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International affairs
The CMPA is dedicated to helping Canadian producers establish international partnerships and bring their content to screens around the world.
To thrive in today’s global marketplace, Canadian content needs to travel across our borders and onto international screens.
The CMPA works to:
Promote co-production opportunities for CMPA members.
Expand our members’ international market knowledge.
Strengthen our links with offshore industry organizations looking to broaden their own international market reach and presence.
The CMPA is as interested in working within established markets and festivals as it is in building strategic industry contacts and exploring new opportunities outside of these.
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International Co-Production Accelerator Program
The CMPA is working with renowned international consultant Jan Miller to offer the International Co-production Accelerator Program (ICAP). This flagship initiative will facilitate international cooperation between Canadian and international companies for the creation of feature films and drama series. The driving force of this initiative is to create project partnerships and long-lasting business relationships between Canadian and international production companies. Learn more >
Export Resources
Optimizing your digital presence for export
The CMPA is currently developing a workshop that focuses on creating a digital marketing strategy, including training on creating websites & social media engagement strategy, optimizing website content, learning about analytics and SEO specifically to prepare for export and to attract international partners.
The training is set to take place in February – exact dates to be confirmed. Please complete the statement of interest and needs assessmentif you would like to participate.
Exporting Screen-based content and services training module
We worked with a team of Certified International Trade Professionals (CITPs) specializing in trade in services to develop the ‘Exporting Screen-Based Content and Services’ workshop. It is designed to offer you comprehensive, hands-on training to facilitate selling screen-based content and services into new international markets.
In addition to the recordings from the sessions, you will find training materials, exercises and online export resources to assist you and your company in expanding your business internationally.
For more information on past delegations, please contact:
Sarolta Csete
sarolta.csete@cmpa.ca
Take your networking to another level—and another country—by joining one of our international delegations.
Our delegations are designed to help our members succeed in a globally competitive market. Previous CMPA delegations have travelled to Hong Kong, Beijing, London, Berlin, Melbourne, Los Angeles and more.
Emerging Producer Delegation to Berlinale 2020
Up to 15 emerging producers will be invited to join the CMPA delegation travelling to Berlinale 2020 from February 20-28, 2020, inclusive of travel days. The purpose of this initiative is to create co-production, financing and sales opportunities for emerging CMPA members. Learn more >
Past calls for participation
CMPA Mission to MediaCon (Dublin, Ireland) and Content London (London, UK)
Dublin, Ireland & London, UK
Pre-Sale Pitch Sessions in Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA, United States
August 21-23, 2018
Delegation to the Hong Kong Filmart and Beijing
Hong Kong and Beijing, China
March 11-17, 2017
Details →
International co-productions
For more information about how productions may qualify for co-production certification and to access official treaty co-production guidelines and copies of the co-production treaties, please visit Telefilm Canada .
International treaty co-productions are films and TV programs jointly created by Canadian and foreign producers, each contributing creatively, technically and financially to the project.
These productions enjoy national status in each country. Co-productions are an excellent way for Canadian producers to tap into international financing and talent and create content with global resonance.
International treaty co-productions must be approved by Telefilm Canada and the recognized authority in the partnering country.
Canada currently has co-production agreements with more than 60 countries. The complete list is available at Telefilm Canada .
International Co-production Directory
Designed to facilitate the building of partnerships producers internationally, this searchable database provides a platform where producers can create a detailed company profile and upload information on the projects for which they are seeking co-production partners. Explore the directory →
CRTC co-ventures
For more information about the Canadian program certification process, including eligibility criteria for CRTC-certified co-ventures, please visit the CRTC website .
Canadian producers interested in working with a producer from a country with which Canada has no official co-production treaty can do so as a CRTC-certified co-venture.
These productions don’t qualify for Canadian-content tax credits, but do qualify for production services tax credit and are classified as “Canadian content” for domestic broadcast purposes.
Canadian producers participating in co-ventures must have equal decision-making responsibility and retain 50% share of investment and profits, while the foreign producer can own 100% of copyright.
Related research
Exporting Canadian Screen-based Productions in a Global Market
Trends, Opportunities and Future Directions (July 2021)
Exporting Canadian Feature Films in Global Markets
Trends, Opportunities and Future Directions (May 2017)