Verified

Not sure if I will start blogging again but trying to get verified for something I don't know yet if I even care that I'm verified for but anyway, here goes...

Best Of...

I guess I've settled into a groove of only blogging occasionally or when inspired, and for that I'm sorta kinda sorry...but not really. More than four years and 1100 posts is a long time to spend on a just-for-fun non-paying hobby - though the friends and connections and contacts I've made via the Uninflected Images experience more paid for itself several times over.

And I still get my TV/film industry jonesing fix on Twitter these days. 140 character-land may not be as thought out or in depth, but it satisfies the urge to opin or share or debate. But I know new readers still come check out the blog, so I thought I'd put up some of the more popular posts from the past several years for easy one stop shopping. Most are Canadian TV industry related, but a lot of the craft or career advice is pretty universal...and then there are just some fun posts down at the bottom.


Getting Started

Selling the first screenplay

Getting the first agent

Landing first freelance gig

The second agent

Following the work



Craft

Freelance screenwriting

Freelance TV directing

Even more TV directing

More freelance TV directing

Turd polishing

Notes And Rewrites

Gangbanging story

Film Set Jargon

Timing your script and when compromise is okay

Colored script pages

Using phones in TV & movies

Up in the Air for screenwriters


Most read or linked to posts

The #wantCancon Twitter thread

Writing mystery with a little help from Whedon

What and where is Darin Morgan?

Saving local TV?

Mametisms

Best rock concerts...ever

Library voices

Enjoy.

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Toronto Screenwriting Conference

Posting a plug for a really great conference going on this upcoming weekend for both aspiring and experienced screenwriters...the Toronto Screenwriting Conference.

The second annual Toronto Screenwriting Conference will take place April 9 & 10, 2011 at Ryerson University’s Ted Rogers School of Management at Yonge and Dundas, in downtown Toronto.

A one-of-a-kind event for professionals in the screen-based industry, the Toronto Screenwriting Conference gives you:

•Extraordinary key-note sessions with high-profile showrunners and screenwriters •Incomparable breakout sessions with leading international screenwriting academics, book authors and industry execs

•Advanced level of education and skills development unparalleled by any other screenwriting event

Look who's speaking:

Academy Award nominee for best adapted screenplay "Chocolat", Robert Nelson Jacobs
VP Creative Affairs Overbrook Entertainment, Franklin Leonard
Mega hit animated series "The Fairly Oddparents" creator, Butch Hartman
"Sanctuary" Series creator Damian Kindler & director Martin Wood
One-hour drama writer, Leonard Dick Author of "The Writer's Journey", Christopher Vogler
Triple threat writer, producer, director Pen Densham Half-hour comedy expert Sheldon Bull
Creative consultant and author of "Inside Story", Dara Marks
Video game scribe Kevin Shortt
Network and cable comedy writer, Christine Zander
Feature screenplay writer Joe Gazzam "21 Jump Street"


Check out the conference website HERE. It costs some dough to register but I'll say well worth it from the information you will learn and the contacts you will make.

Follow on Twitter - #TSC2011 .

The #wantCancon Twitter Discussion

The #wantCancon Twitter discussion was prompted by a recent announcement by Telefilm Canada and the CMF (Canada Media Fund) that they were launching an national initiative in April to enhance visibility and expand audiences for Canadian content. Check out the press release HERE.

"The goal is to establish dynamic public-private partnerships, to generate innovative ideas and locally tailored solutions to improve the visibility of, and demand for all Canadian content: feature film, television and interactive digital media."

This initiative was no doubt inspired by the lack of success of the infamous 5% solution - a Telefilm devised measuring stick of Canadian film performance via box office returns - thus causing a need to reevaluate the ruler and 'move the goalposts' as it were...outlined HERE. But since I've seen a lot of studies get commissioned and reports get reported and initiatives get initiated over the years - which usually meant waiting a year or so for a bound pretty printed document to be released that would, after a lot of meetings and consultations and lobbying and hearings, explain the 'state of the industry' and a list of 'ways to fix or improve it'...but wouldn't really, or at least wouldn't seem to go far enough because nobody wants to upset the applecart too much or something. So I figured: Hey I know a lot of smart industry people with good ideas about how to increase visibility and demand of Canadian content....why wait...let's start talking now, on Twitter.

I've posted the transcript mostly just to have a record of this valuable and informative discussion, but also to demonstrate how difficult achieving any new initiatives will be. The problems with visibility and demand for our Canadian Film & Television & New Media industry have been the same problems for a long long time. For example, read this piece by John Harkness entitled "3 Modest Proposals for the Canadian Film Industry" written over 15 years ago HERE. And then read this article summarizing a Canadian Film Industry policy review written more than 5 years ago HERE. It's shocking how many of the problems in our business still exist today and sobering how many of the suggested proposals or changes could work but still haven't been implemented or tried even. Because the changes would be radical. And no one likes radical change.

The following is a transcript of the hundreds of tweets contributed by dozens of generous tweeters. I also know of several dozen sidebar discussions about same subject that went on at the same time but didn't use the #wantCancon hashtag. I know it is kinda hard to follow because of the Twitter 140 character restriction, but if you read with attention it more or less tracks. A lot of really great suggestions were made and, yes, radical ideas for change were presented...thanks to all who played for playing.



Transcript from March 12, 2011 to March 17, 2011


March 12, 2011

6:49 pm wcdixon: Read the Telefilm/CMF release http://bit.ly/eHxgZ9 and let's start listing strategies to increase demand/visibilty at #wantCancon

6:51 pm wcdixon: Seriously, why wait for a report released a year from now? List strategies for increasing demand and visibility of Cancon at #wantCancon

8:41 pm DecencyLegion: Start by replacing anybody at Telefilm with more than 5 years seniority. Why keep rewarding failure at mapping the future. #wantCancon

8:42 pm DecencyLegion: They do it with a losing hockey or baseball team and it works. #wantCancon

9:04 pm wcdixon: @DecencyLegion Well if you're gonna follow that path you should replace the development & production execs at most of the TV networks. #wantCancon

9:05 pm wcdixon: @DecencyLegion And in feature film land replace most of the decision makers at most of the Canadian distribution companies. #wantCancon

9:13 pm wcdixon: I actually wasn't going to go to the 'just make good shows' place as strategy to increase demand/visibility for Canadian content... #wantCancon

9:15 pm wcdixon: 'Good shows' is very subjective...better shot at success taking aim at gatekeepers - movie exhibitors, TV networks, and ISP's. #wantCancon

9:18 pm wcdixon: More Cancon on more movie screens/TV channels/websites all being better promoted will go long way to increase demand/visibility #wantCancon

9:21 pm wcdixon: And I DON'T believe the answer is to do more US/Canada movie or TV co-productions or relax funding rules to allow Hollywood types in #wantCancon

9:23 pm JasonChesworth: RT @wcdixon: I DON'T believe the answer is to do more US/Canada movie or TV co-productions or relax funding rules to allow Hollywood types in #wantCancon

9:33 pm lol_tori: Interesting discussion on this hashtag #wantCancon

9:56 pm ZaNiaCmedic: As @heywriterboy said, CanCon shouldn't mean more beavers on screen. Anything written by a Cdn will have CanCon perspective. #WantCanCon

10:03 pm wcdixon: RT @madpulpbastard Remove simulcasting. It has undercut you... Don't try to be "Hollywood North"...be different to be noticed. #wantCancon

10:28 pm DecencyLegion: Agree w/ @heywriterboy & @madpulpbastard Much good Cancon never passes gatekeepers if there's no Beavers or US copycatting (1/2) #wantCancon

10:30 pm DecencyLegion: Canadian Gatekeepers need to be directed to serve Canadian audiences and artists first. The latter come from the former. (2/2) #wantCancon

10:58 pm prairiecunning: RT @DecencyLegion: Canadian Gatekeepers need to be directed to serve Canadian audiences and artists first. The latter come from the former. (2/2) #wantCancon
11:13 pm madpulpbastard: @DecencyLegion @wcdixon - the important thing is the CON not necessarily the CAN. #wantcancon #anyconthatsgood


March 13, 2011

12:33 am debnathan: What would happen if bcasters had to pay the full shot for CanCon. No govt handouts or subsidies. #wantCancon

1:39 am carolinegodin: Marketing money. Give producers access to marketing $$ to promote shows at home since most networks won't do it. #wantcancon

1:40 am carolinegodin: Also reinstate federal export marketing fund that got killed about 3 years ago. #wantcancon

1:41 am carolinegodin: Change rules so channels can't count shows as Cancon in logs if the producer pays for the airtime. It's double dipping. #wantcancon

1:42 am jill380: RT @carolinegodin: Marketing money. Give producers access to marketing $$ to promote shows at home since most networks won't do it. #wantcancon

1:44 am carolinegodin: Add sliding scale so shows lose % value in logs after 5 yrs. Flashpoint & Littlest Hobo count for same % of Cancon for CTV. #wantcancon

