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…

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.

On June 11th, the CFTPA met with Provincial Finance Minister Hansen.  We are now following up with provincial staff to work through some of the proposals that were discussed.

A couple of upcoming initiatives:

June 30^th – Deadline for applications for Pre-Sale Pitch Sessions for Dramatic Series in Los Angeles – this is the second edition of this initiative.  More info can be found here: http://www2.cftpa.ca/cftpa/members_area/FMPro?-db=login.fp5&-lay=input&-format=call_for_projects.html&-view

June 30^th – Academy Breakfast with Telefilm’s John Dippong – details can be found here:  www.academy.ca/email/ACCTBreakfastClubVancJune2010.pdf

Until next time.

Digital Content Rights: Navigating a Changing Environment

Join us for an exploration of digital rights management and exploitation, emerging business models, new terminology and the results of the recently released CFTPA study “Towards a Framework for Digital Rights”. Helen Schmidt (Anaid Productions), John Nicolls (Grossman & Stanley), Kyle Fogden (Roberts & Stahl), Michael Fergusson (Ayogo Games) and Philip Djwa (Agentic Communications) will share their wide-ranging insight on this dynamic and often confusing topic.

When: Tuesday, June 22^nd, 5-7pm

Where: Rainmaker Entertainment (Suite 500, 2025 West Broadway, Vancouver)

Please RSVP to bcfilm@bcfilm.bc.ca by Monday, June 21^st.

As of April 1, the CFTPA-BC has retained the services of Canadian Strategy Group a government relations firm who will be working with the Branch Council and staff to develop our strategy working with all levels of government.  To that end, the BC Branch Council held a Strategic Planning Session in May to start this process and I have been working with CSG weekly to develop our key messages and strategies moving forward.  This work will be put to the test when the CFTPA meets tomorrow with Minister Hansen to discuss the domestic industry and the challenges it currently faces.

Thanks again to Ken Ghag from Ernst & Young for facilitating two sessions on the Implementation of the HST for us in the past few months.  Robyne has now completed her notes from the session that accompany Ken’s powerpoint presentation that can be found here: HST Presentation Notes. A Harmonized Sales Tax information page has been established by the Province of British Columbia (http://hst.blog.gov.bc.ca/).

The CFTPA released a study on digital rights this week that underscores the challenges producers face in retaining and monetizing digital rights. You can access the report here or www.cftpa.ca.  To discuss these and other related issues, we will be hosting a Panel Discussion on Digital Rights in partnership with BC Film on Tuesday June 22 at 5:00pm – location to be confirmed next week. 

I am heading to Banff tomorrow for the National CFTPA Board meeting and Banff / Next Media Conference. If you are heading to Banff, please come to an informal gathering of BC companies at the Rundle Lounge in Banff Springs Hotel on Sunday June 13 at 4:30pm just prior to CBC reception – hope to see some of you there.

Until next time…

Panasonic is offering a 3D Workshop in Vancouver at the Vancouver Aquarium on Tuesday June 8^th.  If you are interested in attending, you need to RSVP for either the morning or afternoon session.  (NOTE: the morning session is filling quickly.)  See attached flyer for event details.

Thanks to Alan Sawyer, who facilitated our Programming for Cross-Platform Sessions here a few weeks ago, we were made aware of some very interesting digital media sessions offered as part of Interactive Ontario’s ilunch 8.0.  The series is available on-line in five video podcasts that can be accessed here:  http://www.interactiveontario.com/ilunch8

Banff/Next Media 2010 is fast approaching and if you are attending please note the following CFTPA events:
CFTPA-BC informal reception – Rundle Lounge, Banff Springs Hotel from 4:30 – 5:30pm on Sunday June 13
National CFTPA Announcement – President’s Hall Foyer, Banff Springs Hotel at 4:00pm on Tuesday June 15

CFTPA Member Colleen Nystedt is participating in this interesting event next month - Seize the Power: A Marketing and (DIY) Distribution Symposium at the LA Film Festival (June 19 and 20): Seize the power.  Engage your audience.  Learn how to monetize your art.  The bottom line is that in order to sustain your career as an artist, you need to be able to make a living out of your work.  The Los Angeles Film Festival’s new signature event is produced in collaboration with filmmaker and author Jon Reiss (Think Outside the Box Office, Bomb It). You will hear from key players in the new marketing and distribution landscape, including: Scilla Andreen (Indieflix), Caitlin Boyle (Film Sprout), Ted Hope (This Is That Corporation), Peter Broderick (Paradigm Consulting), John Chang (Neoflix), Zak Forsman (Sabi Pictures), Nolan Gallagher (Gravitas Ventures), David Geertz (Biracy), Mynette Louie (Producer, Children of Invention), Bob Moczydlowsky (Topspin), Colleen Nystedt (MovieSet), Orly Ravid (The Film Collaborative), Lance Weiler (The Workbook Project), and many more.  They’ll tackle various topics such as: mastering the social media universe and connecting with your audience; enriching your stories and expanding creative options via transmedia content; creating your brand as an artist; crowd sourcing and crowd funding; and utilizing different platforms to effectively market and distribute your films. More info available here: http://www.lafilmfest.com/tixSYS/2010/xslguide/eventnote.php?EventNumber=9117

Until next time…

Further to a National CFTPA Note to Members on the CFTPA’s recent presentation re: Canada’s Digital Strategy (click here), we wanted to further encourage participation in the national consultation process on Canada’s Digital Economy recently announced by the federal government.   Information on the topic is available on the government website — www.digitaleconomy.gc.ca — where you can take part in an interactive online forum or upload written submissions. The deadline for submissions is July 9, 2010.

