Okay, so, I'm not going to see a Canadian film industry as I want or imagine it to be anytime in the immediate future, not without billions and billions of dollars at least. But, who says we can't still start changing things. Here's my proposition to Hollywood.
Dear Hollywood,
Hi, I have the deal of a lifetime for you. Here's my pitch.
Since Canada is included in all your box office receipts and since you love coming here to film as our country is the most similar to yours and cheaper and you get massive tax breaks, how about you actually start making some films with Canadian talent, IN CANADA?
Radical idea, I know, but hear me out.
Firstly, your dollar is stronger than ours so your funding goes much further. You also encourage screenwriters and directors from here and give them the opportunity to start their careers, kind of like a mentorship. You get all the kudos, they get to learn the ropes of being film makers on a proper scale. Canadian made films actually get into theaters and increase both your bottom line and our film industry.
You establish a studio here in Hollywood North, an actual studio, that produces Canadian made content, by Canadian writers, directors, actors, and of course all the tech crew. Your parent company has the same deal as it would in Hollywood.
Now, here's the math.
You invest say $10,000,000.00 in a Canadian film. You bring in the talent, hiring half Canadians and half Americans. You set us up for a distribution deal. You get 90% of the profits and a Canadian/American Hollywood "fund" gets 10%, which is then reinvested in making more Canadian made films.
You ensure that distribution and advertising for these films is as high as any Hollywood made film and you will rake in the profits.
Eventually, it will be a self sustaining industry.
Yes, I know any new business venture has to have a 5 year growth plan; 2 years in the red, 1 year breaking even and 2 years making profit, before it can stand alone.
That's just my starting offer. Hollywood also has a place they can escape to if your government gets really bad and you need to flee the country LOL
So, what do you guys think?
Film is a risky business anyway, so why not throw us a bone? Our industry will never be as big as yours but wouldn't it be a good idea to create competition so you look like even bigger fish with a lot of good will this side of the border?
I mean, I'm just throwing it out there.
And that way, nobody has to leave their home country just to make it in the movies.
Besides, don't you owe us for all the cheap filming we give you?
Kinda, sorta joking on that one.
Well, call me Hollywood. We'll do lunch!
Ciao