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

Liz’s Log – July 19th

Hi all,

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank Robyne for all her extra efforts in the Industrial Relations area over the past 6 months as well as thank the members of the IR Committee and in particular Tom Rowe and Brad Van Arragon as Committee Co-Chairs for their attention and support.

Moving forward, I am pleased to report that Gigi Boyd will be taking on the role of Vice-President, Industrial Relations in the BC office as of today, Monday July 19^th.  We are fortunate to have someone in this role with the extensive production background that Gigi brings as well as her wider knowledge of the industry from her work at Telefilm and her Board experience with the DGC-BC and Shaw Rocket Fund.  You can reach Gigi at Gigi.Boyd@cftpa.ca or 604-682-8619 x224.  A press release regarding this appointment can be found here:   Gigi Boyd Announcement July 2010

Until next time…