Outgoing CFTPA president optimistic independent producers can weather economic storm

Guy Mayson, outgoing president and CEO of the Canadian Film and Television Production Association (CFTPA), says despite the country’s economic woes, he remains optimistic that smart policies and incentives will continue to fuel demand for independent productions. “The reason I am optimistic is that, however people consume content, which I think is changing dramatically, there’s still a huge appetite for it, especially Canadian content.” (Click here to read the full interview transcript) Mayson announced his departure this week after 12 years at the CFTPA, five of them at the helm of the organization. In an interview with Canadian Communications Reports, Mayson says his contract is up for renewal but decided this was a good time to hang up his boots, adding he’s looking forward to new challenges. Mayson joined the CFTPA in 1997 as a senior VP responsible for operations after a successful career with the Department of Canadian Heritage, where he was a director of film and sound recording policy. During his time with the federal government, Canada was developing a tax credit system for independent producers and Mayson played a role in formulating a slew of incentives for the industry, including the Canadian Television Fund, the Cultural Industries Development Fund, a policy on foreign investment funding for feature films. In addition, Mayson managed the Canadian Audio-visual Certification Office (CAVCO) where he honed considerable expertise and knowledge in the field of tax-assisted production financing – experience the CFTPA was only too glad to tap into when they hired him. As president and CEO, Mayson guided the association through crucial negotiations with the government on the importance of a stable tax credit system for the industry, including strengthening the CTF. Looking back, Mayson says he’s proud that tax credit system has now evolved into stable venture recognized as an important ingredient to the growth of the industry by both government and film producers. “Like any incentive measure, you know you are always concerned that they may get cancelled at any time or they may get reviewed and suddenly changed,” he says of worries producers had prior to the tax credit system being made permanent. “Rather than being than seen as a stimulus measure, shall we say, a short-term measure, they are now being seen as part of the system and in some ways in even more solid terms than the Canadian New Media Fund and the Canadian Television Fund, which always seem to be fighting for endorsement every year.” The feat was achieved through constant lobbying with government and mobilization of the industry, while at the same time creating a credible communication system with federal agencies, he says. Apart from eradicating the worry that “these may go with every budget and decision”, Mayson says he also pleased that Canada’s incentives for film producers are now being emulated and recognized world-wide. Regarding relations with the CRTC, Mayson says things couldn’t be better. “I am also very proud that we have managed to develop a much better relationship with the regulator in terms of independent producer issues being taken seriously by the CRTC and being recognized as part of the objectives of the Broadcasting Act.” But for every achievement, there’s always a disappointment and Mayson says he certainly had his low moments at the CFTPA. In particular, he says he’s disappointed the association wasn’t able to secure corporate financing for film producers despite numerous attempts to do so, adding the CFTPA will continue to work on it in the future. As for some unsolicited advice for the incoming CEO, Mayson acknowledged there will be challenges, but these shouldn’t be a deterrent because the demand for content will always be the driving factor for success. “It is a challenging task but the value of independent producers is being recognized increasingly by government and by the regulator. I would say be prepared for a bumpy ride but you take heart that you’ve got great staff and a committed board and a huge membership that’s really depending on you to move the agenda,” he says.” Mayson is expected to stay on in an advisory capacity until a new CEO is hired.

Outgoing CFTPA president optimistic independent producers can weather economic storm

Broadcast | March 20, 2009

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