Telefilm Canada has reorganized its management by language to reflect the fact that in Canada, French-language film and television is far more successful than English.

In 2003, Telefilm approached its goal of a 5% market share for Canadian films, reporting that 3.8% of what Canadians spend at the theater went to domestically produced films. However, it is French-language films that account for the bulk of that spend. Domestic French-language films enjoy a market share of 20%, with English-language lagging way behind at 0.9%.

In response to these figures, Telefilm has created separate operations, allowing the organization to pursue different objectives for French- and English-language film. For English-language film, the focus will be geared towards audience-building within Canada, while French-language operations will focus on maintaining current levels of success and concentrating on international expansion.

In addition, Telefilm has created a separate international operation to be directed by Danny Chalifour, who says international efforts on the part of French-language production will not be done at the expense of English-language.

Karen Franklin heads up English operations, with French operations led by Michel Pradier, who remains director of the Quebec office.

Western director Earl Hong Tai, Ontario/Nunavut director John Galway and Atlantic regional director Ralph Holt all take on additional responsibilities as sector heads of English-language new media, television and feature film.

Telefilm’s media group has been renamed policy, planning and research, to be headed by Elizabeth Friesen. Finance and administration will be led by Carolle Brabant, with legal services falling under the management of Stephane Odesse, general counsel to the corporation. Stella Riggi remains director of human resources and Jean-Claude Mahe will lead communications and public affairs.

-www.telefilm.gc.ca