1:46 am jill380: @carolinegodin great ideas. everyone of them #wantcancon

2:00 am RobboMills: RT @carolinegodin: Marketing money. Give producers access to marketing $$ to promote shows at home since most networks won't do it. #wantcancon

2:01 am RobboMills: RT @ZaNiaCmedic: As @heywriterboy said, CanCon shouldn't mean more beavers on screen. Anything written by a Cdn will have CanCon perspective. #WantCanCon

2:54 am wcdixon: RT @carolinegodin: Change rules so channels can't count shows as Cancon in logs if the producer pays for the airtime. It's double dipping. #wantcancon

2:54 am wcdixon: RT @carolinegodin: Marketing money. Give producers access to marketing $$ to promote shows at home since most networks won't do it. #wantcancon

2:54 am wcdixon: RT @carolinegodin: Add sliding scale so shows lose % value in logs after 5 yrs. Flashpoint & Littlest Hobo count for same % of Cancon for CTV. #wantcancon

2:58 am wcdixon: Keep Japan in our thoughts, but also keep listing suggestions and strategies for increasing demand/visibility of Cancon at #wantCancon

3:00 am wcdixon: RT @debnathan What would happen if broadcasters had to pay the full shot for their Canadian content. No government handouts or subsidies. #wantCancon

4:19 am DecencyLegion: Like Caroline's take on marketing and logs. Removing stale dated product would offer more new content options. Then market them! #wantCancon

4:40 am wilzmak: Howzabout we realize culture can't be mandated, monitored, graded, cajoled, imposed, stimulated, compelled, or tallied. #wantCancon

4:44 am wilzmak: Let's STOP talking about "culture." Let's not fall into that trap anymore. That quicksand. That straw man. #wantCancon

4:44 am heywriterboy: @wilzmak AGREE. Let Culture Take Care of Itself! #wantCancon

4:49 am garryoakgirl: @wilzmak okay, so we do what with Canada Council, CMF, arts councils, etc? #wantCancon

4:55 am wilzmak: There is no such thing as Canadian CONTENT... #wantCancon

4:56 am wilzmak: When cooking, would you say "butter" is French content? Nope... #wantCancon

4:58 am wilzmak: I repeat. There is no Canadian content, only Canadian EXECUTION. And that should be promoted, celebrated, & encouraged. #wantCancon

5:00 am wilzmak: Be rid of them - @garryoakgirl: okay, so we do what with Canada Council, CMF, arts councils etc? #wantCancon

5:01 am garryoakgirl: @wilzmak NO Cdn content? Repeat yet again. We have no stories, no traditions...? #wantCancon

5:06 am wilzmak: @garryoakgirl Traditions & stories we have. Plenty of them. They shouldn't become mandates. #wantCancon

5:23 am SCCreativeDev: RT @wcdixon: More Cancon on more movie screens/TV channels/websites all being better promoted will go long way to increase demand/visibility #wantCancon

5:29 am heywriterboy: .@wilzmak THORNE a total CRACKER show. Sandra Oh shows up with ridiculous Brit accent. Quebec, Can tax credits, CMF money. WTF? #wantcancon

5:30 am heywriterboy: Countries love to partner with Canada cuz we sellout our writers for a few editing & VFX jobs. #wantCancon means Canadians above line, period.

5:32 am wilzmak: Try it this way: Gov. should not promote Canadian stories, themes, content, etc. They should promote *Canadians.* Full stop. #wantcancon

5:36 am Gharv: +1 - RT @wilzmak: : Gov. should not promote Canadian stories, themes, content, etc. They should promote *Canadians.* Full stop. #wantcancon

5:38 am MediaObsessed: RT @heywriterboy: Countries love to partner with Canada cuz we sellout our writers for a few editing & VFX jobs. #wantCancon means Canadians above line, period.

5:43 am joebodolai: RT @heywriterboy: Countries love to partner with Canada cuz we sellout our writers for a few editing & VFX jobs. #wantCancon means Canadians above line, period.

6:13 am carolinegodin: @heywriterboy @wilzmak Agree re: Thorne. Terrible. IMHO, CMF as is should be nixed. Change solely to tax credit system. #wantcancon

6:22 am carolinegodin: @heywriterboy @wilzmak I'm not against co-pros if they're done right. Murdoch Mysteries good example of right way. #wantcancon

6:22 am heywriterboy: I no longer think the #CMF or the #wantCancon system can be fixed. Govt. & Networks don't want it, bureaucrats serve selves, public doesn't care.

6:24 am RobboMills: RT @carolinegodin: @heywriterboy @wilzmak Agree re: Thorne. Terrible. IMHO, CMF as is should be nixed. Change solely to tax credit system. #wantcancon

6:26 am carolinegodin: Other peeve re #CMF is versioning fund. If you didn't get CMF but make a language sale, you don't qualify. Adds insult to injury. #wantcancon

6:27 am RobboMills: Only reason gov funding agencies exist is cuz of over reaction to 70's loophole abuse & US lobby pressure. #wantcancon

6:28 am RobboMills: Simple & effective tax incentives to invest will solve it. Good luck dismantling status quo bureaucracy & defying US media lobby #wantcancon

6:29 am RobboMills: Treat it like a true "industry" & give a reason for banks & other deep pockets to play for profit. Otherwise - fuck off. #wantcancon

6:30 am carolinegodin: Also think that simulcast as is is antiquated. Either grant to any channel regardless of tier or eliminate entirely. #wantcancon

6:32 am RobboMills: All other arcane endeavours & subsidies are doomed to a self imposed structure of failure. Let it make money. #wantcancon

6:33 am RobboMills: @carolinegodin Regional production lies outside of core funding issues. Let overall industry exist in profit making structure first. #wantcancon

6:34 am RobboMills: @carolinegodin Incentives to regions should not form the basis for an entire industry structure. That is gravy. #wantcancon

6:35 am RobboMills: @carolinegodin Make it all work as a business. Make it worthwhile to attract private investment. Then incentivise regions. #wantcancon

6:36 am RobboMills: @carolinegodin US lobby in the '70's (and beyond) pushed for unmanagable bureacratic fund. Stifles true market competition. #wantcancon

6:38 am RobboMills: @carolinegodin Manage the tax issues more effectively to create environment for private & corporate investment. Kill the funds. #wantcancon

6:39 am RobboMills: But how likely is any of that to happen once it's all become so well entrenched? #wantcancon #nobodyreadthereportbyfrancisfoxdidthey

6:40 am RobboMills: We are expected to behave like a "business" but we're not allowed or encouraged to be funded like a "business". #wantcancon

6:41 am juepucta: RT @RobboMills: We are expected to behave like a "business" but we're not allowed or encouraged to be funded like a "business". #wantcancon

6:41 am RobboMills: Canadian Content will assert itself & find a world wide audience when the creation of it is treated like a legitimate business. #wantcancon

6:41 am RobboMills: And not like a pathetic cottage industry. #wantcancon

6:44 am rachlanger: Reading through the #wantcancon tweets and getting marginally depressed.
7:20 am jennicaharper: Fund movies & series with a strong genre. Full-on comedy, rom-com, action, sci-fi. Not the apologetic versions of same. #wantcancon

8:18 am madpulpbastard: RT @wilzmak: I repeat. There is no Canadian content, only Canadian EXECUTION. And that should be promoted, celebrated, & encouraged. #wantCancon

9:13 am DecencyLegion: RT @wilzmak: Govt. should not promote Canadian stories, themes, content. They should promote *Canadians.* #wantcancon >> Wilz nails it!

2:54 pm rossmckie: RT @Gharv: +1 - RT @wilzmak: : Gov. should not promote Canadian stories, themes, content, etc. They should promote *Canadians.* Full stop. #wantcancon

3:23 pm wcdixon: RT @carolinegodin Also think simulcast as is is antiquated. Either grant to any channel regardless of tier or eliminate. #wantcancon

3:23 pm wcdixon: RT @RobboMills Treat it like a true "industry" & give a reason for banks & other deep pockets to play for profit. #wantcancon

3:27 pm wcdixon: RT @RobboMills Cdn Content will find a world wide audience when the creation of it is treated like a legitimate business. #wantCancon

3:28 pm wcdixon: RT @jennicaharper Fund movies & series with strong genre. Full-on comedy, rom-com, action, sci-fi. Not the apologetic versions. #wantCancon

3:31 pm wcdixon: Keep listing suggestions/strategies for increasing demand/visibility of Canadian content at #wantCancon - while keeping Japan in thoughts.

3:36 pm wcdixon: RT @BrentPiaskoski If showrunners ran TV not people who fill out the tax credit forms there'd be more shows Cdns want to watch. #wantCancon

3:43 pm Gharv: +1 - RT @wcdixon:RT @RobboMills Treat it like a true industry & give a reason for banks & other deep pockets to play for profit. #wantcancon

3:56 pm filipterlecki: Dear #wantCancon - Create more opportunities for emerging writers + young content creators. Creative Incubators, mentorships etc

3:58 pm filipterlecki: Think globally not small town locally #wantCancon

4:10 pm inkcanada: catching up with bemusement on #wantcancon thread. A discussion about Canadian Content - spirit, policy & reality. By CanCon creators.

