NBCU forges Quebecor format pact

NBCUniversal International Studios (NBCUIS) has linked with Canadian media outfit Quebecor Content to co-develop factual entertainment and studio-based formats for global audiences.

The partnership will see NBCU’s in-house format arm Tellycopter working with Quebecor to develop ideas, with the two firms sharing resultant IP and the US-based firm taking global distribution rights.

NBCU’s Lark Productions will produce all English-language versions of the formats developed for Canada.

France Lauzière, senior VP at Quebecor, said the arrangement was “another very important step towards globalising our activities and exporting Quebec-made television.”

David Mortimer, senior VP of factual and entertainment at NBCUIS, added: “We are hoping our experience in developing successful and globally renowned entertainment shows, teamed with their invaluable knowledge of the French Canadian TV market, will result in the development of some great new formats that will boast international appeal”.

NBCUIS recently agreed a similar co-development agreement with TV3 in Ireland while Quebecor has strategic partnership deals with TF1 Production, Armoza Formats and French prodco Kabo.

Tellycopter was launched in 2014 and tasked with developing the high impact, large scale, returnable formats for the international market. The unit consists of two teams, one focused on shiny floor entertainment shows and the other on returnable high-end fact ent formats.