In-Demand: Québec Creates—Part 1

Québec has a unique position in the global television market as the generator of French- and English-language media in North America, with productions that are both distinctive and highly exportable. One of its main assets is the variety and the appeal of its dramas, comedies, documentaries, animation, children’s content and entertainment formats. In association with the Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC), the Québec cultural agency, World Screen is spotlighting this dynamic industry and its presence at MIPTV this year.

Overseen by Québec’s Minister of Culture and Communication, SODEC promotes and supports the development of Québec’s cultural industry, at home and abroad. SODEC also coordinates umbrella operations and co-production initiatives at major international markets through the “Québec Creates” banner.

In the first of two special Québec Creates reports before MIPTV, we’re highlighting a selection of compelling documentary series, drama and comedy series, romantic comedy movies, reality shows, beautifully produced animated kids’ series and youth live action, as well as psychological thrillers and mystery movies based on best-selling novels.

A Criminal Affair (Une affaire criminelle)

Commissioner: Crave (Bell)
Producer: Sovimage
Distributor: Encore Television-Distribution
Description: (Drama, 8×45 min.) How far can a mother go to free her son? Catherine tries her best to exonerate her son, incarcerated for a murder he claims not to have committed.
Pitch Perfect: “A fiercely addictive and absorbing series, A Criminal Affair will get viewers quickly hooked on the poignant story of a mother who will fight every inch of the way to have her son’s case reopened and expose the truth about a murder he’s been accused of some 15 years ago.” —Chrystine Girard, Head, International Distribution
Sales Contacts: Chrystine Girard; Dominique Simard, Managing Director.

AI, To Be Or Not To Be

Commissioners: Radio-Canada, RDI, Explora
Producer: Productions Magasin Général
Distributor: HG Distribution
Description: (Doc., 3×60 min.) Explores the ethical issues surrounding artificial intelligence. We follow Canadian science journalist Matthieu Dugal in his quest to build his double, a digital being created with the help of artificial intelligence.
Pitch Perfect: “For the first time, a documentary series questions the limits of human beings in an era where machines are becoming more and more intelligent. Canadian science journalist Matthieu Dugal sets out to create his digital double by drawing on his personal data and using existing technologies, including AI. He does so to better ask the ethical questions to historians, authors, philosophers and researchers from all around the world.” —Patrick Fauquembergue & Daniel Morin, Producers
Sales Contacts: Patrick Fauquembergue, Daniel Morin, Henry Gagnon.

Aurora Teagarden Mysteries

Commissioner: Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
Producer: Muse Entertainment Enterprises
Distributor: Muse Distribution International
Description: (Mystery, 18×90 min.) Candace Cameron Bure stars as librarian-turned-detective Aurora “Roe” Teagarden, a crime buff who unexpectedly finds herself solving real-life murders in her small town.
Pitch Perfect: “Muse’s cozy-crime/mystery movies are fan-favorites across all platforms worldwide. Based on best-selling crime novels, Muse’s top-rating mystery franchise Aurora Teagarden Mysteries, as seen on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, stars Candace Cameron Bure as librarian and amateur detective Aurora ‘Roe’ Teagarden.” —Shawn Rosengarten, VP, Distribution
Sales Contact: Shawn Rosengarten.

The Cavaliers

Commissioners: Unis TV, Club illico, Yoopa
Producer: Trio Orange
Distributor: Trio Orange is currently looking for a global distribution partner.
Description: (Drama, 13×23 min.) A heartwarming drama about the trials and tribulations of a young girl with an all-consuming passion for horses.
Pitch Perfect: “The Cavaliers is the story of a 14-year-old girl, an avid horseback rider, and her trusty equine companion. The Cavaliers is a heart-wrenching love story between Charlie and her horse Orion—a tale of friendship, betrayal and secrets, but, above all, a story about courage.” —Julie Lavallée, Producer
Sales Contact: Roselyne Brouillet, International Distribution & Business Development.

How to Survive in the Wild (Manuel de la vie sauvage)

Commissioner: Séries Plus (Corus)
Producer: KOTV
Distributor: KO Distribution
Description: (Drama, 6×60 min.) Kevin settles in the city, where he makes his mark as the founder of a startup that promises to revolutionize grief by allowing users to converse with the dead.
Pitch Perfect: “An ambitious young tech entrepreneur creates an app allowing users to speak to the deceased, hoping to change the way the world—and his own family—copes with grief, but he realizes working for the greater good may force him to get his hands dirty and perform a costly sacrifice.” —Barbara Vallant, Head, Sales & Acquisitions
Sales Contacts: Barbara Vallant; Louis-Philippe Drolet, VP, General Director & Producer.

