC more competitive.  

 

The complete media release is accessible on the main CMPA website here, while a copy of the complete report can be accessed through this link: Creative Industries Report 2012.

If you have any questions about this report, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

 

Best regards,

Liz Shorten

CMPA- BC Producers’ Branch E-Update

June 2011 – Volume 2

As I get ready to take a few vacation days away, I wanted to reflect briefly on the past two years of activity here at CMPA. We are fortunate to have a great staff team in place with Gigi, Kristyn and Robyne and an engaged BC Branch Council led by Chair Brian Hamilton.  (See note regarding staff information and responsibilities in Contact section below).  I am pleased to report that the organization is now in a financially healthy position (both in BC and Nationally) and as a result we are planning to add a BC staff member in the Industrial Relations area  this fall to support our IR capacity.  We launched Merging+Media programming initiatives last year, held numerous info sessions on various topics (HST, Tax Credits, Terms of Trade), and have been active in the Government Relations area developing our own voice with support from our GR firm Canadian Strategy Group.  On the IR front, ACFC negotiations were completed last year and the team is prepping for a busy fall of bargaining. We remain very involved in the work of MPPIA-BC where the CMPA sits on the Executive and Government Affairs Committees.  There is much yet still to accomplish and I know I can speak on behalf of all of the staff in saying that we are committed to working with you, representing your interests and the health of the BC based/domestic industry in all that we do.  See you in mid July!

BC IR Committee Update – Sarah Tarry, DHX Media has been appointed chairperson.

Negotiations Update – Bargaining sub-committees are being formed and members are welcome to put their names forward to participate.  CMPA-BC IR staff will be contacting members to bring any issues and concerns forward for discussion and possible inclusion in the negotiations.  Dates have been confirmed with the DGC-BC for September 12-16, 2011 and dates with the BCCFU are being held for October and early November 2011.  The WGC has requested two days in early October to begin bargaining.

ACFC West – CMPA Pilot Incentive Sideletter – The CMPA-BC and ACFC West recently negotiated a Pilot Incentive Sideletter for stand-alone CAVCO certified Canadian Pilots.  Only CMPA members are eligible for the terms of the agreement.  Rates, Terms and Fees are those in the current ACFC Sideletter No. 1 with the exception of a 0.5% CMPA Administration Fee.  Please contact Robyne or Gigi at CMPA-BC office if you have an eligible production and we will forward the Pilot Incentive Sideletter to you.

Producer, Line Producer and Production Manager Roundtable July, 19th – CMPA-BC is organizing a roundtable in coordination with the AMPTP, DGC-BC and Actsafe. In order to optimize attendance and allow for variable PM/Producer schedules the roundtable will run twice; once in the morning and once in the late afternoon.  Agenda items will include updates on important safety information as well as consultation for upcoming bargaining issues.  All producers and production managers are strongly encouraged to attend one of the two identical presentations.

WGC Animation Sub-Committee June 2, 2011 – CMPA IR staff and National Animation Sub-Committee members met with the WGC in Toronto to continue discussions regarding minimums for Animation writers.  There was no resolution, this matter is expected to be raised by the WGC in the upcoming IPA negotiations.

Terms of Trade – 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. The agreement has been signed between the CMPA and Astral, Bell Media (CTV), Corus, Rogers and Shaw Media. Negotiations with the CBC have begun. Canadian Producers and Broadcasters will be required to adhere to Terms of Trade on a go-forward basis – it will apply to all independently produced projects developed and commissioned by the private broadcast groups. NOTE:  Our Terms of Trade CMPA staff team will be travelling across the country starting next month to conduct information sessions with producers and we will let you know as soon as the Vancouver date has been confirmed.  More information can be found on CMPA website at:  http://www.cftpa.ca/membership/terms_of_trade/

National Board Election – The results of the recent national election saw 4 BC Board Members joining the Board for a two year term – Rob Bromley (Force Four Productions), Brian Hamilton (Omni Film Productions), Alexandra Raffe (Thunderbird Films) and Cal Shumiatcher (Paperny Films).  Also, we are pleased to report thatAlberta based producer Tom Cox was elected as National Board Chair for another year.