4:10 pm RobboMills: @inkcanada Yeah - we're baring a teeth a little - which is good. :) #wantcancon

4:12 pm garryoakgirl: @Gharv @wcdixon @RobboMills Ok then - let the privates compete (except kids & news), no minimum Cancon, but pay for privilege 1/2 #wantcancon

4:13 pm inkcanada: @RobboMills I'm most impressed by the ubiquitous, subtextual (??) bash of the Cultural agenda. The *other* source of CanCon. #wantCanCon

4:13 pm garryoakgirl: @Gharv @wcdixon @RobboMills No funds, but $ goes to CBC for a Ch4-like outlet with separate operation outside of T.O. - 24/7 Cdn. #wantcancon

4:15 pm inkcanada: and because I find the topic late, I wonder if you've already baldly, honestly addressed Concept - protectionism, #wantcancon creators?

4:17 pm garryoakgirl: @wilzmak Mandated by whom - Govt? B'casters? Much depends on who is doing that. Where do you see barrier? #wantCancon

4:18 pm RobboMills: @garryoakgirl @Gharv @wcdixon Whatever alternative is created it needs to be sustainable & not play role of gatekeeper. #wantcancon

4:19 pm RobboMills: @garryoakgirl @Gharv @wcdixon Investment incentives will draw funding from sources interested in profit. #wantcancon

4:19 pm RobboMills: @garryoakgirl @Gharv @wcdixon Not subsidized pseudo profit. #wantcancon

4:19 pm rossmckie: RT @Gharv: +1 - RT @wcdixon:RT @RobboMills Treat it like a true industry & give a reason for banks & other deep pockets to play for profit. #wantcancon

4:20 pm garryoakgirl: @RobboMills @Gharv @wcdixon Fewer than 6% of Hollywood productionss ever make a profit. Want to play in that pool? #wantcancon

4:21 pm RobboMills: @garryoakgirl @Gharv @wcdixon Added incentives for content "deemed Canadian" sounds good but impossible to meaningfully quantify. #wantcancon

4:22 pm RobboMills: @garryoakgirl @Gharv @wcdixon Yeah! It's a risky fucking business. #wantcancon

4:22 pm garryoakgirl: @RobboMills @Gharv @wcdixon There will always be some kind of gatekeeper. #wantcancon

4:23 pm NilsSorensen: Sounds good on paper, but creative that must "speak to Canadians" doesn't always equal business/critical success. #wantCancon

4:24 pm RobboMills: @inkcanada @klashton27 @garryoakgirl I keep referring back to report Francis Fox wrote before birth of Telefilm. No one remembers it. #wantcancon

4:25 pm RobboMills: @garryoakgirl @Gharv @wcdixon Yes - but make gatekeepers about business - not deciding if MY content is Canadian. #wantcancon

4:26 pm NilsSorensen: If series/movie is creatively accessible and enjoyable when compared to US creative, it will speak to Canadians by default. #wantCancon

4:26 pm RobboMills: @garryoakgirl @Gharv @wcdixon If gatekeepers of $$ operate from a "fund" there is immediately limited resources. #wantcancon

4:27 pm garryoakgirl: @RobboMills @Gharv @wcdixon Problem is that if NOT "cultural", biz could come under NAFTA, and then we're screwed #wantcancon

4:27 pm RobboMills: @garryoakgirl @Gharv @wcdixon Changing investment rules to encourage private $ opens up larger sums for greater quantity & quality #wantcancon

4:27 pm garryoakgirl: @RobboMills @Gharv @wcdixon And every govt wants to stamp its philosophy on "culture" and creates policy to reflect that. #wantcancon

4:28 pm fatone: @inkcanada Interesting thread. If I were on my desktop Twitter client, I'd chime in. (Mobile is too restrictive.) #wantcancon

4:28 pm RobboMills: @garryoakgirl @Gharv @wcdixon We're already screwed! We've been screwed for the past 30 years. #wantcancon

4:29 pm RobboMills: @garryoakgirl @Gharv @wcdixon This should NOT be a vehicle for Government Posing. Treat it like a business! #wantcancon

4:30 pm RobboMills: I need more coffee. Or maybe some laudanum. #wantcancon

4:31 pm klashton27: Most frustrating part of about #wantCanCon convo! RT @inkcanada: @debnathan @klashton27 Bloody 140 characters, right? lol

4:33 pm inkcanada: @klashton27 we'll do an email one (starting to video them as well) so I'll send Q's well in advance - u get to as you can, deal? #wantcancon

4:33 pm RobboMills: You want govt policy that'll have true impact on growing an audience for CanCon? Regulate distribs like radio. Good luck on that. #wantcancon

4:36 pm inkcanada: @RobboMills lol and perhaps change fed funding thereof #wantcancon

4:40 pm inkcanada: @klashton27 (stoked, we're over due for you, thank you thank you et merci) #writers #wantcancon #cdnfilm #cdntv #cdndigital

4:48 pm RobboMills: @inkcanada I dunno. It worked for the music industry - but theatrical distribs here are so in the pocket of US studios. #wantcancon

4:48 pm RobboMills: @inkcanada And the broadcast environment is in meltdown like the music industry as it absorbs into the net. #wantcancon

4:50 pm RobboMills: @inkcanada Any insistence on an agency =-run funding process is going to hold us back as new online distrib channels open. #wantcancon

4:52 pm inkcanada: @RobboMills I feel that's a good thing. every crisis is an opp #wantcancon

4:54 pm inkcanada: @RobboMills perhaps, but only if creators & producers continue to rely on ineffective systems. Creative biz models also flawed #wantcancon

5:02 pm inkcanada: @RobboMills 'deemed Canadian' agree whose definition? Postal code politics vs mass appeal. @garryoakgirl @Gharv @wcdixon #wantcancon

5:08 pm RobboMills: @inkcanada Agreed - creative biz models need to work as business not cultural handouts - encourage investment - money follows #wantcancon

5:09 pm wcdixon: Love the input, a complicated issue, but keep in mind #wantCancon discussion trying to focus on increasing demand and visibility of Canadian content.

5:09 pm RobboMills: @inkcanada And there IS a pantload of opportunity in these current crises. :) #wantcancon

5:12 pm debnathan: ?@DecencyLegion: RT @wilzmak: Gov. should not promote Canadian stories, themes, content. They should promote *Canadians.* #wantcancon >> Yes

5:15 pm debnathan: ?RT @RobboMills Cdn Content will find a world wide audience when the creation of it is treated like a legitimate business. #wantCancon?

5:20 pm wcdixon: Its always a debate between culture & policy & business, which ties to demand and visibility. #wantCancon

5:20 pm ZaNiaCmedic: For anyone interested, I have created a Yahoo! Group for #wantcancon at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wantcancon/ . Not ltd to 140 ch.

5:29 pm heywriterboy: Odd thing abt #wantCancon thread is I feel I have little to chime in that's new. I kinda ranted abt this for 5 yrs. I'm tired.

5:29 pm HowDoWeFeel: RT @heywriterboy Odd thing abt #wantCancon thread is I feel I have little to chime in that's new. I kinda ranted abt this for 5 yrs.

5:31 pm heywriterboy: But if I was advising CMF & Telefilm on #WantCancon, I'd say, "Go to L.A. & ask CDN expats to talk about contempt they experienced before they left."

5:34 pm heywriterboy: Convos I had in L.A. with expat writers should shame any CDN culturecrat. We hate creatives, drive them out, & then ask,"Why no success?" #WantCancon

5:57 pm ZaNiaCmedic: RT @wilzmak: Gov. should not promote Canadian stories, themes, content. They should promote *Canadians.* #wantcancon

5:57 pm prairiecunning: RT @heywriterboy: Convos I had in L.A. w. writers should shame any CDN culturecrat. We hate creatives, drive them out, & then ask,"why no success?" #WantCancon

6:08 pm DecencyLegion: One #wantCancon snag is that people with indexed pensions are managing the lives of artists who will never earn enough to retire (1/2)

6:10 pm DecencyLegion: System needs to feed those who create content not they who would define it or see it as an onerous cost of doing business. #wantCancon (2/2)

6:14 pm prairiecunning: RT @DecencyLegion: System needs to feed those who create content not they who would define it or see it as an onerous cost of doing business. #wantCancon (2/2)

6:47 pm seetsirbas: RT @heywriterboy: Convos I had in L.A. w. writers should shame any CDN culturecrat. We hate creatives, drive them out, & then ask,"why no success?" #WantCancon

7:00 pm seetsirbas: RT @RobboMills: Canadian Content will assert itself & find a world wide audience when the creation of it is treated like a legitimate business. #wantcancon

7:00 pm seetsirbas: RT @RobboMills: And not like a pathetic cottage industry. #wantcancon

8:33 pm debnathan: @garryoakgirl Isn't this #wantCanCon discussion about radical change?

