This news release from Actra originally posted on their site. Thanks for helping to keep us in the know, Actra.
April 21, 2015
Canada’s $85-billion cultural industry accounts for 7.4 per cent of nation’s GDP; film and TV production alone generated over 125,000 full-time equivalent jobs and contributed $7.5 billion in GDP to economy in 2013/14.
TORONTO, ON — Canadian performers were disappointed again today with the federal government’s lack of recognition and support for the Canadian film, television and digital media industry in its 2015 federal budget announcement.
“The investment in our industry is an investment in our people and the communities they live in,” says Ferne Downey, ACTRA National President. “This budget again demonstrates the government’s lack of recognition of the enormous job-generating potential of our sector. To compete internationally, we need to grow and evolve. This means long-term investments and public policy that boosts production across the country.”
“Canadian television shows, like Motive and Rookie Blue, continue to demonstrate our expertise in an increasingly competitive international market,” says ACTRA National Executive Director, Stephen Waddell. “Investing in a thriving film, television and digital media industry makes sense for our culture and economy.”
ACTRA was once again disappointed at the government’s failure to provide long-term, stable funding for the CBC, NFB, Telefilm Canada and the Canada Media Fund to demonstrate its commitment to strengthening Canada’s place in the world as a creative and innovative nation.
Additionally, regulatory changes were requested to re-introduce income averaging (to include current and copyright revenue) for artists to provide a greater level of stability in a sector that is sometimes unpredictable.
ACTRA was pleased with the extension of the term of copyright for sound recordings, though, disappointed a similar approach to making improvements in the copyright of audiovisual performances was yet again ignored.
ACTRA (Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists) is the national union of professional performers working in the English-language recorded media in Canada. ACTRA represents the interests of 22,000 members across the country – the foundation of Canada’s highly-acclaimed professional performing community.
-30-
Contact: Carol Taverner, ACTRA, Public Relations Officer, Tel: (416) 644-1519, Email: ctaverner@actra.ca