Odds are greater this month that – whoever you are – you now work for a branch of Entertainment One following its land grab of Blueprint, Barna-Alper, Oasis and Maximum.

But every silver lining has a cloud, right? And with every explosive deal comes some fallout. So we ask:

The E1 deal – good or bad for the industry?

I think it’s phenomenal. Canada requires a well-financed, strong and diversified [film] distribution company. We’ve always had Alliance, but Alliance has faced some challenges over the past year, and having a company that could step up to the plate is good for everybody in Canada. Competition is healthy.
Howard Lichtman, president,
The Lightning Group, Toronto

It’s a win-win situation and a vote of confidence in the health of our industry. New capital is really welcome, and it’s an encouraging sign that there’s enough confidence in the industry that they will invest in a number of really good companies.
Bill Niven, producer,
Idlewild Films, Halifax

It’s always good to have another strong Canadian distributor. It’s early days yet, but I can’t help but feel that another big distributor, especially for theatrical films, in Canada should be a good thing. I hope to see good things from them.
Liz Jarvis, producer,
Buffalo Gal Pictures, Winnipeg

It could be good for the industry if they use their size and presence globally to put money in the hands of Canadian producers.
Craig McGillivray, sales executive,
Breakthrough Entertainment, Toronto

Why is it that the business deals in this industry are always way more creative than the content which results from them? I think the attitude of most creatives can be summed up by two phrases: ‘wait and see’ and the delightfully Russian ‘trust, but verify.’
Denis McGrath
Writer/coproducer, The Border