As I write this missive, the World Series pits the New York Mets against the elegantly pinstriped NY Yanks. The first three games are in the books and the Mets – who lost the first two to the terrier-tough Bronxers – must wonder if the Yankees will ever stop coming.

Canadian spotcos, must be asking the same question, if for a different reason. Since u.s. actor unions sag and aftra went on strike against America’s advertisers and agencies May 1, the loud commercial buzz in many Canadian markets swelled to a boom. But with news earlier this month that negotiators had reached a tentative deal, unionized actors, including celebs galore, could be available for cameos and leading roles in those very short films by Oct. 30. Just in time for the Christmas rush.

No one can say for sure how many, or if any, extra productions came north of the 49th because of the strike. The C$ has fallen even further of late, dipping below $0.66, and the cost of shooting in Canada falls with it. Canadian spotcos seemed keen to service-produce for their American counterparts, regardless of what economic or other factors brought them here.

Some industry observers say Canadian commercial houses saw an increase in business this year of about 20%. This is an interesting figure in light of results from this year’s commercial industry survey.

More than 30 production houses kindly returned our survey. Most listed the number of spots produced, the total being 3,061, with 2,217 originating in Canada. The total is up 22% compared with the 2,501 spots we reported for the 1998/99 period. As for changes in the number of commercials originating outside Canada, we reported that through the 1998/99 reporting period, 351 spots or 14% came from hither and yon. For the current period, 844 or 28% originated outside Canada.

It’s a big jump. It’s even a big jump if you compare that 28% figure to the numbers we recorded for 1997/98 when 414 spots or 15% of the total started life in another land.

With the strike over, some people reckon some foreign producers will continue to shoot in Canada for our low dollar and accomplished crews. Some say they’ll stay home. Some say the immediate concern is this coming winter, when weather works strongly against the Great White North. And some say it’ll be fine if foreign shoots drop back to pre-strike levels because roadhousing for Americans is too demanding for the revenue they bring.

We’ll check in after results from the strike vote are released, and after the winter blahs have set in, to see what you have to say then.

For now, check out Top Spots. See what you think about the calibre of the work this time around and what it says for the future of Canadian directors.

SUSAN TOLUSSO

Editor

Note: Regular features The Bald Ego, Rookie Card and Bids & Bites

will be back next On The Spot (Nov. 27).