December 2011 – Volume 3

At our Annual General Meeting last week staff reported on various activities over the past year and we have included those updates in this newsletter. The Government Relations and Industrial Relations overviews are in dedicated sections of this report.  I’d also like to highlight key industry development initiatives undertaken throughout the year including the Bell Broadcast and New Media Fund Industry Reception (March), Merging Media Transmedia Seminar + Lab (April), Maximizing Tax Credit Session (May), LA Market Accelerator (June), Terms of Trade Roadshow (July), SIGGRAPH Business to Business Meeting Program (August), and the Merging Media Conference + Master Class (October).  Note: All CMPA offices will be closed from December 24 reopening January 9, 2012. On behalf of Gigi, Robyne, Melanie and myself I want to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season and we look forward to working with you in 2012.

2011 has been a very busy year for the BC Branch IR team.  Since early summer Robyne and I have been in the midst of prepping or negotiating contracts with the DGC-BC, the UBCP (Performers), the BC Council of Film Unions (Teamsters 155 (Drivers), IATSE 891 (Technicians) and IATSE 669 (Photographers) and the WGC – Writers Guild of Canada.  Please see below for a short update on the status of the negotiations.

Negotiations Update: DGC-BC – A new Agreement was ratified byDGCBC members Nov 8, 2011.

Term: Three Years – April 1, 2012 to March 31, 2015.

Highlights:  New Sideletter No. 4 – increases to budget breaks on almost all types of production make more many more projects eligible for the Low Budget discounts.

Negotiations Update: IATSE 891 (Film Technicians), IATSE 669 (Camera) and Teamsters 155 (Drivers) – collectively the “BCCFU” or Joint Council - We were not able to fully conclude bargaining by the last day of scheduled negotiations on October 28th, 2011 inLos Angeles.  We anticipate scheduling more days in January when we hope to conclude negotiations.

Negotiations Update: UBCP – We are currently in a recess with UBCP.  We left off bargaining by mutual agreement on Wednesday, Nov 16, 2011 after three (of the scheduled five) days of negotiations inVancouver.  We expect to continue negotiations in early Spring 2012.

Negotiations Update: WGC – The CMPA began bargaining in the first of three scheduled sessions Nov 30 and Dec 1, 2011 inMontreal. We meet again inToronto on Dec 15 and 16, 2011 and for a third session on Jan 25 and 26, 2012.  We expect to conclude negotiations in early spring 2012.

Thank you to all of the members who worked on the various bargaining committees and to those who submitted proposals for discussion.  We look forward to updating you in our next issue regarding progress on all of the above negotiations. 

Happy Holidays! Gigi and Robyne

BC Branch Council Election Results - This year’s election results were announced at the CMPA-BC Annual General Meeting on December 8, 2011.

Returning Branch Council members include:

Brian Hamilton, Omni Film Productions
Jayme Pfahl, Gang of 2 Productions
Cal Shumiatcher, Paperny Entertainment
Karyn Edwards, Brightlight Pictures
Elyot Waller, Nerd Corps Entertainment

New members elected this year include:

Kim Roberts, Sepia Films
Matthew Toner, Zeros2Heroes Media
Mary Anne Waterhouse, Quadrant Motion Pictures

The 2012 Executive was elected at a Branch Council meeting held today and members are:

CHAIR -Brian Hamilton
VICE-CHAIR -Karyn Edwards
SECRETARY -Elyot Waller
TREASURER – Jayme Pfahl

Terms of Trade – The CMPA Terms of Trade team has compiled a “Handbook” designed to be a guide to provide you with our interpretation of how Terms of Trade should be applied in your day to day dealings with the five private English language broadcaster groups who are signatories to this agreement.  The Terms of Trade agreement is a living document, meaning that as we gain experience working with it we will, no doubt, make modifications to this guide. The handbook can be downloaded here:  http://www.cftpa.ca/terms-of-trade/tot_handbook_index.php

Note from Brian Hamilton, Chair – BC Producers’ Branch (November 2011)

On behalf of the BC Branch Council, I’d like to take this opportunity to identify some key government lobbying issues the CMPA-BC is working on, to update you on recent efforts, and to ask for your input and help.

