Quebec producers will explore how new technologies are creating both opportunities and dilemmas when the APFTQ holds its annual convention in Quebec City, May 10-12.

‘There is a great deal of excitement about what these new platforms offer to the industry,’ says Céline Pelletier, APFTQ director of communications and key organizer of the convention. ‘But while there is excitement… there is also a great deal of anxiety.’

Broadcasters have been quick to pick up on new technologies, trying to ensure that they’re not left behind, she says, but business models and some policies have not yet caught up. The industry was also thrown a regulatory curve ball when the CRTC ruled late last month that it will not regulate mobile TV on cell phones.

‘We’re very concerned about this ruling and what it means for producers,’ says Pelletier, noting that it will be discussed at a panel session.

Panels at the convention include Regulation: Necessary but Obsolete, about the new media universe and its domination by the Internet and mobile TV. University of Montreal professor Pierre Trudel and Michel Arpin of the CRTC will both take part.

Another panel – The Public: Tendencies and Attitudes – will discuss how the values and tastes of Quebec audiences are changing, and what platforms they are most interested in using. Christian Bourque, VP of Léger Marketing, will present, with producer and journalist Emmanuelle Garnaud moderating.

A special committee, formed in February and led by AFPTQ chair Jacquelin Bouchard, will also present a number of discussion points about new media and collective agreements, seeking feedback from members.

‘We felt these ideas really needed to be discussed by a broad range of people in the business,’ says Pelletier.

‘It’s very important for us to discuss these issues together, when there are 300 of us in the room,’ she adds. ‘Given all of this additional information, we can then return to our jobs armed with more awareness.’

www.apftq.qc.ca