TORONTO – CBC is teaming up with distributor Banijay International on a project designed to foster original factual format development in the independent production community in Canada.
Format Incubator is on the hunt for new unscripted concepts that have strong domestic and international appeal, and break new ground in factual programming. 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.
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.
Proposals are being accepted now until August 3, 2015. Click here for full guidelines and submission details.
“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, CBC’s executive director of unscripted content, in the news release. “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.”
