Canadian Film and TV Production Drops 18.5% to Pre-Pandemic Levels

The decline, attributed to Hollywood labor strikes and reduced domestic commissioning, has hit smaller producers and animation sectors hardest.

The Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA) reports a significant production downturn, with total volume falling to $9.58 billion in 2023-24, an 18.5% decrease from the previous year.
Hollywood's dual writers' and actors' strikes in 2023 caused delays and cancellations, particularly in foreign TV series production, which dropped from 345 to 220 projects.
Smaller Canadian production companies and those in children’s TV and animation were disproportionately affected by the slowdown in commissioning and industry contraction.
Foreign productions accounted for nearly half of the total production volume, while Canadian TV and theatrical features saw smaller declines, with local feature films remaining relatively stable.
The CMPA anticipates the Online Streaming Act, set for implementation in 2025, may boost Canadian content investment, but recovery is expected to take years.