TORONTO – The Canada Media Fund (CMF) is partnering with Google Canada on a new YouTube channel that will showcase Canadian film and television content.
Collaborating with Canada's film and television producers, unions, guilds and rights holders, the YouTube channel is being developed by the CMF and Google Canada, but will be managed by BroadbandTV (BBTV). Deluxe Toronto will oversee the digitization of the catalogue, preparing all content for high-quality YouTube video playback. The initiative also has the support of the Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA), L'Association québécoise de la production médiatique (AQPM) and Telefilm Canada.
The online hub aims to offer classic Canadian programming in genres including drama, documentary, performing arts, and children's and youth, from both the big and small screens dating from as far back as 1995, reads the news release. It will also be an opportunity to test new business models for catalogue content, while generating worldwide exposure and stimulating demand for Canadian content.
The yet to be named channel is scheduled to launch in late March.
"This is Canada's industry working together to bring back cherished and valuable content for Canadians and the world to enjoy – on all platforms, anytime, anywhere," said CMF president and CEO Valerie Creighton, in the release. "With the support of Canada's audiovisual industry, the CMF is uniquely positioned to lead this innovative and forward-thinking project that both connects us to our past, and builds a legacy for tomorrow."
