The project aims to foster original factual format development in the independent production community in Canada
CBC announced today the launch of Format Incubator, a collaborative venture between CBC, distributor Banijay International and the independent production community, aimed at boosting the creation of original, exportable television formats. The hunt is on for new unscripted concepts that have strong domestic and international appeal, and break new ground in factual programming.
“We’re thrilled to spearhead this new partnership, which will allow us to launch more original Canadian formats internationally, while still continuing to serve our audiences here at home,” said Jennifer Dettman, executive director, Unscripted Content, CBC. “We look forward to exploring new opportunities and innovative ways of doing things, and we’re proud to help Canadian producers showcase their talent in Canada, and help amplify their reach internationally.”
CBC and Banijay International are seeking unique concepts that resonate with audiences and have the potential to spark a national dialogue about a topic that matters to Canadians. Format Incubator will select a small number of format ideas to develop, ultimately narrowing down the selection to one to three formats to go to pilot.
Fanny Baudry, V.P. Global Acquisitions, Banijay International who brokered the deal said, “We are delighted to partner with CBC in this breakthrough initiative. We very much look forward to using our expertise and global connections to support stand out and engaging formats from Canada through the Format Incubator scheme.”
Emmanuelle Namiech, managing director, Banijay International, added, “We believe this will be the perfect fit for our two companies - we have wide experience of the international content business across all platforms and are well-versed in developing and building brands on the world stage. Importantly, we have created a constructive and collaborative environment in which independent producers feel comfortable and respected. We know there is a huge amount of untapped talent in Canada and we are excited about the potential we are about to uncover with our partners at CBC.”
Canadian producers are invited to submit their original, non-derivative prime time unscripted formats in the following programming areas:
•Field-based factual. These formats take people on a journey of knowledge; have interesting characters, strong narrative, stylistic production and editing, and a unique point of view.• Studio-based entertainment. For adults 25-54 and families, a collective viewing experience that reaches out to the audience to participate in the program in many different ways.
Proposals are being accepted now, until August 3rd.Full guidelines and submission details can be found at CBC’s Independent Producer page. Please visit:
Format Incubator will support up to three new unscripted pilots through the development and production process, and broadcast the pilots in prime time on CBC Television in March 2016. Chosen pilots will benefit from development and creative editorial support from CBC and Banijay, and an expedited distribution process to bring their concept to the international market.
Pilots will be financed by CBC and Banijay International, along with provincial and federal tax credits. Canadian producers will retain copyright of the program, and the format will be owned equally and jointly by the production company, CBC and Banijay International.
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About CBC/Radio-Canada
CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada’s national public broadcaster and one of its largest cultural institutions. The Corporation is a leader in reaching Canadians on new platforms and delivers a comprehensive range of radio, television, internet, and satellite-based services. Deeply rooted in the regions, CBC/Radio-Canada is the only domestic broadcaster to offer diverse regional and cultural perspectives in English, French and eight Aboriginal languages.
A space for us all is CBC/Radio-Canada’s new strategy to modernize the public broadcaster and ensure that it continues to fulfill its mandate for Canadians and for future generations. Through to 2020, it will increase its investment in prime time television programming, and continue to create radio programs of the highest quality, while promoting the development of digital and mobile platforms and content.
For more information including series synopses, press releases, hi-res images, video clips and bios, please visit the CBC Media Centre at cbc.ca/mediacentre. Follow CBC’s publicity team on Twitter @CBC_Publicity.
About Banijay International
Banijay International is a global force in content distribution with exceptional vision and conviction. It is an extension of the major TV and multimedia content creator, Banijay Group, which in five years has grown into a worldwide entertainment powerhouse.
Banijay International is the owner of a wide portfolio of programming rights, originating both from within the Banijay Group companies as well as the very best third party properties from leading independents around the world. It is confident about its ability to exploit rights on a global scale and optimise the value of its programming operating with the nimble approach of a boutique distributor combined with the muscle of a large, cost effective group structure. Its portfolio is strong, relevant, bold and brash, spanning the genres of factual, compelling game shows, reality hybrids, serial dramas and finished programmes. Banijay International delivers content that’s fresh and innovative, with wide appeal.
About Banijay Group
The Banijay Group is a content creation company for television and multimedia platforms. With leading production entities in more than a dozen territories, the Group is engaged in strategic partnerships with innovative creative talent around the world. Banijay formats and programming, as well as acquired third-party content, are sold around the world by its global distribution arm, Banijay International.
The Banijay Group currently comprises Banijay Productions France, H2O and Air Productions (France), Cuarzo and DLO Producciones (Spain), Brainpool (Germany), Banijay Ambra (Italy), Nordisk Film TV (Denmark, Norway, Sweden); Pineapple Entertainment (Denmark), Respirator (Denmark), Banijay Finland (Finland), Screentime (Australia, New Zealand, Ireland), Banijay Studios North America; Stephen David Entertainment and Bunim/Murray Productions (US).
Banijay Group’s lead shareholder is LOV Group, the family holding company of Stéphane Courbit, alongside Groupe Arnault, Ifil, DEA Capital and AMS Industries
For more information, please contact:
Kylie McGregor
Entertainment publicist, CBC
416-205-8638 (office) / 416-948-6181 (mobile)
