QFTC 2025 RETROSPECTIVE
In 2025, Quebec’s audiovisual industry experienced a pivotal year marked by sustained mobilization, structural progress, and renewed dialogue among industry stakeholders. For the Quebec Film and Television Council (QFTC), this period played a defining role: it strengthened the foundations for a renewed phase of development and intensified efforts in collaboration, innovation, industry representation, and promotion. All of this unfolded in a context where competitiveness, technological change, economic pressures, and workforce challenges call for coherent, aligned action.
The following retrospective highlights the key initiatives that shaped the year. It reflects the work carried out with the QFTC’s members, partners, and collaborators to support and advance Quebec’s audiovisual industry. It also showcases the collective commitment that enables the QFTC—through the Audiovisual Cluster, Film Commission Services, and the Rolling Green program—to guide the ecosystem in its evolution and visibility, both within Quebec and on the international stage.
A YEAR DEFINED BY INSTITUTIONAL RENEWAL
THE APPOINTMENT OF THE NEW PRESIDENT AND CEO
The year 2025 began under the sign of renewal with the appointment of Stéphane Cardin as Head of the QFTC. His arrival brought a new momentum, grounded in collaboration, active listening, and stronger engagement from industry partners, public institutions, and QFTC members alike.
Under this leadership, the QFTC’s mission was reaffirmed through a renewed vision: to support and promote the development of Quebec’s audiovisual industry in all its creative richness, its talent pool, its economic impact, and its territorial diversity.
A YEAR OF COLLABORATION AND INDUSTRY REPRESENTATION
AUDIOVISUAL INDUSTRY DAY AT THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
In February, Quebec’s Audiovisual Industry Day at the National Assembly created a decisive space for dialogue between political decision-makers and industry stakeholders. Organized by the QFTC, the event addressed the year’s most pressing issues: the challenges facing the visual effects and animation sectors, funding tensions, technological shifts, and the need to strengthen Quebec’s competitiveness on the international stage.
The participation of the Minister of Culture and Communications, Mathieu Lacombe, along with a panel of recognized experts, helped shape a shared reflection. On this occasion, the QFTC presented a brief and asummary of key recommendations, developed with the industry, proposing structural measures to support Quebec’s growth and attractiveness.
Marked by strong mobilization, this day reaffirmed the importance of sustained dialogue between the industry and government, standing as a key milestone for the ongoing work aimed at advancing and elevating Quebec’s audiovisual industry.
Please note that this article is available in French only.
SUSTAINED REPRESENTATION FOR VISUAL EFFECTS AND ANIMATION
Throughout the year, the QFTC intensified its representation efforts with the provincial and federal governments to defend the viability of visual effects and animation studios, which were severely impacted by the 2024 tax credit reform. Despite the absence of adjustments in the 2025–2026 provincial budget—particularly the proposed measure to raise the cap on eligible labour expenditures from 65% to 85%—the QFTC publicly reaffirmed the urgent need for concrete solutions to prevent long-term weakening of this strategic sector and to safeguard the competitiveness of Quebec’s audiovisual industry.
ANALYSIS AND STRATEGIC PLANNING DRIVEN BY RESEARCH
In February, the QFTC launched atNAD-UQAC the study (French only) conducted by Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton, in partnership with several industry organizations (ARRQ, AQPM, Collège Bart, DNEG) and with the support of Quebec’s Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Export Trade. This work, focused on the shared use of virtual production spaces, provides a detailed assessment of immersive infrastructure usage and offers recommendations to optimize their development in Quebec.
In parallel, the QFTC has been conducting, for several years and in collaboration with KPMG, an annual study on compensation and employment in visual effects and animation. Updated in 2025, this analysis tracks the evolution of a sector impacted by tax reform, increased international competition, and a slowdown in demand. The update highlights several trends: growing pressure on competitiveness, notable shifts in workforce composition, rising needs for specialized skills, and accelerated transformations in business models.
Together, these studies provide the QFTC with essential tools to inform public decision-making, support studios, and accompany a sector in transition. This work is ongoing: the QFTC will continue to monitor market developments and update its data to support the sustainable growth of Quebec’s audiovisual industry.
