One of the main areas of focus for l’Association des producteurs de films et de television du Quebec is the general protection of independent production on a public policy and governmental level. When there is a change of political regimes, the APFTQ has to ensure past gains won by producers aren’t undone.

‘There will be a new prime minister in Ottawa and consequently a changeover to a different ‘culture,’ and in Quebec it’s the same thing [with the new Liberal government],’ says APFTQ chairman Jacquelin Bouchard.

The APFTQ represents approximately 120 member prodcos – the majority of Quebec’s major film and TV prodcos working in both French and English – excluding broadcast-affiliate producers.

Headed by president and CEO Claire Samson, the association is active in policy and lobbying efforts with the Quebec and federal governments at CRTC hearings. In the past year, the APFTQ has also made joint industry presentations – along with other Quebec professional and craft organizations – on the future of the Canadian broadcasting system to parliamentary hearings held by Canadian Heritage and Industry and Trade.

The APFTQ holds regular consultations with the Quebec Finance department, SODEC and Telefilm Canada.

Bouchard says there is a place within the association for service production, and his group does not oppose the recent federal boost of the foreign producers’ tax credit.

‘Where we have an objection is on the question of why has [government] favored foreign capital on one hand but not [supported] Canadian-content production,’ he says.

The association is divided into six sections: feature film, documentary, TV, variety, commercial production and animation. Bouchard says the association’s other ongoing preoccupation is collective agreement negotiations with various professional and craft associations, including Union des Artistes, STCVQ, SARTEC and French-language directors in ARRQ.

Consulting with CAVCO on tax-credit issues is also a major issue, shared by the APFTQ and CFTPA. The two associations jointly negotiate ACTRA and Writers Guild of Canada agreements.

Executive committee members also include Vincent Leduc, VP television; Denise Robert, VP film; and Luc Wiseman, secretary-treasurer.

-www.apftq.qc.ca