FilmOntario Welcomes Four New Board Members at 2020 AGM

As seen on FilmOntario

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2020 AGM on December 4th.

During the Zoom meeting attended by almost two hundred members, we reviewed the industry’s challenges and successes in a tumultuous year for the film and television sector. One of the key successes has been the industry’s ability to collaborate on effective health and safety protocols that have permitted a safe return to work. These protocols were highlighted in a new video released by FilmOntario during the AGM.

Four new members were also elected to the FilmOntario Board: Alex Lalonde of Stratagem Rx, Wesley Lui of House of Cool Inc., Andy Micallef from EP Canada, and Len Pendergast from Global Incentives. The new directors bring a range of industry experience and expertise to the Board, including in tax credit administration, industry financing, animation, and physical production. The Board also thanked outgoing director David Carter.

During her opening remarks, Minister MacLeod congratulated the industry on the robust health and safety measures which have allowed the industry to maintain operations over recent weeks. She also reiterated the government’s support for maintaining tax credit stability. Looking ahead, the Minister stated that film and television will play a key role in her Ministry’s soon-to-be-released five-year plan, which will continue to invest in Canadian content.

The Minister’s remarks were followed by a presentation from Joan Jenkinson of the Black Screen Office, who introduced FilmOntario members to the new Office and gave an overview of its goals and objectives. During the business portion of the meeting, in addition to electing the new directors, FilmOntario re-affirmed its commitment to priorities that will support the industry’s recovery from COVID-19. These include support for the increased costs of health and safety protocols and ensuring tax credit eligibility for pandemic-related costs, as well as tax credit modernization and support for workforce development. The organization also renewed its commitment to working with its members on promoting a more inclusive and diverse industry.

Thank you to all our members for your continued support – we are looking forward to continued collaboration for an even stronger year in 2021!