A group of influential people in Canadian film came together in 2012 and 2013 to get a cable channel devoted to Canadian film to be a required-carry channel as designated by the CRTC.
That didn't happen and the Starlight concept disappeared into thin air. The dynamics seemed to be either acceptance as a required-carry channel or not at all. The numbers of people who would voluntarily subscribe might not be enough to reach the significant goals: their idea was to get enough funds to produce 8-12 films that would debut on the channel before being released into theatres.
Starlight was a marvelous idea in the "long-ago" era of 2013 but times have rapidly changed. The concept of Starlight is still needed but with a boost to a more ideal format.
Starlight is key to opening up eyes to Canadian film
Canada Screens uses Internet to showcase Canadian film
How many Canadian cities would run a Canadian film in a theatre?
CanadianCrossing.com film coverage
Canada Screens is a wonderful asset, showcasing Canadian films with categories and suggestions from Canadian film icons.
Drawbacks: charge per film instead of monthly fee; only available in Canada; very limited Canadian film menu
CBC Gem has mostly television but also carries Canadian films. CBC Gem has a ad-free section for a small monthly fee but otherwise does not charge.
Drawbacks: more TV than film; not that much film
Acorn TV, along with Britbox, shows British TV for a monthly fee. The service does carry Murdoch Mysteries and Republic of Doyle.
Drawbacks: very little Canadian TV, no Canadian movies
So how to build a Canadian streaming service?
Classic content: We discussed some time ago the idea of a CBC Classic cable channel to help finance the operation. Older Canadian films don't have a home. They could be the gateway to discovering the influences of modern Canadian film through its past. They wouldn't interfere with the Netflix desire for current Canadian content.
TV and movies: Netflix and Amazon Prime have a combination of both TV and cinema. The introduction of 30-minute and 60-minute programming offers variety to the streaming consumer.
Programming with perspective: The Filmmakers is a good resource to supplement a Canadian streaming service. Older films and TV need context so Canadians can learn the history of their art.
International support: United States, United Kingdom, and Australia are prominent English-speaking countries outside of Canada where Canadian content can shine. Add in a multitude of French-speaking countries around the world for Quebec programming and you can spread Canadian content well past the 49th parallel.
Canadian content has a wide variety within its borders. If you think the streaming service will be too marrow, consider that Disney will launch a streaming service devoted to its content.
Canada doesn't have a devotion to Canadian films on cable the way American cable runs tons of American films. Turner Classic Movies is all about older films. Starlight could have removed the excuses for why Canadians couldn't see Canadian films.
Starting with classics might deviate from promoting current Canadian content. Having older material at the start can lure potential streaming consumers whose experience will only be enhanced by new releases.
video and photo credit: YouTube/StarlightTVCanada
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