We have held numerous meetings with government officials and politicians over the past 24 months, with the three ministries affecting our sector: the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development (which oversees BC Film + Media and the film/TV/digital industries), and the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation (which makes recommendations on supporting key job generating industries). We have met with elected ministers, and also separately with their top officials (Deputy Ministers, Assistant Deputy Ministers, etc.) and also with more junior staffers. We have appeared and gone on the public record at the BC Government’s Pre-budget Consultation Committee, which is the key forum to advocate for changes to the upcoming provincial budget.

In our meetings, we emphasize the importance of a healthy domestic industry in the terms that theClarkgovernment responds to: the language of jobs and economic activity. We talk about the importance of retaining control of intellectual property and how our industry reinvests the profits locally to create more jobs.  We point to statistics that show significantly reduced levels of BC-owned production over the last 2-3 years, particularly in scripted TV series. In explaining this, we refer to the “triple whammy” of cuts to BC Film, lower rates for tax credits compared toOntarioand other jurisdictions, and finally the prospect of the reintroduction of the PST. Another contributing factor is the increased concentration of decision making inToronto– none of the key broadcast buyers or film distributors have western offices any more.

To date, despite our message to government that something needs to be done, there have been no substantive changes offered to address the competitiveness gap facing the domestic industry.  We have asked government to work with us to address this situation and have outlined three action items in a recent government submission.  These actions are:

Action 1

When BC reverts to PST, define digital/film/TV production and post production as “manufacturing” for the purposes of calculating PST. This will create jobs by putting BC employers on an even playing field with other provincial jurisdictions.

Action 2

Further to the Premier’s commitment to trigger a competitive review of business taxation for the film/TV/digital sectors, immediately strike a working group bringing government and industry together to complete this review as a priority. The working group could consider administrative tax credit adjustments to significantly and immediately improve the investment climate and competitiveness for new projects to be developed and produced inBritish Columbia:

-  Include writer fees as eligible labour expenditures;
-  Remove the copyright grind on inter-provincial co-productions;
-  Provide a 5% bonus incentive for new TV pilots and series;
-  Accelerate the payment of FilmIncentiveBC(FIBC) tax credits paid to BC-owned employers to enhance their competitiveness vis a vis other jurisdictions.

Action 3

Implement a repayable BC Production Investment Fund of $2Million/year over 5 years to enable private sector employers (producers) to jump start projects, create jobs, hire more graduates from BC’s expanding higher education sector, retain Intellectual Property and work towards a fully integrated production centre in BC.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

BC Success Stories:  We are building an inventory of BC projects that have received BC Film support to demonstrate how vital that funding is to trigger projects in the province.  In the New Year,Liz Shortenwill be in touch with members directly to facilitate the gathering of information.

Notice of Production:  Starting in January 2012, CMPA-BC wants to start tracking production activity of members in the province so we have a better sense of the types and level of production activity throughout the year. More info on this to come.

Merging + Media Update

Conference and Master Class – Vancouver

Our second annual Merging Media Conference + Master Class took place on October 27 and 28 at SFU Woodwards with over 300 attendees from across screen based media including film, television, digital/interactive, and gaming professionals.  Podcasts highlighting the “best of” speakers and presentations are now available on-line at: www.mergingmedia.ca/library

Transmedia Seminar and Lab – Toronto

After a successful launch here in Vancouver this past April, CMPA is pleased to be partnering again on this lab featuring transmedia expert Anita Ondine. The combined seminar+lab curriculum provides a unique and intensive look at transmedia from “Conception to Consumption”.  Covering the key areas of transmedia development, financing, design, production and distribution both in theory and through hands-on lab work that identifies and brings together key media professionals from a broad spectrum of media disciplines.  More information and registration details can be found here:  http://mergingmedia.ca/media-to-toronto

Melting Silos

Open Call to BC based Filmmakers and Digital Media Companies for Melting Silos Concept Development Proposals

Agentic Digital Media is launching the third year of Melting Silos, a set of workshops that connect local filmmakers and digital media professionals in order to develop transmedia projects and to build common knowledge between the two sectors. Melting Silos is now accepting applications from BC based filmmaker/digital media partnerships on narrative projects with transmedia potential. Five teams will be selected to participate in 2 two-day workshops, made possible by the financial participation of Telefilm Canada’s Skills and Screens Program, BC Film and Media and the CMPA-BC Branch. Please submit your application to Phillip Djwa at meltingsilos@agentic.ca by JANUARY 13, 2012. Visit www.meltingsilos.com for more information.

