A DTH/CAB plan to redirect satellite money from the Canadian Television Fund to local TV stations is a subsidy scheme to underwrite the cost of local programming – basically licensed news, current affairs and sports obligations – according to producers.
Canada’s two main production associations, the CFTPA and APFTQ in Quebec, are adopting strong language to oppose any reduction in CTF resources as put forward in current licence amendment applications from DTH services Bell ExpressVu and Star Choice.

Yet more evidence of consolidation in the Canadian distribution sector with news Alliance Atlantis Releasing nationally and Alliance Atlantis Vivafilm in Quebec will handle theatrical and video/DVD release and marketing for all Remstar Distribution films effective in early 2003. Remstar will continue to acquire 10 to 12 films a year. Upcoming Remstar titles to be contracted through AAV include French director Gerard Pire’s Steal and Bob Rafelson’s No Good Deed, co-ventured by Remstar and starring Samuel L. Jackson and Milla Jovovich.

Vancouver: Struggling Peace Arch Entertainment of Vancouver has a new CEO after a stock-swap deal to acquire a Toronto film and television producer.

The CRTC has renewed the licence of CTV station CFCF-TV Montreal until Aug. 31, 2008. In its decision, the commission finds CTV must assume responsibility for unpaid tangible benefits of $800,000, committed by WIC Television when it purchased a controlling interest in CFCF in 1997. CanWest Global Communications acquired the station and related assets in October 1999. CTV took formal control in the fall of 2001.

The Toronto Film Critics Association has chosen Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner as the best Canadian film of 2002.

‘Widespread theft’ of TV signals across Canada costs the cable industry more than $400 million in lost revenue every year, according to a new study from satellite operator Bell ExpressVu.

TV manufacturers and U.S. cable operators have agreed to eliminate set-top boxes for digital service, allowing cable to be directly plugged into digital sets, a pact that has ignited fears over the prospect of increased digital piracy on both sides of the border.

OMNI to spend $50 million

Vancouver: Domestic producers on the West Coast will have to be satisfied with development funding, skills enhancement and distribution support initiatives from British Columbia Film in 2003, unless the provincial government substantially boosts its annual allowance in the next budget beginning April 1 – an unlikely scenario.

Meet the new kid on the block. He’s eight months old, likes improv comedy and Aboriginal storytelling, and has $15 million to spend.

Montreal: Global Vision is adding audio post-production and dubbing to its technical services palette with the acquisition of two established operations, Studio Concept and Audio-Telepoint. Studio Concept, owned by musician Guy Trepanier, specializes in dubbing and ADR. Audio-Telepoint specializes in audio post, including sound design, sound editing and folly.

Canada’s film and television sector will get a snapshot of the breadth and depth of the industry in September when a new study sponsored by Women in Film & Television Toronto is scheduled for publication.