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 Producer’s Branch March 2012 E-Update

March 2012 – Volume 4

As staff prepares to head to our Prime Time Conference this week we wanted to send this update to let you know what we’ve been up to over the past few months.  It’s been a busy time as we continue to be active in all areas of our operations – industrial relations, government relations, and member services/industry development.  In particular, I’d like to highlight the info below about a special discounted CMPA rate for Banff and also note that new information regarding membership rates and renewals is scheduled to come your way in March.

Welcome to 2012 everyone.  The BC Industrial Relations team is carrying on where we left off in December with a busy bargaining schedule lined up for the New Year.  Some of the highlights follow.

BCCFU Master Agreement 2012-2015

In early January we were back in Los Angeles to conclude bargaining with the BC Council of Film Unions.

An agreement was reached between the CMPA, the AMPTP and the BC Council of Film Unions on January 10, 2012.  The MOU has been drafted and language agreed upon.  The BCCFU is recommending ratification to their membership (approval of the deal is required by two of the three Council member unions).   The MOU was sent out to the Council membership on Jan. 26, 2012 and the results are expected by Feb. 28, 2012.

Highlights of the wages and fringes package below:

Agreed wage & fringe package 2012-2015	YEAR 1 April 1, 2012 – Mar 30, 2013	YEAR 2 Mar 31, 2013 – Mar 29, 2014	YEAR 3 Mar 30, 2014 – Mar 31, 2015
WAGES	2% increase	2% increase	2% increase
FRINGES	0% increase	0.5% increase	0.5% increase

Please note:  Contained within the Supplemental Master Agreement are many discounts and/or freezes on wages and fringes for productions under $14.0M.  Once the deal is ratified we will send out details to our members.

UBCP Master Production Agreement

The IR Team will be travelling to Los Angeles for June 4 – 8, 2012 for further bargaining with the Union of BC Performers.  We look forward to meeting our colleagues again and will be meeting with the UBCP Negotiating Committee through the spring to review the proposal package and give any updates.

UBCP Animation Agreement

We meet with our Negotiating Committee the week of Feb 20th and will propose bargaining dates to the UBCP after our meeting.  We are looking at May, 2012 dates for bargaining.

WGC

We will meet the WGC again in the summer to return to the bargaining table and hopefully conclude negotiations on the new IPA.    We will be focusing particularly on Animation, Bibles, Credit Arbitration, Options and Digital Production.

Upcoming events:

Robyne and I will be attending Primetime in OttawaFeb 29 – March 2, 2012.  Hope to see many of you there.  It promises to be another illuminating and exciting three days with the best minds in the business on the panels and in the audience.

Get in touch anytime with questions and let us know if you are having issues with any of the BC labour contracts. We want to hear from you.

Best to all – Robyne and Gigi

CMPA Discount for Banff World Media Festival Registration

SAVE ON REGISTRATION ($100-300 until April 13th 2012)
The Banff World Media Festival brings together the leaders of the media industry to the heart of the Canadian Rockies. BANFF is the ideal place to make new contacts, find production partners and green-light new projects. This intimate space allows for unparalleled access and networking opportunities, pre-booked Face-to-Face meetings with over a 150 world renowned Development Executives. The BANFF program features comprehensive sessions addressing the most critical issues facing the television and digital media industries, keynotes from industry leaders, panel discussions, forecasts, celebrity Master Classes, case studies, key strategy sessions and more.  For a limited time only, CMPA members receive an exclusive rate of $1,195 ($100 off the kick-off rate and $300 off the early-bird). Register NOW to take advantage of this opportunity that expires April 13, 2012.

Terms of Trade Sessions (March 12)

April 1^st will mark the one-year anniversary of the signing of the first Terms of Trade agreement between the CMPA and private broadcasters Astral Television Networks, Bell Media, Corus Entertainment, Rogers Broadcasting and Shaw Media.  As with any new deal, there have been a few bumps in the road as producers, broadcasters and industry stakeholders try to figure out what Terms of Trade means for them.

The CMPA-BC would like to invite you to a session ­with Reynolds Mastin, CMPA Counsel and member of the Terms of Trade negotiating team, where he will update you on recent Terms of Trade developments, as well as answer your questions and get your feedback about what’s working and what’s not under the Agreement.  While both sessions are intended for producers-only, both CMPA and non-CMPA members are welcome to attend.

DATE/TIMES:  Monday, March 12, 12:00 -1:30pm (lunch provided) OR 3:30 – 5:00pm

LOCATION: CMPA-BC, 736 Granville Street, Suite 600

Please RSVP and indicate which session you intend to participate in to Melanie.LePhan@cmpa.ca

Proposed Tax Credit Changes re: Interprovincial Co-productions Announced in 2012 Provincial Budget

Film Incentive BC Tax Credits for Eligible Interprovincial Co-productions Allowed Under the Film Incentive BC tax credit, interprovincial co-productions are subject to a reduction in the credit when corporations own less than 100 per cent of the copyright. This copyright grind is removed and copyright ownership requirements for interprovincial co-productions are amended for productions with principal photography starting on or after January 1, 2012.  Information can also be found on the BC Government webpage where proposed changes are outlined.

