KIDS_1015_OH_CANADA_EUR_1006_ELLENDER 9/17/15 6:42 PM Page 4
106
TV KIDS
DHX has also prioritized SVOD and AVOD, securing content deals with platforms around the world. Its YouTube channels generate 330 million views per month with new and existing kids’ content, says DeNure. The video platform also provided the inspiration for Banger Films’ Gaming Show, which makes YouTube gaming reviews the spine of a TV show.
STAYING INDEPENDENT
Canadian independent 9 Story produces several series for local kids’ channels, including Numb Chucks for YTV.
Inspector Gadget, Johnny Test, Slugterra and Degrassi have made DHX a leading provider of content internationally. The relaunch of Teletubbies is a high priority, says DeNure. “We expect there to be a lot of interest. The new version produced by Darrall Macqueen in the U.K. looks fabulous. We’re also very excited by Make It Pop, which was a hit right out of the gate for YTV in Canada and Nick internationally.” The fact that Make It Pop is on YTV is interesting, says DeNure, because it shows that Corus and DHX are able to both collaborate and compete. “We also make Inspector Gadget for TELETOON,” a Corus channel, he adds.
Canadian indies, forged in the furnace of the international kids’ market, are not unduly worried by broadcaster consolidation. While they acknowledge the importance of the funding and protection they receive domestically, most Canadian kids’ indies believe their ability to navigate the global market explains the success of the industry. Vince Commisso, the president and CEO of 9 Story Media Group, is adamant that “the economics of this business mean content has to work for the international market. Through our distribution activities, we get information about what is working and what isn’t internationally, and then we factor that into our production and development activities.” This approach has reaped rewards in terms of domestic commissions and international sales. Camp Lakebottom, an animated series on TELETOON, has sold to various international Disney channels as well as ABC TV (Australia) and Super RTL (Germany). Numb Chucks, another animated series on YTV, has aired on Cartoon Network (U.S. and Latin America), Disney (Central and Eastern Europe, Asia, Israel and Benelux) and CANAL+ Family (France and Africa). There have been similar successes for other recent shows such as Cache Craze, Daniel