Telefilm helps Canadian companies forge international business links at MIPTV 2010

Montréal, April 9, 2010 – Telefilm is announcing it will be holding a new networking activity called Connect with Canada as part of the official programming at MIPTV 2010, the international television and multiplatform market that runs from April 12 to 16 in Cannes. During this activity, Canadian producers and distributors will meet with foreign partners interested in co-producing or co-venturing with Canada, or in acquiring Canadian content. Close to 40 Canadian companies and 130 foreign companies having signed up for Connect with Canada, and some 90 targeted meetings have already been set up under the activity. In addition, 65 Canadian companies participating under the Canada Pavilion umbrella, organized by Telefilm Canada, will benefit from heightened visibility as they seek to forge partnerships with key decision makers in the television, film, digital production and audiovisual industries from around the world.

As Telefilm stated in its most recent report on international markets, MIPTV 2008 had the highest sales volume of any market, with companies participating under the Canada Pavilion declaring they had achieved more than $5.2 million in firm sales and more than $7.7 million in anticipated sales. Furthermore, MIPTV 2008 was the most successful market in terms of the percentage of participants who had concluded sales agreements, with 96% of participating companies saying they had engaged in some level of business activity at the market.

“MIPTV is strategically important for all Canadian companies seeking business opportunities with foreign industry representatives,” said Sheila de La Varende, Director, National and International Business Development at Telefilm Canada. “By supporting Canadian companies at MIPTV, Telefilm helps the industry achieve maximum business benefits, at a time when the development of international markets has become a key factor in guaranteeing the success of companies operating in the television, film and multiplatform-content sector.”

Canadian companies at the Canada Pavilion at MIPTV 2010

The Canada Pavilion at MIPTV is a Telefilm Canada initiative in partnership with British Columbia Film and Ontario Media Development Corporation as major partners, the Canadian Film and Television Production Association as associate partner, and the National Bank Financial Group as financial sponsor.

About Telefilm Canada
Telefilm Canada is a federal cultural agency dedicated to developing and promoting the Canadian audiovisual industry. Telefilm provides financial support to the private sector to create distinctively Canadian products that appeal to domestic and international audiences. Telefilm also administers the Canada Media Fund. Visit www.telefilm.ca.

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Media inquiries:
Eva Hartling
Senior Advisor, External Communications
Telefilm Canada
514-283-0838, ext. 2090
hartlie@telefilm.ca
www.twitter.com/telefilm_canada