This change was included in the recommendations presented by the CMPA as part of the Pre-Budget Consultation Process.  While it is disappointing that all of our recommendations were not implemented, the CMPA Government Relations Committee remains active and is working with government and the opposition to address the competitive challenges BC producers currently face.

Economic Impact Study

CMPA-BC and MPPIA have engaged national consulting firm Nordicity Group Ltd to prepare an analysis of the economic impact of film and television production in British Columbia. This study will provide a much needed, up-to-date measure of the contribution the industry makes to BC’s economy and the provincial treasury and will include key economic indicators: employment levels, GDP and direct and indirect tax revenues. A comprehensive study of this kind has not been undertaken in BC since 2005.

Provincial Tax Competitiveness Panel 

BC’s Minister of Finance announced in January the appointment of an expert panel to provide analysis and recommendations to the Province on business tax competitiveness and administrative improvements to streamline the PST.  Part of the mandate of the panel is to consult with various industries impacted by the reimplementation of the PST and CMPA-BC is already on the list to be included in this work.  A sub-committee of the BC members was struck to identify issues and work on the presentation materials.  If you are interested in participating please contact Liz.

 

 

Merging + Media Update

Exclusive 30% Discount for CMPA Members to Merging Media’s Access 360!
CMPA-BC is delighted to partner Merging Media Productions to present its Spring program – MM ACCESS360 WORKSHOPS: a double bill to “INCREASE YOUR ROI USING SOCIAL MEDIA + GAMIFICATION” on March 23! This power packed monetization workshop will help keep you on the cutting edge and enhance your online strategies. CMPA members get an exclusive 30% off the full day pass!

This unique event features not just 1 industry expert, but 2 – in the fields of Social Media and Gamification, to keep you updated on the latest creative trends and online business strategies and provide some valuable advice on your own projects! Vancouver favourite Rochelle Grayson teams up with Seattle Gamification Guru Scott Dodson to deliver the goods! Check out the full-day agenda HERE and register at www.mergingmedia.ca/register

 

March 5 Hot Docs ‘Doc Summit’ Proposals due – Vancouver, BC

http://www.hotdocs.ca/conference/doc_summit

March 8-11 7th Annual Vancouver Women in Film Festival –Vancouver, BC

http://www.womeninfilm.ca

March 9-17 South by Southwest Film Festival –Austin, TX

http://sxsw.com/film 

March 23 Merging Media Access 360 –Vancouver, BC

http://www.mergingmedia.ca/register

March 30 Crazy8s 2012 Gala Event –Vancouver, BC

http://www.crazy8s.cc/

April 1 Vancouver Queer Film Festival Final Submissions due –Vancouver, BC

http://www.queerfilmfestival.ca/content/SUBMISSIONS/602

April 1-4 MIPTV –Cannes, France

http://www.mipworld.com

April 17-22 Projecting Change 2012 Film Festival –Vancouver, BC

http://projectingchange.ca/

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

Mélanie Lê Phan
Administrative Assistant
Extension 221; melanie.lephan@cmpa.ca

 

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…

CMPA-BC and Merging+Media 2011 Program

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

NOTE:  CMPA members receive a significant registration discount on all sessions.

SPRING – The Merging Media Transmedia Seminar+Lab, April 28-29

International Transmedia expert Anita Ondine is back with a punch! Fresh from the successful Binger Lab Transmedia workshops in Europe, Anita kicks off our 2011 Program with a Seminar at the Vancity Theatre, followed by an exclusive Transmedia Lab for a limited number of participants. This unique one-of-a-kind syllabus covers the entire Transmedia value chain, from “Conception to Consumption”. Insightful, enlightening + filled with strategic advice for media makers keen on transmedia + multi-platform production.

Register at http://mergingmedia-transmedia.eventbrite.com

SUMMER – SIGGRAPH 2011, Aug 7-11

Get ready for this summer spectacle! Some 17,000 people are expected to visit Vancouver for SIGGRAPH 2011 the highly anticipated international convention for computer graphics and interactive technology buffs. Taking place for the very first time outside the US, SIGGRAPH 2011 is bound to pack the Vancouver Convention Centre from August 7-11, 2011 with enthusiasts + business professionals. The CMPA-BC + Merging Media will be there to support our BC Community with Business activities. For more details, stay tuned at mergingmedia.ca

FALL – The 2nd Merging Media Conference + Masterclass, Oct 28-29

Back by popular demand! The 2nd Merging Media Masterclass + Conference will return to the Woodwards Heritage Complex with a global showcase, thanks to the tremendous support + feedback we received after our inaugural 2010 event. The 2-day cross-media celebration will feature more international guests, “Best-in-class” programming and yes, an attractive development prize for Best Masterclass pitch! Contact info@mergingmedia.ca if you wish to be a part of this event.