Our Government Relations team of Rob Bromley, Brian Hamilton and Liz Shorten have been extremely busy over the past few months meeting with provincial government officials to discuss the importance of the BC Based industry and the contribution made by BC production companies.  Most recently, Brian represented CMPA-BC at a MPPIA-BC meeting with Minister Ida Chong (Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development) where the importance of confirmed funding for British Columbia Film was a top priority.

Merging + Media Conference and Master Class – returns for a second year on October 27 and 28, 2011!  We are excited to again be co-presenting this initiative with Christine Lim-Labossiere / Merging Media Productions.  The event programming is focused on convergence and the latest business and creative strategies available to cross-platform producers in the converging media landscape.  Keynote speakers confirmed to date include:  Curtis Marvis, President Digital Media, Lions Gate Studios and Lance Weiler, CEO, Workbook Project recently named by Wired magazine as “one of 25 people helping to reinvent entertainment and change the face of Hollywood”.  Convergence guru Henry Jenkins will also be interviewed for his take on future industry trends.

More information can be found at:  http://mergingmedia.ca/

SIGGRAPH 2011 – Foreign Affairs & International Trade Canada and the Government of British Columbia, with the support of BC Film, invite you to participate in the Business Delegate Program at SIGGRAPH 2011, taking place Aug 7 – 11 in Vancouver. We are pleased to announce that the Canadian Media Production Association – BC Producers’ Branch in partnership with Merging Media Productions Inc. will be facilitating the International B2B Matchmaking Program from August 8-11, 2011.  It’s the very first time that SIGGRAPH is being held inCanada and is expected to attract some 17,000 delegates. If you’d like to meet visiting International Media professionals during the event, here are the full details of the Business Delegate program:
• B2B Matchmaking Program – August 8 – 11
The Business to Business Matchmaking Program will help facilitate meetings between Canadian domestic companies and international/ UScompanies attending SIGGRAPH. The B2B online platform will allow you to profile your company, view the profiles of other companies and request meetings with international/ US companies of interest. Meeting requests will be coordinated through the Canadian Media Production Association and booked into meeting rooms reserved onsite (unless otherwise specified). To participate in the B2B program, please fill out your profile at http://www.britishcolumbia.ca/Connect/B2B/Pages/Home.aspx
• SIGGRAPH Welcome Reception – Sunday, August 7
Supported by BC Film, DFAIT will be hosting an International Delegate Welcome Reception from 6-8pm on Sunday, August 7th. The welcome reception will offer opportunity to meet some of the US & International business delegates at SIGGRAPH 2011 as well as local industry and support organizations. The event is invite only with limited capacity, so please indicate your interest to Marc Coderre (marc.coderre@international.gc.ca) if you would like to be added to the invite list.

Aug 7-11  Siggraph 2011- Vancouver
http://www.siggraph.org/s2011/

Sept 8-18 Toronto International Film Festival- Toronto
http://www.tiff.net/thefestival

Sept 26 GeneScreen BC Gala Screening- Vancouver
http://www.genescreenbc.com/

Sept 29-Oct 14 Vancouver International Film Festival-Vancouver
http://www.viff.org/festival/

Canadian Media Production Association  |  BC Producers’ Branch
600-736 Granville Street  |  Vancouver  |  BC  |  Canada  |  V6Z 1G3
Phone   604.682.8619 |  Toll free  866.390.7639 |  Fax   604.684.9294
www.cmpa.ca/   http://www.cmpa.ca/

Liz Shorten
Managing Vice President, Operations and Member Services
Extension 222; liz.shorten @ cmpa.ca

Gigi Boyd
Vice President, Industrial Relations
Extension 224; gigi.boyd @ cmpa.ca

Robyne Switzer
Industrial Relations & Operations Coordinator
Extension 223; robyne.switzer @ cmpa.ca

Kristyn Stilling
Administrative Assistant
Extension 221; kristyn.stilling @ cmpa.ca

Note to CMPA-BC Members: March 8, 2011



Dear CMPA-BC Members:

Government Relations Update

We are pleased to report that Provincial Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Stephanie Cadieux accepted our invitation to visit the set of the television series “Mr Young” this past Friday. Thanks to producers Victoria Hirst, Lisa Richardson and Michael Shepard for helping provide the Minister with a better sense of the domestic industry and the creative and economic impact of a BC owned series.  With the new BC Liberal Cabinet soon to be announced on March 14^th, it will be interesting to see if Minister Cadieux remains in her portfolio. See attached photo of tour participants!

