CEPI Adds Canadian Producer Bodies as First International Observers

CEPI, the European Audiovisual Production Association, has admitted the Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA) and the Association Québécoise de la Production Médiatique (AQPM) as its first international observer members, Deadline reported on October 29, 2026.

CEPI represents 3,000 independent production companies in 17 countries through 19 national associations and one European association. The two Canadian bodies become the organisation's first members from outside that existing structure.

Under the arrangement, CEPI will coordinate with the CMPA and AQPM on advocacy issues including regulation of streaming services, domestic production requirements, intellectual property and rights, and co-productions.

CEPI President Anthony Muldoon leads the association. Reynolds Mastin is President and CEO of the CMPA, while Hélène Messier is President and Executive Director at the AQPM; she cited generative AI, diversity of cultural expression and cultural sovereignty as challenges facing producers.

Earlier cross-border cooperation

The move builds on contacts between the organisations earlier this year. Over the summer, CBC/Radio-Canada became the first non-European network to become a full member of the European Broadcasting Union, and Canada is set to compete in the next Eurovision Song Contest. At the Toronto International Film Festival last month, CEPI, the CMPA, the AQPM and other producer associations from Australia and across Europe signed a joint statement calling on governments to protect domestic production and local storytelling.