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Eileen Sarkar: Ottawa mandarin government rep on board
Eileen Sarkar, a veteran behind-the-scenes mandarin at Canadian Heritage and past board member of the Canadian Television Fund, was named as one of that federal department’s two trusted appointments to the Canada Media Fund.
Fine tuning
With the world going to hell in an economic hand basket, it was a given that this year’s upfronts were going to be more homey affairs.
The specialty hot list
ENGLISH CANADA
Quebec now 25% off
Quebec now offers film producers one of the best tax incentives in North America. All production costs, not just labor expenses, are now eligible for a 25% tax credit.
Distraction Formats closes its doors
Distraction Formats is closing its doors. The company, which says it has been hit too hard by the economic downturn, will lay off nine in Montreal.
TIFF to focus on ‘urban experience’
A new program about the ‘urban experience’ will debut at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival, putting the spotlight on Tel Aviv. Ten films, either about or from the Israeli metropolis (which is celebrating its 100th anniversary), will be part of the inaugural City to City program. The titles will be announced later this month. Filmmakers from Toronto and Tel Aviv are also expected to take part in a public forum.
Docmakers at odds with CMF
Something must be done to save Canadian documentary film.
Super Channel files for creditor protection
Humbled Super Channel has filed for creditor protection to better its chances against pay-TV leaders Movie Central and The Movie Network. ‘We want to make it clear to our customer base that Super Channel is not bankrupt or in receivership,’ Malcolm Knox, president and COO of the channel’s parent Allarco Entertainment, said in a statement to the pay channel’s 220,000 subscribers. ‘Operations continue without interruption and employees continue to work towards providing top quality service to consumers,’ he added.
Short fest long on talent
‘You can say a lot in a short amount of time,’ says Eileen Arandiga, director of the CFC’s Worldwide Short Film Festival. And apparently she’s not the only one who believes that – the lineup outside Toronto’s Bloor Cinema for the fete’s opening gala reached around the block as the festival pulled back the curtain on its 15th edition.
Heritage dodges fee-for-carriage
A Canadian Heritage committee report on local TV has sparked controversy after it failed to take a stand on the thorniest issue in Canadian broadcasting: fee-for-carriage.
Clement vows to revisit copyright
Industry Minister Tony Clement has vowed to table new copyright legislation this fall as part of Canada’s efforts to lead the global digital economy. Clement said he and Heritage Minister James Moore will be spending the summer consulting Canadians on copyright in ‘cities, towns, and pastures near you’ in preparation.
Dramatic growth coming in ‘everything digital’
Global accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers is betting on a dramatic shift in entertainment and media spending over the next five years. According to the firm’s newly released Global Entertainment & Media Outlook 2009-2013, the increases will be concentrated in video gaming, Internet advertising and what the report gamely calls ‘digital everything.’ The report predicts consumer spending will surge after 2011.
Cup ratings peak at 3.5 million
Ratings for the Stanley Cup finals slipped 7% on CBC this year, though the all-American rerun of last year’s series went out on a high note, hitting 3.5 million as the Pittsburgh Penguins made good on their comeback over the Detroit Red Wings. The numbers for game seven were the highest for an all-American final since last year’s game six, when the same teams averaged 2.7 million. (All numbers 2+.)
Anglos rally round CBC
A coalition of English-speaking arts and community groups in Quebec has joined the campaign to save the CBC launched in June by Radio-Canada’s largest union, the Syndicat des communications de Radio-Canada.
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