Launch of Netflix Canada: a recognition of Canada's creative talent and its strong track record in creating films and television

The Government of Canada is supporting the creation of Canadian content through the launch of Netflix Canada

OTTAWA, Sept. 28, 2017 /CNW/ - Today, the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Netflix announced an agreement that will see the company create Netflix Canada – a first of its kind production  company for Netflix outside of the United States – and invest a minimum of CAD $500 million in original productions in Canada over the next five years.

Concluded under the Investment Canada Act, the agreement attests to Canada's creative talent and its strong track record in creating films and television shows that stand out, both here at home and abroad. The agreement also reflects Netflix's commitment to being a meaningful partner in supporting Canadian creators, producers and the Canadian creative expression.

The agreement includes, among others, the following undertakings by Netflix:

• Establishing a permanent, multi-purpose film and television production presence here in Canada, the first time that the company has done so outside the United States.
• Investing at least CAD $500 million over the next five years in original productions in Canada that will be distributed across Netflix's global platform. As part of this investment, Netflix will continue to work with Canadian producers, production houses, broadcasters, creators and other partners to produce original Canadian content in both English and French.
• Supporting Canadian French-language content on the Netflix platform through a market development strategy for Canada. Centered on a CAD $25 million investment, this strategy will include "pitch days" for producers, recruitment events and other promotional and market development activities.
• Ensuring that Canadians and Netflix members around the world find Canadian films and television shows on the Netflix Service by highlighting and promoting those productions on its global platform.

This first of its kind agreement shows that Canada's creativity is a competitive advantage in the increasing global demand for high-quality film and television content.  Investments like this one ultimately give Canadian producers and creators more access to financing, business partners and ways to connect with global audiences.

Quotes

"The Government of Canada is committed to growing our creative industries with new investments that create opportunities for creators and producers across the country to make great content that stands out," said the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage. "This agreement – the first of its kind in the world – will ensure the investment of more than $500 million in original production in Canada in both official languages. It signals a meaningful partnership in supporting Canadian creators, producers and Canadian creative work, and in bringing that work to millions of viewers around the world."

– The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage

"Fans around the world are already falling in love with Netflix originals produced in Canada. Today's announcement affirms there's more to come as Netflix launches Netflix Canada, our permanent production presence in Canada.  We look forward to continuing our work with Canadian talent, producers, broadcasters and other local partners to create Netflix originals in Canada for many years to come."

– Ted Sarandos, Netflix, Chief Content Officer

SOURCE Canadian Heritage