Media Ranch sets up formats incubator

MIPCOM: French-Canadian producer and distributor Media Ranch is teaming up with local channels operator Quebecor Content to launch a format incubator programme.

Sophie Ferron

Horsepower will be based at new Media Ranch premises in Montreal and aims to develop the next generation of French-Canadian format creators.

Creative individuals from Quebec are being invited to join the programme and develop original unscripted TV format ideas with strong domestic and international appeal.

The first intake of between six and eight participants will be in January and the programme will run until June.

Shortlisted candidates will benefit from ongoing development, editorial support and mentorship with format expert, producer and distributor Sophie Ferron, Media Ranch’s president.

International guest speakers – all experts in the factual and unscripted genres – will be invited to advise the group, including Tanja Van der Goes, senior VP of Media Ranch Distribution, Europe. Philip Kalin-Hajdu, head of content and storytelling at Media Ranch, will guide the participants throughout the process.

The winning project will receive an investment from Quebecor Content to produce a proof-of-concept episode. The format will be produced and distributed by Media Ranch on the international market.

The submission process opens on November 10 and closes on December 1. Shortlisted candidates will be announced and informed on December 15.