8:47 pm wcdixon: RT @NilsSorensen: Sounds good on paper, but creative that must "speak to Canadians" doesn't always equal business/critical success. #wantCancon

9:20 pm wilzmak: Wanna buy a bridge in Brooklyn? RT @garryoakgirl: Fewer than 6% of Hollywood prods ever make a profit. Want to play in that pool? #wantcancon

9:37 pm wcdixon: On Friday Telefilm/CMF announced initiative to increase Cancon demand/visibility http://bit.ly/eHxgZ9 - we're discussing it here #wantCancon

9:42 pm wcdixon: Lots of great ideas and input on increasing demand and visibiity of Canadian content for film/TV/web ...keep chiming in at #wantCancon

9:44 pm garryoakgirl: @debnathan Trust me, I am all for radical change, but folks need to understand exactly what it will mean. #wantCanCon

9:49 pm wcdixon: Want to increase visibiity of Canadian content? Easy answer but make more of it, then promote it, then show/screen more often in more places. #wantCancon

9:51 pm wcdixon: Want to increase demand for Canadian content? Make more of it, show/screen more often, and promote shit out of it - SAY it's 'must see'. #wantCancon

10:34 pm wcdixon: .@debnathan So if not enough TV timeslots available or movie screens available, is it a policy or a business problem? #wantCancon

10:39 pm wcdixon: .@heywriterboy Even tho you blogged the #wantCancon topic to death you should still chime in. Blog can = soapbox. Twitter a group exchange?


March 14, 2011

12:22 am wcdixon: Get in on this discussion @HartHanson - they'll listen to you talking up #wantCancon

12:26 am weinmanj: @wcdixon re #WantCanCon is it reminds me of what cable networks in the US went through. They didn't just, zap, start making watchable shows

12:50 am wcdixon: As per @weinmanj are we too unrealistic (our shows should be as popular as US hits)? Or too pessimistic (we'll never be as good)? #wantCancon

12:52 am wcdixon: RT @HartHanson I want credit for screaming bout this stuff a decade ago. On the other hand so was everyone else, so, forget it. #wantCancon

12:52 am heywriterboy: CDN writers I've met who've gone to L.A. aren't more talented. They aren't always more successful. But they are more at peace. #wantcancon

12:57 am wcdixon: Let me try another tact - if you could implement ONE change to our industry in order to increase demand & visibility what would that be? #wantCancon

1:05 am daeganf: @wcdixon Let me tell a good story, regardless of where it's set and who it is about. #wantCancon

1:18 am wcdixon: RT @macFaddo star. system. RT @JasonChesworth what @macFaddo said. #wantCancon re: one change to increase demand/visibility of Cdn content.

1:20 am wcdixon: RT @debnathan Solution is networks pay for PNI without govt handouts/subsidies. Ratings/ad revenue become important, so better quality. #wantCancon

1:58 am wcdixon: RT @weinmanj It seems a business incentive will produce better programming than a 'keep your license' incentive... #wantCancon

2:00 am wcdixon: RT @weinmanj Compare how better kids programming was produced for business reasons than to comply w/ educational requirements. #wantCancon

4:37 am garnerhaines: RT @heywriterboy: CDN writers I've met who've gone to L.A. aren't more talented. They aren't always more successful. But they are more at peace. #wantcancon

4:37 am garnerhaines: RT @wcdixon: RT @HartHanson I want credit for screaming bout this stuff a decade ago. On the other hand so was everyone else, so, forget it. #wantCancon

6:44 am monagrenier: Government funding somehow based on viewership, not just on $ spent or "Canadianness" #wantCancon

1:33 pm srk_to: Excellent! RT @wcdixon: ..great ideas & input on increasing demand & visibiity of Cdn content for film/TV/web...keep chiming in at #wantCancon

1:42 pm cartoondutchie: I think where I'm confused is what Telefilm/CMF is trying to accomplish - promotion to B2B market or B2C market? #wantCancon

1:43 pm cartoondutchie: is the identified need awareness to get companies to buy our content, or get consumers to buy our content? #wantCancon

1:50 pm srk_to: @klashton27 The #wantCancon conversation is a good example of the follow-up needed -producers, etc. on how best to promote their own content

1:52 pm klashton27: @srk_to you may want to note that most of those in the #wantCanCon (and the originator of the hashtag) are creators rather than producers

1:58 pm srk_to: Thnx - stand corrcted! RT @klashton27: @srk_to ..most of those in #wantCanCon (& the originator of hashtag) are creators rather than producers

2:05 pm wcdixon: @klashton27 @cartoondutchie All questions will be answered in April! But we can still try to answer now...no? #wantCancon

2:11 pm cartoondutchie: @srk_to @klashton27 to be honest, I'm not sure how many Producers are even on twitter personally (other than IDM/gaming) #wantCanCon

2:11 pm wcdixon: Telefilm/CMF announcing initiative to increase Cancon demand and visibility - http://bit.ly/eHxgZ9 - we're discussing it here #wantCancon

2:12 pm wcdixon: Lots of good ideas/suggestions for increasing demand and visibiity of Canadian content for film/TV/web ...keep chiming in at #wantCancon

2:14 pm EmilyClaireAfan: RT @wcdixon: Lots of good ideas/suggestions for increasing demand and visibiity of Canadian content for film/TV/web ...keep chiming in at #wantCancon

2:15 pm motionpix: I think one must first understand the cancon 'brand' & what it inadvertantly represents to the public #wantCancon

2:16 pm wcdixon: RT @monagrenier Government funding somehow based on viewership, not just on $ spent or "Canadianness". #wantCancon

2:17 pm jill380: RT @wcdixon: Telefilm/CMF announcing initiative to increase Cancon demand and visibility - http://bit.ly/eHxgZ9 - we're discussing it here #wantCancon

2:19 pm amber_dowling: RT @wcdixon: Lots of good ideas/suggestions for increasing demand and visibiity of Canadian content for film/TV/web ...keep chiming in at #wantCancon

2:21 pm motionpix: RT @DecencyLegion: One #wantCancon snag is that people with indexed pensions are managing the lives of artists who will never earn enough to retire (1/2)

2:24 pm wcdixon: An aside re: at #wantCancon - most of the 'ways to increase demand/visibility of Cancon' tweets coming from writer/creators, not producers.

2:30 pm wcdixon: I also asked this question at #wantCancon: if you could implement ONE change to our industry to help increase demand/visibility what would that be?

2:31 pm klashton27: @wcdixon Get rid of simulcast so Cdn broadcasters are dependent on Cdn programming and have incentives to make it profitable #wantCancon

2:32 pm klashton27: @wcdixon ...at least in theory - what makes sense to us doesn't always make sense to Cdn broadcasters. #wantCancon

2:44 pm heywriterboy: @wcdixon When was last time you heard of a CDN Producer forced to go south cuz of lack of opportunity? Not being glib. Really wonder. #wantcancon

2:47 pm rossmckie: RT @wcdixon: Telefilm/CMF announcing initiative to increase Cancon demand and visibility - http://bit.ly/eHxgZ9 - we're discussing it here #wantCancon

2:50 pm debnathan: @klashton27 @wcdixon Thought simulcast tied to ad revenue. #wantCanCon

2:50 pm rossmckie: I actually had a #wantCancon dream last night. The hashtag called me on my cell. I said, "Well, I'm always her? (cont) http://deck.ly/~vfYS7

2:51 pm debnathan: @heywriterboy @wcdixon Don't get me started DMc. #wantCanCon

3:00 pm allthethinks: Aside from Film Centre- VERY few places for new writers to break in and gain experience, even when samples show promise. #wantCancon

3:04 pm allthethinks: 1st development internship in '05, I read scripts that hadn't seen eyes in 2 yrs. When it ended, next unpaid student brought in. #wantCancon

3:07 pm heywriterboy: .@carolinegodin Yet it's producers who often lead the charge toward the "bring back U.S. based CDN talent" & push 8/10 reductions... #wantcancon

3:09 pm allthethinks: How much did it actually cost to produce Kids in the Hall? I'm curious. #wantCancon

3:11 pm wcdixon: RT @carolinegodin Networks offering deals now making it impossible to break even let alone profit. No $$ for development anymore. #wantCancon

3:14 pm Gharv: So much time talking about fixing a system that is truly terminal? Rethink. Envelopes for webcasters run by content creators? #wantcancon

3:16 pm Gharv: +1 RT@carolinegodin Networks offering deals now making it impossible to break even let alone profit. No $ for development anymore. #wantCancon

3:19 pm allthethinks: With @Gharv I only watch traditional cable 2X a year when I visit my parents. The rest- online. Everything is in flux. #wantCancon

3:23 pm timstubinski: As a writer/creator who listens to the trials and tribulations producers deal with here to get things made, enjoying the subject #wantCancon

3:32 pm klashton27: @cartoondutchie @heywriterboy @srk_to That explains FB which is more push than convo - they're afraid of the convo (?) #wantCancon

3:34 pm wcdixon: A #wantCancon fix - remove value in logs for nets airing old Canadian TV shows/movies (Littlest Hobo gets same % credit for CTV as Hiccups).