WINTER – ACCESS 360 Workshops

Figuring out how to increase your ROI? Here’s a good place to start. Merging Media will present an Access 360 Seminar and workshop focused on monetization, financing, developing virtual economies + ROI in multi-platform production. The workshop to be held in early 2012, will examine successful Case studies, viable social media platforms, new business models & sustained revenue streams.

Please contact me for more information or if you have any questions about any of these initiatives.

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

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

Note to Members: Upcoming Events

Hi all,

With the Vancouver International Film Festival upon us, we now have to accept that it is Fall indeed.  A few upcoming important events to consider-

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OCTOBER 13 – BC MEMBERS MEETING WITH NORM BOLEN, Canadian Media Production Association CEO

Norm will be in Vancouver for much of the week of October 11^th, following Thanksgiving.  All BC members are invited to meet with Norm for an update on recent CMPA activities and a discussion of industry issues.

Wednesday October 13
5:00-6:30pm (meeting and light reception)
CMPA-BC,  600 – 736 Granville Street

Please RSVP to Robyne.Switzer@cmpa.ca by Friday October 8th

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OCTOBER 14 – 16 – SEXMONEYMEDIA CONFERENCE

An international symposium on women in media, this conference will bring together a stellar group of media artists, industry leaders, scholars and policy makers to celebrate the achievements of women in media and create a more vibrant, innovative and equitable media landscape for the 21st century.  Check our the conference programme and register at: www.womeninview.ca

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OCTOBER 15 – CMF VANCOUVER OUTREACH CONSULTATION

Valerie Creighton (CMF CEO) and staff will be in Vancouver to update our industry on CMF issues and hear from us about what is working (and not working) with the CMF.  The meeting will take place as follows:

Friday October 15
9:00am – 12 noon
Pan Pacific Hotel, Oceanview I + II

Click here to register:  http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/cmf-fmc-consultation2010

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OCTOBER 28 + 29 – MERGING + MEDIA CONFERENCE & MASTER CLASS

Register before October 8th and receive an early bird registration rate for this exciting convergence Conference and Master Class that we are co-presenting.  Merging+Media is two days of top-notch case studies, cross-platform business strategies, trends and best practices in cross-media production, the latest cutting edge technology plus significant networking opportunities to form cross-media partnerships.  This is the first event of its kind in Vancouver, bringing together some of the world’s most noted cross-media experts to showcase the latest trends and technologies in this space. Check out the website and register at:  www.mergingmedia.ca

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DECEMBER 7-10 – ASIA TELEVISION FORUM TRADE DELEGATION

The CMPA is organizing a trade-focused producer delegation to Singapore to attend the Asia Television Forum (ATF) from December 7 to 10, 2010 (exclusive of two travel days). The purpose of the delegation is to promote Canadian film, television and interactive media in the Asia Pacific and facilitate business meetings between Canadian producers and ATF participants, including Singaporean producers. The ATF (asiatvforum.com) is Asia’s leading international market for buying, selling, financing, and distributing content across all traditional and digital platforms, from television and feature film, to animation. The Forum includes a trade market, a full conference, and networking sessions. In addition, the High Commission of Canada will host targeted business to business meetings between Canadian and Singaporean film, television and interactive media producers, and other industry stakeholders.

A travel and accommodation subsidy will be provided to selected CMPA members. Interested members are asked to complete and return their statement of interest to participate as a delegate by 5 p.m. EDT, Monday October 18, 2010. Please click here to complete the statement of interest.

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See you at the Festival!
Liz

Liz’s Log – June 25th

Hi all,

June has been a busy month.

The CFTPA announced during Banff/Next Media that the organization was changing its name to better reflect the multi-screen world and the future of our industry.  Over the next few weeks we will be rebranding to the Canadian Media Production Association – BC Producers’ Branch (CMPA-BC). A press release on this with the draft new logo can be found here: http://www.cftpa.ca/newsroom/press_releases/2010/2010_06_15.php

We were fortunate to have CFTPA colleague Reynolds Mastin here this week to participate in our Digital Content Rights: Navigating a Changing Environment presentation.  Reynolds gave an excellent overview of the recently released CFTPA research study on digital rights – a powerpoint presentation that provides summary highlights of the report can be found here:  Digital Rights Overview.  The full report can be found here: http://www.cftpa.ca/newsroom/pdf/CFTPA_DIGITAL_RIGHTS_STUDY_June_2010.pdf.  Thanks to BC Film for partnering with us on this initiative.