Quebec’s production sector has announced the establishment of a nonprofit corporation to consolidate services previously done piecemeal by various different agencies and departments, as part of a three-point action plan developed to reverse the slowdown in foreign film production in the province.

The new strategy was mapped out during a full day of meetings of more than 200 members of Quebec’s film industry in downtown Montreal Nov. 29 called the Forum metropolitain de l’industrie cinematographique.

The meeting was the result of two years of planning, says Montreal film commissioner Daniel Bissonnette. ‘I think it was extremely important for the industry to meet in this way. We have shown a united front and discussed the problems and issues we need to address,’ says Bissonnette, declaring the forum a huge success.

Many of the conclusions of the FMIC seemed fairly obvious. The 200 delegates voted, for example, on a statement summing up the industry’s mission: ‘To meet all national and international film needs in a competitive and innovative way while upholding the highest standards of quality.’

But the action plan adopted also involves several areas industry representatives felt needed attention. The first is development of the industry itself, involving the creation of projects to enhance the skills and craft of film industry employees. The other two areas were defined as the attraction of international productions to Quebec and promotion of Montreal’s production facilities.

One of FMIC’s chief announcements is the creation of the yet-unnamed corporation, funded by three levels of government and the private sector. ‘In the past, promoting Quebec was done by various cities, the province and Mel’s [Cite du Cinema], which really isn’t the best way to sell a product,’ said forum vice-president Celine Daignault.

‘Now we will pool our resources and the industry will have what it’s needed for 15 years, which will be one-stop shopping for Quebec’s film industry and the people who want to shoot here.’

Montreal Mayor Gerald Tremblay spoke at the event and confirmed his commitment to the nonprofit corporation, which is slated for an April launch. The organization’s budget, which has yet to be established, will be split four ways, between the three levels of government and the private sector.

Like film industry employees across Canada, Quebec’s film community has become increasingly anxious about the downturn in foreign film shoots. Quebec’s drop in annual revenues from last year stands at approximately 50%.

‘For foreign shoots in Quebec, this has been a very rough year,’ says Bissonnette. ‘We have to remember that last year was a record year for us, and that we’re facing increasing competition.’

Bissonnette acknowledges that Quebec is in a unique position in terms of the Canadian film and TV industry, with foreign film production comprising a mere 17% of the total figure. Rather than being entirely dependent on American film shoots, Quebec has a thriving TV industry and a film culture that garnered an Oscar earlier this year (for The Barbarian Invasions).

‘Local production will continue to account for two-thirds of total production. But it remains extremely important for us to foster coproductions and foreign shooting here,’ Bissonnette says.

As with provinces across the country, Quebec faces a daunting battle. Thirty states in the U.S. are now offering Canadian-style tax incentives to lure productions, while eastern European countries, eager to attract Hollywood studio dollars, are offering their own versions of tax incentives, as well. ‘We are facing competition that we simply haven’t before,’ Bissonnette acknowledges.

The FMIC’s president, Francois Macerola, and Daignault, issued a statement at the end of the event, suggesting, ‘We believe the Quebec film industry is now more united than ever and shares a common vision of its future development.’

The organizers argue the results of the forum, which was backed by the City of Montreal and SODEC, give them greater leverage when lobbying provincial and federal governments for changes in policy.

Bissonnette did have to field a number of questions about inevitability, however. With a rising Canadian dollar, isn’t the drift back over the 49th parallel going to happen no matter what the Quebec industry does?

‘Money is a big part of the equation, yes,’ said Bissonnette. ‘But it’s only one part of the equation. Today’s meeting means that we have plans for three to five years – ways to prepare and continue to attract foreign film shoots to Quebec. In Britain, they have launched a long-term plan, a training program to improve skills among film professionals. They have invested half a million pounds in it. Those sorts of plans can improve our industry and make us more competitive.

‘We need to do everything we can to enhance this sector. The alternative is that we can simply not do anything. And if we don’t do anything, we’re sure to lose.’

Industry onlookers also point to a good sign for the new year. 20th Century Fox recently hired 25 Montrealers for the preproduction stage of the feature Sunshine, which is slated to begin production in March 2005. The budget for that film is estimated to be more than $150 million.