Toronto International Film Festival ‘23

We sponsored Content Canada 2023 alongside Lionsgate, Rogers, Blue Ant, and others. Special thanks to Ferne Cohen and Joel Fecht for organizing a special event.

It was a unique TIFF experience given it was hosted in the throes of the writers and actors strikes. The recent insights gathered from the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) shed light on several emerging trends and shifts within the industry that are poised to influence the landscape:

Evolution of Streaming Services

Future industry trends indicate a significant rise in ad-supported streaming (AVOD) from major providers like Amazon, Netflix, and Hulu. This growth is attributed to the escalating costs associated with premium subscriptions, which are encouraging a shift towards ad-supported models.

Changes in Script Sales

There has been a noticeable decline in spec script sales in 2022/2023 as studios and agencies pivot towards reworking existing Intellectual Property (IP) rather than investing in new scripts.

Shifting Focus of Independent Production Houses

Independent production companies like Neon and A24, traditionally recognized for their dramatic content, are expressing interest in seeking franchisable IP, particularly in the realm of action-based content with slightly higher budgets. This shift signifies a notable change in their strategic content direction.

Updates in Canadian Content Guidelines

Revisions in Canadian content guidelines have led major streaming platforms such as Netflix and Paramount to increase budgets for Canadian divisions, primarily to bolster domestic programming in compliance with the new regulations.

Insights on Set Tracker

Following the recent strike, it has become evident that productions are increasingly emphasizing maximum efficiency due to tighter budget constraints. Security has become a paramount concern for our clients, prompting the integration of new features like digital document watermarking. Additionally, valuable feedback on the app interface has been received. Experienced producers and filmmakers appreciate how our mobile app mirrors the functionality of a call sheet, emphasizing the prioritization of essential information such as key contacts, weather and location maps.