Rogers invests $1.5m in factual, kids

Canadian broadcast group Rogers has invested more than C$2m (US$1.5m) in 13 TV projects via its Documentary and Cable Network funds, including shows for Super Channel and History.

Ten documentaries, one children’s series and two non-scripted series from eight different Canadian cable specialty channels are being funded, including How to Build a Time Machine from Primitive Entertainment.

That show will air on Documentary Channel, along with Genius Factor from Harmony Documentary and Catbird Productions’ Grand Cru.

Super Channel’s Invisible Essence: The Little Prince, from 90th Parallel Productions, will also receive cash, as will Spaceship Earth from Primitive, which is set for History Channel.

Rogers’ funds were launched to support Canada’s indie sector and include the Telefund, offering loans to Canadian independent producers, and Rogers Documentary Fund, which supports factual films. The Rogers Cable Network fund provides equity investment in Canadian programmes with a first play on a Canadian cable channel.