APFC, Netflix, Telefilm Canada, and the Canada Media Fund launch a professional development program like no other in the country
Ottawa, June 9, 2019 - The Alliance des producteurs francophones du Canada (APFC) and Netflix, lead partner, are very pleased to partner with Telefilm Canada and the Canada Media Fund in launching the first-ever Professional Development Program in Film and Television for francophone producers and creators in minority communities across Canada.
This intensive internship program will allow Canadian francophone scriptwriters, directors, and producers to benefit from support in their regions for the development of original works representative of the country’s diversity, and to ensure the transfer of knowledge to other creators in these regions.
The APFC will also benefit from the support of many academic partners, Canadian francophone cultural organizations, and the audiovisual sector for the implementation of this ambitious project, scheduled to run from 2019 to 2022 in the Atlantic, Ontario, and Western Canada regions, where francophone creators will be able to develop their projects through three components: Feature film scriptwriting and development (Component 1), Accelerator program for the development of series with international potential (Component 2), and Support program – master classes, bootcamps, and microprograms (Component 3). Details of the project will be announced at a later date.
The implementation of this development program is made possible thanks to the significant contribution of Netflix, Telefilm Canada’s commitment to invest $150,000 in the first year, and the Canada Media Fund, which will allocate $50,000 for the same period. Both funding agencies intend to commit for the full three years of the program. With this unique program, the APFC aims to increase the development of original works that can stand out in national and international markets. To this end, more than 50 feature film and series scripts with international potential will be available for submission to the production stage by 2022. APFC Executive Director Carol Ann Pilon says she is “eager to get this historic project off the ground for the benefit of our film and television creators.”
“Netflix is proud to partner with the Alliance des producteurs francophones du Canada, Telefilm Canada, and the Canada Media Fund in supporting this totally new professional development program,” said Stéphane Cardin, Netflix Director of Public Policy for Canada. “This significant investment in francophone creation in a minority setting is the tenth partnership Netflix has made in Canada.”
“Telefilm is well aware of the challenges faced by creators from francophone minority communities. One of our priorities is to support francophone talent. So, I am particularly proud to announce the launch of this new program today to facilitate the professional development, implementation, and recognition of their projects across Canada. It’s the perfect initiative to mark the 50th anniversary of the Official Languages Act,” said Telefilm Canada Executive Director Christa Dickenson.
“The Canada Media Fund supports creators from across the country, from many cultural and linguistic backgrounds,” said Canada Media Fund President and CEO Valerie Creighton. “We’re delighted to further invest through this partnership in the development of French-language content by creators in linguistic minority situations.”
About the APFC
The Alliance des producteurs francophones du Canada is dedicated to the development of the French-language film, television, and digital media industry across Canada. The Alliance is the voice of the audiovisual and independent production sector in francophone Canada.
About Netflix
Netflix is the world’s leading internet entertainment service with over 148 million paid memberships in over 190 countries enjoying TV series, documentaries and feature films across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, on any internet-connected screen. Members can play, pause and resume watching, all without commercials or commitments.
About Telefilm Canada – See bigger.
Telefilm is dedicated to the cultural, commercial and industrial success of Canada’s audiovisual industry. Through funding and promotion programs, Telefilm supports dynamic companies and creative talent at home and around the world. Telefilm also makes recommendations regarding the certification of audiovisual coproduction treaties to the Minister of Canadian Heritage, and administers the programs of the Canada Media Fund. Launched in 2012, the Talent Fund accepts private donations which principally support emerging talent. Visit telefilm.ca and follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/telefilm_canada and on Facebook at facebook.com/telefilmcanada.
About the Canada Media Fund
The Canada Media Fund (CMF) fosters, promotes, develops and finances the production of Canadian content and relevant applications for all audiovisual media platforms. The CMF guides Canadian content towards a competitive global environment through fostering industry innovation, rewarding success, enabling a diversity of voice and promoting access to content through industry and private sector partnerships. To learn more, please visit cmf-fmc.ca.
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For information:
Alliance des producteurs francophones du Canada (APFC)
Carol Ann Pilon
Executive Director
[email protected]
613-230-1116
Netflix
Marc-André Deschênes
Director, Strategic Communications
[email protected]
514-212-5453
Telefilm Canada
Claire Strunck
Public Relations Advisor, Francophone Market
[email protected]
438-469-1299
Canada Media Fund
André Ferreira
Communications Manager
[email protected]
416-554-2768
