The Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA) is once again making bold moves on the global stage. This time, it’s sending a delegation of 14 accomplished producers to Australia to deepen international ties and unlock new co-production opportunities.
As global audiences grow increasingly connected and content demand continues to rise, this initiative reflects the CMPA’s strategic commitment to helping Canadian creators expand their reach and build lasting industry relationships across borders.
Destination and Agenda
The Canadian delegation’s journey begins in Sydney, where producers will engage in carefully curated programming designed to provide vital market insights and foster meaningful connections.
Through a series of targeted meetings and networking events coordinated by Ontario Creates and Screen Australia, participants will gain firsthand knowledge of the Australian market’s opportunities and challenges, setting the stage for fruitful collaborations.
Next, the producers will travel to the Gold Coast to take part in Canada Connect, a signature program held during the SCREEN FOREVER 39 event. This initiative, a joint effort between the Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA) and Screen Producers Australia (SPA), is a premier co-production platform bringing together top television and film producers from both countries.
At the SPA Connect Market, one of the largest industry gatherings in the Southern Hemisphere, delegates will have access to exclusive talks, bespoke B2B meetings, and invaluable networking opportunities, all aimed at accelerating partnerships and financing deals.
Key Collaborators and Support
This important mission is supported by a strong network of organizations dedicated to bolstering Canadian screen production. Ontario Creates plays a pivotal role in coordinating the delegation’s engagements and showcasing Ontario’s competitive incentives to the Australian industry.
Financial backing and strategic support come from Telefilm Canada and CanExport for Associations (part of Global Affairs Canada), ensuring the delegation has access to necessary resources and international platforms.
On the Australian side, Screen Australia and Screen Producers Australia (SPA) stand as key partners, facilitating access to the local market and co-production opportunities. Both countries are actively working together to modernize the longstanding Canada-Australia audiovisual co-production treaty, aiming to better reflect the evolving landscape of film and television production and unlock new possibilities for creators on both sides of the Pacific.
The Canadian Delegation
The delegation comprises 14 distinguished Canadian producers representing a vibrant spectrum of the nation’s screen industry. From established veterans to newcomers, these producers come from companies specializing in scripted television, feature films, animation, and documentaries.
Some standout delegates include:
- Beth Iley, VP of International Series Development at Lark Productions
- Carla de Jong, Head of International Co-Productions and Partnerships at Sinking Ship Entertainment
- Sarah Timmins, President and Executive Producer of Black Birds Entertainment
- Steph Song, Founder of Werewolves of London
Alongside producers, influential industry representatives are joining the mission, including:
- Valerie Creighton, President and CEO of the Canada Media Fund
- Gallant Law, Board Member of the Racial Equity Screen Office
- Karen Thorne-Stone, President and CEO of Ontario Creates
Their presence underscores the commitment to facilitating strategic partnerships and fostering diversity and inclusion within international collaborations.
Broader Strategy and Global Vision
This Australian delegation is part of CMPA’s broader global outreach strategy, which aims to expand Canadian producers’ international footprint through missions at key industry events worldwide.
Previous delegations have successfully connected Canadian creators with partners at Content London in the UK, Berlinale in Germany, CPH:DOX in Denmark, and Series Mania in France.
By cultivating these global relationships, the CMPA is positioning Canadian producers to access new financing, co-production opportunities, and creative collaborations that elevate Canadian content on the world stage. This strategy not only strengthens Canada’s cultural export but also boosts the sustainability and growth of its independent production sector.
Voices from the Industry
Industry leaders from both Canada and Australia have expressed strong enthusiasm for this partnership: (Quotes from cmpa.ca)
- Reynolds Mastin, President and CEO of the CMPA, emphasized that “Canada and Australia have large English-language audiences, diverse shooting locations, world-class crews, and robust production infrastructure, making our two countries natural partners.” He looks forward to “strengthening this partnership through efforts to modernize the co-production agreement.”
- Karen Thorne-Stone, President and CEO of Ontario Creates, highlighted Ontario’s competitive incentives and the potential to “invest in new Canada-Australia film and television co-productions” through this initiative.
- Valerie Creighton, President and CEO of the Canada Media Fund, noted that “good stories cross borders and bring people together,” praising the delegation’s role in creating “economic opportunities and boosting global reach for creators and companies.”
- Matthew Deaner, CEO of Screen Producers Australia, acknowledged the “long history of successful collaboration” between the two countries and stressed the importance of modernizing the co-production treaty “to unlock new opportunities for both countries.”
Wrapping Up
As this delegation embarks on its mission, the potential outcomes are significant: new co-production projects, increased visibility of Canadian content internationally, and strengthened relationships that can lead to long-term creative and business success.
International missions like this are more important than ever in a rapidly evolving global media landscape, where collaboration across borders is key to storytelling innovation and financial sustainability. Through initiatives like Canada Connect and SCREEN FOREVER, Canadian producers are not only sharing their stories but also building a foundation for future generations of content creators.
