One year of research and conversations, led by the independent research team La Société des demains. An online survey for the industry and the public, face-to-face interviews, in-person and virtual foresight workshops, and many written submissions. 2,800+ participants from coast to coast to coast. Over 1,000 hours of feedback.
Download New Futures for Canadian Content: What You SaidTen Key Takeaways: What You Said
Reimagining Funding Models: There’s a consensus on the need for innovative funding mechanisms that foster creative risk-taking. Transparent funding processes are essential to benefit the broader creative community.
Celebrating Cultural Identity: There’s a strong desire to move beyond being labeled as ‘Hollywood North.’ The industry yearns to establish a unique, Canada-based identity that authentically represents our many cultures and communities.
Ownership and Value: Professionals stressed the importance of retaining the value of Canadian creative assets within domestic companies, ensuring the industry doesn’t become exclusively a service hub for foreign production.
A Global Vision with Local Roots: Industry professionals aspire to extend Canadian content beyond borders, emphasizing global resonance while preserving our distinct identity, embracing inclusion, and shining our light in all content formats.
Flexibility in Content Creation: For the industry to thrive, there must be flexibility in content creation, catering to international markets and niche genres. This might mean updated agreements and fewer restrictions for creators.
Emphasis on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: True diversity and authentic representation are more than buzzwords; they are imperative for the future. The industry expressed a deep need for more stories that reflect Canada’s rich tapestry of cultures, backgrounds, and experiences.
Collaboration is Key: A call to maximize fluidity and collaboration. This extends to partnerships across sectors, such as digital creativity and music. The report champions the ideas of tackling fears around systemic changes, accentuating individual and collective voices, and navigating risk with clarity and purpose.
Creating More Space for Indigenous Content: There was a clear call to amplify and prioritize Indigenous narratives, voices, and perspectives, distinct from Canadian content. Recognizing historical barriers, there’s a strong desire to support Indigenous-created content, promote mentorship and employment opportunities, and foster collaborations to ensure a reflection of Canada’s rich Indigenous heritage and its contemporary realities.
Amplifying French Content: Participants voiced concerns about ensuring that francophone content does not get overshadowed in the global market. There’s a strong desire to prioritize and amplify these voices, ensuring that content not only caters to francophones within Canada but also reaches global audiences without compromising its cultural essence.
Adapting to Technological Revolution: The evolving role of intellectual property signals a new era for the industry. Adaptability is crucial.