The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), which represents more than 36,000 behind-the-scenes workers in Canadian film and television, says revisions to the definition of “Canadian program” released by the CRTC on Tuesday are reflective of “long-awaited change.”
Among the new measures introduced to help more productions qualify as Canadian, the regulator is recognizing a broader range of creative roles that contribute to Canadian productions, including positions like showrunners, heads of departments responsible for costume design, make-up artists and hair artists, and visual effects directors and special effects directors, alongside existing roles like directors, scriptwriters and lead voice performers.
“Today’s revisions to the Canadian Content qualifiers are reflective of some positive and long-awaited change,” said Damian Petti, President of Calgary-based IATSE Local 212. “The inclusion of costume designer, make-up artist and hair artist are a welcome change as well as the addition of VFX and SPFX Directors. While the model is not perfect, it now does a better job of reflecting the vital work done by Canadian creatives whose artistry was previously not considered by the formula.”
ACTRA (Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists), the national union of professional performers working in recorded media in Canada, says the real test will be whether the framework creates actual opportunities for Canadian performers.
“We are glad to finally see Canadian equity required in streamer partnerships and higher thresholds for Canadian key creatives,” said ACTRA National President Eleanor Noble, in a statement. “And making sure those key creative jobs go to real human beings – not AI – was a must which ACTRA demanded through our advocacy efforts.”
The organization has concerns, however, that the new framework leaves the door open for streamers and broadcasters to “bend the rules without giving Canadians real creative leadership and key roles.” Noble is awaiting the CRTC’s follow-up decision resulting from its consultation on production spending.
“The next ruling on spending obligations is where we shall see if this framework will create actual opportunities for Canadian performers,” said Noble. “We need all of these definitions to have strong teeth, and not allow billionaire-owned streamers and broadcasters to blur the lines.”
The Canadian Association of Broadcasters (CAB) described the decision as balanced, and while adding some flexibility, recognized the importance of Canadian IP ownership.
“We are also encouraged by the commission’s commitments to reducing administrative burden and levelling the reporting requirements of foreign and Canadian broadcasting companies,” said CAB President Kevin Desjardins.