3:34 pm wcdixon: This constant rerunning of old Cdn TV shows only reinforces negative 'Cancon' brand to general public...kills demand for more. #wantCancon

3:34 pm NormBolen: #wantcancon It is a great idea to make Canadians more aware of all the great shows and movies made by Canadian producers.

3:39 pm NormBolen: #wantCancon There is nothing wrong with rerunning Canadian shows. Sometimes reruns larger audience than original. A viewer is a viewer.

3:39 pm wcdixon: @NormBolen The #wantCancon thread isn't about making Canadians more aware of our shows but discussing 'how' to increase visibility/demand.

3:40 pm jasonjkee: In my view, any solution that focuses on Cdn b'casters or BDUs is at best a short-term solution... #wantcancon

3:41 pm jasonjkee: Rather, focus should be on leveraging global economy, promoting Cdn content to global market over domestic markets. #wantcancon

3:45 pm carolinegodin: @NormBolen I think running super old shows diminishes demand for newer ones, especially if they count same same in logs for way less $ #wantcancon

3:46 pm carolinegodin: @jasonjkee Jason, agree re: global but unless doing a treaty co-pro, you need to finance out of Canada/US to get shows made today. #wantcancon

3:48 pm wcdixon: @NormBolen Visibility can lead to awareness which can lead to demand....agreed. So listing ways at #wantCancon to achieve more visibility.

3:49 pm carolinegodin: @wcdixon Tax credits were orignally meant to build prodco infrastructure, foster development, bonus to not part of show budget. #wantcancon

3:50 pm HoboLittlest: .@wcdixon Solution clearly Hobo/Hiccups crossover. Ready to work. Still house trained; can Paul Gross say same? Woof. #WantCancon

3:51 pm carolinegodin: @wcdixon We're facing same situation UK prodcos did few years back, broadcasters essentially getting shows/dist rights for free. #wantcancon

3:53 pm srk_to: The sequel! RT @HoboLittlest: Solution .. Hobo/Hiccups crossover-Ready to work-Still house trained-can Paul Gross say same? Woof #WantCancon

3:54 pm cartoondutchie: @NormBolen Not the digital media products? :( #wantcancon

3:56 pm HoboLittlest: @carolinegodin @flashpoint_tv Hobo have no problem double dipping. Take multivitamin every day. Coat shiny; teeth strong. Woof. #wantCancon

3:59 pm EmilyClaireAfan: Great discussion happening over at the #wantCancon thread in response to Telefilm and #CMF's latest initiative: http://ow.ly/4e64q

4:14 pm cartoondutchie: IDM/gaming peeps: @jasonjkee and I seem to be the only ones commenting in #wantCancon in response to http://bit.ly/gOYzSc please participate!

4:14 pm EmilyClaireAfan: RT @cartoondutchie: IDM/gaming peeps: @jasonjkee and I seem to be the only ones commenting in #wantCancon in response to http://bit.ly/gOYzSc plz participate!

4:20 pm motionpix: How to raise demand #wantCancon comes down to hard work: positioning, build relationship w audience, marketing, promotion. No secret.

4:30 pm klashton27: Having a mother/daughter shopping March Break vacay day - way more fun than trying to solve #wantCancon

4:31 pm EgoAnt: IDM/gaming peeps: @jasonjkee & @cartoondutchie seem to be the only ones responding to http://bit.ly/gOYzSc plz participate! #wantCancon

4:45 pm frasermills: Call me callous, but if international demand was greater than domestic, that's ok. As long as industry is healthy, well funded. #WantCancon

4:51 pm wcdixon: RT @NormBolen Increasing visibility is another way of saying make Canadians more aware. Awareness leads to demand. #wantCancon

4:51 pm realjdwoodward: RT @wcdixon: RT @NormBolen Increasing visibility is another way of saying make Canadians more aware. Awareness leads to demand. #wantCancon

4:52 pm wcdixon: RT @frasermills If international demand was greater than domestic, that's okay. As long as industry is healthy, well funded. #wantCancon

4:52 pm jill380: RT @jaybushman i was just saying last night that for next year, instead of another #SXStarwars we should do #SXDegrassi. #wantcancon

4:53 pm srk_to: @garryoakgirl About time you put your 2 cents into #wantCancon

4:56 pm carolinegodin: @Gharv Not sure I agree. Our stories as currently defined by CM, no. But broaden the idea of what Canadian is and yes, they do. #wantcancon

5:01 pm wcdixon: Contrary to popular opinion Cancon brand NOT improved by 6 point shows like The Tudors. General public say: That's not Canadian. #wantCancon

5:03 pm carolinegodin: @wcdixon I don't think most civilians even know The Tudors is technically Canadian #wantcancon

5:03 pm Gharv: Ok listen to Patti Smith's 'Ain't it Strange' from Radio Ethiopia. For no other reason than it's good to dig it up! But still #wantCancon

5:04 pm frasermills: @wcdixon 6-point system is a good way to limit the amount of Cancon in our Cancon. Broadcasters benefit more than anyone else. #wantCancon

5:08 pm frasermills: @carolinegodin True, but lack of domestic demand for Cancon makes it harder to fuel private interest, int'l demand would help. #wantCancon

5:14 pm wcdixon: @frasermills Exactly. B'casters/producers/funders say 6 point shows increase visibility/demand but public don't perceive as Cdn. #wantCancon

5:23 pm garryoakgirl: @srk_to Hey! I'm on holiday... ;) #wantCancon

5:25 pm frasermills: @carolinegodin Very true. Hopefully #CMF announcement is step in right direction towards building stronger domestic industry. #wantCancon

5:46 pm wcdixon: RT @gregobr Cdn broadcasters need their own original content. Renting others' shows won't work as a business for much longer. #wantCancon

5:46 pm MrBobKerr: RT @wcdixon: RT @gregobr Cdn broadcasters need their own original content. Renting others' shows won't work as a business for much longer. #wantCancon

6:31 pm wcdixon: I 'get' this article & understand problem but stealing is still stealing...there's no honour among thieves. http://bit.ly/fuxJyM #wantCancon

6:37 pm carolaparnell: RT @EgoAnt: IDM/gaming peeps: @jasonjkee & @cartoondutchie seem to be the only ones responding to http://bit.ly/gOYzSc plz participate! #wantCancon

7:23 pm russellmcormond: @klashton27 Do you know if someone has blogged origins of #wantCancon ? Is it about CRTC/etc CanCon rules, or creation/access to CanCon?

7:28 pm russellmcormond: @jasonjkee We agree. Many of us want to move away from BDU's to alternatives for distribution, but still #wantcancon to be available!

7:28 pm russellmcormond: RT @jasonjkee: In my view, any solution that focuses on Cdn b'casters or BDUs is at best a short-term solution... #wantcancon

7:28 pm russellmcormond: RT @jasonjkee: Rather, focus should be on leveraging global economy, promoting Cdn content to global market over domestic #wantcancon

7:29 pm wcdixon: @russellmcormond #wantCancon started with me as response to Telefilm/CMF initiative to increase demand/visibility - http://bit.ly/eHxgZ9

7:32 pm wcdixon: @russellmcormond #wantCancon was about looking for ways to increase Cancon visibility/demand but has expanded to include creation & rules.

7:47 pm klashton27: @russellmcormond #wantCancon was started by @wcdixon in response to a particularly vague Telefilm/CMF release on Friday re promoting CanCon

7:48 pm russellmcormond: RT @wcdixon: @russellmcormond #wantCancon started with me as response to Telefilm/CMF initiative to increase demand/visibility - http://bit.ly/eHxgZ9

7:49 pm russellmcormond: RT @wcdixon: @russellmcormond #wantCancon started off looking for ways to increase Cancon visibility/demand but has expanded to include creation & rules.

8:14 pm wilzmak: #wantCancon on the film side, Telefilm could get out of prod financing & into P&A deals with distribs, based on guaranteed bookings = visibility

8:21 pm wcdixon: RT @prairiecunning Telefilm gets out of features and puts $ toward P&A/Marketing/Events and new platforms other than theatrical. #wantCancon

8:24 pm russellmcormond: .@klashton27 @wcdixon Curious what you think about the comments at http://ur1.ca/3imw9 @DecencyLegion @tv_eh #wantCancon #WantToPay4Cancon

8:29 pm russellmcormond: @wcdixon (Not stealing http://BillC32.ca/Jefferson_debate ) Is it helpful to complain ppl not paying when content not for sale? #wantCancon

8:35 pm prairiecunning: RT @wilzmak: #wantCancon on the film side, TF could get out of prod financing & into P&A deals with distribs, based on guaranteed bookings = visibility.

8:57 pm srk_to: #wantCancon Excellent level of discussion - your points will be pondered.

9:03 pm wilzmak: #wantCancon Question 1: how many US programs would bcasters buy if there were no sim-sub?

9:04 pm wilzmak: #wantCancon question 2: how would they attract eyeballs without it?

9:14 pm camdocorg: Popping the bubble( thinking outside the canconcastle in the air) is one of the few ways we can make people #wantcancon. Talk to people!!