QFTC WORKSTREAMS: A YEAR OF COLLECTIVE EFFORT
THE “BRAND QUEBEC” COMMITTEE AND THE FOUNDATIONS OF A NEW POSITIONING
At the start of the year, the Brand Quebec Committee laid the groundwork for a strategic positioning initiative aimed at strengthening Quebec’s presence on the international stage. The discussions led to two major cross-cutting workstreams: enhancing th National Photo Library and creating a new flagship event for the industry. It is within this context that the 360 Audiovisual Entertainment Week emerged.
SECTORAL WORKSTREAMS: VFX AND ANIMATION, LIVE ACTION, INNOVATION
The sectoral workstreams enabled the Audiovisual Cluster to deepen its understanding of the specific challenges within each segment of the industry. Discussions addressed the need for specialized talent, fiscal competitiveness, digital transformation, infrastructure for virtual production, and emerging business models. Together, these workstreams informed the QFTC’s broader strategic planning for the coming years.
THE GRAND CHANTIER OF THE AUDIOVISUAL INDUSTRY: A SPACE FOR CO-CONSTRUCTION
In the fall, the Grand chantier of the audiovisual industry brought together representatives from across the entire value chain, offering a structured space for reflection at a time when the ecosystem is undergoing significant change. This third edition identified three strategic priorities — workforce and talent development, innovation and infrastructure, as well as financing mechanisms and public policy — building on the findings shared by the industry and the recommendations of the Working Group on the Future of Quebec’s Audiovisual Industry (Groupe de travail sur l’avenir de l’audiovisuel au Québec – GTAAQ).
The GTAAQ report, the result of a collaborative process involving creators, studios, broadcasters, institutions, and experts, highlighted the importance of strengthening training and talent attraction, modernizing infrastructure, accelerating innovation — particularly in virtual production and AI — and optimizing financing tools to support Quebec’s competitiveness. These orientations informed the discussions at the Grand chantier, grounding the work in a shared, forward-looking vision.
The event fostered an essential dynamic of listening, collaboration, and co-construction, helping guide the next steps and strengthening the sector’s collective capacity to adapt and thrive in an increasingly competitive and rapidly evolving environment.
Please note that this article is available in French only.
INTERNATIONAL OUTREACH: A YEAR OF OPPORTUNITIES
THE MISSION TO SOUTH KOREA: A DEFINING MOMENT OF THE YEAR
Among the QFTC’s international initiatives, the economic mission to South Korea stood out as one of the highlights of 2025. Conducted as part of the Government of Canada’s Creative Export Strategy—in collaboration with Canadian Heritage and the Trade Commissioner Service at Global Affairs Canada—the mission positioned Quebec’s expertise at the forefront of a particularly dynamic Asian market.
Meetings with Korean institutions, studios, platforms, and commercial partners confirmed the growing interest in Quebec’s expertise and opened concrete opportunities for collaboration, notably in live-action production, animation, sound recording, virtual production, and visual effects.
This strategic presence in Seoul represents an important step in diversifying Quebec’s international markets and strengthening long-term bilateral relationships, while consolidating the province’s position as a creative and competitive player on the global stage.
THE QUEBEC–FRANCE AUDIOVISUAL ALLIANCE: A NEW COLLABORATIVE PILLAR
In May 2025, the QFTC welcomed a French delegation to Montreal as part of the creation of the Quebec–France Audiovisual Alliance (AQFA), an initiative designed to strengthen commercial, artistic, and institutional ties between the audiovisual industries of Quebec and France.
This mission, held from May 19 to 23, brought together influential professionals from both territories and included sector-focused meetings, studio visits, B2B exchanges, and strategic discussions with broadcasters.
The AQFA aims to foster co-productions, project co-development, the circulation of works, and the use of studios and service companies in Quebec by French productions, thereby contributing to Quebec’s visibility across Francophone and European markets.
The alliance’s initial outcomes included the signing of a contract with a Quebec-based company, confirming the AQFA’s potential as a concrete driver of business development.
