Quebec filmmakers ask: What does Netflix investment mean for French-language content?

Netflix's announcement that it will invest $500 million into Canadian content over the next five years is being met with apprehension by some Quebec filmmakers andwelcomed by others.

Producer Roger Frappier, whose filmHochelaga, Terre des meshas just beenselected by Telefilm Canada asthis year's contenderfor theforeign-language Oscar,says he's wary of the investment.

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Frappier said the amount, spread over five years, representsa relatively small fraction of the American online streaming company's profits.

He would have preferred to see Canadaimposea "Netflixtax," as France and Australia are doing, toinjectdevelopment funds into the Canadian industryan idea proposed by a parliamentary committee in June but nixed byPrime Minister JustinTrudeau.

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Frappieris also concerned about how and where the content decisions will be madehe assumes from Netflix'sheadquarters in California, and far fromQuebec.

"I mean, I'm sure there's a lot of English Canadian producers that are happy this morning, but what happens for the QuebecFrench cinema?" he askedon CBC Montreal'sDaybreakThursday.

Frappier said he'd prefera scenario in whichQuebec French-language films and television seriesareproducedin the province, givingfilm and television producersin Quebecmore autonomy and creative freedom.

There are at least two popular Quebec series listed onNetflix's Canadian offers, including 19-2, a police drama, andUnit 9, a television dramaabout female prisoners. Both series are produced by Radio-Canada.

Frappieris also critical of Netflix'sdistribution model for the films it creates, which are only released on itsplatform andnot in movie theatres, which he feels is limiting.

Important to protect Quebec film: Denis Villeneuve

Denis Villeneuve, the Quebec filmmaker who directed the soon-to-be released Blade Runner 2049, agreed that it's important to protect the province's distinct andsuccessful film industry.

"There has to be a way that we don't find ourselves in 10 years only consuming American culture," Villeneuve said, speaking to Radio-Canada's24/60television program.

"It's a bit paradoxical because I find myself on the other side," creating American content,he admitted, laughing.

The accessibility of American films can overshadow quality auteur films from smaller markets, he acknowledged.

"Everyone in the world will be able to seeBlade Runner," saidVilleneuve.

'A great opportunity'

Montreal-based producer Darren Curtis, on the other hand, celebrates the investment and says he isn't worried about the continued viability of the Quebec film industry.

Speaking on Daybreak, Curtis said that Netflix loves auteurs,"and Quebec has some of the best auteurs in the world."

He sees Netflix's interest in Canada as "a great opportunity for Canadiansto collaborate with programmers, producers that develop content for Netflix."

"I really believe in the Netflix platform," Curtis said. "Even the biggest heavy-hitters in Hollywood have embraced this new sort of model and form of releasing films."

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