CBC, Telefilm Canada launch new approach for Canadian feature films

TORONTO , Nov. 12 /CNW/ - CBC and Telefilm Canada today announced a new initiative aimed at bringing an integrated approach to the commissioning, marketing and distribution of Canadian English-language feature films.

The approach will focus on developing and financing films that would have an initial theatrical release followed shortly thereafter by broadcast on CBC Television and distribution via other platforms.

"We know there is a tremendous amount of demand and creativity within the Canadian film industry that can be served through innovative new approaches to film development, financing, production and distribution," says Richard Stursberg, Executive Vice President of CBC English Services. "As the country's premier broadcaster of Canadian programming, we want to explore every opportunity to bring the best of Canadian film to our audiences."

"Telefilm Canada is committed to innovative partnerships like this that benefit the development, production, marketing and distribution of Canadian feature films that will engage Canadian audiences across all platforms," says Wayne Clarkson , Executive Director of Telefilm Canada .

Under the proposed approach, CBC will contribute to the development and production of up to four projects per year, focusing on films that would be suited for both commercial theatres and CBC's Sunday evening prime time movie program slot. CBC, in collaboration with Telefilm, will also work with independent producers, their creative teams and distributors on production and promotion of films. Key to the concept will be the ability to collapse the amount of time between theatrical release and CBC broadcast to enhance cross-promotion opportunities.

CBC and Telefilm, also in cooperation with the country's film production community, will work to develop new financing models as a viable alternative to existing models from the standpoint of producers, distributors and equity investors. CBC's current acquisition strategy of about 10 Canadian films per year remains unchanged.

About CBC/Radio-Canada

CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada's national public broadcaster and one of its largest cultural institutions. The Corporation is a leader in reaching Canadians on new platforms and delivers a comprehensive range of radio, television, Internet, and satellite-based services. Deeply rooted in the regions, CBC/Radio-Canada is the only domestic broadcaster to offer diverse regional and cultural perspectives in English, French and eight Aboriginal languages.

About Telefilm Canada

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: Jeff Keay, CBC media relations, [phone] or email: [email protected]; Alejandra Sosa, Communications Officer & Press Attaché, [phone] extension 2505 or email [email protected]