Video Interview: Canamedia’s Mike Lolato

NEW YORK: Mike Lolato, the managing director of worldwide broadcast sales for Canamedia, talks about the Canadian outfit’s big-picture strategy, its 3D push and the future developments planned at the company.

One of Canada’s longest established distribution and production companies, Canamedia has been around for more than 30 years. The company was acquired by Distribution Access last year, giving Canamedia a boost in building its catalogue as well as developing and producing its own shows. The company then brought on Daniel D’Or, dubbed "the guru of 3D," to help drive the development and growth of its restructured production unit.

From these efforts, Canamedia launched four new 3D titles at MIPTV. The World’s Greatest Carnivals, a travel series; Ice Hotels, featuring a themed hotel constructed out of ice; Stratton in Time, showcasing the stories of composers from the past; and World’s Greatest Cathedrals, looking at the architecture of renowned cathedrals through a 3D lens. Lolato explains that it’s not the fast-paced action content that works best on 3D, it’s the very layered programming, he says, that have depth and provide panoramic views.

Lolato acknowledges that there are a lot of programs out there in the factual and lifestyle space, but says that Canamedia is "very particular about the programs we bring on; we don’t bring on everything." He adds, "The show’s got to have a different angle." Canamedia plans to continue ramping up the production side, says Lolato, especially with 3D programming.