"Don't let the broadcasters' and cables' slap-fest hijack the agenda"
Canadian performers appeared before the CRTC today to urge the regulator to focus on getting more Canadian programming in prime time as the regulator re-writes its TV policy. TV stars Wendy Crewson, Nicholas Campbell and ACTRA National President Ferne Downey called on the CRTC to make broadcasters meet their obligations under the Broadcasting Act by forcing them to invest more in Canadian drama and give it a place in their primetime schedules.
“We’re telling the CRTC not to let the slap-fest between the broadcasters and big cable hi-jack the agenda. These hearings are about the broadcasters’ responsibility to give Canadians more of our own programming,” said actor Nicholas Campbell. “We’re not asking for a lot here. I don’t think it’s too much to ask that Canadians can see two hours of our own original, scripted programming in prime time a week.”
“The broadcasters have been getting a free ride for too long, it has to stop. The current minimal CanCon requirements are diminishing our stories and our jobs, unless this turns around we will become a branch plant for American culture,” said Wendy Crewson.
Canadian English-language drama has been a rarity in prime time since 1999 when the CRTC relaxed Canadian content rules. Since then, Canadian private broadcasters have been saturating Canada’s prime time schedules with U.S. shows. Last year they spent $740 million on U.S. and foreign programming and just $54 million on Canadian English-language drama and comedies.
ACTRA’s solution includes making English-language conventional broadcasters commit to spending at least 6% of their gross revenues on scripted drama and comedy and to airing a minimum two hours of original Canadian drama in prime time.
“Our proposal is flexible, balanced and forward thinking. It serves the interests of our industry as a whole, not just one or two powerful players. Most important, it ensures that Canadian audiences have access to our own airwaves,” said Ferne Downey, ACTRA National President. “We’ve been waiting for this chance for 10 years. The CRTC has to seize the opportunity to get this right, fix the rules and get more Canada on TV.”
ACTRA (Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists) is the national organization of professional performers working in the English-language recorded media in Canada. ACTRA represents the interests of 21,000 members across Canada – the foundation of Canada’s highly acclaimed professional performing community.
Contact:Carol Taverner Public Relations Officer (416) 644-1519 ctaverner@actra.ca
Asian World Film Festival Announces Dates, Opening and Closing Films, Special Programs, and Gala Awards Ceremony
The Asian World Film Festival (AWFF), Los Angeles' annual celebration of Asian filmmakers, announced the dates and highlights of its highly anticipated 10th anniversary edition. Taking place November 13-21, 2024, the festival will showcase a diverse range of new movies and special programs and celebrate Asian cinema’s legacy. Opening night will feature the critically acclaimed Korean drama, “A Normal Family,” while the Filipino romantic drama “Hello, Love, Again” is the closing film. Screenings will be presented at the Culver Theater, Culver City, November 13-20. A star-studded Closing Night Gala and Award Ceremony will be celebrated at the Directors Guild of America (DGA) complex November 21. Georges N. Chamchoum, AWFF Executive Director, said “We have chosen ‘heritage’ as this year’s theme to honor our first decade. This focus underscores AWFF's commitment to Asian cinema’s rich past as well as its ongoing efforts to champion contemporary and emerging Asian film.” OPENING AND CLOSING FILMS Directed by award-winning filmmaker Hur Jin-ho ("The Last Princess," "Happiness"), "A Normal Family" is a searing family drama that stars Sul Kyung-gu and Jong Dong-gun. Multi-layered yet accessible, the film was meticulously crafted in widescreen and premiered at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival to critical acclaim. The heartwarming sequel to Philippine box office phenomenon "Hello, Love, Goodbye," "Hello, Love, Again" reunites director Cathy Garcia-Sampana ("The Hows of Us," "One More Chance") with stars Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards. The filmmaker, actors, and other cast members will attend the screening at the film’s festival debut. MAIN PROGRAM - IN COMPETITION AWFF's main... Read More