In-Demand: Québec Creates—Part 3

In this third and final Québec Creates report before MIPCOM, we’re highlighting a kids’ sitcom, an acclaimed youth drama, a documentary about Afro-descendants in Canada, a series on cat lovers, a long-running comedy show, a charming new animated series, a YA drama and a female-led TV-movie thriller.

Québec has a unique position in the global television market as a 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 MIPCOM 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.

At MIPCOM CANNES, you’ll find SODEC at P4.C20.

A Magic Family Show

Commissioner: Radio-Canada/CBC
Producer: Prestigo Medias
Distributor: Prestigo Distribution
Description: (Kids/family, 52×23 min. & Christmas special) A sitcom about a weird but endearing family with insane supernatural powers, trying to live a normal life in a house as exuberant as theirs.
Pitch Perfect: “It’s not always easy to live all together and keep the family’s secret from everyone else!” —Daniel Coutu, CEO & Producer
Sales Contacts: Daniel Coutu; Johanna Veysset, Marketing & Sales Consultant.

Afro Canada

Commissioner: Radio-Canada
Producers: Yzanakio, Black Wealth Media
Description: (Factual, 4×52 min.) A documentary series event that traces four centuries of the little-known history of the Afro-descendants in Canada.
Pitch Perfect: “Afro Canada is a four-part documentary series directed by Henri Pardo that mixes animation, drama, tableaux vivants and performance art to trace four centuries of the little-known history of the Afro-descendants who helped build Canada.” —Eric Idriss Kanago, Producer
Sales Contact: Eric Idriss Kanago.

Cat Empire

Commissioners: Canal D, Crave, Al Jazeera Documentary Channel
Producer: UBIQUE|Film
Distributor: HG Distribution
Description: (Factual, 3×52 min. & 1×68 min.) From the dawn of humanity to online cat celebrities, this entertaining series explores the unique bond uniting humans and cats, for better and worse.
Pitch Perfect: “From the U.S. to France via Canada, England and Spain, this documentary takes you to meet (crazy) cat lovers, enthusiasts, scientists and detractors to help us paint a portrait of an animal which, despite its great popularity, remains enigmatic and misunderstood in many ways.” —Henry Gagnon, President
Sales Contacts: Henry Gagnon; Andrea Staerke, Business Development; Lydia Horman, Director, Content Sales & Global Digital Strategy.

Jenny

Commissioner: TV5Unis
Producer: Avenida
Distributor: Attraction Distribution
Description: (Kids, S1-3: 60×13 min.) Jenny is a tale of joy and the dreams we pursue against all odds. After producing three seasons of Jenny, Avenida and Apartment 11 are now working on the reimagined English version of the series.
Pitch Perfect: “Jenny is the story of a young girl who fights her cancer diagnosis with a strong force of character, courage and humor alongside her friends and family. This award-winning series (Kidscreen Awards, International Emmy Kids Awards) is sure to inspire and entertain the whole family!” —Xiaojuan Zhou, President, Attraction Distribution
Sales Contacts: Xiaojuan Zhou; Max Oliveras, VP, Television; Sylvia Kocman, Manager, Administration.

Just for Laughs Gags

Commissioner: CBC
Producer: Just for Laughs
Distributor: Just for Laughs
Description: (Comedy, S23: 13×30 min.; total 394×30 min.) Enjoy all the comedic relief provided by 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. Right now, around the world, people of all ages, cultures and nationalities are laughing along 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.

The Little Spudragon

Commissioner: Radio-Canada
Producer: Happy Camper Média
Distributor: Happy Camper Média
Description: (Animation, 15×3.5 min.) Is it a potato? A tiny dragon? It’s both… it’s a Little Spudragon! Eager to discover our world, this funny-horned beastie explores the backyard and makes up all kinds of stories. Everything and anything is possible with the Little Spudragon as an observer and commentator!
Pitch Perfect: “The animated version of The Little Spudragon, a cute cross between a potato and a dragon, is sure to appeal to young viewers. With his flair for asking original questions and coming up with even more ingenious solutions, the Little Spudragon highlights the importance of creative thinking in children, a value we at Radio-Canada feel is important.” —Nathalie Chamberland, Director, Youth Programming, Radio-Canada
Sales Contact: Renaud Sylvain, CEO & Executive Producer.

Nous (Them)

Commissioner: Quebecor/Club illico (TVA)
Producer: Duo Productions
Distributor: Duo Productions
Description: (Drama, S1: 12×60 min., S2: 12×60 min.) Five young adults are confronted with the difficulties of life. They were born at the same hospital at the same time. Yet, when they meet again, they don’t know it. Season two is in postproduction, available in December 2022.
Pitch Perfect: “A lighthearted story of the merging of five young adults’ destinies around their quest for happiness and identity.” —Hugo d’Astous, Head, International Development
Sales Contact: Hugo d’Astous.

Swindler Seduction

Commissioner: Lifetime (A+E Networks)
Producers: Piers Vellacott, Sara Murray, Jesse Prupas
Distributor: Muse Distribution International
Description: (TV movie, 1×90 min.) When Louisa meets handsome and sweet Steve at a bar in Chicago, he seems like the perfect guy: an angel investor and entrepreneur who just sold a company for millions. Forty-eight blissful, sexy hours and countless lies later, Steve disappears, and Louisa realizes she’s been swindled out of thousands of dollars. The police won’t help her. Does she want the embarrassment of admitting she fell for it? But Louisa can’t let it go, especially when she finds out she’s pregnant.
Pitch Perfect: “Louisa Russell meets the swoon-worthy Dr. Steve Johnson while on a sales trip to Chicago and is quickly swept up in his glamorous world, only to realize that Steve is weaving a web of lies. Louisa finds herself alone, pregnant and on a path to vengeance as she begins to uncover the truth about Steve and his identical twin brother Mitch, who may be the real father of her child.” —Shawn Rosengarten, VP, Distribution
Sales Contact: Shawn Rosengarten.