A STRATEGIC PRESENCE IN MAJOR INTERNATIONAL MARKETS
The QFTC’s participation in major events such as the Annecy International Animation Film Festival and MIFA, the Edinburgh International Festival, the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), and Content London made it possible to multiply meetings with key decision-makers and strengthen the visibility of Quebec’s expertise.
These engagements were part of a coherent strategy aimed at supporting Quebec companies in accessing international markets, fostering the development of new projects, and positioning Quebec’s audiovisual offering sustainably on the global stage.
ECONOMIC MISSIONS, FAMILIARIZATION TOURS AND LOCATION SCOUTS: CONCRETE DRIVERS OF ATTRACTIVENESS
Complementing its international representation activities, the QFTC deployed an integrated approach in 2025 combining targeted economic missions, familiarization tours, and location scouting activities to tangibly support the attraction of international projects to Quebec.
In April, the QFTC led a targeted economic trade mission to Los Angeles, bringing together line producers, the QFTC’s President and CEO, and the National Commissioner. The objective of this mission was to strengthen ties with U.S. decision-makers and identify concrete opportunities for the development of international projects.
The familiarization tours held in February and June welcomed several executives from major studios to Montreal, including Anonymous Content, CBS–Paramount, Disney, Hello Sunshine, Legendary Entertainment, MRC Television Studios, Searchlight Pictures, and Thunder Road Films. These initiatives generated direct outcomes, notably the realization of two television series projects for CBS–Paramount and the development of a television series pilot for Disney.
In parallel, location scouting activities served as a central driver of attractiveness. In 2025, the QFTC supported and hosted several scouting visits for international productions considering Montreal and Quebec as filming locations. These efforts directly contributed to projects being produced in Quebec, for both television series and feature films.
Overall, the outreach, hosting, economic missions, familiarization tours, and location scouting activities carried out by the QFTC in 2025 generated direct benefits for Quebec’s audiovisual industry, confirming the structuring role of the QFTC in attracting international productions.
THE 360 AUDIOVISUAL ENTERTAINMENT WEEK: A NEW FLAGSHIP MOMENT FOR THE INDUSTRY
This first edition of the 360 Audiovisual Entertainment Week, held in Montreal from October 22 to 24, marked a major milestone in promoting Quebec on the international stage. It brought together nearly fifteen international decision-makers and several hundred professionals through a rich and well-structured program featuring panels, business matchmaking sessions, studio visits, screenings, and networking events.
Organized with the support of institutional and private partners, the week highlighted Quebec’s expertise in scripted and unscripted creation and production, post-production, animation, and visual effects—particularly through key moments presented under the CAFÉ VFX banner and a special screening of The Last Frontier in collaboration with Apple TV+.
Built around creativity, innovation, and collaboration, this initiative helped strengthen Quebec’s image as a world-class production hub and an essential partner for major international decision-makers. It also generated direct outcomes, including one television series project and two feature film projects, confirming the relevance of this new flagship event as a powerful tool for visibility and business development.
ROLLING GREEN: A YEAR OF RECOGNITION AND IMPACT
A PROGRAM IN FULL GROWTH
In 2025, Rolling Green confirmed its role as a driving force in the ecological transition of Quebec’s audiovisual industry. Through its flagship events, the expansion of its training offer, and the recognition it received both locally and internationally, the program continued to grow and further embed sustainable practices within productions.
THE 2025 EDITION OF THE ROLLING GREEN RENDEZ-VOUS
The second edition of the Rolling Green Rendez-vous, held on March 18 at the Maison du développement durable, brought together a wide community of professionals for discussions and exchanges dedicated to eco-responsible practices.
The program explored multiple dimensions of sustainability—from green production to ecodesign, the environmental impact of filming, and emerging issues linked to artificial intelligence. The event concluded with the screening of The Echo of the Waves (L’écho des vagues), winner of the first Rolling Green student award.
Building on this momentum, the Rolling Green Rendez-vous will continue to grow, with a third edition already planned for 2026.
TRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The third edition of the Rolling Green x SODEC Pathway trained eleven producers in eco-responsible management, strengthening the adoption of sustainable practices from the earliest stages of project development.
In parallel, the launch of a new eco-narration training program introduced an innovative approach, inviting creators to integrate sustainability directly into the heart of their storytelling.
VISIBILITY AND RECOGNITION
In 2025, Rolling Green received increased visibility on the international stage. The program’s nomination for the Sustainability Initiative Award at the Global Production Awards in Cannes confirmed the relevance and forward-thinking nature of Quebec’s approach to eco-responsibility.
In Quebec, the program’s progress was also recognized. In September, the tools developed for documentary production received the“Je célèbre donc je suis” award, highlighting their concrete contribution to transforming industry practices. This year also marked the launch of new structuring tools, including the Guide to Best Practices in Natural Environments, designed to help teams reduce their environmental impact during outdoor filming.
2025 also marked a significant milestone: Rolling Green surpassed 200 accredited productions, reflecting the growing commitment of production teams to eco-responsible practices and the program’s expanding influence within the industry.
THE DEPLOYMENT OF NEW STRUCTURING TOOLS
AN ONGOING DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
The CRM modernization workstream continued in 2025, with the implementation of a more efficient system designed to optimize the management of relationships with members, partners, and key decision-makers. This transition to a next-generation CRM will, once completed, improve interaction tracking, support strategic planning, and strengthen the effectiveness of development initiatives.
THE QUEBEC PRODUCTION GUIDE: A NEW CORNERSTONE
The launch of the Quebec Production Guide stands as one of the year’s major milestones. Designed as an essential entry point for both local and international producers, the guide brings together in one place all key information about Quebec’s audiovisual ecosystem: tax incentives, infrastructure, services, partners, eco-responsible practices, the diversity of locations, regulatory frameworks, and professional resources.
With this platform, the QFTC now provides the industry with a central strategic tool designed to facilitate production planning, enhance support for creative teams, and strengthen Quebec’s attractivity on the global stage.
LAUNCH OF THE SOURCEBOOK: A RENEWED SHOWCASE FOR THE INDUSTRY
The Sourcebook, the QFTC’s digital directory of members, has been fully redesigned to enhance the discoverability of Quebec’s talent, companies, and expertise.
This new version offers a more intuitive interface, improved search capabilities, and a harmonized presentation of profiles—strengthening the visibility of professionals and expanding the reach of Quebec’s ecosystem among both local and international decision-makers.
A NEW PRICING GRID FOR VISIBILITY OPPORTUNITIES
To better support the promotion of Quebec companies, the QFTC also introduced a modernized pricing grid offering visibility opportunities more closely aligned with members’ needs. This updated structure optimizes the use of the QFTC’s communication platforms and provides promotional spaces that reflect market realities and the industry’s visibility objectives.
For more information or to receive the full pricing grid, please contact: membres@bctq.ca
MEMBERS AND PARTNERS: THE COLLECTIVE STRENGTH OF THE QFTC
AN ENGAGED COMMUNITY
At the heart of every achievement, the QFTC’s strength lies in its community. Members, partners, and collaborators drive the industry through their creativity, expertise, and ongoing commitment. Their participation in our projects, events, workstreams, and initiatives is essential to the vitality of Quebec’s audiovisual ecosystem.
NEW STRATEGIC PARTNERS
The year 2025 was marked by the arrival of major partners who reinforce the QFTC’s mission and reach. Air Canada, Banque Nationale, BMO, the Fonds de solidarité FTQ, KOTV, and Montréal International joined our efforts, each bringing distinctive expertise and a decisive commitment to the development and visibility of Quebec’s audiovisual industry.
Their contribution expands our capacity for action, strengthens the ecosystem, and fosters the emergence of new, structuring synergies.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The QFTC wishes to express its sincere gratitude to all its members, partners, and collaborators for their continued trust, engagement, and support. Thanks to them, we are able to pursue our mission, strengthen the province’s competitiveness, and promote Quebec’s audiovisual industry both at home and on the international stage.