Rob Bromley and I are meeting this week with MLA Spencer Chandra Herbert, Provincial NDP Culture Critic in advance of sending our briefing note on the BC Creative Entertainment Economy to all BC NDP Leadership Candidates. This is a version of the same document previously submitted to the BC Liberals – attached again for your review. CMPA-BC Note for Leadership Candidates

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Upcoming industry initiatives to consider:

CMPA-BC’s Merging Media Transmedia Seminar + Lab (April 28-29, 2011)

International Transmedia expert Anita Ondine kicks off our 2011 Merging Media Program with this engaging Seminar and Lab, presented by Merging Media Productions Inc and the CMPA-BC Producer’s Branch. Fresh from the renowned “Binger Filmlab” workshops in Europe and “Transmedia Next” event in London, UK, Anita will present a 1/2 day public Seminar at the Vancity Theatre on April 28 as well as a 2-day Transmedia Lab (for 20 select participants only*) on April 28 and 29.  More details can be found here: Merging Media Transmedia Seminar

Praxis Story Editor Internship 2011 – Now accepting applications

The Praxis Story Editor Internship presents an opportunity to analyze story, character, genre and theme, while developing the interpersonal skills required in guiding creative work and mediating between writer and producer.  Accomplished screenwriters and industry professionals work with our interns, providing their professional insight into developing the skills required to professionally analyze screenplays.  More information can be found here: Praxis 2011 Story Editor Internship 

Producers Workbook Workshop – Women in Film and Television Vancouver

This two-day workshop for emerging and established producers alike provides a step-by-step journey through the often mystical process of filmmaking in Canada, with a focus on the business, legal and practical elements of filmmaking.   Led by industry professionals, the workshop is an excellent opportunity for new filmmakers to learn the building blocks of a production, while more seasoned producers will benefit from advice on taking their projects to the next level. Purchase of the Producers Workbook 4 is highly recommended.  More info and registration details here:  http://www.womeninfilm.ca/Producers_Workshops.html or view the 2011 Producer Workbook 4 Workshop flyer

Until next time…

Liz Shorten
Managing Vice-President, Operations and Member Services
Canadian Media Production Association (CMPA) – BC

Liz’s Log: February 9th, 2011

Dear BC CMPA members,

Here’s an update on activities into 2011.

Government Relations

Over the past six months we have met with provincial government representatives on issues facing the BC domestic industry including concerns about the downturn in domestic production and related post production activity, the lack of funding to BC Film, and the challenges with BC’s domestic film and TV tax credit program. Most recently we sent a note about the industry (see attached) to all the BC Liberal Leadership candidates and have requested meetings with each.  We will do the same with the BC NDP Leadership candidates. 

Federally, we have made joint submissions to the CRTC with BC Film with respect to the Bell/CTV acquisition (attached) and today filed one with respect to upcoming Group Licence Renewals (attached).  In both submissions we are calling on the CRTC to support diversity of voices from across the country and ensure that there is a level playing field in terms of access to broadcast decision-makers no matter where a producer lives in Canada.

Industry Development

We are pleased to co-present a full program of digital initiatives under our Merging + Media programming strand including an exciting Transmedia Lab with Anita Ondine in late April and our 2nd Conference and Master Class in October 2011. CMPA members receive discounted registration rates for all events and you can find more information here: http://mergingmedia.ca/

We are also working with BC Film on a “market preparedness/accelerator” program focused on the LA feature and TV market and will be announcing more details soon.

