Murdoch Mysteries producer says Canada's screen industry is 'under siege'

Canada's screen industry is "under siege." That was the warning from Christina Jennings, founder, chairwoman and president of Shaftesbury, the studio behind the long-running crime drama Murdoch Mysteries.

Jennings spoke in a keynote conversation to open The Hollywood Reporter's Access Canada Summit in Toronto. The session was moderated by Jeanie Pyun, the publication's deputy editorial director. It put one of Canada's most experienced producers at the top of a day built around Canadian film and television.

Her subject was Canada's destiny and cultural sovereignty, meaning the country's ability to keep telling its own stories on screen. Her summary was blunt. Two words: "We're under siege."

She pointed to Murdoch Mysteries as an example of a local show that travels. The series follows Detective William Murdoch, played by Yannick Bisson. A special episode released on 1 July, Canada Day, sends Murdoch to Parliament Hill in Ottawa for a patriotic speech.

In the scene, Murdoch declares: "Canada is the world's second largest country, but its citizens are second to none." Jennings said a clip of that moment passed 30 million views on social media platforms within 72 hours, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

That is a striking number for a Canadian period crime series. It also fits the show's long sales history. Jennings said Murdoch Mysteries has been sold into 120 international markets, meaning broadcasters and platforms in 120 countries or territories have bought rights to screen it.

The domestic footprint is large too. Over two decades, Jennings said the show has contributed more than $1 billion to Canada's national economy and created more than 10,000 jobs. Those figures cover the ripple effect of sustained production, from cast and crew to suppliers and services.

For fans, this means a familiar detective doing double duty. He solves the case of the week. In this episode, he also delivered a statement about national identity that travelled well beyond television.

The company behind him has been in business for almost 40 years. Jennings established Shaftesbury in 1987. The Toronto-based organisation describes itself as a creator and producer of original content for television, film and digital, according to Shaftesbury.

It is now preparing to launch the 20th season of Murdoch Mysteries. Twenty seasons is rare anywhere. It means another year of work for the writers, crew and craftspeople who keep the show on air.