Élaine Dumont: “We started to develop closer ties with Spain”

Québec ranks among the most production-friendly service centers, acclaimed for its technological innovations, superior CGI facilities, a broad range of filming locations, top film production infrastructure, and a large pool of skilled technicians. Señal News spoke with Élaine Dumont, Executive Director, International Affairs, Export and Marketing distribution at SODEC, to describe its business focus.

SODEC will attend Conecta Fiction & Entertainment again in 2023. What feedback did you get from last year’s edition?
"At SODEC, we were happy to be able to discover Conecta Fiction & Entertainment last year and to start developing closer ties with the Spaniards. Conecta is an event with a human dimension that allows us to take more time to meet people, which was very appreciated by Quebecers. The Conecta Think Tank has been mentioned in particular as a valuable event to meet people and learn about each other by exchanging their mutual challenges. It was also an opportunity to realize how much they have in common".

What specific developments started at Conecta last year?
"Since then, at least one Québec project has found a Spanish broadcaster, and many meetings have occurred between Quebecers, Spanish, and European producers. Quebecers who return with us for a second year will be able to resume discussions with potential clients and partners that were initiated last year."

How important is it for SODEC's companies to intensify and expand their global relations?
"We know these relationships take time to develop and require support and persistence. Thus, SODEC is back for a second time at Conecta this year with the same objective: to offer opportunities for business meetings between Québec and Spanish producers, distributors, and broadcasters with whom they share several affinities. The 'Conecta Meet Lunch' on Wednesday, June 28, will also offer an opportunity to network and will feature the seven production and distribution companies present at Conecta with SODEC this year: Amuz Distribution, Attraction Images, Duo Productions, Encore Télévision-Distribution, Just For laughs, Pimiento Médias and Zone3."

What type of companies are attending the event, and what will their goal be there?
"Two types of companies are with us this year: producers and sales agents, who arrive with interesting productions and formats for all types of platforms. We are also pleased to see that Québec's visibility has increased this year, with Québec professionals being active in several programmed activities, such as three panels: 'New financial models,' with Richard Jean-Baptiste, VP Business Innovation, Executive Producer at Attraction Images; 'Warrior Platforms,' with André Béraud, Senior Director, Scripted Programs at Radio-Canada; and 'Carrying out projects with a budget for all pockets,' featuring Josée Vallée, Executive Vice President, Scripted and features films at Sphere Media. Quebecers will also be part of the upcoming business mission 'Conecta Roadshow,' sponsored by ICEX/Invest in Spain, Spain Film Commission, and RTVE, at the end of June. Moreover, SODEC is also continuing its collaboration with the Bureau du Québec à Barcelone at Conecta. Adèle Samjee, the Bureau Cultural Affair Attachée, will attend the event."