CMPA, WGC agree new terms

The Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA) and the Writers Guild of Canada (WGC) have reached terms on a new Independent Production Agreement.

Warren Ross

The agreement between the CMPA and the WGC establishes the terms, conditions and rates for writers, story editors and story consultants.

The terms for the three-year deal will be sent to the CMPA’s board of directors, and distributed by the WGC, for ratification. The current agreement expires at the end of June. The WGC represents 2,200 professional English-language screenwriters across Canada, while the CMPA is the national advocacy organisation for independent Canuck producers and represents hundreds of companies.

“We are proud to have come to terms on an agreement that truly values the important alliance that exists between Canadian screenwriters and independent producers,” said Warren Ross, the CMPA’s VP of national industrial relations and senior counsel.

“I want to thank the individuals on both sides of the bargaining table for their commitment to finding solutions that serve to benefit the future of our sector and Canadian storytelling on screen.”

Maureen Parker, WGC executive director, added: “As the industry continues to evolve in Canada, we are pleased to have reached this agreement with the CMPA. We feel it will continue to both protect the interests of Canadian screenwriters and maintain a good relationship with our producer partners for several years to come.”