Telefilm partners with UK and Australia on exclusive business development events at MIPCOM 2010

Canadian companies at MIPCOM 2009 generated $61M in economic activity

Montreal, September 30, 2010 – Telefilm Canada is pleased to announce that it is enhancing its programming at MIPCOM 2010 with two targeted networking events to bring Canadian producers and distributors together with their UK and Australian counterparts. These events are in addition to the regular roster of services offered to Canada Pavilion exhibitors at MIPCOM 2010.

Canada & UK Welcome Reception (October 3): Partnering with the UK indies Pavilion in association with Pact (UK trade association for independent media companies), Telefilm will co-host 100 Canadian and UK delegates at a special pre-MIPCOM networking event to spur sales and coproduction activities

Australia-Canada Matchmaking Event (October 6):Telefilm has partnered with Screen Australia to host a matchmaking event at the Canada Pavilion for interested producers, broadcasters and distributors to foster Canada-Australia coproduction and other business development opportunities.

Telefilm brokered events with these two countries after Canadian delegates expressed strong interest in exploring coproduction opportunities with UK and Australian companies from among more than 50 nations exhibiting at MIPCOM 2010.

Producer Lisa Olfman, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Toronto-based Portfolio Entertainment Inc., is a big believer in the value of the Canada Pavilion to the Canadian audiovisual industry.

“Portfolio is a consistent participant in the Canada Pavilion because it’s a highly effective and efficient way to do business at the markets.  Not only is it recognized as a meeting place for some of the best that Canada has to offer but Telefilm’s networking events provide an important opportunity to connect with key buyers and potential co-production partners around the world.  This year’s focus on UK and Australia is particularly valuable,” she said.

“MIPCOM 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 these companies at MIPCOM, Telefilm helps the industry achieve their business objectives at a time when the development of international partnerships has become a key factor in guaranteeing the success of companies operating in the screen-based content sector.”

As reported in Telefilm’s recently released International Markets 2009 report, despite a difficult global economy, Canadian companies at MIPCOM 2009 generated $61.0M in economic activity, including $3.5M in confirmed sales and presales, $17.0M in likely sales and presales and $40.6M in coproduction/co-venture agreements. Analyzing Telefilm’s investment in MIPCOM 2009 on the basis of these outcomes, each dollar of Telefilm’s commitment returned $12.92 in completed sales and presales.

Canadian companies at the Canada Pavilion at MIPCOM 2010, by province

About the Canada Pavilion
The Canada Pavilion supports its exhibitors by providing access to a premium exhibition area with a strong brand in a high-traffic zone, a vast range of business services, and significant cost savings in the acquisition of goods and services.

The Canada Pavilion is organized and financed by Telefilm Canada in partnership with: Principal Partner, the Ontario Media Development Corporation; with Associate Partners, Manitoba Film & Music, Newfoundland and Labrador Film Development Corporation and SaskFilm; with Contributor Partners, British Columbia Film, Canadian Media Production Association and Film Nova Scotia; and with the support our Silver Sponsor, National Bank of Canada.

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 productions that appeal to domestic and international audiences. Telefilm also administers the Canada Media Fund’s programs. Visit www.telefilm.ca.

-30-

For more information:
Élise Proulx
Telefilm Canada
514-283-0838 or 1-800-567-0890, ext. 2090
proulxe@telefilm.ca
www.twitter.com/telefilm_canada