Issue 15 - JANUARY 2024

The Digital Media Universe: Measuring the Revenues, the Audiences and the Future Prospects

This report was prepared as part of the 2023 edition of the annual Digital Media at the Crossroads (DM@X) conference. It summarizes data on key trends in three creative sectors: film/tv, video games, and music. The report highlights key trends and developments in each subsector, including developments in equity and inclusion, accessibility and environmental sustainability.

Let’s Talk: Live Music Labour in Ontario

This report from Canadian Live Music Association provides a current look at Ontario’s live music sector, which was experiencing major labour shortages post pandemic as the industry struggled to recover. The goal of this report was to identify ways to improve the attraction and retention of a live music labour force in Ontario and beyond, by creating a framework for the live industry to implement.

International Review of Policies and Programs that Support the Development, Retention and Exploitation of IP by Independent Producers

This study from the Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA) examines a wide variety of programs, policies, regulations, funding programs and fiscal incentives aimed at supporting the development of intellectual property in the screen-based sector. The jurisdictions examined include the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, Australia and New Zealand. The report also identifies best practices to encourage the development, retention and exploitation of intellectual property.

An Environmental Scan of the Canadian Magazine Industry

The magazine sector has undergone a significant amount of change over the past few years, with limited new data and research available to speak to the new challenges and opportunities in the space. This report commissioned by Ontario Creates develops a detailed environmental scan of the Canadian magazine industry with the goal of informing the agency’s understanding of the current state of the magazine sector. The scan, prepared by Communications MDR addresses this informational gap.

Insights and Best Practices on Scaling Up Video Game Companies

This study from Interactive Ontario aims to develop a stronger understanding of how video game companies can scale up and identifies a series of success factors exhibited by scale-ups. The study also highlights a series of international best practices when it comes to programs designed to support video game scale ups that could be applicable to the Canadian context.

Future of Work: Talent Acquisition, Retention, and DEI in the Music Publishing Industry in Canada

This report from Music Publishers Canada looks at the state of employment in the music publishing industry from a human resources lens, particularly covering the business/technical side of the industry as opposed to the creative side. The goal of the study is to develop a deeper understanding of talent acquisition, retention, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the sector, and to provide a series of “right practices” that companies can adopt in their workplaces.

The Power of Canadian Film: Youth Film Consumption and Engagement

This report from REEL CANADA and Vice Media Group examines the impact of Canadian film among Canadian high school students, as well as general awareness levels around Canadian content and usage by teachers within the classroom environment. The learnings from the report will contribute to informing Canadian companies and content creators on youth attitudes and behaviours towards Canadian cultural film content; the identification of opportunities for Canadian creators to better connect with young audiences, as well as support the integration of Canadian film content into Canadian educational infrastructure.

Level Up: Toronto’s Esports Strategy 2023-2027

Toronto is well positioned to become a leading jurisdiction for esports activity, with a strong foundation of esports community participants, leading esports businesses, internationally successful content creators, engaging productions and shows, world-class esports event attraction and deployment, and esports-ready venues. Ontario Creates partnered with the City of Toronto’s Economic Development and Culture division, Destination Toronto, and esports consultant Shawn Caldera on the development of a framework to support the growth of Toronto's esports ecosystem. Ontario Creates wanted to understand more about the esports ecosystems and opportunities for economic growth in Ontario.

Reimagining Music Venues

This report from Wavelength Music Arts Projects provides an analysis of the current state of Ontario’s live music venues, their role as cultural centres, and opportunities to reimagine them moving forward from a preservation and innovation lens. The goal of the study was to identify the issues facing live venues in the province, understand how they are used, and what changes can be implemented for sector growth. The recommendations of the study include ways to promote the longevity, innovation and growth in the provinces live music sector.

If You Don’t Like the Game, Change The Rules: Alternative Modes of Video Game Production

This report from Game Arts International Network provides a snapshot of alternative models for labour organization in the video game industry. The research delves into alternatives to traditional employment arrangements in the sector, including union mobilization, co-operative models, four-day work weeks and more from the perspective of game developer labour. This research also touches on the current experience and attitudes of those employed in the industry.

Getting Reel 7

This report from Documentary Organization of Canada looks at the economic impact of documentary production from 2016-17 to 2020-21 as well as current trends in production, financing and audiences. Besides providing an economic profile of the industry, the report also highlights the current state of challenges that face documentary filmmakers as well the broader community and industry, such as streaming and diversity, equity and inclusion.