– Polygram gets word

PolyGram Filmed Entertainment received word from Industry Canada regarding the scope of operations permissable in Canada. The decision disallowed the Netherlands-hq’d company’s request to distribute nonproprietary films in Canada.

PolyGram intends to run a Canadian production/distribution subsidiary, and is required to spend $20 million (or 20% of its Canadian revenue) over five years on film production in Canada, or on the distribution of Canadian films abroad, or on festivals or related Canadian film events.

Off to a running start, PolyGram has announced production plans for a film featuring Brit star Rowan Atkinson and Canadian actress Sandra Oh.

-ACT Multimedia category

The Alliance for Children and Television has launched its first award to recognize Canadian creative excellence in interactive multimedia cd-roms produced for children.

To be eligible for entry, a cd-rom must have been produced in Canada and released to the public between Jan. 1, 1996 and April 30, 1997. Product developed for use in an academic curriculum will not be considered. The 1997 act Awards of Excellence will be presented in Toronto in November.

-Craig creates national sales arm

Manitoba-based Craig Broadcast Systems and Airtime Television Sales of Toronto are partnering to create a new national tv sales company – Craig Airtime Sales.

The newly formed company will be the national sales representative for all Craig Broadcast tv properties.

Airtime Television Sales currently represents independents in Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, Dawson Creek and Swift Current.