It was 20 years ago – on Sept. 29, 1986, that the first issue of Playback appeared. During that span, in which we have published more than 500 issues, nothing less than a technological revolution has taken place in the field of communications, transforming the distribution and consumption of filmed entertainment. Fluctuations in the economy, the exchange rate, and government financial support have also added greatly to the challenges faced by the Canadian broadcast, production and interactive sectors.

Here, however, are 10 reasons why, despite all these challenges, we continue to be so excited about the opportunities and developments that lie ahead:

1. The world is our sandbox.

Sure, there continue to be protectionist challenges, but technology and audience demand are on the side of the global competitor, and most of the rapid appreciation of our dollar is now behind us.

2. Our production and post-production talent and infrastructure are top-notch.

Throughout the country, we certainly have what it takes to bring compelling content to the screen across all forms of viewing media. Getting the planned, world-class studio facility in Toronto should be icing on the cake.

3. A new generation of entrepreneurial talent is emerging.

Honed on service work, cut loose from consolidated and down-sized organizations, increasingly weaned from government subsidization, accustomed to operating within tight budgets, flush with international contacts and recognition, and trained to seek and capitalize on niche opportunities, we have drivers who can make things happen.

4. Tremendous success with audiences in Quebec should be an inspiration for those targeting English-speaking Canada.

Quebec producers and marketers have raised the bar significantly over the past five years in terms of showing what can be achieved.

5. The audience appetite for filmed entertainment is enormous and enduring.

As consumers gain the power to find and choose what, when, where, and how they view the content they want to watch, there are new opportunities to reach, build and engage commercially viable audiences.

6. There is a surplus of investment capital in the marketplace.

Capable entrepreneurs, combined with good business plans and exciting market opportunities, are much better able to find the financial backing they need.

7. Marketers are looking everywhere for ideas to engage audiences.

Even as spending on traditional 30-second spots is being challenged in the wake of audience fragmentation and commercial-avoidance capability, producers have new opportunities to bring creative ideas directly to the table in order to secure funding and promotion.

8. Technological advances and convergence are bringing down costs, creating demand for new content, opening up new channels of distribution, and helping to forge new alliances – all at an amazing pace.

Think, for example, of the power of today’s desktop workstations, the transition to digital, new personal viewing devices, the rollout of high definition, and the wide-spread availability of high-speed Internet access. Traditional land and mobile telephone, broadcast, cable, and web portal companies, as well as device manufacturers and even retailers are interacting in entirely new and unexpected ways.

9. Protectionism and regulation will be less and less effective in stymieing creativity and innovation.

As the speed and availability of low-cost communications bring audiences together and technology makes it harder and harder to restrict choice, competition, and access to investment capital, creative innovators will prosper and audiences will benefit.

10. Women and visible minorities have unprecedented opportunities for advancement and success.

There are still plenty of hurdles to overcome, but female talent is rising to the top slowly but surely, in accordance with the changing attitudes and sensibilities of the current generation of senior managers and financial backers. Meanwhile, as the ethnic makeup of our population becomes ever more diverse, a new generation of color is giving us a competitive edge in the international marketplace.

We realize that for every reason we give to be excited, countless arguments can and will be made as to why it will be so difficult to succeed in these new business and creative environments. Sure enough, these challenges are real and must be acknowledged. The outlook is not all rosy in this rapid transformational era. There will unfortunately be losers as well as winners. But let’s take a moment to think about where we can go if we want to, and if we are determined to succeed.

On the occasion of our 20th anniversary, among all the reminiscing, there’s still so much to which we can look forward.