Your definitive guide to the phenomenal content created by Canada’s independent media producers
Beauty Standards
Partway through Jennifer Holness’s Subjects of Desire (2022), a documentary about the representation of Black female beauty in history and culture, an ethics professor makes an intriguing statement. Explaining how she settled on beauty as her academic focus, she says that she “followed the arguments” and realized that beauty “is a justice issue, too.”
Brother on the Big Screen
The feature film Brother by Damon D’Oliveira, Clement Virgo and Hawkeye Pictures premiered at festivals across Canada this fall, bringing new life to David Chariandy’s ’90s-set novel. We sat down with the team behind the film to talk about the adaptation and the opportunity to bring the story to new audiences.
Workin’ Moms Retire
It’s the last week of shooting for the cast and crew of Workin’ Moms when Indiescreen reached them in mid-September. The CBC series is sunsetting after its upcoming seventh and final season, set to hit the network in early 2023.
Catching up with Bob D’Eith
After 25 years of working in creative industries — as an entertainment lawyer, a musician, the executive director of Music BC, the list goes on — Bob D’Eith has landed exactly where he needs to be to help Canadian content get made: as the Parliamentary Secretary for Arts and Film. We caught up with D’Eith to talk about how the industry is making strides in environmental impact, equity building, and elevating home-grown stories.
The Straight Goods on Alain Strati
Alain Strati is the CMPA’s new Senior Vice-President, Industry, Policy and General Counsel. Born and raised in Montreal — and fluently bilingual — Strati represents the interests of indie producers across the CMPA’s policy, regulatory, industry and legal-affairs files. It’s a big job, but Strati’s game.
Overheard in the House
It’s no secret that politicians across Canada have a wide range of views on a variety of topics. But one thing that’s beyond debate for the country’s elected officials? The importance of independent producers and a strong national broadcasting system in this country.
The Undirty Dozen
Talk about green screens! Media organizations across the country are taking important steps to help Canada’s production sector shrink its carbon footprint. From research to benchmarking to net-zero goals, we’re inspired by how these organizations are mobilizing to tackle the climate emergency.
All the World’s a Stage
Assumed by many to be far out of reach, in-camera real-time visual effects will soon be available to Canadian productions of all sizes. Technology experts and new converts explain why, for virtual production, the sky’s no limit.
Stepping Up to Drive Change
Joan Jenkinson is no newcomer to the fight for equity in the Canadian screen industry. In the 1990s, she was part of the Black Film and Video Network, which recognized the need for Black creators to organize behind clearly defined goals in order to push the industry toward more diverse representation, both on screen and behind the camera.
Full Stream Ahead
Yes, it’s been a turbulent year, but Karine Moses sees bright skies ahead. In early 2021, an organizational transformation at Bell Media saw the exit of several higher-ups and the shuffling of others — including Moses, who took on the role of Senior VP of Content Development & News.
A Noble Calling
Eleanor Noble’s list of acting credits is long and varied, from the ’90s Nickelodeon series Are You Afraid of the Dark? to the Assassin’s Creed video games to the long-running children’s series Arthur (she voiced third-grader George Lundgren). But the Montreal actor is particularly proud of landing her latest gig: president of ACTRA National, for which she was elected in June 2021.
Event Horizon
Remember in-person film festivals, conferences, markets and awards ceremonies? Thankfully, they’re making their return. But don’t close your laptop just yet, because the digital revolution we’ve all just experienced will continue to influence events long after the pandemic is a distant memory.
Reel Diversity
If you keep seeing the same old story on your screens, it’s probably because of the same old story behind the scenes — a lack of diversity among the key creatives and decision makers. To combat this lack among Canadian producers, in early 2021, the Reelworld Film Festival and Screen Institute (with the support of Bell Media) kicked off an intensive year-long training program for 12 diverse creators from across the country at Prime Time Online.
Seeing the Big Picture
From the steady advance of streaming services to the ongoing pandemic that kept theatre seats empty for months on end, cinemas have certainly withstood their share of body blows over the past several years. But a knockout punch? Nah.
One Big Happy Family
Schitt’s Creek did everything right, and was rewarded with massive success on both sides of the border. On the eve of the show’s final season, nobody is more wistful than the family that created it, whether or not their last name is Levy.
