THE CMF THREATENES CANADIAN DOCUMENTARIES

So far the government has not committed to maintaining the current level of funding for Canadian documentaries, announcing that the new fund “will put particular emphasis on drama, comedy, and children's programming”. With no strong commitment to Canadian documentaries the CMF may represent a drastic decline in documentary funding.

THE CMF THREATENS INDEPENDENT VOICES

For the first time broadcasters will be able to access the new CMF to finance their in-house productions. This is of particular concern to independent documentary filmmakers as large numbers of broadcasters already have formidable in-house documentary units. Independent documentary filmmakers represent the vast majority of box-office and critical success of Canadian documentaries, but now independent Canadian documentaries will see their funding decline

THE CMF GIVES CONTROL OF PUBLIC MONEY TO THE CABLE COMPANIES

In the 1990's, cable companies were granted significant de-regulation (including an increase in basic cable rates) in exchange for contributing to the CTF, and have profited greatly from this arrangement. By allowing cable companies to nominate 5 of 7 Board Directors, the government is giving them a definite say in how the fund is run. Since cable companies own and control a large number of Canadian broadcasters and stand to profit from the announced fund, conflict of interest at CMF Board of Directors is unavoidable.

What can you do?
For more information about how you can help to preserve independent Canadian documentaries click here.