Principal Media makes strategic investment in Canada’s Chesler/Perlmutter Productions

Chesler/Perlmutter Productions’ Christmas on Mistletoe Lake

LA-based distributor Principal Media has made a strategic investment in Toronto-based Chesler/Perlmutter Productions (C/P).

The investment will allow C/P to expand its development and production pipeline of original films and series across the genres of holiday, romance, action, sci-fi and suspense, in addition to giving Principal an enhanced catalogue of scripted content. Financial terms were not disclosed.

The deal also allows veteran distributor Principal Media, which specialises in food, lifestyle, documentaries, sports and wildlife, to expand into scripted content spanning holiday and romantic films, sci-fi and thrillers.

C/P has produced more than 250 films and episodes for linear and streaming platforms in the US and Canada, including recently released festive film Christmas on Mistletoe Lake for Lifetime in the US.

Principal added that deal will allow it to launch targeted FAST channels, as well as reimagining select franchises for format sales.

“The opportunities for content creators are expanding quickly, making it the right time to find the right collaborative partner,” said Lewis Chesler, co-chairman of C/P.

“We found that partner in Principal Media, a company that brings complementary skill sets and relationships to not only help meet marketplace demand for original content, but also pursue related revenue-generating opportunities with our catalogue. Ultimately, we’re looking forward to getting even more great storytelling going through our team in Canada, servicing our core mission of creating the best movies for the best price.”

Principal Media CEO Gary Rosenson added: “The movie magic they’re able to consistently deliver on with extremely reasonable budgets is unparalleled. This is a skill more relevant today than ever as platforms old and new are stretching production dollars further while still looking to deliver the same quality to their audiences.”