Prime Time in Ottawa 2011

Next week Robyne, Gigi and I will be in Ottawa participating in our annual Prime Time Conference.  While the office will be closed, we will be available via email and cell. In addition, Gigi and I will be part of a delegation meeting with key Conservative, Liberal, and NDP MP’s the day prior to the conference.

Until next time…

Note to BC Members – Fall Update

MEDIA MAKERS CONVERGE AT MERGING + MEDIA CONFERENCE AND MASTER CLASS

Over 200 media makers from film, tv, interactive, gaming, web and social media gathered this past Friday to participate in the inaugural Merging+Media Conference, co-presented by CMPA-BC and Merging Media Productions.  The conference was jam packed with engaging speakers and panel discussions bringing together international and local content experts to discuss transmedia issues and the future of creative content.  The previous day, 30 producers took part in the Merging+Media Master Class launched by the UK’s Anita Ondine and LA-based transmedia producer Darcy Jouan.  Participants worked on group case-studies, had one on one time with mentors, and 10 were selected to pitch to a jury for a development prize from BC Film.  Projects pitched by Andrew Williamson of Off Island Films and Audrey Mehler of Paperny Films were chosen by the jury to split the $10,000 development award.

ADVOCACY UPDATE

On October 25^th, Premier Campbell shuffled his Cabinet and, in so doing, created a series of new portfolios and ministries.  The “film file” was moved to the newly created Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development helmed by rookie Minister Stephanie Cadieux.  We wrote to the minister this week and you can review that letter here: Minister Stephanie Cadieux Letter Nov 1 2010.  Rob Bromley, Brian Hamilton and I will be in Victoria on Monday Nov 8^th meeting with Officials from this new ministry, Ministry of Finance and others.  The CMPA continues to advocate for more recognition for the creative and economic contribution BC companies make to the provincial economy by developing and producing intellectual property as a complement to service production.

CMPA -BC ELECTIONS AND ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING – NOVEMBER 24, 2010

All eligible voting CMPA-BC members have been mailed an elections package including a ballot for the 2011 Branch Council election and official notice of the upcoming 2010 Annual General Meeting to be held on November 24 at 6:00pm here at CMPA-BC office.  PLEASE NOTE: NEW THIS YEAR completed ballots must be returned via mail or fax to Deloitte the independent auditor responsible for tabulating the election results.  The 2011 Branch Council will be announced at the AGM and we encourage you to attend and stay for a light reception following the meeting.  Please RSVP by Monday November 20 to Robyne at Robyne.switzer@cmpa.ca

PRIME TIME IN OTTAWA – CMPA NATIONAL CONFERENCE

Early bird registration is available now until mid December for Prime Time which will run February 16-18, 2011.  This upcoming edition will continue to build on last year’s success in looking forward at key issues facing our industry.  You can register on-line at www.primetimeinottawa.ca

Until next time…

Liz Shorten

Advocacy Update – August 27, 2010

Dear BC Members:

The CMPA-BC has embarked on its own strategic and coordinated government relations program to address issues related to domestic production including the recent decline in production activity.  The following is an update on activities over the past months:

• Engaged a Government Relations and Public Affairs firm (April  2010)
• Held a Strategic Planning Session of BC Branch Council to guide government relations activities (May 2010)
• Developed and submitted a comprehensive Government submission from the CMPA-BC calling for necessary changes, investments and adjustments to current film/tv policies and programs (June 2010)
• Developed and enhanced government and political relationships: (January – August 2010)
• Held meetings with key elected officials and public servants, including the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, Minister for Citizens’ Services, MLA’s with significant film activity in their constituencies, and relevant Deputy Ministers and their staff.
• Attended key political events including the Annual Premier’s Dinner fundraiser.

The BC Branch Council and staff continue to press for meetings with Ministers Hansen (Finance), Krueger (Culture) and Black (Small Business, Technology and Economic Development) and are seeking a response to our June submission.  In addition, we continue to participate in the government relations work of MPPIA-BC.

I will update members on advocacy activities and issues as the information is available and I welcome your input at any time.

Regards
Liz