While compiling the end-of-the-decade timeline for the print issue, I was suddenly struck by a deep, insightful thought:

Wow, this decade really sucked.

Granted, there were high points – we created some outstanding content and a lot of people made money – but the last 10 years were marked by a series of troughs, each seemingly deeper than the one proceeding it, and none easy to overcome.

That we were able to survive – and in some instances, even thrive – is truly a testament to our character and the inherent strength of our industry. Although it sometimes seemed our goals were divergent, and that sometimes we just couldn’t help but be our own worst enemy (truly, the Canadian condition), we’re released from the decade in an unanticipated position.

We have become a world leader in emerging technologies and creative; our film and television offerings are making unprecedented inroads internationally; and many of our production, distribution and broadcasting entities stand with the best the world has to offer. We live in interesting times indeed.

One would have been hard-pressed at the start of the new millennium to guess what was coming next. The decade to come was to be scarred by the vagaries of time, terrorism, financial collapse and creative and economic Darwinism. Yet here we are.

With adversity comes a quiet confidence, to add to the quiet pride we always had as Canadians.

And with that for us, who can stand against us?

Brendan Christie
Editor,
Playback

Don’t forget to check out highlights and stories from Playback’s End of Decade issue all this week.