In the natural process of growth and maturation, some stages of evolution seem more critical than others.

They can become turning points, either moving the process forward by building on solid foundations to prepare for further healthy growth, or stalling development, or, worse, reversing what’s already been done.

The Canadian film and television industry may well be entering one of those crucial stages of growing up. And the kinds of actions it takes in the next few months may decide whether the industry moves ahead, stalls, or falls backwards.

There is no question that a healthy foundation is in place. What is most impressive, and so well documented in special reports and news items spread throughout this issue, is the degree to which this foundation has spread and diversified.

Whether in studio facilities or production services, whether in British Columbia, the Prairies, Ontario, Quebec or the Maritimes, the Canadian infrastructure can meet just about any demand for just about any project from any producer in the world. And the country is reaping the benefits of this maturation by enjoying what in all probability is Canada’s busiest year ever in film and tv production.

But for all that has gone into the nurturing of the industry to bring it to where it is now, some crucial talks over the next little while could determine the course of the next stage of development.

The central drama will be played out between the Canadian Film and Television Production Association and the actra Performers Guild as the two try to hammer out a new Independent Production Agreement. The fact that these pivotal players in the production community seem to be raising their voices at each other is disquieting enough. It becomes even more troublesome when set against the backdrop of the recent belt-tightening at the Ontario Film Development Corporation and changes in the Cable Production Fund regulations, as well as uncertainties that exist across the board within all levels of government funding instruments and agencies.

There is never a good time for industrial disruption, but as several people have warned in this issue, now could be one of the worst times possible for a head-to-head battle.

Clouding the picture even further is the complexity of the issues themselves. Questions of royalties versus residuals and the whole matter of compensation for performance in the rapidly changing universe of new media and vanishing political borders will dominate the entertainment industry for years to come

These talks between the cftpa and actra will not be easy, and the fact that so much may be riding on the outcome makes them even more complicated and tense.

A lot of people will be watching closely to see, as much as anything, how grown up the Canadian production industry really has become.