The Canadian Media Producers Association’s annual Prime Time event in Ottawa celebrates its 30th year, Jan. 29-31.
Andrew Addison, the CMPA’s Senior Vice-President, Strategic Communications & Member Services, says what started as a small policy conference has grown over the last three decades into a supportive community for attendees.
“The tight, kind of close quarters and tight-knit nature of the Canadian industry just makes it feel like such an uplifting event, even when maybe the times aren’t the most uplifting,” Addison told Broadcast Dialogue. “I’m thinking back to last year when there was, you know, a lot of uncertainty and questioning where the future was, or what the future held. I think people really love the opportunity to get together, to hear from one another, to talk, to compare notes, to collaborate, and Prime Time really offers that. So I think that’s been the secret sauce or the glue that holds it together and as the industry grows and evolves, Prime Time does too.”
With production volumes down significantly year-over-year, Addison acknowledges the mood heading into this year’s event remains one of uncertainty.
“I think with change, there’s always opportunity and so there are a lot of questions around where can I go as a producer? What are broadcasters doing? What are streamers doing? Where are the opportunities? And I think there’s going to be a lot of those types of discussions this year, which I think people are hungry for.”
Addison says this year’s event doubles down on content, with a more ambitious schedule featuring more concurrent sessions and more workshops, starting early Wednesday afternoon, prior to the opening reception.
This year’s program will address both global and domestic issues facing the screen industries, including regulation, incentivizing production and investment in domestic content. Among the highlights are an “In Conversation With” Colette Watson, President of Rogers Sports & Media, as she sits down for her first interview at Prime Time to discuss Rogers’ multi-year, multi-platform deals with NBCUniversal and Warner Bros. Discovery, among other topics.
A one-on-one with former Conservative Heritage Min. James Moore and actress and comedian Mary Walsh of This Hour Has 22 Minutes fame, tackles the subject of political change in the air and the implications for Canada’s production sector if a Conservative government is elected.
Other panels will discuss the promise and perils of AI, the future of formats, insights into YouTube’s explosive growth, and a preview of Ontario Creates’ new IP Fund, which combines the Film Fund and Interactive Digital Media (IDM) Fund into a single, program that supports screen-based content creation by Ontario companies.
APTN’s 25th anniversary will also be recognized with a panel of past and present executives, partners, and producers talking about how APTN has grown to become a global leader in Indigenous programming. Prime Time’s closing session will feature Marie-Philippe Bouchard, the new President and CEO of CBC/Radio-Canada, as she makes her first conference appearance since taking up the role to discuss her vision for the public broadcaster.
Addison says the 30th anniversary party Thursday evening also promises to be a highlight of this year’s event.
“I think, you know, with uncertainty, there’s nervousness and I think one of the things that people always walk away from Prime Time saying is, “man, I really had a ton of fun,” and I think that’s maybe underrated – the ability to kind of enjoy yourself with your colleagues and just have some fun,” said Addison. “It’s not the primary reason people are there, but certainly we hope people walk away having had a good time.”
