Canadian Programming

An Influential Voice for the Global Marketplace

The development and production of high quality non-fiction and documentary programming on Canadian market attract internationally recognized creative talent and strong business partners. Canadian leading program providers have an influential voice in the Canadian broadcasting system. Miracle Screenings asked Canadian influential producers and distributors of original non-fiction and documentary series and programs for the global marketplace about coming trends in production, distribution and broadcast on Canadian market and about promotion of Canadian programming in the US and Latin America.

Can you name us the most important trends of creation / distribution of original non fiction programming in Canada ?

Broadcasters are requiring increasingly more dramatic stakes in non-fiction programming. Sometimes this means capturing moments of real world high drama as they occur. Or, it might mean dramatic reenactment of events or dramatic interpretation of them. The lines between non fiction programming and drama have become considerably blurred. For producers like Barna-Alper with long histories in both genres it provides great opportunities to combine our strengths. We've also been noticing a trend towards larger and larger production budgets as broadcasters are universally seeking a higher level of quality content. This has led independent producers like Barna-Alper to naturally become more active in the international arena. As a result, for example, our company has sought to partner with UK production companies (e.g.., Wall-to-Wall Productions) to pool talents, partner broadcasters and to off-set these greater production costs and to strategically balance financial risks.

Bombers Dreams

Can tell us about your own experience of production and distribution of non-fiction and documentary programming in Canada ?

Barna-Alper has successfully been in business for more than 25 years as an independent producer for the global marketplace. The company first began developing and producing a variety of informational programming including "Frontiers of Construction" and "Turning Points of History". Traditionally, we have sold our series and programs to such leading networks as CBC, History Channel and Discovery Channel. Today, we're witnessing changes in the production process as networks are seeking to maintain their existing core audiences while attracting a new, younger group of viewers. In that regard we're turning more and more to producing fast-paced non-fiction series along the lines of the original "Mega Builders". The broadcasters demand bigger and better and hence, more expensive productions. The growth of reality programming - not just in Canada but in America and Europe as well - has spurred Barna-Alper to also place an emphasis on the genre. As part of this evolution we're now beginning to see the development of hybrid programming. A good example from our company would be the new reality-lifestyle series "Party Mamas" which will air on Slice in Canada. As the expense of creating quality drama series has escalated, the majority of broadcasters have had to turn to captivating viewers with more programming rooted in reality, lifestyle and the like.

What sales do you have to the US, Canada  and Latin America ? What are your most successful titles?

"Mega Builders" is sold to Discovery Canada, Discovery Channel (USA) and Discovery Communications International (rest of world); "Frontiers of Construction" is sold to History Television and National Geographic Channel (Canada), Discovery Digital (USA), Discovery UK, National Geographic International Channels, Multithematiques (France), RAI3 (Italy), CCTV (China), and Hong Kong Cable.  "Turning Points of History" is sold to Discovery Times Channel (USA), Discovery Communications International, History Television (Canada), History Channel (UK), N24 (Germany) Fox International (Italy), RTE (Ireland), Noga Communications (Israel).

Can you name us the most important trends of creation / distribution of original non fiction programming in Canada ?

The increased number of channels focusing on documentary programming and the transition to HD are certainly key.  In addition, the breakthrough of feature length documentaries into the mainstream of theatrical box office has been a recent stimulus for new development.

Room Service

Can tell us about your own experience of production and distribution of non-fiction and documentary programming in Canada?

Ellis Entertainment is a leading international television producer and distributor with over 40 years of supplying to the English and French Canadian and global marketplace.  Ellis Releasing, the company's distribution division, licenses network programming worldwide for Canadian, American and British independents and distributes in Canada and the US for top international producers. The company has evolved over the years from being a top wildlife producer, to an expanded production slate that includes science, history, lifestyle and faith-based programming. Many of our original productions, such as the recently completed, " Tank Overhaul" were also produced in High Definition.

What sales do you have to the US, Canada  and Latin America?

The growth in our business in the Americas has largely been driven by the expanded number of cable and satellite-delivered services.  Some of our regular clients include VisionTV and Discovery Channel in Canada, Discovery Health Channel, History Channel and TV One in the US, as well as Casa Club in Latin America.

What are your most successful titles?

Our 3 rd party acquisitions that have done well for us include "Opus Dei and the Da Vinci Code", "Room Service", "Café M", "Fusion Fare" and "Help! It's Christmas".  Ellis Vision original productions that continue to do well internationally include "The Baby Human", "Beastly Countdown", "Craftiest Animals", "Sideshow Stars: The True Story" and "Tank Overhaul".