To hear economists tell it, the world has been ending since September. And though many in the industry have, no doubt, been stung by the world’s money woes, others have not yet had to line up outside a soup kitchen, or move into a cardboard box. So we ask:

‘Have you personally been affected by the global financial crisis?’

As an independent filmmaker and performer, I have always been in the throes of one financial crisis or another. Although I’m worried about what’s around the corner in the coming months, I’m confident our business has given me great training in rubbing two nickels together.
Phyllis Ellis,
Actress, Three Chords from the Truth

Remarkably, the economic downturn has so far been a plus for Rainmaker, as the stronger U.S. dollar now buys more in terms of services and labor. There’s been a spike in interest from U.S. companies about producing animation here…
Warren Franklin,
CEO, Rainmaker Entertainment

I’m from a former communist country. There was nothing to eat, no electricity, no heating. You might think it was pure despair. But no, it was actually fun. It was one of my most creative periods. A little shaking up always does some good to the mind and the creative spirit.
Theodore Ushev,
Filmmaker, Drux Flux

I am nervous for the television projects that I’ll be trying to get out of the development stage this year. I’m sure the networks will have a hard time green lighting a number of new shows if the advertising dollars aren’t there.
Cullen Fairfield,
Producer, Fairfield Films

The food at this year’s CFTPA conference won’t include seafood. Little things like that hurt. As a Canadian television producer, it’s really the only time I eat all year.
Paul Telner,
Host, The Paul Telner Project