Keep It Short
Short-form series and shedding their stepping-stone status in favour of big-time credibility, but how can creators cut through the noise to build an audience for their show?
Paradise Lost
A true-crime parody that’s a fictional documentary about a feminist cult that goes off the rails. Crave has just released its new original series—and we do mean original.
Take Risks, Retain IP and Befriend Zombies
Does everything Catherine Winder touches turn to gold? The Vancouver-based CEO of Wind Sun Sky Entertainment and Skybound North Entertainment has a CV that positively glitters: she’s been an executive at Hanna-Barbera, HBO and Rainmaker; she took the Star Wars brand into animation for Lucasfilm; she produced the Angry Birds films for Finland’s Rovio; she oversaw the production of Ice Age for Fox.
Own the Future
The CMPA is launching a new strategy to help producers create and monetize intellectual property. Stephen Stohn is here to tell you about it.
The Incredible Adapting Act
Turning a book, play, short film or series into a film is no easy feat on the best of days. Add in uncertain market conditions, razor-thin budgets and frenzied competition, and you’re left with a situation where only the fittest survive. Adapt or die, the saying goes—and Canadian producers are rising to the challenge.
Indie Producers Vote
On October 21, Canadians are heading to the polls. The CMPA is working hard to advocate on behalf of our sector, speaking to candidates and senior political staff associated with the election. At the same time, our members—Canada’s independent producers—are reaching out to candidates across the country, identifying key issues that are important to the production industry. Together, our voice is strong.
Finding True North
Almost 20 years after Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner, Nunavut’s small but mighty cast of producers and directors are telling the stories they want to tell. In the process, they’re building an industry that punches far above its weight
Northern Lights, Camera, Action!
The history of production in northern Canada stretches back further than you might think. Ever since the early 20th century, filmmakers from Canada and across the world have set up productions in the North, taking advantage of its rich storytelling possibilities and dramatic landscapes.
Blueprint: Studio City
Across Canada, production is riding an all-time high, posting volumes of over $8.3 billion—but a massive uptick in studio-space demand has sometimes meant shortages. Ontario alone has had to turn away as much as $130 million in production activity due to lack of studio space, reports one FilmOntario study. That dollar figure represents over 1,000 jobs. The good news? Film studios across the Greater Toronto Area (and beyond–hello, Ottawa!) are expanding to keep up with demand. By investing further in Toronto’s already stellar infrastructure, these local studios are creating thousands of jobs and will attract millions in production activity every year.
The Next Act
Earlier this year, the CMPA put forward its submission to the Broadcasting and Telecommunications Legislative Review (BTLR) Panel. The core aim of our recommendations to the federal government is simple: support a media industry that advances Canada.
Made in Manitoba
Legal drama Burden of Truth proudly wears its Canadian heart on its sleeve, and is rewarded by success at home and south of the border. Farewell, inferiority complex!
Alberta’s GIFT to the Future
The screen industry needs more women. A new program promises to fill the pipeline.
Producers without Borders
From financing to casting to principal photography, it can be a challenge for any one production company to make a movie on its own—let alone reach a global audience. Time to partner up!
Read more→
Hometown Heroes
Canada’s production sector depends on a growing number of partners, but municipal governments and regional film offices ensure success when the camera rolls.
Reel Sovereignty
The Indigenous Screen Office is still taking shape, but director Jesse Wente’s goal is crystal clear: to change Canadian culture.
About Indiescreen
Indiescreen is an essential industry magazine published by the CMPA, annually, that explores all aspects of independent production in Canada.
For more information about Indiescreen, please contact us at indiescreen@cmpa.ca.
President & CEO: Reynolds Mastin
Editor-in-chief: Andrew Addison
Contributing editor: Gamiela Fereg
Contributor and copy editor: Lisa Svadjian
Contributors: Raila Gutman, Kristi Alexandra
Production List: Tracy Holloway, Jakub Jasinski, Arika Jiang, Tsenu Zelleke
Design and layout: STC (Scott Thornley & Company)
Additional layout: Character Creative
Download current issue
Indiescreen, winter 2023
Our winter 2023 issue celebrates the Canadian media production industry’s ability to adapt and thrive. As we emerge from the global pandemic – stronger and more resilient – we look toward building an even better industry, one that is more robust, more sustainable, and more equitable.
