Seven of Quebec’s top film producers have joined together to call for changes to the way Telefilm Canada and SODEC fund international coproductions. The producers – Roger Frappier of Max Films, Denise Robert of Cinémaginaire, Pierre Even of Cirrus Communications, Richard Goudreau of Melenny Productions, Lyse Lafontaine of Equinoxe Productions, Lorraine Richard of Cité-Amérique and Claude Veillet of Téléfiction and Films Vision 4 – have formed the Regroupement des producteurs indépendants de cinéma du Québec.

The Regroupement argues that Canada’s copro treaties need to be revamped to take into account global market realities. By reducing the minimum participation level of minority partners, more countries would be encouraged to participate in Canadian projects. The group is also calling for an increase in funding from Telefilm and SODEC, specifically for international copros.

In a statement, Frappier said the group was inspired by forums such as the European Producers Club and the U.S.-based Independent Film and Television Alliance. ‘We want to find a way to build new bridges so that we can make these projects that are so close to our hearts,’ he said.