Andrea Stokes is International Sales & Acquisitions Manager of Canamedia.

mo:life
Can you give us a brief bio and an introduction to Canamedia?

Andrea Stokes
Incorporated in 1978, Canamedia distributes television programming to broadcasters worldwide. Because we specialize, we have a global reputation for representing quality programming that fits the unique needs of TV, Video, in-flight, and new media.

mo:life
What is Canamedia’s interest in the mobile arena?

Andrea Stokes
Canamedia is becoming more and more involved in new media, including wireless & mobile content. We have just signed on to start our first run of mobile content from our new 2005 docu-series MAKE ME A PORN STAR, starting in the UK.

mo:life
Channel 4 in the UK has recently started a mobile content commissioning department, do you expect other networks to soon follow suit?

Andrea Stokes
Yes, this is a path that I expect many larger broadcasters will follow in the near future.

mo:life
Does Canamedia produce content? If so, what is your focus?

Andrea Stokes
We distribute, produce and develop new series and documentaries. Our focus is distribution, but we are interested in working on more International co-productions in the coming year.

mo:life
What is the most common financial model you use when acquiring content from a producer? Is it revenue share? Do you buy it outright? Or is there another configuration?

Andrea Stokes
A percentage share between Canamedia and the Producer of the License Fees paid by the acquiring broadcaster.

mo:life
How is that percentage share typically split?

Andrea Stokes
Typically split 30% to us (the Distributor) for TV broadcast. For mobile content, usually a 50/50 revenue share.

mo:life
Short films have traditionally been seen as a training ground for feature film makers. With the fracturing of media platforms, audiences, and attention, do you see a real market emerging for short works?

Andrea Stokes
We have had success with short interstitials - the more available in the series, the better.

mo:life
But what constitutes an interstitial? Is it a separate form to a short film (with a beginning middle and end)?

Andrea Stokes
An interstitial usually is a short bit of humour, a blooper, an educational vignette or a one-off fact. Interstitials can be 30 secs or 1 min or up to 5 mins (too short to have a real storyline) They should be eye-catching and fun!

mo:life
There is much lament about the viability and validity of the Australian film and television industry in a global market dominated by US content - what is the current state of the Canadian film and television industry in this regard?

Andrea Stokes
Canada is strong in the documentary department, and there are some breakthrough series that have proved this US dominance wrong. We have the talent base - we just need the production dollars to capitalize on it.

mo:life
What is the take-up of rich-media-over-mobile like in Canada? Are you seeing a rapid take-up of higher end phones that facilitate richer media experiences?

Andrea Stokes
Yes, certainly.

mo:life
What kinds of mobile content are people buying?

Andrea Stokes
Music videos, funny shorts, cartoons, soft-core adult content

mo:life
Is there an ideal duration for interstitial and mobile content?

Andrea Stokes
Most providers will edit their own content, so the content in question can really be any length. Under 4 minutes is the ideal.

mo:life
You are in charge of content acquisition - what are you looking for in mobile and content? What are you sick of seeing?

Andrea Stokes
Anything and everything…..especially funny bloopers and softcore adult content.