9:15 pm wcdixon: The #wantCancon discussion should begin with questioning legal definition of a 'Canadian program', including 6pt system http://bit.ly/ij5wdk

9:22 pm wcdixon: @wilzmak No idea how many they'd buy if no sim-sub but guess it'd resemble CBC model, a few US shows lead into more Cdn shows? #wantCancon

9:27 pm wilzmak: @wcdixon they would buy more cable shows (FX, Comedy Cent, etc) and they would be competing with US bcast, just like cable... #wantCancon

9:27 pm frasermills: Fraser Institute, eh? They sound reputable! RT @wcdixon #wantCancon discussion should begin w/ questioning legal def'n of 'Canadian program'

9:28 pm wilzmak: @wcdixon ad rates would go down, but Flashpoint's 1.5 million viewers would become meaningful rather than an afterthought. #wantCancon

9:33 pm magelly: @wcdixon I wouldn't get involved in semantics, except where it pertains to funding. Reminds me of those jurisdictional debates. #wantcancon

9:40 pm wilzmak: Numbers: b-casters spent $846mil on foreign content. $75mil on #wantCancon. Less than 20% of their drama schedule is Canadian.

9:44 pm katiewolfgang: RT @wilzmak: Numbers: b-casters spent $846mil on foreign content. $75mil on #wantCancon. Less than 20% of their drama schedule is Canadian.

9:50 pm wcdixon: @katiewolfgang @wilzmak B'casters can spend that $846mil per year on foreign cuz small Cdn. spend fulfills license conditions. #wantCancon

9:52 pm prairiecunning: RT @wilzmak: Numbers: b-casters spent $846mil on foreign content. $75mil on #wantCancon. Less than 20% of their drama sched is Canadian.

9:52 pm wcdixon: @katiewolfgang @wilzmak And b'casters WILL spend that much on foreign content cuz of sim-sub benefit...& cuz they can afford it. #wantCancon

10:29 pm jasonjkee: @wcdixon @katiewolfgang @wilzmak Seems one of key Qs to consider is how to make bcasters WANT to increase Cdn spend #WantCancon

11:27 pm debnathan: @wcdixon @carolinegodin #wantCanCon They will never change by choice.

11:35 pm motionpix: Agreed @camdocorg Re: Talk to people (audience). Sometimes I get the feeling audience is forgotten in industry debates. #wantCancon

11:54 pm wcdixon: RT @EmilyClaireAfan: Great discussion happening over at the #wantCancon thread in response to Telefilm and #CMF's latest initiative: http://ow.ly/4e64q


March 15, 2011

1:01 am heavy_early: RT @wcdixon: RT @gregobr Cdn broadcasters need their own original content. Renting others' shows won't work as a business for much longer. #wantCancon

1:52 am lifeonqueen: RT @wcdixon: The #wantCancon discussion should begin with questioning legal definition of a 'Canadian program', including 6pt system http://bit.ly/ij5wdk

1:52 am lifeonqueen: RT @wcdixon: What technically counts as Cdn content vs. what general viewing public thinks or perceives is Cancon are two different things. #wantCancon

3:55 am klashton27: Great evening spent with Endgame and Out With Dad, problem with #WantCancon is clearly not the creativity!

4:08 am wcdixon: Endgame. New series. Showcase. Tonight. #wantCancon

4:37 am EndgameSeries: RT @wcdixon: Endgame. New series. Showcase. Tonight. #wantCancon

1:49 pm wcdixon: #wantCancon "Whose hashtag is this?" "It's a thread" "Whose thread?" "Thread's dead, baby. Thread's dead." #wantCancon

1:51 pm hipchic99: RT @wcdixon: Why wait until April? Why wait for a report to be released a year from now? List strategies for increasing demand visibility at #wantCancon

1:52 pm hipchic99: RT @wcdixon: Seriously, read Telefilm/CMF release http://bit.ly/eHxgZ9 and let's start listing strategies to increase demand/visibilty at #wantCancon

2:14 pm hipchic99: RT @inkcanada: catching up with bemusement on #wantcancon thread. A discussion about Canadian Content - spirit, policy & reality. By CanCon creators.

2:49 pm VittoriaCafolla: RT @wcdixon: #wantCancon "Whose hashtag is this?" "It's a thread" "Whose thread?" "Thread's dead, baby. Thread's dead." #wantCancon

6:03 pm DecencyLegion: If "Endgame" is what you get when you #wantCancon that's Beaver and Mountie free, I'm in. Great first show, Endgame guys.

6:25 pm PressPlus1: Want more CanCon? Find out more in our Canadian Film Section on Press+1: http://www.pressplus1.com/canadian-film.html #wantCancon

6:56 pm wilzmak: #wantcancon Just in case you thought Canadians were the only ones boohooing about taxes and content: http://t.co/88EKcnH

8:02 pm ZaNiaCmedic: @DecencyLegion I'm the opposite. If that's #wantCancon at its finest, I'm disappointed. I did not like #Endgame at all.

10:34 pm katiewolfgang: The Listener was CTV's highest-rated show last Tuesday, 1.1million RT @tv_eh: Ratings: Week of March 7 http://bit.ly/hRittA #WantCancon

10:34 pm ShaftesburyTV: The Listener was CTV's highest-rated show last Tuesday, 1.1million RT @tv_eh: Ratings: Week of March 7 http://bit.ly/hRittA #WantCancon

10:35 pm tv_eh: RT @ShaftesburyTV: The Listener was CTV's highest-rated show last Tuesday, 1.1million RT @tv_eh: Ratings: Week of March 7 http://bit.ly/hRittA #WantCancon

10:35 pm ennisesmer: RT @listenertv: The Listener was CTV's highest-rated show last Tuesday, 1.1million RT @tv_eh: Ratings: Week of March 7 http://bit.ly/hRittA #WantCancon

10:43 pm TSpencerNairn: RT @listenertv: The Listener was CTV's highest-rated show last Tuesday, 1.1million RT @tv_eh: Ratings: Week of March 7 http://bit.ly/hRittA #WantCancon

10:46 pm _Kiefer: RT @listenertv: The Listener was CTV's highest-rated show last Tuesday, 1.1million RT @tv_eh: Ratings: Week of March 7 http://bit.ly/hRittA #WantCancon

11:11 pm wilzmak: @wcdixon Streaming opens the door to Netflix competitors (output deals with studios) and they know exclusive content is needed. #wantCancon

11:17 pm wcdixon: @madpulpbastard @wilzmak But why do THEY already know exclusive content is needed and b'casters here in Canada STILL don't know! #wantCancon

11:21 pm madpulpbastard: @wcdixon @wilzmak - because they don't NEED to be original when they have simulcasting. They can use someone else's original. #wantcancon

11:55 pm wcdixon: @zaniacmedic @DecencyLegion One could nitpick at some of the setup and logic, but I thought Endgame held a lot of promise. #wantCancon

11:56 pm wcdixon: Hmmm...I wonder if Netflix Canada is going to #wantCancon of the original variety next? http://bit.ly/hvoG0n


March 16, 2011

1:38 am CaperWheelLady: RT @listenertv: The Listener was CTV's highest-rated show last Tuesday, 1.1million RT @tv_eh: Ratings: Week of March 7 http://bit.ly/hRittA #WantCancon

2:52 am RobboMills: RT @wcdixon: Hmmm...I wonder if Netflix Canada is going to #wantCancon of the original variety next? http://bit.ly/hvoG0n

3:24 am RainbowFrancks: RT @listenertv: The Listener was CTV's highest-rated show last Tuesday, 1.1million RT @tv_eh: Ratings: Week of March 7 http://bit.ly/hRittA #WantCancon

3:44 am _creeboy: @wcdixon Sarandos' comments about audience recommendations --> social marketing. relevant to your recent conversation. #WantCanCon

March 17, 2011
2:49 pm wcdixon: Written 15 years ago John Harness' "3 Modest Proposals for the Canadian Film Industry" STILL applies today. http://bit.ly/gKmNch #wantCancon

3:47 pm weinmanj: RT @wcdixon: Written 15 years ago John Harness' "3 Modest Proposals for the Canadian Film Industry" STILL applies today. http://bit.ly/gKmNch #wantCancon

3:49 pm lenmac1: RT @wcdixon: Written 15 years ago John Harness' "3 Modest Proposals for the Canadian Film Industry" STILL applies today. http://bit.ly/gKmNch #wantCancon

4:16 pm billybuck: When I get down on being in entertainment I perk myself up with a reminder that I'm not in the airline industry. #wantcancon

8:40 pm wcdixon: Last word for now on #wantCancon thread - 6 year old article sadly summarizes govt. review of Canadian Film Industry. http://bit.ly/dVIdfq


This is just scratching the surface to be sure - I know a lot more industry people who have ideas or suggestions but didn't see hashtag. And the shortness of tweets makes getting across ones point difficult, but it also keeps things moving and not bogging down in one person hogging the floor as it were.

