A Guide To Producing In Canada And Doing Business With Canadians

Article by David B. Zitzerman, Michael A. Levine, Carolyn Stamegna, Tara Parker and Jaclyn Seidman

Over the past several years, the Canadian film and television industry has grown and matured and, at present, represents a nearly $4.80 billion business annually.¹ Only a few years ago, Canada's largest film and television companies were small privately held corporations which relied heavily upon government financing and subsidy programs to finance production. Since 1993 however, many of Canada's most prominent film and television companies have, through a combination of public offerings, private equity financings and consolidations, grown to become commercially successful integrated entertainment corporations often with significant broadcasting assets. Companies such as DHX Media, Entertainment One and Peace Arch are publicly traded and owned by both Canadian and non-Canadian investors.