heritage Minister Sheila Copps is out of the game (for now) over the gst, at press time the cbc negotiations looked like a no-win scenario, and the list of industry-altering events pending budget, crtc or court decisions goes on.

Despite the dramatic turbulence at home, what remains on solid ground is Canada’s commanding tv export market share. Gauging by the reaction of the international tv program buying community, Canada is more than holding its own in the number two slot, and gaining momentum in the newer markets.

Buyers kept Canadian sellers booked at mip-tv and it was time lucratively spent, with hot competition driving prices up in certain territories and new buyers injecting more window opps for older catalogue.

The increased competition has also sparked interest in keeping tabs on what’s coming down the pike from proven producers, with many Canadians fielding queries about development slates.

As a litmus test of how busy companies are overall, one series-laden producer has had a tough go trying to shake loose a senior biz exec to share the load – every job offer made resulted in the employer doubling the individual’s salary.

Many producers report spending more time at mip being pitched coproductions, often by serious players with money attached. One such suitor is the CLT Multi Media/Cloud 9 joint venture which self-finances, produces, then sells family series (The Enid Blyton Adventure Series, Adventures of Swiss Family Robinson, William Tell), which was meeting with Canadians on a Robert Service project in development, and also looking at Canada to widen its production base.

Arnie Gelbart of Galafilm, who was furthering the fortunes of The Mystery of Arafat, a coproduction with France, summed up the importance of a presence at Cannes (Canada has the fifth-largest delegation standing) by saying: ‘There are so many channels you hear about, but here it’s real. (The new markets) add greater variety to the things that we do. Part of it’s being known, coming back.’

As to all the online selling efforts, Gelbart echoes the reason all agree it could never become a virtual market – the need for contact, ‘three or four people sitting around a table.’

Although commercial success remains more elusive than critical accolade, on the theatrical side several very flaunt-worthy Canadian films will be screening in Cannes. And in the realm of spot production, Cannes needs to see more of Canada’s handiwork during its advertising fest.

Distinction at Cannes is seen by many as a confirmation of how Canada’s production industry stacks up on the world stage. And while the advertising industry weighs the cost of entry, perhaps they should consider how the investment will lead to a greater appetite for Canadian fare – and a much bigger payoff.