A cable film channel devoted to quirky, independent Canadian films? That would be worth calling my cable or satellite provider to sign up.
In fact, Starlight: The Canadian Movie Channel is one of the channels that the CRTC will consider this spring to be listed in a required carry category, ensuring a chance at great success in Canadian homes.
The channel will show Canadian films in English, French, and other languages on its schedule. The plan is to take about half of the $40 million raised (assuming the channel has required status) and produce 8-12 Canadian films per year, films that would get to debut on the Canadian film channel before appearing in theatres.
Some notable names have lent their names and financial support for the channel: Denys Arcand, David Cronenberg, Atom Egoyan, Guy Maddin, Deepa Mehta, Paul Gross, and Denis Villeneuve.
The channel has a sample schedule to give us an idea, including documenaries, of what we might see in the near future.
Even if the channel enjoys success, will this be more opportunity for well-established Canadian directors or will Starlight help talented but unknown Canadian directors get more recognition? Ideally both.
Canadians haven't flocked to theatres to see Canadian films. Then again, theatres aren't rushing to show Canadian films. According to the Motion Picture Theatre Associations of Canada, Canadian movies pulled in less than 3% ($25 million) of the $1.1 billion in movie revenue in 2012. And cable channels, such as Super Channel and HBO Canada, rely on dramatic series to fill CanCon requirements instead of home grown films.
Ironically, Starlight is prepared to offer protection and support grossly missing from the United States' two leading indie movie channels. IFC and the Sundance Channel, both under the same corporate roof, no longer air films without commercial interruptions. U.S. viewers could also use a channel for quirky, independent, uncut films, even if they are Canadian.
Major European countries use broadcast to support its domestic film industry. Much smaller countries than Canada has better success at home and for international audience. And French Canada has had far more success than English Canada.
If Starlight is added, the cost to subscriber bills 45ยข/month, or less than $6/year. The CRTC hearing for Starlight and the other channels will be April 23 in Gatineau, Quebec.
Comments