Statement by Carolle Brabant, Executive Director – Announcing the preliminary results of Telefilm Canada’s gender parity measures
Montreal, November 1, 2017 – “Following our announcement last November, we quickly implemented the gender parity measures outlined at the time. At the mid-way point of the first year, we are encouraged by the preliminary results and the participation of our industry partners. I can confidently say that we are well on our way to meeting our goal of building, by 2020, a representative and diversified feature film portfolio that better reflects Canada’s population.
“Telefilm’s primary objective for 2017 is to favour projects directed or written by women (for projects of equal quality) while encouraging the work of women producers. This objective can be achieved concretely thanks to the collaboration, commitment, and participation of our industry, all of whom must continue to encourage a greater presence of women.
“We are committed to measuring and evaluating the results on an ongoing basis so that we can adjust as needed. These results, therefore, will allow us to focus our efforts going forward on areas most in need of our attention.”
Preliminary results as at September 27, 2017:*
“We are pleased to find that in this film portfolio women hold key roles, demonstrating that the measures we put in place are indeed bearing fruit. However, bigger-budget films continue to pose the greatest challenge. Moving forward with our partners, this will be our focus. That said, I remain confident that our measures will eventually have an impact.
“By helping to build the next generation of women directors, screenwriters, and producers—by favouring their first or second films in order to encourage them at the very start of their careers—we will reshape the industry. Our action plan also encompasses promotional activities that provide greater visibility to women, as well as ongoing support through professional development and research activities and initiatives.
“Openness, transparency, inclusion, and flexibility are the guiding principles we followed at every step of the process. Telefilm Canada is living its commitment. This work was undertaken jointly with the industry and is viable thanks to our partners’ vital contribution.”
We would like to thank:
ACTRA (Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists) (also representing CUES [Canadian Unions for Equality Onscreen])
Association québécoise de la production médiatique (AQPM)
Association des réalisateurs et réalisatrices du Québec (ARRQ)
Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA)
Directors Guild of Canada (DGC)
RéalisatricesÉquitables
Société des auteurs de radio, télévision et cinéma (SARTEC)
Union des artistes (UDA)
Writers Guild of Canada (WGC)
Women in View
Women in Film + Television Vancouver
About Telefilm Canada—Inspired by talent. Viewed everywhere.
Celebrating 50 years in 2017, 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 treaty coproductions to the Minister of Canadian Heritage, and administers the programs of the Canada Media Fund. Launched in 2013, the Talent Fund accepts private donations to principally support emerging talent. Visit telefilm.ca and follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/telefilm_canada and on Facebook at facebook.com/telefilmcanada.
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Media enquiries:
Andréane Leblanc
Advisor, Public Relations – French Market
Telefilm Canada
514-283-0838, ext. 2065 or 1-800-567-0890
andreane.leblanc@telefilm.ca