Canadian screen industry unites against Covid-19

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Telefilm Canada, the Canadian Media Producers Association and the National Film Board of Canada are among a group of Canuck audiovisual organisations that have united to form the Covid-19 Production Industry Taskforce.

A statement from the newly formed coalition has pledged to support the Canadian screen industry in the face of the Coronavirus pandemic. Numerous shows across the country have been paused following the outbreak in Canada, where shows such as CBS pilot Good Sam and Apple TV+ series See are filmed.

Ontario Creates, Canada Media Fund, Association of Provincial and Territorial Funding Agencies, Association Québécoise de la Production Médiatique, City of Toronto Film Office, Indigenous Screen Office, Creative BC and Société de développement des entreprises culturelles, are the other members of the taskforce.

The group said that it will distribute a nationwide survey next week to assess the impact of the pandemic on the sector.
Its statement reads: “We are in regular contact with key stakeholders across the industry and all levels of government to assess and alleviate the potential scale of the impact.

“Our aim is to support the industry during this challenging period and work to ensure a strong, robust rebound for Canada’s production sector, when the pandemic subsides.

“We will be reaching out to other key stakeholders – our broadcaster, distributor, union and guild, and independent production fund partners – to exchange information and collaborate on common industry solutions. Each of them, and the thousands of artists, employees, and workers they represent, play an essential role in our system.

“All our organisations remain operational. Staff are working remotely to ensure the industry is supported.”