Just for Laughs Gags

Commissioners: CBC, Bell Media
Producer: Just for Laughs
Distributor: Just for Laughs
Description: (Comedy, S1-22: 381×30 min.) The world’s longest-running and most-adored prank show, where unsuspecting people get roped into hilarious situations, concocted by the Just for Laughs Gags experts. Around the world, people of all ages, cultures and nationalities are laughing with Just for Laughs Gags.
Pitch Perfect: “Just for Laughs, the number one comedy brand, is proud to bring you brand-new episodes of Gags, the world’s top feel-good TV show that is currently airing in more than 200 territories.” —Fred Joubaud, Director, Content & Strategic Partnerships
Sales Contacts: Marina Di Pancrazio, Chief Content Revenue Officer; Fred Joubaud.

Love Bugs

Commissioner: SRC (Société Radio-Canada)
Producer: Avanti Groupe
Distributor: Les Distributions Avanti Ciné Vidéo
Description: (Comedy format, S1-7: 130×26 min.) Funny, modern, identifiable and addictive, Love Bugs is a scripted comedy format about a couple figuring out love and life in a unique modular format.
Pitch Perfect: “Love Bugs is the most-adapted and best-selling scripted format in international TV history (according to The WIT), adapted in 29 countries with more to come. The format is unique, addictive and hilarious, with a low production cost and an incredible international track record. Find out why everyone loves Love Bugs.” —Arabelle Pouliot-Di Crescenzo, Head, International Distribution
Sales Contacts: Arabelle Pouliot-Di Crescenzo, Monique Lamoureux.

Occupation Double

Commissioners: Noovo, noovo.ca
Producer: Productions ToRoS
Distributor: Productions ToRoS
Description: (Reality, S1-15) Eligible singles of La Belle Province are brought to some of the most luxurious and romantic locations around the globe. Occupation Doublehighlights the ups and downs of their quests for romance. It is the most-watched and the most-talked-about reality series in Québec.
Pitch Perfect: “Occupation Double evolved into a dating show that tackles current social topics like cultural and sexual diversity, sparking important conversations among its viewers and beyond. Unique trips, from incredible safaris to remote glaciers, and just enough drama to hook the entire family make it the ultimate co-viewing experience on all platforms.” —Carine Sansregret, Director, International Business Development
Sales Contact: Carine Sansregret.

Woolly Woolly

Commissioners: France TV, TVOkids, SRC, Knowledge Network with the support of the Canada Media Fund
Producers: PVP Media, Normaal
Distributors: FESTIVAAL Distribution, PVP Media
Description: (CGI animation, 52×11 min.) Animated series that follows the adventures of a tight-knit community of woolly-teensy forest gnomes through an enchanted universe.
Pitch Perfect: “Woolly Woolly is a tightly knit community of forest gnomes whose day-to-day is tinged with wacky obstacles and frenemies that they confront with courage and creativity. What more? Their stories are fueled by two real kids’ massive imaginations, having a blast in their playroom. Imaginative play at its best!” —François Trudel, VP & Executive Producer, PVP Media
Sales Contacts: Marc Dhrami, Director, Business Development & International, Normaal; François Trudel.

Written in the Stars

Commissioner: Incendo
Producers: Screentime New Zealand, Incendo
Distributor: Incendo
Description: (Romantic comedy, 1×90 min.) When her magazine approves a pitch about a skeptic’s take on love and horoscopes, a young woman teams up with an astrology guru.
Pitch Perfect: “Incendo presents the romantic comedy TV movie Written in the Stars, an endearing story about a skeptic’s take on love and astrology. Filmed in stunning locations across New Zealand, the film encompasses a unique love story and setting while staying true to the core of a classic rom-com.” —Gavin Reardon, International Sales & Co-Productions
Sales Contact: Gavin Reardon.

Want more information on content from Québec?

Visit the screening rooms for Avanti Groupe, Encore Television-Distribution, Epic Storyworlds, HG Distribution, Ideacom International, Incendo, Just for Laughs, KO Distribution, Magasin Général, Muse Distribution International, NOMAD Industries, Pixcom, Productions ToRoS, PVP Media, St Laurent TV International, Trio Orange and Zone3, as well as SODEC’s Winter/Spring 2022 Showcase, on WorldScreenings.com.