Does loosening Cancon rules hobble Canadian TV creators?

On Sunday, Orphan Black star Tatiana Maslany became the first Canadian to win a lead actor Emmy for her role on a Canadian series. Butmany homegrown TV creators worryshe could be the last, given a recent change by Canada's broadcast regulator.

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)revealed on Aug.25it was dropping the minimum certification points required for projects seeking access to funds that supportCanadian independent productions.

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According to the CRTC, the decision provides "flexibility" for creators and could "facilitate the hiring of non-Canadian actors or creators, who may increase a project's attractiveness and visibility in international markets."

ButOrphan Black co-creator Graeme Manson says it's a"vote of non-confidence."

"The underlying message from the CRTC is we need foreign help to tell Canadian stories. That's frankly insulting to all of us," he told CBC News.

If these changes had been in place when he and co-creator John Fawcett were first pitching Orphan Black, Manson said, Maslanywould likely not have been chosen as the leada complex role that requires her to play multiple characters.

"The points system would have opened up the show to American casting far more than we were," he said.

"The networks would have pushed for a name."

Tatiana Maslany on her Orphan Black role

8 years ago

Duration 1:09

Canadian actress speaks to CBC's Zulekha Nathoo backstage at the Emmys about the importance of strong female roles and her big win

Uproar from creators

The CRTC's ruling has beenapplauded by the Canadian Media Producers Association, but pilloried by other creators and groups that represent them, such as the Writers Guild of Canada and the performers' union ACTRA.

There's concernthe rulingopens the door forother funding programs to reducetheir Canadian content requirements.

Canada's currentsuccess on the international music scene where, for instance, Drake, Justin Bieber and The Weeknd are chart-toppers and music awards show fixtures is a direct result of Cancon radio requirements of decades past, according towriter and show creator Emily Andras.

Whether in music, film,television or other industries, Canadian sensibilitiesare interesting toaudiences around the globe and should be supported, saidAndras,showrunnerand creator ofWynonnaEarp,whose credits also include the hitLost Girl.

You're going to go from an A-list Canadian to a D-level American. Emily Andras, TV writer,show creator and showrunner

The Canadian perspective "is fresh and modern. We're incredibly progressive and less conservative and maybe more original. We suffer so wholly from underdog status and that makes great TV," she said.

"Nobody's talkingabout trying to take away access to American television.If youwant to watch 55,000 episodes ofCSI, you have that on American networks and Canadian networks We should just add our [Canadian] stories to the mix."

Andras alsochallenged the notion that reducing Cancon requirements will inspire high-profile foreigners say Jennifer Lawrence or Steven Spielberg to make Canadian productions.

"We are still not going to have the money to attract top-shelf talentyou're going to go from an A-list Canadian to a D-level American," she said.

"If we could make our own Game of Thrones, yes, let'shave at it. But that's not what we're talking about. We're talking about just opening the playing field to people who maybe haven't been the best or the brightest in any entertainment business anywhere, but somehow have some recognition."

Hurting the next generation

"This is going to limit their chances if they're coming into a system [where] they can't stay home [to work]or they are competing with foreigners for their jobs," he said.

"I've been on the subway in Paris and seen posters forRookieBlue. I have German actors who want to work for us because they watch Canadian TV," said Ellis, noting that his latest series,X Company, is shown in a dozen Latin American markets.

"I've talked to RobertoOsuna, who's the star closer for the Blue Jays and you know how he learned English? By watchingFlashpointin Mexico."

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Many creators have called upon the federal government to fulfilits pledge to support Canadian culture.

In a statement that praised the talent ofCanadian creators,Heritage Minister Mlanie Joly acknowledged the industry faces new challenges and said her government isexamining "how to better support the creation" of Canadian content.

She also noted the CRTC isresponsible for its own day-to-day operations and policy decisions. "We respect its independence."