Media Ranch Unveils Horsepower 3.0 Winner

Alexandra Paquin has been selected as the winner of the third edition of Media Ranch’s Horsepower incubation initiative.

The incubation process culminated on July 8 with the presentation of eight virtual “pitches” to the jury made up of ten representatives of the four partners. The winning format, a dating show format for millennials, receives a co-development deal as well as an international distribution agreement.

Paquin, a Canadian film student at Concordia University in Montreal, workshopped over a four-month period with top industry mentors. Quebecor Content and TF1 will provide funding to further develop the format for broadcast and Media Ranch will manage production and global distribution.

Julien Degroote of TF1 stated, “One cannot but be more impressed by the caliber and unmistakable universality of many of the formats submitted, and we see tremendous potential for the future. We unreservedly share the vision of our partners in Quebec in this regard.”

Hayley Babcock, founder of Hayley Babcock Media Consulting, Horsepower mentor and global format expert, stated: “Media Ranch, and partners TF1, Quebecor Content and La Fabrique des Formats, are thrilled to name Alexandra Paquin as the HP3 winner. With Covid-19 restrictions adding an extra layer to the process, we had our work cut out for us, but all eight candidates stepped up to deliver incredibly unique Formats and we expect several of them to travel. HP1 and HP2 formats have already been optioned in various territories, including the U.S. and Korea. Horsepower presents a truly incredible opportunity to its candidates. Every year, they use that opportunity to the fullest. Congratulations are deserved to all involved.”

Philip Kalin-Hajdu of Media Ranch added, “Media Ranch continues to be amazed at the caliber of the untapped emerging talent that is out there. Horsepower, even after three editions, continues to be an enriching experience and proves to be a true incubator of original and viable formats. Media Ranch looks forward to producing an international version of HP in the near future to mine Format talent on a massive global scale.”