Since my last update, we have hosted a second HST information session thanks to Ernst and Young.  Robyne will be typing up her notes and we will post to the blog when completed.  Further info on HST can be found here: http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/gncy/hrmnztn/bc/menu-eng.html

Feature Film producers please note a new initiative at TIFF the Producers Lab Toronto that runs September 10-12, 2010 with an application deadline of June 1, 2010 – information can be found here: http://www.omdc.on.ca/Page5783.aspx  In addition, the International Financing Forum (IFF) will again take place at TIFF and information on that initiative can be found here: http://www.omdc.on.ca/Page5414.aspx

The CFTPA has a meeting this week with the Deputy Minister in the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts where we will continue to press for a response from government that specifically addresses the needs of the domestic sector of the industry.  I will update on any new information that comes out of the meeting.

Until next time…

May 5th – Introduction to HST for Production Companies – Take 2 (rsvp by May 3rd)

Designed as an overview of the impact of the BC HST on production companies, this session will focus on issues producers and CFO’s should be aware of related to the introduction of the HST – effective July 1, 2010. This session will be led by Ken Ghag, Executive Director, Commodity Tax, Ernst & Young in Vancouver.

For more information, click here

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May 8th – Understanding the Convergence of Traditional and New Media – Introductory or Advanced Session (rsvp by May 5th)

Introductory Session Target Audience – content creators who have little or no experience with cross-platform programming and is particularly suited to those who find the new world of the Canada Media Fund (CMF) confusing and even, perhaps, a bit intimidating.

Advanced Session Target Audience – content creators who already have some experience with cross-platform programming but wish to take a “deeper dive” and learn about approaches to complex and innovative projects.  The session will also help attendees understand the expectations and demands that the Canada Media Fund imposes on content creators. It will also explore the world beyond broadcasting – the CMFs Experimental Stream and web-only series development.

 For more information, click here

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May 29th – Casting for Feature Films Workshop (call for applications deadline is May 14th)

This session will include a panel discussion involving senior producers, director(s), casting director (Lynne Carrow) and talent agent (Murray Gibson) that will focus on topics including: When to start casting and when to involve an agent; marquee cast versus emerging cast, etc.

 For the application form, click here

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May 4th – Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television – PWC tax credit presentation

Join us as we highlight updates and developments regarding production and digital media tax credits and financing and how it is relevant to your industry.

Presented by:
Rick Griffiths, Partner
Robert Ingves, Manager, Film Tax Credits
Christine Wong, Accreditation Specialist

For more information, click here

May 25-28 is Vancouver Interactive Digital Week that includes a number of events with digital media companies that would be worth considering.  Most important on the schedule is the Vancouver International Partnering Forum with a focus this year of bringing film and television companies together will digital media companies.  CFTPA members are eligible for member rates of $250 before end of the April. (registration includes lunches, Keynote & international panels, Evening networking reception and access to member’s lounge for two days).  You can register here: http://www.vidweek.com/vipf2010_register.html  The full schedule can be found here:  http://www.vidweek.com/schedule.html

The Canada Media Fund held an outreach session here this past Monday.  Most of the information shared at the session including funding available, application deadlines, etc ..can be found in the CMF Backgrounder here:  http://www.cmf-fmc.ca/backgrounder/Backgrounder.pdf    Lots of questions remain unanswered regarding the “Experimental” side of the fund– we will post any updates here as they become available.  A CFTPA overview of the fund can also be found here:  Note to Members re CMF – March 26, 2010

We hosted a meeting of feature film producers last week to discuss proposed changes to the Canada Feature Film Fund.  National CFTPA Board member Trish Dolman, who also sits on the Telefilm CFFF Working Group, called the meeting to get feedback from a cross section of feature producers in advance of the next CFFF working group meeting.  We will report back to you on any feedback or decisions made at the working group as they impact CFFF program and guidelines.

Until next time…

Back here for a meeting at CFTPA National office. 

A blog entry about our recent Social Media session in partnership with DigiBC can be found here:   http://www.ayogo.com/2010/03/26/transmedia-storytelling-social-games-and-hollywood-2/ 

We had a full house for our HST session yesterday – thanks to Ken Ghag and Neal Clarance at Ernst & Young for making this possible. The ppt slides from Ken’s presentation can be found here:  Film Production Industry Preparing for HST

There was some positive media coverage of our press release last week regarding the release of the 2009 film and television BC production numbers and our call for a government response to the downturn in domestic production. We now have a meeting scheduled with Minister Krueger and staff in the next two weeks. See links to stories here:   

• Playback – Call for action follows B.C.’s stats: http://www.playbackonline.ca/articles/daily/2010325/bc.html
• CBC-B.C.’s film, TV industry in jeopardy: critics: http://license.icopyright.net/user/viewFreeUse.act?fuid=NzY3Mjc4OA
• Georgia Straight – B.C. producers association raises concerns about 40 percent drop in domestic productions: http://www.straight.com/article-300120/vancouver/cftpa-bc-raises-concerns-about-40-percent-drop-bc-domestic-productions

 Until next time…