Perlmutter's Leadership and Digital Transformation of the NFB
The National Film Board of Canada (NFB), the country's public producer, underwent a significant technological evolution under the leadership of Perlmutter. By shifting the organization's focus toward digital media and mobile platforms, Perlmutter ensured that the NFB remained relevant in an era of rapidly changing content consumption.
Modernizing the NFB's Production Strategy
Perlmutter spearheaded a strategic pivot toward digital media production, recognizing the growing importance of mobile platforms. A cornerstone of this effort was the development of NFB.ca, the organization's dedicated online screening room, which expanded the accessibility of its cinematic archives.
To support this transition, Perlmutter implemented bold financial and operational changes. He reallocated 20% of the NFB's production budget specifically to interactive media—content that allows the viewer to actively participate in the narrative. Furthermore, he committed the organization to a massive digitization project, aiming to convert 60% of its most popular films into digital formats over a five-year period.
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The Establishment of Digital Studios
To institutionalize these innovations, Perlmutter established the NFB's Digital Studios. These hubs were designed to focus exclusively on interactive works and were strategically placed in two major Canadian cities: Vancouver for English-language productions and Montreal for French productions.
Career Timeline and Tenure
Perlmutter's ascent within the NFB began well before his appointment as commissioner. Starting in 2001, he served as the head of the NFB's English Program. During this period, he led one of the organization's first ventures into mobile content with the 2006 series Shorts in Motion.
His leadership as commissioner began on May 17, 2007, following an appointment by Canadian Heritage Minister Bev Oda. Due to his dedication to the film industry and the success of the digitization initiative, Heritage Minister James Moore reappointed him for a second term on May 8, 2012, intended to last until 2017.
Perlmutter eventually stepped down as the head of the NFB on December 10, 2013, to focus on writing and advising on the impact of technology on content creation and the challenges facing the public sector in the 21st century. His employment with the organization officially ended on February 27, 2014.
Key Facts
- Budget Shift: 20% of the production budget was reallocated to interactive media.
- Digitization Goal: Committed to digitizing 60% of the most popular films within five years.
- Infrastructure: Created Digital Studios in Vancouver (English) and Montreal (French).
- Digital Access: Developed the NFB.ca online screening room.
- Early Innovation: Led the 2006 Shorts in Motion mobile content series.
| Role | Period | Key Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Head of English Program | 2001 – 2007 | Launched Shorts in Motion (2006) |
| NFB Commissioner (1st Term) | 2007 – 2012 | Initiated digital media and mobile platform shift |
| NFB Commissioner (2nd Term) | 2012 – 2014 | Continued digitization and interactive media focus |
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of the NFB budget was moved to interactive media?
Perlmutter reallocated 20% of the NFB's production budget to support the creation of interactive media.
What was the goal of the NFB's digitization initiative?
The initiative aimed to digitize 60% of the NFB's most popular films over a period of five years.
Where were the NFB Digital Studios located?
The Digital Studios were based in Vancouver for English-language works and Montreal for French productions.
When did Perlmutter first lead a mobile content project?
While serving as head of the English Program, he led the 2006 series Shorts in Motion, one of the NFB's first forays into mobile content.
Why was Perlmutter reappointed for a second term in 2012?
Heritage Minister James Moore cited Perlmutter's wealth of experience, leadership, dedication to the film industry, and commitment to the digitization initiative as the reasons for his reappointment.