Finally - this wasn't meant to be an attack on or indictment of the agencies or funds or the Canadian film/TV/web content making system in general, just spurring conversation and dialogue about a subject that means a lot to a lot of us. I hope it can be read with that in mind and taken for what it is...people talking and expressing themselves on Twitter... and that it *all* leads to a successful initiative.


EDIT: Jim Henshaw continues the Telefilm and #wantCancon discussion in a slightly more frustrated and critical (albeit justified) way over HERE...go read, comment, and let's keep talking.

To be continued...






!

If You Force It, They Won't Come

Happy 2011 everyone.

It's almost that time again ad fans...you know, the time when we in Canada watch the Super Bowl but don't get to see the *super* commercials produced especially for the broadcast. Read why HERE (thanks CRTC!). I remember way back when we'd have to wait months for some of those fancy shmancy commercials to come to town, literally, when the best of the best would play at the local rep cinema as part of the yearly Cannes Lions Advertising Award Winners film screening.

Then the internet came along, and we up here in the frozen north would sit and wait with bated breath after the game for someone to post the Super Bowl commercials (or in June the Cannes Golden Lions) online and hope the site wasn't geo-blocked. Sometimes it wasn't....most times it was. And now it's 2011 and we in Canada *still* can't watch the super Super Bowl commercials as they air during the game, but the internet is the new advertising super highway so finding them and watching them after the game is pretty much a given. Find last years Super Bowl ads HERE. Find last years Golden Lion winners HERE. Not only that, some companies are letting their super new ads leak onto the interwebs ahead of time for us "all" to watch. And enjoy. And remember who made it. And go buy that product. Hopefully.

One Super Bowl commercial that leaked? online yesterday even had it's own teaser ad released a week ago. Yeah you heard me, a teaser ad for a commercial. But you know something - it deserved a teaser ad because in the end, the finished product was that good.

See for yourself... watch HERE... if below video doesn't work.






In less than 24 hours, Volkswagon's "The Force" has over 5 million views (now over 12 million views after only 3 days). And I'm of the mind that as good an ad as it is, the fact that it is a 'Super Bowl' ad increased its chances of successfully watched and then forwarded on. But it also succeeded by not being 'forced' upon me by an overzealous marketing department. Rather, I 'discovered' it via friends and colleagues I follow on Twitter whose opinion I trust. The relationship between the product and consumer was almost symbiotic in this case, if there can be such a thing. And even though there will be more than 50 million people tuned into the Super Bowl game on Sunday, I'm willing to bet VW would happily take all those individual internet screenings over being just one of many ads during the game broadcast and call it even. Or call it a win, even.

TV still drives the car, but the web also has its hands firmly on the wheel. And in the brave new world of selling your product, any product, you've got to have both squarely on your team.

Thank goodness the internet is still on our side up here in Canada. For now.

.

I Said Sit!

This Okay Go video still blows my mind...most common things heard on set that day were: "Going again!"...."Reset!"....and "Sit!"

I Say Make Em Pay

Last Friday the CRTC, our broadcast regulator, asked the federal government for a change to the law governing how it regulates TV networks, cable providers, radio broadcasters, etc. and requested the right to fine companies that don't follow regulations because (from THIS ARTICLE by Susan Krashinsky in the Globe & Mail), according to the CRTC "...too many companies in the broadcast system are breaking the rules..."

Too many companies? Wouldn't just one company be too many?

It's gotten embarrassing. Over the past several years we've seen networks arbitrarily change their programming to serve their need for more profit as opposed to continuing to service the conditions of license for channel they were assigned in first place. Or we've seen them make application after application to try to reduce their Canadian Content requirement percentages...these applications submitted after already making said reductions of course. And we've seen cable providers like Shaw Communications move channels around without 60 days notice or run advertising on community channels or on more than one occasion submit late payments to the Canada Media Fund which assists homegrown production. And don't get me started on the whole 'Save Local TV' vs 'Stop The TV tax' debacle....that shit should have earned everyone involved a big-ass fine.

The reduction of cable or TV network licence terms from seven years down to five or two years has been the only 'slap on the wrist' the CRTC has been able to impose on said guilty networks and cable providers, and it's meant nothing...rule-breaking continues to run rampant.

And I'm still trying to figure out Shaw's response in the Globe article to the CRTC's petition.

“It’s an interesting situation, the regulator appealing to the legislators,” said Ken Stein, head of regulatory affairs at Shaw. “…We don’t think fines are appropriate. I think the way to deal with things is for the chairman or the vice-chairman to pick up the phone. That’s the way it’s been done for 50 years.”

Pick up the phone and call to say: "Hey, you're breaking the rules!" To which the response has always seemed to be: "Uh, really? I don't think so. We'll get back to you on that. Or better yet, let's hold a hearing six months down the road and discuss it then." Yeah that's worked really well so far.

The article goes on to say:

The regulator’s issue is not only with cable companies. Since the beginning of this year, the CRTC has renewed 127 radio broadcast licences, and over half of those were given only short-term renewals because they had not complied with regulations – such as the requirement to keep program logs to show their stations were broadcasting at least 35 per cent Canadian content, for example.

Chairman Konrad von Finckenstein has also been vocal about the issue. Last April, in his presentation to the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology in Ottawa, along with his comments on foreign ownership, Mr. von Finckenstein said the regulator should be able to fine companies, the same way it can telemarketers that violate the National Do Not Call List.

And I agree, even though some may disagree with me - the same some who feel the CRTC and Chairman Finckenstein serve no purpose and are only there to bow down and serve interests of the media conglomerates in this country. But I contest that if the CRTC were in fact in the back pocket of big media, they wouldn't be petitioning for right to fine the rule-breakers. They wouldn't be asking the government for the power.

I've written HERE BEFORE on the blog about the CRTC having no teeth and needing a bigger bat...hell, any bat...so they can not only police but actually enforce the broadcasting rules and regulations that currently exist out there.

But in order to give the CRTC the power to impose monetary penalties, Parliament would have to pass an amendment to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Act. I say Parliament should give the CRTC the power, and put no maximum on the fine amount. Why no maximum? Because with cable providers like Shaw and Bell and Rogers having gobbled up the majority of Canadian TV networks recently, a small fine will just be a drop in the bucket to these guys.

Make em pay...big. And let's see if that has any effect on them all playing by the rules. Hell, it certainly can't hurt. And if Parliament won't grant the power, well then maybe it is the time to look at disbanding the CRTC.

Phishing For Fun

"You ate my fractal."


Probably only funny to musicians, or sound editors, or foley artists...but still pretty funny.




Aha!

A Film By Any Other Name or Author This!

A Film By..., the dastardly *possessory* credit that tends to lead off most feature films you see today which is intended to recognize authorship of the film. Authorship? Speaking of making enemies!




This little three word credit has been a thorn in the sides of the DGA and WGA (director and writer guilds) for decades with directors stating that they're taking credit for an audiovisual work that is inherently distinct from the script whereas writers, on the other hand, have thought it absurd for anyone other than the writer to claim authorial ownership.

But in the late 1960's the Directors Guild fought for and won through the Producers Alliance (AMPTP) the right for directors to choose to have that credit at the front of a finished film. In fact, they pushed the knife in further and in 1981 even won the right to have that credit on all advertising including outdoor advertising (though this practice was abandoned in 2004).


From the Directors Guild of America basic agreement handbook:

Possessory Credits

Many directors choose to place a signature credit on their work commonly referred to as a "Film by" or "Possessory" credit. There is a long honored history of filmmakers being accorded such credit. The BA provides for the director's right to negotiate for such a credit and prohibits the companies from engaging in any agreement with any other guild or organization that interferes with that right. If you are not successful in getting the issue of the possessory credit on the table, please call the Guild.

Sigh.


Film is and always has been a creatively collaborative medium. Sure, some directors bring more to the table in terms of distinct look, tone, or visual style when interpreting the written word of the screenplay and getting it up onto the screen, but a film is ultimately a group effort and it starts with a story written by the writer, or the 'author'. That this credit even exists has always been baffling to me...and I belong to both guilds!

Anyway, I watched The Social Network this weekend. Great script. Great film. And I have nothing against director David Fincher. He's always been a solid perfectionist filmmaker with a distinct visual flair.

And my point is?

My point is if you've already seen the movie in the theaters, read the screenplay by Aaron Sorkin (one of the best you'll see this year) HERE, or even just the first page (click on jpeg below to enlarge), and you should see what I'm getting at.




This scene as written *is* the film that appeared on screen this weekend. So would someone please explain to me why Fincher deserves sole authorial ownership and the "A Film By..." credit?


Anybody?

.

Get Cancer

The following has been kicking around the internets for a while but came across it today and it's worth sharing again. It's a (purported) real exchange of emails in fall 2001 between Judd Apatow, the creator of the Freaks and Geeks and Undeclared, and Mark Brazill, the creator of That '70s Show (starring Topher Grace).

And who says you can't make enemies in this biz. Proceed with caution.


