Film Liaison Industry Committee (FLIC)

The Economic Development Committee recommends the adoption of the report (April 16, 1999) from the Commissioner, Economic Development, Culture and Tourism subject to amending Recommendation (2) to read:

"(2)that 6 Councillors who are interested in the film and television industry be appointed to FLIC with preference being given to achieving a geographical balance, and that the Clerk be requested to canvass Councillors for their interest in being appointed to this Committee, and submit a list of interested members to the Striking Committee for its consideration;".

The Economic Development Committee submits the following report (April 16, 1999) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism:

Purpose:

To confirm the Film Liaison Industry Committee role, terms of reference, membership and to request Councillor representation on this committee.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1)Council recognize the important work of the Film Industry Liaison Industry Committee (FLIC) and adopt the Terms of Reference outlined in Appendix 1; and

(2)six Councillors, one from each of the Community Councils, who are interested in the film and television industry be appointed to FLIC.

Background/History:

In recognition of the importance of Toronto's film and television industry, City Council established the Film Liaison Industry Committee (FLIC) in 1992. The committee is made up of members of the industry's labour, management, service and financial organizations as well as elected representatives from the former Toronto and Metro Councils.

The purpose of the Committee has been "¼ to act on City Council's policy of support and encouragement for the film industry in Toronto". To this end it has served as a forum for discussion, problem resolution and communication. It has provided advice to Council on issues related to the film and television industry and worked to enhance the success of Toronto in this business. It has successfully lobbied Queens Park and Ottawa on behalf of the city. Participation of members of Council has been important in achieving success.

Appendix 1 contains the amended Film Liaison Industry Committee Terms of Reference.

Comments and/or Discussion and/or Justification:

Film Liaison Industry Committee meetings are held at Toronto City Hall once a month and the staff of the Toronto Film and Television Office act as its secretariat. The Film Liaison Industry Committee has been instrumental in dealing with a number of concerns. The committee:

-helped the Toronto Historical Board establish a filming policy;

-worked closely with the Metropolitan Toronto Police force on policy for Paid Duty Officers;

-is actively involved in lobbying the provincial and federal levels of government on taxation issues;

-supported OFTSOA (Ontario Film and Television Studio Owners Association) on their successful appeal to the regional assessment office regarding business and realty taxes;

-organized all interested parties on the issue of the Gardiner East Dismantling to ensure all groups are in agreement with the procedures/outcome; and

-had input into the reports on amalgamated guidelines/by-laws/code of conduct and user fees.

Conclusions:

At the November 27, 1997 FLIC meeting the members endorsed the continuation of this committee unanimously. Even though all committees were suspended at the end of 1997 the membership of FLIC decided to continue to meet to deal with the challenges that the industry faced through amalgamation. In 1998 and the beginning of 1999 Councillors who were formerly members of FLIC have continued to attend on an intermittent basis. The industry members feel that Councillor representation is essential to deal with the issues facing the industry today.

Contact Name:

Rhonda Silverstone, 392-1333

Peter Finestone, 392-3376

Brenda Librecz, 397-4700

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Appendix 1

Film Liaison Industry Committee

Terms Of Reference

Purpose:

The purpose of the Committee is to act on City Council's policy of support and encouragement for the film and television industry in Toronto.

Activities:

(a)to promote a positive atmosphere for location filming in the City of Toronto; assist in improving the public image of Toronto's film and television industry;

(b)to assist the operation of Toronto Film and Television Office to provide its services to the film and television industry by providing advice on processes that may impede growth of this sector;

(c)to meet representatives of relevant city departments, agencies and boards, as well as other levels of government and similar private sector organizations, from time to time, in order to encourage cooperation and support for the activities of the film and television industry;

(d)to take positive action which will assist individual film and television companies to resolve problems which they may be facing at their present locations;

(e)to act as a forum through which the industry can communicate their views to Council on matters of interest to them;

(f)to advise Economic Development Committee on matters affecting the film and television industry in Toronto;

(g)to review all policy proposals and emerging policies of Council which may have implications for the film and television industry in Toronto;

(h)to advertise the existence of the Committee and make known its objectives and the services it provides; and

(i)to make deputations and lobby senior levels of government on behalf of the industry.

Membership:

(a)one Councillor appointed from each Community Council;

(b)one representative from each of the following:

-Ontario Film Development Corporation;

-ACCRA - Alliance of Canadian Cinema Television & Radio Artists;

-IATSE Local 411 Production Coordinators - International Alliance of Theatrical Employees;

-IATSE Local 667 International Photographers - International Alliance of Theatrical Employees;

-IATSE Local 873 Technicians - International Alliance of Theatrical Employees;

-NABET AFC Local 700 - National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians (Association of Film Craftsmen);

-CFTPA - The Canadian Film and Television Production Association;

-Location Managers;

-Film Studio owner/operators;

-Production Managers;

-Lawyers;

-Bankers;

-Insurance Agents;

-Post Production Facility owners/operators;

-CPAT - Commercial Producers Association of Toronto;

-CANDO - Community Alliance for Neighbourhood Development Opportunities;

-Film Service business owner/operators;

(c)six members at large; and

(d)a total membership of 29.

Meetings:

(a)that meetings be regularly scheduled on the last Thursday of every month at 12:30 p.m. and not more than six weeks should elapse between meetings;

(b)that minutes of the meetings be taken;

(c)that two co-chair be elected from among the membership;

(d)that the Committee be coordinated by staff of the Toronto Film and Television Office;

(e)that reports of the Committee be presented to the Economic Development Committee;

(f)that the Committee would have power to add to its membership; and

(g)that the presence of seven members, including at least one co-chair, would constitute a quorum.

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Appendix 2

Present Membership

Councillor Betty Disero

Councillor Tom Jakobek

Councillor Mario Silva

Councillor Anne Johnston

Kathryn Reed-Garrett

Mimi Wolch, IATSE-Local 873

Ken Leslie-Smith, IATSE Local 667

Linda Gardon, NABET/AFC Local 700

Robin Chetwynd, ACCRA

Heather Blais, DGC

Marcus Handman, DGC

Byron Martin, DGC

Paul Kenyon, CPAT

Peter Lukas, Ontario Film & TV Studios

Keith Danby, William F. White Limited

Konrad Dowling, Aon/Ruben-Winkler Ent. Ins.

Susan Murdoch, Production Manager

Andy Sykes, Medallion/PFA

Sherry Wolfson, Location Manager

David Plant, Silicon Graphics Canada

William Fell, P.S. Prod. Services Ltd.

Cra Martin, CFTPA

Manny Danelon, Production Manager

Nick Gray, Production Manager

Gail Thomson, OFDC

Rick Perotto, IATSE Local 667

Robert Morrice, Royal Bank of Canada

David Zitzerman Goodman Phillips & Vineberg

Bonnie Taylor, CAN DO