Off the Fence breaks down its catalog into the categories of Yesterday, which features titles that dive back into the annals of history; Today, a collection of natural-history, impact, travel and relationships programming; and Tomorrow, an offering of science-focused content. The company, which has been in the factual production and distribution business for more than 27 years, is presently seeing an interest in its nonfiction titles across the genre spectrum.

In the history space, Off the Fence has on its slate the six-part series Royals: Keeping the Crown that uses colorized archives to chart the rise, fall and rebranding of royal families around the world and across the decades, from World War I to today. There’s also The Secrets to Civilisation, a three-parter that uses CGI and new science to provide a fresh perspective on the ancient world.

“Archaeology is still a big topic; anything in the history space that taps into the current day is hot property,” says Loren Baxter, head of acquisitions at Off the Fence. “History topics that blur into science and tell us about our past in a fresh and contemporary way are doing well internationally.”

Off the Fence’s upcoming natural-history slate zeroes in on stories about the environment in addition to more traditional blue-chip wildlife shows. Presented by environmental photojournalist Aaron Gekoski and produced by Terra Mater Factual Studios, Eyes of the Orangutan investigates the darker side of the wildlife tourism industry. Also produced by Terra Mater Factual Studios, along with Red Rock Films International, the documentary Wolverine: One Tough Mother offers viewers a glimpse into the life of the eponymous species by following the journey of 3-year-old Freya. It is being produced for Smithsonian Channel and has been presold to ARTE, NRK and NHK.

The Stork Army: Women Fighting for the Hargila, from Gruppe 5, centers on a group of women in Southeast Asia who are fighting for the protection of the endangered greater adjutant stork, locally known as the hargila. A six-episode limited series, Voices of Earth spotlights 13 people who have preserved an ancestral pact to live among nature. Youth Unstoppable, WaterBear’s first original feature documentary, explores the youth climate movement. It is directed by Canadian filmmaker and climate activist Slater Jewell-Kemker.

“Nature and wildlife has really matured as a genre, and whilst pretty pictures of animals are still popular, we’ve found nature documentaries with strong narratives with unique access or solution-driven conservation are the big winners,” says Baxter. “We see a lot of feature docs doing well in this space, which plays into the need for a big story with beautiful visuals.”

In travel content, Off the Fence has on offer Italy Made with Love, which spotlights talented artisans across the region. Science titles on the slate include The Alternative Guide to Saving the Planet, produced by Infield Fly Productions and commissioned by CBC for its The Nature of Things documentary program series. Hosted and narrated by a yet-to-be-announced Hollywood actor, it will reveal surprising ways we can cut greenhouse gas emissions and help save the planet.

In relationships content, Off the Fence is continuing its close partnership with WE tv and is offering its newest reality series, Brat Loves Judy, following the relationship of rapper Da Brat and her multimillionaire CEO girlfriend, Jesseca “Judy” Dupart.

Up ahead for Off the Fence is the launch of a development slate featuring projects produced by the company as well as by other international production outfits. “OTF Originals will be pushing shows within its key content pillars of Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow, including a new returnable series in the science and engineering space,” says Baxter. “OTF Studios has recently set up agreements with Red Rock Films International on a new returnable history and science hybrid series, as well as with Canadian production company Markham Street Films, where OTF Studios will look to raise financing for its diverse mix of content in the science, history and current affairs space.”

Off the Fence is also looking for partners for Fantastic Friends, produced by Dash Pictures. It follows James and Oliver Phelps, who played the mischievous but loveable Weasley twins from the Harry Potter franchise, on an adventure around the world to explore cities, meet guests and take on challenges. Additionally, the company is talking to broadcasters about Jagged Peak Films’ new feature documentary Lions, Bones & Bullets, in which author Richard Peirce investigates the lion farm trade in South Africa and sets out to explore what’s being done to stop it. Off the Fence has other key projects on its slate, to be announced shortly.

As the business of distribution has become more complex with proliferating digital offerings, a need has grown for programming that can draw in younger and more global audiences—while also retaining factual’s loyal linear viewers, according to Baxter. “This is where the blurring of genres has become exciting and why the need for familiar stories with new angles really remains strong,” she explains. “Logistically for a distributor and producer, we need to differentiate between what works for this new global streamer world and what works for a more traditional co-production linear model, where there will often be rights left to sell. As ever, we’re getting involved much earlier in projects in order to maintain business in territories where finished programs are less likely to be picked up in favor of co-productions or presales.”

Off the Fence credits its longevity in the business and the strength of the relationships it has built over the years for the confidence that international broadcasters and producers have in its ability to deliver results. “Having both production and distribution offices, we’re in a unique position to see the business from both sides, and as production and distribution becomes closer and closer, we’re already one step ahead,” says Baxter. “With our offices in North America, the U.K. and Europe, we’re able to tap into the very best financing opportunities to get productions across the line.”

Looking forward, the company has its sights set on solidifying its originals, studios and FAST business models. “We’re bringing some incredible series into the marketplace from a truly stellar range of producers,” says Baxter.

See Off the Fence’s Fall 2021 Showcase here.