Identifying and acquiring IP
The goal of this module is to help producers identify and maximize opportunities to develop and commercialize intellectual property. Programming in this module includes a virtual networking event that will connect CMPA members with leaders from interactive digital media (IDM) companies across Canada, as well as a webinar that will explore practical IP monetization business models.
On December 16, 2020, we hosted the kickoff event of the STAR Producer Program featuring an “in conversation” with Damon D’Oliveira (Conquering Lion Pictures), discussing his experience optioning books such as Lawrence Hill’s Book of Negroes and David Chariandy’s novel, Brother. The discussion focused on how to option a book for a production project, and how to approach the adaptation project once it has been acquired. Damon was joined by veteran publisher Barbara Howsen, and the discussion was moderated by Ontario Creates’ Erin Creasey.
Networking
Producers & Podcasters: Digital speed dating event
As the global podcasting industry booms, podcasts have become a growing source of IP for screen adaptations. On the week of January 18, 2021, the CMPA facilitated a digital speed dating event to connect CMPA members with podcasters to discuss potential collaborations and business opportunities
We were happy to welcome the following executives from Canada’s leading podcasting companies:
CBC Podcasts
Arif Noorani – Executive Producer & Co-Founder
Geoff Turner– Managing Producer
Christopher Oke – Senior Producer
Tina Verma – Producer
Curiouscast
Chris “Dunner” Duncombe – Director of Podcasting & Streaming
Dila Velazquez – Manager of Content & Audience Development
Indian & Cowboy
Ryan McMahon – Chief Creative Producer
Kelly & Kelly
Chris Kelly – Partner & Creative Director
Lauren Bercovitch – Head of Production
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When a coalition of Canadian broadcasters announced at the Banff World Media Festival in June 2023 that they were banding together to tackle environmental sustainability in the screen sector, producers…
Learn moreResources
TITLE | DESCRIPTION | |
|---|---|---|
Impact Field Guide & Toolkit | An open source resource guide for documentarians that offer ideas and approaches so you don’t have to solve a problem that someone else has already cracked, and can focus on the unique challenges of your own project. |  |
Pacific Screenwriting Program | The Pacific Screenwriting Program is building a vibrant screenwriter community in British Columbia by providing a training ground for BC’s aspiring and active screenwriters. Combining real-world story-room experience, mentorship, bootcamps, workshops and information sessions, the program equips writers with the skills, experience, and connections necessary to establish a sustainable career in the province’s dynamic screen industry. | |
Development and Other Challenges: A Producer’s Handbook | This handbook addresses business issues and considerations related to certain aspects of the production process, namely development and the acquisition of rights, producer relationships and low budget production. | |
UCLA Hollywood Diversity Report 2019 | This is the sixth in a series of annual reports to examine relationships between diversity and the bottom line in the Hollywood entertainment industry. | |
On Screen Protocols & Pathways: A Media Production Guide to Working with First Nations, Metis, and Inuit Communities, Cultures, Concepts & Stories | This highly-anticipated guide provides cultural principles, key findings from a national consultation process, and best practices for filmmakers, production companies, and funders when depicting Indigenous content on screen, and how communities can be collaborative partners. | |
One Stop Business Workshop | A webinar series in partnership between CBC, CAVCO and the CMPA introducing emerging independent producers and content creators from traditionally underrepresented groups in the industry, to topics related to the business and financing of TV, film and original digital content. | |
Scriptnotes Podcast | Screenwriters John August and Craig Mazin discuss screenwriting and related topics in the film and television industry, everything from getting stuff written to the vagaries of copyright and work-for-hire law. | |
The Incredible Adapting Act | The cover story of an edition of the CMPA’s Indiescreen magazine on adaptations, featuring conversations with three producers and their experiences with three different types of film adaptations: TV series to feature, short to feature, and stage play to feature. | |
The Internet Movie Script Database (IMSDb) | IMSDb bills itself as “the biggest collection of movie scripts available anywhere on the web.” Their website lets you read or download movie scripts for free. | |
TV Writing: TV script database | A repository of countless TV episode scripts, which are free to download. | |