"Protecting our industry is how we ensure its longevity. There are countless people who work daily in the production industry in Canada and we want to acknowledge them," said Slawko Klymkiw, CFC's Chief Executive Officer. "Growth is perpetuated by hard-work and innovation. Ensuring the efforts of these Canadian workers are protected through copyright laws is what The REEL Challenge Contest promotes each year."

The contest is on now and runs until February 15, 2013. This year there's a $7,500 prize for the best comedic short and a $7,500 prize for the best animated short.

This year’s contest allows filmmakers the chance to convey the theme in a more imaginative and humorous way, which will help to highlight the importance of the message. The submission, at a maximum 60 seconds in length, can be film-style or a PSA. It gives filmmakers a chance to celebrate those who collaborate behind the scenes and in related businesses which help make the magic happen.

Canada has a world-class motion picture and television industry and you’re closer to it than you think. Tens of thousands of small businesses all over the country are supported by movie and television production, from drycleaners to caterers, who count the production industry in Canada as one of their many clients. Last year alone, the total volume of film and television production in Canada was more than $5.5 billion and generated more than 128,000 full-time equivalent jobs (FTEs). As the lobbyists are fond of saying, when you support Canadian content you help a thriving movie and television industry, which means more jobs, a stronger economy, and a greater array of entertainment choices for everyone.

Full contest details, guidelines and tips to help you make your film are available online.