Screenwriters and producers reach tentative deal

The Writers Guild of Canada and the CFTPA have reached a tentative agreement on a new 2003-2005 Independent Production Agreement. Highlights include increases in script fees of 1% in the first year and 2% in each of the second and third years of the contract. The agreement also introduces provisions for low-budget half-hour doc series and low-budget features, a recognition of recent shifts in the production business to low-cost productions such as reality series.

The new IPA is expected to be in effect by Feb. 17 in time for the start-up of the production season.

LGE reacquires library rights

Lions Gate Entertainment will reacquire DVD and home video distribution rights to its library of theatrical product from Universal Home Video now that its licencing agreement is expired.

According to the company, Lions Gate has built a library of more than 2,000 titles over the past two years and adds more than 100 new titles annually, one of the largest in the independent entertainment world and a major source of revenue and predictable cash flow. Lions Gate has built its home entertainment operations into a $150-million business since its acquisition of Trimark Pictures in October 2000.

‘Universal has been a valued partner with whom we continue to work closely in several areas, but we reached the stage where controlling our own library was an essential part of our strategy,’ says Peter Block, LGE president of home entertainment, new media and acquisitions. ‘Home entertainment is the fastest-growing sector of the industry today and, once our obligations to provide current theatrical titles to Universal expired, establishing an agreement to reacquire our library was the next logical step.’

Essential BTVF ’03 deadlines

The submission deadline for the 2003 Banff Rockie Awards international program competition is Feb. 21.

Over $100,000 in prize money is being again offered this year.

Other application deadlines include Feb. 17 for the new WIFT-Toronto/Warner Bros. Entertainment Banff Mentorship Award Program, and March 14 for 30 available CTV Fellowship positions.

The Banff Television Festival runs June 8-13. For details, go to www.banff2003.com.