25 independent production companies from Western Canada will come together under the CANADA WEST banner at the National Association of Television Program Executives (NATPE) Conference and Exhibition from January 22 - 25, 2001.

NATPE 2001 marks the first time that companies and provincial representatives from Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba and Saskatchewan have exhibited together at the same booth. Participating companies include Credo Entertainment (MB), Mainframe Entertainment Inc. (BC), Partners in Motion (SK), and White Iron Pictures (AB). In all, five companies from Alberta, thirteen from British Columbia, four from Manitoba and three from Saskatchewan will participate. This wide ranging contingent includes producers of animation, documentary, drama and digital media projects.

"This has been a long time coming", commented Carole Vivier, CEO of Manitoba Film and Sound. "Working together with the other provinces makes this market possible for many of our producers who could not normally attend."

This new marketing effort was assisted by the involvement of federal partner the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. DFAIT's Sonya Thissen, Trade Commissioner (Film and Television) states, "We are pleased to have the opportunity to join our provincial partners from Western Canada in this important initiative to assist our producers to compete successfully in the international marketplace."

Provincial partners include Alberta Community Development and the Alberta Motion Picture Industry Association, BC Film + Media, British Columbia Film Commission, Manitoba Film and Sound and Saskfilm and industry partners Bridge Studios and the Director's Guild of Canada - B.C. District Council.