TORONTO – Canadian content producers may want to polish their pitches for the folks at Bell Media. The company said Wednesday that it has kicked off its Bell Benefits program and is searching for the next great Canadian TV program or series.
The Bell Benefits is the $100 million programming investment in programs of national interest that was tied in to BCE’s purchase of CTV. Bell Media said that it is now accepting pitches for Canadian scripted drama and comedy, as well as documentaries and Canadian award shows, to be supported by the Bell Benefits and produced by Canadian independent producers.
“We’re open for business,” said Corrie Coe, SVP of independent production, in a statement. “With the evolution of the Bell transaction over the past nine months finally complete, we are now in a position to begin moving forward with these tangible benefits and, in conjunction with our normal commitments and expenditures on Canadian programming, re-invigorating our independent production strategy.”
Independent of the Bell Benefits, Bell Media also confirmed that it has ordered new seasons of homegrown series Flashpoint, The Listener, and The Borgias. It has also commissioned a new original Canadian movie called The Horses Of Mcbride, in collaboration with Paul Gross, and has begun production on two previously announced pilots for CTV called Saving Hope and Stay With Me.
CTV’s Fall programming schedule will be announced on Thursday.
