Walter Presents adds first Quebecois series

Non-English-language VoD drama service Walter Presents has acquired its first Quebecois series in a deal with Montreal-based Encore International.

Walter Iuzzolino

True North (Les pays d’en haut) will be made available on Walter Presents in the US in French with English subtitles from January 2021.

The show, which ran for five seasons on ICI Radio-Canada Télé between 2016 and March 2020, is scripted by Gilles Desjardins and stars Vincent Leclerc, Sarah-Jeanne Labrosse and Maxime Le Flaguais.

Set on the verge of the 20th century, True North explores the turbulent period of the settlement and development of the northern regions of Canada, where colonisation of the Quebecois ‘Wild West’ wreaks havoc and an array of colourful characters try to make their mark.

It is based on the classic novel Les Belles Histories des pays d’en haut by Claude-Henri Grignon and is a coproduction between François Rozon (Encore Télévision) and Sophie Deschênes (Les Productions Sovimage).

Walter Iuzzolino, co-founder and curator of Walter Presents, said: “This French-language series is unique in its exploration of the political issues during a tumultuous time in Canada’s past, which is both gripping and fascinating.

“With American audiences’ growing appetite for period pieces, True North is the perfect addition to our collection as we continue to welcome brilliant series from territories never before seen on Walter Presents.”

Mia Desroches, director, content distribution partnerships at SRC Distribution, said: “CBC/SRC Distribution congratulates its partner Encore International for the sale of Les Pays d’en haut to Walter Presents. We are proud to see that this remarkable production is on its way to conquering a new audience in the US.”

The news comes after Walter Presents recently grew its reach in North America by launching via PBS Masterpiece on Amazon Prime Video Channels in Canada last week.

Titles available on Walter Presents in Canada include Seaside Hotel, Professor T, Though Shall Not Kill and Before We Die.