CMPA, AQPM join CEPI to strengthen ties between Canadian and European producers

The Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA) and the Association québécoise de la production médiatique (AQPM) have joined the European Audiovisual Production Association (CEPI) as its first international observer members.

Reynolds Mastin

The three organisations have pledged to work together on shared industry priorities, including the regulation of streaming services in local markets.

The partnership will provide a platform for closer dialogue and coordinated advocacy around issues including domestic production requirements, IP rights and international coproduction opportunities.

This move formalises closer ties between European and Canadian independent producers, building on a joint statement issued by 23 international screen sector organisations at the Toronto International Film Festival in September.

The statement called on governments to support domestic production requirements and the diverse stories created by local independent producers.

CEPI represents around 3,000 independent production companies across 17 countries through 19 national associations and one European association.

CEPI said the addition of the two Canadian organisations reflected the increasingly international nature of the audiovisual industry and the similarities between the challenges facing independent producers in Europe and Canada.

It added that closer ties would help create new coproduction opportunities and strengthen the sector’s collective voice in defending independent production and cultural diversity.

CEPI president Anthony Muldoon said: “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.”

CMPA president and CEO Reynolds Mastin added: “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.”

AQPM president and executive director Hélène Messier said it was “more important than ever to strengthen our ties and our collective voice,” citing the rise of generative AI, audience development and the preservation of cultural sovereignty as key issues.