TORONTO, Jan. 26, 2017 /CNW/ - The Canada Media Fund (CMF) and Google Canada announced today they have entered into a new partnership to launch a YouTube channel for iconic Canadian film and television content from years gone by. The project is in celebration of Canada's 150th anniversary of Confederation.
Working closely with Canada's film and television producers, unions, guilds and rights holders, the YouTube channel is being developed by the CMF and Google Canada, with support from Deluxe Toronto, BroadbandTV (BBTV), as well as the Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA) and L'Association québécoise de la production médiatique (AQPM). Telefilm Canada is also a key partner in this endeavor, providing financial and promotional support.
In collaboration with industry partners, the CMF plans to give beloved stories back to Canadians by creating an online hub that showcases and celebrates iconic Canadian films, television and talent. The channel will also be an opportunity to test new business models for catalogue content, while generating worldwide exposure and stimulating demand for Canadian content, particularly with young audiences, who access media primarily via connected and mobile devices.
While discussions with industry partners continue, the channel aims to offer classic Canadian programming in various genres (drama, documentary, children's and youth, performing arts) from both the big and small screens dating from as far back as 1995. By opening the door to rights clearances, Canada's producers, unions, guilds and rights holders have each played an essential role in bringing this project to light.
The channel will be managed by BBTV, the world's largest Multi-Channel Network (MCN) and the third-largest video property in the world. Deluxe Toronto will oversee the digitization of the catalogue, preparing all content for high-quality YouTube video playback.
"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," says Valerie Creighton, President and CEO, CMF. "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."
"YouTube is where the world comes to watch, and we are excited about the potential for this initiative to both preserve Canadian cultural history and share incredible Canadian content with new audiences both at home and around the globe. This will be a fantastic opportunity to make these iconic Canadian films and television accessible to all," said Sam Sebastian, Google VP and Managing Director, Google Canada.
"There isn't a better way to celebrate Canada's 150th anniversary, than by making Canada's diverse Film and TV content available for everyone to enjoy," says Nick Iannelli, Senior VP Deluxe Toronto. "The pleasure we've had in helping to create some of these programs can now continue to be shared for generations to come."
"Canadian cinema has long been renowned for its quality and originality, and we're pleased to be supporting this initiative aimed at helping audiences discover—or rediscover—great Canadian content from the recent past," said Carolle Brabant, Telefilm's Executive Director. "This initiative aligns perfectly with our commitment to building audiences, at home and abroad, for Canadian content on multiple platforms, anytime, anywhere. It's also a wonderful way to celebrate Canada's 150th!"
"This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Canada's 150th anniversary, help revive well-loved Canadian film and television programming and share it with viewers at home and abroad," says Reynolds Mastin, President and CEO, CMPA. "We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with the CMF and our members to help make this vision a reality."
"The AQPM is pleased to partner on this innovative project and looks forward to helping promote extraordinary Canadian film and television, from the French-language market, with Canadians and world audiences alike," says Hélène Messier, President and CEO, AQPM. "It's more than another channel; it's a guiding light to what our audiovisual industry has accomplished."
About the Canada Media Fund
The Canada Media Fund (CMF) fosters, develops, finances and promotes the production of Canadian content and applications for all audiovisual media platforms. The CMF guides Canadian content towards a competitive global environment by fostering industry innovation, rewarding success, enabling a diversity of voice and promoting access to content through public and private sector partnerships. The CMF receives financial contributions from the Government of Canada and Canada's cable, satellite and IPTV distributors. Please visit cmf-fmc.ca.
About Google Canada
Google's mission is to organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful. As a global technology leader, Google's innovations in web search and advertising have made its website a top internet property and its brand one of the most recognized in the world. With over 800 Googlers across four offices in Waterloo, Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa, Google Canada's engineers work on products used by millions of people worldwide everyday including Chrome & Chrome OS, Gmail, Google's mobile apps and Google's Ads and commerce infrastructure. Google Canada's sales teams work across every industry in Canada with businesses of all sizes to grow their business online and make the most of the web.
SOURCE CANADA MEDIA FUND
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André Ferreira, Communications Manager, Canada Media Fund, 416-214-4402, [email protected]
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