____________________________________________


Mark,

I am writing you because I left a message but did not hear back. I understand that you were upset about me not calling you to ask if Topher could do our show. Since Fox executives were talking to Topher about it, I thought it was cool with you. Also, since I hadn't written it yet, I wasn't at the point of asking if it was possible to have him do it. I would have called your show then. I didn't realize it would create a problem. I never wished to offend you. If there is some protocol for people on Fox doing guest shots on other Fox shows, I didn't know what it was. Regardless, I'm sorry that this resulted in such a mess. If you are mad at me about this or something else from our past, please tell me. I only remember us having fun in the early nineties and it troubles me that it seems like you have a beef with me.

Best regards,

Judd Apatow


--------------------------------------------

Judd,

Yeah, we were friends in the early nineties. And if you don't recall what happened, I'll remind you. I had a pilot at MTV called "Yard Dogs" about a rock band living in Hollywood. I told you about it and you proceeded to completely rip it off, storyline and all, for the Ben Stiller show. You called it "Grungies." MTV and UTA [United Talent Agency] were working on an overall deal (MTV's idea) with me, based on that pilot. When it turned up on your show everything went away overnight. I had just had my son Jack and I had no job, no money, nothing. There's a saying, "I forgive but I don't forget. And I don't forgive." So, now you know. Although I kind of think that you already did.

Mark


---------------------------------------------

Mark,

I truly don't remember anything you are talking about. Jeff Kahn wrote "The Grungies" sketch, a parody where we did Seattle bands as The Monkees. I don't remember you ever calling me after that saying you were mad. Ben and I would get fifty sketches a week from the writers and then we'd pick the ones that we thought were funny. I never connected the two. Even now they don't seem similar. Ours was a goofy over-the-top parody, not a situation comedy about musicians in L.A. Nobody watched our show so I don't see how that could be the reason your pilot died. I am sorry you are upset. I am not a thief of ideas. I'm sorry you believe differently.

Judd Apatow


----------------------------------------------

Judd,

The show I wrote was also over-the-top and it let down the fourth wall. Since it's registered at the WGA [Writers Guild of America], you could compare the two. And as an Exec Producer, we both know you have input into every sketch. As for no one seeing the show, everyone knows everything in Hollywood. There are no secrets. Personally, I feel you've made a career out of being a sycophant to Carrey or Shandling or Roseanne, and when you weren't kissing ass you were stealing from lesser-known comics or leeching off other people's ideas ("Celtic Pride," "Cable Guy"). I noticed how outraged you were to not get a writing credit on "Cable Guy" until it came out and was panned. You dropped that cause like the showbiz weasel you are. You may not think you're a thief, but most comics know otherwise. And again, you know that too. Have you ever read "What Makes Sammy Run"? I think you'd like it. Get cancer.

Love,

Mark


---------------------------------------------

Mark,

Come on, we all wrote for comics at the beginning of our careers. I wrote for Roseanne, you wrote for Dennis Miller. If that makes me a sycophant, then I guess I am. And so are the writers for "Caesar's Hour." I dropped my "Cable Guy" lawsuit not because the film got bad reviews but because I spent eighty grand on it and my lawyer told me I was going to lose. You would be upset if you rewrote the vast majority of a script and received no credit. I wish you had called me about this years ago. I'm sure we could have worked it out. Try not to be so angry. Not everyone is as bad as you think. You should call Jeff Kahn and ask him how that sketch originated. If it turned out that I didn't steal your idea would you still want me to get cancer? I swear to God that I didn't know you were mad about this. Until six weeks ago I was still referring to you as an old friend. Maybe one day I'll be able to say that again.

Judd Apatow


--------------------------------------------

Mark,

It's come to my attention that you are upset with Judd Apatow about the sketch "The Grungies." I completely understand why you would have been pissed off about seeing something similar to what you were working on at the time. However, the idea for "The Grungies" and all the initial writing and rewriting came from me. I also cast it, acted in it, and edited it. I was and still am influenced by pop music, and I thought it would be funny to satirize the seriousness of the Seattle grunge music scene with the ridiculous superficiality of "The Monkees" 1960s show. I hope that this clears up any misunderstanding. By the way, I am a huge fan of "That '70s Show." Congratulations on its well-deserved success. I also think it's cool you set it in Wisconsin. I went to the University of Wisconsin at Madison and loved it. If you have any other questions don't hesitate to email me.

Jeff Kahn


--------------------------------------------

Mark,

I have no interest in talking with you on the phone anymore. I know you are very successful and think that gives you the right to judge people and berate them regardless of the facts, but I have had enough of you for one day. I know it's hard to believe that your rock band TV idea, which every writer in this town has thought of at one point, was not on my mind half a year after you told it to me. Yes, you thought of breaking the fourth wall. Groucho and George Burns stole it from you. Why don't you sue the guys who have that new show "How to Be a Rock Star" on the WB? I must have told them your idea. Nobody has ever goofed on rock bands, not "Spinal Tap" or The Rutles or 800 "Saturday Night Live" sketches. I should have told everyone on the show, no rock band sketches, that's Brazill's area. So hold on to your hate and rage, even though it makes no sense. I'll go back to my life of thievery and leeching. As for the cancer, I'll wait till you get it and then steal it from you. By the way, that joke was one of my writers', Rodney Rothman (see, I credited him). See, I have no original thoughts. Sorry I bothered to figure this out.

Judd


------------------------------------------------

Judd,

How appropriate that you had to use someone else's joke to take a swipe at me. I told you my idea. You did it two weeks later, VERBATIM. Spew revisionist shit all you want. Everyone knows you're a hack. Also, everyone knows how you fucked over Paul Feig on the new show. All your press mentions "your" brilliant "Freaks and Geeks," as if Feig didn't even do the series. It must have killed you when the true genius behind it got nominated for an Emmy. Is your wife still livid about someone in the neighborhood building a house just like hers? Tell her I know how she feels. The reason I called was to tell you to piss off. We'll never be "friends," regardless of the pussy whining from your last email. I respect you zero. See ya at the upfronts, bitch! Well . . . unless you get canceled before that. Until then, die in a fiery accident and taste your own blood. (Is that too angry?)

Love,

Brazill


----------------------------------------------

Mark,

I hope your anger is a joke, because if it isn't . . . wow. Here's a line by line reply. I have starred (*) the replies if you are confused by my format.

>How appropriate that you had to use someone else's joke to take a swipe at me.

***That was the joke. How interesting that you couldn't understand that. You would think someone with the lineage of "Yard Dogs" would have the intellectual acumen to pick up on that. I feel for the writers that have to pitch to you. Never doubt how much they hate you.

>I told you my idea. You did it two weeks later, VERBATIM. Spew revisionist shit all you want.

***How could I hear your idea, steal it, and then have it air two weeks later? It was a filmed sketch show. Sketches were written months before they aired. They were filmed six weeks before they aired. I thought you were a producer. Shouldn't you understand how these shows are made? Do you start writing episodes two weeks before they air? Maybe you stole "Yard Dogs" from me.

>Everyone knows you're a hack.

***That's why I kiss the ass. Let me know who thinks I am a hack so I can kiss their ass as well. I also suck dick lately. That's how I got my Dreamworks deal.

>It must have killed you when the true genius behind it got nominated for an Emmy.

***I'm sure it's hard for you to believe, but I do not control the national media. That is only true in your paranoid mind. If I create a show they often mention the last show. When they write about "That '80s Show" I am sure they won't ever mention "That '70s Show." I wrote an entire article in the "L.A. Times," a cover story in the calendar, that credited Paul for his work. He went from a struggling actor to an established writer/producer over the course of a year. He is still my friend and I am very happy that he was nominated for two Emmys. He deserved it. I wasn't upset about his Emmy nominations, I already have enough. The certificates are so big you can only hang so many before it starts looking tacky.

>Is your wife still livid about someone in the neighborhood building a house just like hers?

***Yes.

>Tell her I know how she feels.

***I'm on it.

>The reason I called was to tell you to piss off. We'll never be "friends," regardless of the pussy whining from your last email.

***The funniest part of these emails is how bad your sense of humor is. You neither get nor can tell a joke. After you said "get cancer" did you really think I was looking to heal our relationship? Usually the cancer insult is a closer. I'm sure everyone who has suffered with that appreciates your sharp wit.

>I respect you zero.

***Oh no.

>See ya at the upfronts, bitch! Well . . . unless you get canceled before that.

***If you think cancellation hurts me at this point, you haven't been following my career as closely as I thought. I guess you are too busy tracking my real estate problems.

>Until then, die in a fiery accident and taste your own blood.

***That's a Sam Kinison line, you stupid fuck!!!! Hypocrite!!!! J'accuse!!!!

>(Is that too angry?)

>Love, Brazill

***Mark, I have enjoyed this. It's good to see the tragedies of the past few months haven't watered down your passion. I guess if Mark Brazill doesn't go insane over stuff that makes no sense, the terrorists win. Good luck with "That '80s Show." And I look forward to "That '90s Show."

Judd Apatow


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H/T Matt MacLennan - courtesy Harpers Magazine