CBC & Warner Bros. Partner in Search for Unscripted Formats

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OTTAWA: CBC is bringing back its Format Incubator initiative for a second year, this time in partnership with Warner Bros. International Television Production (WBITVP).

The two outfits are looking for fresh unscripted formats that “break new ground” in factual programming and have strong Canadian and international appeal. Canadian producers are invited to submit their original prime-time unscripted formats, any time before September 28, in the programming areas of “field-based factual” and “studio-based smart entertainment.”

Pilots will be financed by CBC and WBITVP, along with provincial and federal tax credits and Canada Media Fund funding when applicable. Canadian producers will retain copyright of the program, and the format will be owned equally and jointly by the production company, CBC and WBITVP.

“CBC is a leader in the development of strong, distinctly Canadian unscripted content, and we’re excited to partner with Warner Bros. International TV Production to support and champion fresh formats at home and abroad,” said Jennifer Dettman, the executive director of unscripted content at CBC. “We’re proud of last year’s results and look forward to seeing what innovative new formats Canadian producers come up with.”

Adam Steinman, the VP of non-scripted international development and sales at WBITVP, said: “The Format Incubator truly levels the playing field. It instantly gives Canadian production companies of any size access to a world-renowned public broadcaster, an international studio and distributor, as well as our network of international production companies for critical feedback, insight and a chance to get their series ideas on air.”