Telefilm Canada makes public its annual report for fiscal 2008-2009

MONTREAL , Oct. 30 /CNW Telbec/ - Telefilm Canada made public its annual report today for fiscal 2008-2009. During the fiscal year, Telefilm refined its industry-development strategies on both the domestic and international scenes and continued to work with the Canada Feature Film Fund (CFFF) Working Groups and the International Initiatives Advisory Committee to better support the industry and Canadian creators.

"We are placing a great deal of importance on forging alliances with foreign partners and promoting co-production activities which help to build industry capacity and ensure its long-term viability," stated Michel Roy , Chair of Telefilm's Board of Directors. "In terms of results for our international activities, it's worth noting that in 2008, each dollar Telefilm invested in markets generated close to $12 worth of foreign sales."

In fiscal 2008-2009, Telefilm supported 41 feature films through the CFFF's main program: 21 in French, for a total of $27.2 million and 20 in English, for a total of $37.5 million . Several Telefilm-supported films did very well at the box office with earnings of $1 million or more, including Passchendaele ( $4.4 million ), Cruising Bar 2 ( $3.5 million ), Babine ( $2.2 million ), Dans une galaxie près de chez vous ( $1.9 million ) and Borderline ( $1.3 million ).

"The creators and the success of Canadian content are at the heart of everything we do at Telefilm," said Wayne Clarkson , Executive Director of Telefilm. "Although market share for Canadian feature films and audiences for on-line projects declined last year, production has remained robust and diversified. In fact Telefilm-supported productions received a total of 119 awards while a number of films achieved impressive commercial success."

During fiscal 2008-2009, three new experienced members were appointed to Telefilm Canada's Board of Directors. In addition, committees were created to support the Board in the execution of its mandate and business activities. As well, Telefilm's executive management team was reorganized to ensure broader representation of its core activities including project funding, national and international business development, contracts and certification.

To read Telefilm Canada's annual report for 2008-2009, visit http://www.telefilm.gc.ca/rapport-annuel/2008-2009/index-en.php.

Developing and promoting the Canadian audiovisual industry

Telefilm Canada is a federal cultural agency dedicated to developing and promoting the Canadian audiovisual industry. Telefilm provides financial support to the private sector to create distinctively Canadian productions that appeal to domestic and international audiences. The Corporation also administers the funding programs of the Canada Feature Film Fund, the Canadian Television Fund and the Canada New Media Fund. Visit www.telefilm.gc.ca.

For further information: Eva Hartling, Senior Advisor, External communications, Telefilm Canada, [phone], 1-800-567-08920, ext. 2090, [email protected]