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Past issues
You can download PDF copies of past issues of Indiescreen below.
Fall 2021
Indiescreen, fall 2021
Our fall 2021 comeback issue—the first since the start of the pandemic—focuses on resiliency, as independent producers continue to rise to the challenges brought about by COVID-19 to keep Canada’s production sector running. We also take a closer look at Indigenous production on the West Coast and Capilano University’s Indigenous filmmaking program as it celebrates its landmark 20th anniversary.
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Winter 2020
Indiescreen, winter 2020
Released at the CMPA’s 25th annual Prime Time conference, in the latest issue of Indiescreen we focus on the shows, past and present, that have established Canada as a wellspring of comedic talent. Also included is our extensive production list, which identifies over 300 television and digital series, spanning all genres, recently produced in Canada.
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Fall 2019
Indiescreen, fall 2019
Released at the 44th annual Toronto International Film Festival, our latest issue of Indiescreen we outline the ups and downs of adapting content from one medium to another, as well as how Canada’s independent producers are rising to the challenge of adapting to an ever-changing industry. Also included is our extensive production list, which identifies over 300 feature films, spanning all genres, recently produced in Canada.
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Winter 2019
Indiescreen, winter 2019
Released at the CMPA’s annual conference Prime Time in Ottawa, this issue of Indiescreen explores the unique and rapidly growing production sector in Nunavut. We also take an insider’s look at how a group of stakeholders in BC came together to launch the Pacific Screenwriting Program, which aims to create a strong pipeline of home-grown screenwriting talent. Also included is our extensive production list, which identifies nearly 300 TV and digital series, spanning all genres, recently produced in Canada.
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Fall 2018
Indiescreen, fall 2018
It’s all about relationships.
Released at the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival, our issue of Indiescreen highlights the significant role that partnerships and relationships play, not only in the success of a given project, but also in the success of a production company, and even in the success of our national industry as a whole. Also included is our extensive production list, which identifies more than 250 feature films, spanning all genres, recently produced in Canada.
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Winter 2018
Indiescreen, winter 2018
This issue shines a spotlight on nine impressive up-and-coming women who have created opportunities within Canada’s evolving media landscape to tell their own stories, in their own way.
You’ll find exciting perspectives from CMPA members, detailing how they are looking beyond our borders to reach international audiences and thrive in our ever-changing industry.
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Fall 2017
Indiescreen, fall 2017
Did you know that the longest-running film festival in North America is actually based in Canada? It’s true – the Yorkton Film Festival in Yorkton, Saskatchewan was founded in 1947 and continues today exhibiting Canadian and international productions. It stands as a proud example of Canada’s deep film festival history.
This issue of Indiescreen magazine takes an in-depth look at film festivals across the country and underscores the important role that festivals play for filmmakers and audiences alike.
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Winter 2017
Indiescreen, winter 2017
In this special Canada 150 edition of Indiescreen magazine we reflect on what it is that unites 36 million citizens spread across 10 million square kilometers: it’s our stories. Our ability to share stories with one another helps us to define our values and promote ourselves to the world.
We sat down with the Minister of Canadian Heritage Mélanie Joly to learn about her cultural influences and the bright future she envisions for made-in-Canada content. We also chatted with Canada’s preeminent literary icon Margaret Atwoord to discuss the fascinating process of adapting her classic novel Alias Grace for the small screen.
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Fall 2016
Indiescreen, fall 2016
The inaugural film festival issue of Indiescreen magazine takes a look at the growing diversity in Canada’s media production sector, reflecting the unique and varied individuals who make up our great country.
Although much work remains to be done, with our cover story on the rise of Lyriq Bent and his work with producers Sudz Sutherland and Jennifer Holness; our interviews with influential producers Jillianne Reinseth from eOne and Kim Todd from Original Pictures; and our look at the motivations and challenges behind Taken, a series that boldly aims to tell the hard stories of Canada’s missing and murdered Aboriginal women, we can see indications of an industry headed in the right direction.