January 13 Melting Silos Applications Due
http://meltingsilos.com/

January 19-20  Merging+Media Transmedia Seminar + Lab - Toronto
http://www.mergingmedia.ca

January 23-25 NATPE – Miami Beach, FL
http://www.natpe.org

February 7-10 Kidscreen Summit – New York, NY
http://www.kidscreen.com

February 29-March 2 Prime Time in Ottawa - Ottawa
http://www.primetimeinottawa.ca

April 1-4 MIPTV – Cannes, France
http://www.mipworld.com/miptv

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

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

CMPA-BC is coordinating a market accelerator program designed for members interested in obtaining market intelligence in preparation for expanding their business in the Los Angeles market. This training intensive will provide participants with an overview of the current environment, as well as one-on-one time with market experts who will evaluate the participant’s projects and offer an assessment and feedback on suitability for the American/LA marketplace. In addition, participants will receive travel assistance in support of a business trip to Los Angeles.  We are grateful to BC Film and MPPIA-BC for their financial support of this program.

Call for applications can be found here.

Deadline for applications is May 6, 2011.  Please contact Liz Shorten liz.shorten@cmpa.ca with any questions.

DON’T MISS OUT!  MERGING MEDIA TRANSMEDIA SEMINAR NEXT THURSDAY

Digital + Conventional Media producers and creatives keen on developing their transmedia strategies, should attend this engaging presentation that sets out the fundamentals of Transmedia, provides a framework for Transmedia business and creative development as well as explores ways to identify and develop the operative idea of your multi-platform production. Benefit from facilitator Anita Ondine’s invaluable business advice and creative development tips at this inspiring event.

The Seminar is open to professionals from all media sectors and is suitable for practitioners who are curious about transmedia and want to learn more or know about it and are seeking a framework to continue the development of their transmedia programs.  More information can be found here: http://mergingmedia.ca/agenda

Date: Thursday, April 28, 2011
Venue: Vancity Theatre, Vancouver International Film Centre
Time: 9:00am-1:00pm

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

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

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:  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

With the support of the BC Ministry Regional Economic and Skills Development, the BC Screen-Based Media Industry Human Resource Committee, first undertook research to understand current and future workforce skill gaps in the three sectors. Over the last three months, using the research as a foundation, we have been working on an industry strategy to address our collective human resource challenges.

One of the key reasons for our combined success in this industry is the depth and breadth of our talent. To continue to thrive in a very competitive industry, we must ensure that we have an adequate supply of talent to meet the demands of current and predicted growth. This human resource strategy is intended to set a course of action to address the critical challenges we all face together.

The vision of the proposed HR Strategy is supporting the industry as “a worldwide leader in high value, screen-based entertainment.”

In early 2011 we will be inviting key stakeholders to participate in roundtable meetings so that feedback can be provided on the strategy, and to seek input on and support for making the HR Strategy a reality.

More information about this process can be found here:  BC Screen-Based Media HR Strategy

Liz Shorten
Managing Vice-President, Operations and Member Services

Returning Branch Council members include Brian Hamilton, Omni Film Productions, Jayme Pfahl, Crescent Entertainment, Cal Shumiatcher, Paperny Films, Karyn Edwards, Brightlight Pictures, Alexandra Raffe, Thunderbird Films and Elyot Waller, Nerd Corps Entertainment.  New members elected this year are Kevin Eastwood, Optic Nerve Films and Harvey Kahn, Front Street Pictures.

The 2011 Executive will be elected at a future meeting.

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

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