The Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA) and the Association Québécoise de la Production Médiatique (AQPM) have joined CEPI, the European Audiovisual Production Association as its first international observer members.
The move represents a strengthening of ties between European and Canadian independent producers, who have a long tradition of coproduction together.
The news comes in the same week as European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen is on an official visit to Canada. At a time of trade tensions with the US, von der Leyen wants closer ties with Canada and has opened the door to associate membership for Canada to the EU.
Based in Brussels, CEPI brings together national producer associations, representing more than 3,000 production companies across 17 countries.
Shared priorities between CEPI, CMPA and AQPM include the regulation of streaming services, domestic production requirements, the protection of intellectual property rights and future coproduction opportunities.
“While Europe and Canada may be an ocean apart, the challenges and opportunities facing our independent production sectors are remarkably similar,” said Anthony Muldoon, president of CEPI.
“With a rich history of coproductions between Canada and European countries, closer ties between our organisations can create new opportunities for collaboration and strengthen our collective voice in defending independent production and cultural diversity on the global stage,” added Muldoon.
Hélène Messier, president and executive director of the AQPM, said: “The challenges faced by Quebec and Canadian producers mirror those of European producers, and it is more important than ever to strengthen our ties and our collective voice.”
“Canadian and European independent producers face many of the same challenges, from modernising regulations for the digital age to ensuring that local stories continue to be told, and to making sure domestic producers have a fair opportunity to own their work. We are stronger when we tackle these challenges together,” said Reynolds Mastin, president and CEO of the CMPA.
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