The CRTC has released its updated definitions of Canadian content for television and online streaming services. We encourage all of our producer members to familiarize themselves with these new definitions both to ensure that your productions are onside, and to investigate what new opportunities they may offer.
Among the key changes are an expansion of the points system from 10 to 14 points for live action and 15 for animation; the inclusion of new roles in the points system; and new definitions setting four general requirements for a production to be considered Canadian content.
The four new general requirements to be considered Canadian are:
- It must be produced by a Canadian company
- At least 75% of production expenses must be paid to Canadians or Canadian companies
- A minimum of 20% of copyright must be held by a Canadian producer or domestic broadcaster. The percentage of ownership will affect the program’s evaluation through the points system.
- A certain number of Canadians must hold key creative positions to achieve the necessary number of points.
Productions must achieve between 60% – 80% of attainable points, based on the percentage of copyright ownership.
Among the new roles eligible for points are showrunner, visual and special effects directors and heads of department for costume design, makeup and hair.
There are also bonus points available for the use of Canadian music or for basing projects on Canadian fiction or non-fiction works.
Full details can be found at the CRTC Website.
The complete regulatory policy can be found here.
We encourage ScreenSask members who are also members of CMPA or of a Union or Guild to consult with those organizations for guidance on how this may affect them.