"Canadian directors (working out of Toronto) have to compete internationally. I think it's a real bitch. I know a lot of competent directors in Toronto who are relegated to second-rate work," says Figaro Films director/dop Glenn Bydwell.

"In Montreal, we're supported by the houses, and the agencies, it's not as vicious as in Toronto where the Americans are present."

As far as Bydwell is concerned, it's easier pitching to agencies in Chicago, than in Toronto, where he says Montreal directors are generally up against deep-seated prejudices.

Bydwell, who has had his busiest year in many, says there's a strong sense of competition between ad agencies in Toronto and Montreal.

"On the rare occasion when a Quebec-produced spot plays nationally, Toronto agencies really hate it," he says.

In general, there are fewer national commercial shoots out of Montreal than before, in part because agencies like J. Walter Thompson, Scali and Leo Burnett have disappeared, or have folded their Montreal operations into local shops, he says. AV