Distributors ask for Canadian film exhibition quotas on broadcast, OTT

Both over-the-top services and broadcasters should be required to show a certain amount of Canadian feature films, the Canadian Association of Film Distributors and Exporters is asking the panel reviewing Canada’s communications legislation. “Non-Canadian broadcast undertakings like the foreign-owned OTTs need to be required to commit to buying and streaming Canadian content, and in particular, Canadian feature films as well as contribute to the Canadian cultural eco-system,” CAFDE said in its submission to the broadcast and telecom act review. It called for new exhibition requirements for Canadian film that would apply to both OTT services and broadcasters. It didn’t specify details of what would be included in these rules, though it did say that CBC/Radio-Canada should have to “licence at least one new release independent theatrical feature film in prime time every month, while respecting traditional theatrical windows in Canada.” The association said exhibition requirements haven’t historically distinguished between film and TV, and that broadcasters have been licensing fewer films. The group speculated that’s in order to distinguish themselves from streaming services with large film catalogues. “Ensuring Canadian feature films have a home with broadcasters (both traditional BDUs and OTTs) will expand the audience for Canadian films and ensure their discoverability both domestically and internationally,” it argued. The submission also suggested the government should consider expanding such requirements beyond TV and streaming services to airlines, trains and movie theatres. The film distributors’ group, which represents companies like Entertainment One Ltd. and Mongrel Media, also said OTT services that earn revenue in Canada should have to “contribute an agreed upon percentage of their revenues from Canadian viewership for Canadian content creation,” while internet and wireless service providers who “earn significant revenue from providing access to content” should also be mandated to contribute “in some way.” CAFDE said all digital services who collect subscription revenue, sell or rent content, or collect advertising revenue in Canada, should collect sales taxes.

Distributors ask for Canadian film exhibition quotas on broadcast, OTT

Brief | March 1, 2019

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Distributors ask for Canadian film exhibition quotas on broadcast, OTT

Brief | March 1, 2019

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