Matthew Shewchuk, René Brar and Sarah McCormack
Vancouver-based production company Big Time Decent has launched Big Time Decent International, a new distribution division established to take its growing content slate to broadcasters, streamers and other platforms overseas. The upcoming MIPCOM in Cannes this October will be the new business’s first official international market, where it will be joining other Canadian businesses in the Canadian Pavilion.
The new division will be shepherded by René Brar, who has expanded his role in the business to become Head of Development & Sales. He will be supported by former Beyond Rights executive Sarah McCormack.
René Brar, Head of Development & Sales says: “There’s a real hunger right now for character-driven, unscripted series with heart—and that’s currently what we do best. We’re excited to introduce our business and our content to the international market and to grow a distribution label that reflects the same creative values as our production company. I’m thrilled to have this opportunity and grateful to have Sarah McCormack by my side offering support and sharing her expertise.”
Sarah McCormack, consultant at Big Time Decent International, adds: “I’ve worked in the Canadian market for several years, so have long been aware of Big Time Decent and its brilliant, bold programs, great production values and storytelling skills. I am glad to have joined the team at such a pivotal time and look forward to introducing the business and its content to my network of potential buyers, producer partners and other IP owners.”
GROWING SLATE
The move into distribution signals a strategic expansion for Big Time Decent, which has built a strong track record in unscripted television with titles like "Rust Valley Restorers", "Backroad Truckers", "Yukon Rescue", "Underdog Inc." and "The Last Captains"—all of which have already found audiences around the world through license agreements with partners such as Netflix, Hulu and Discovery Channel.
In addition to selling unscripted content created by Big Time Decent Productions and scripted projects from its new scripted division, Bread & Better Films, Big Time Decent International is looking to represent select third-party content that aligns with its brand and ambitions. The team will be actively looking for third-party content at MIPCOM and has a fund already set aside for investment in the right properties and the right partners.
“We’ve always made content with international audiences in mind—but with our company now five years old and having secured a number of hits under our belt, the time feels right to start selling it ourselves and to see where else we can take our IP to help the business grow further,” said Matthew Shewchuk, President of Big Time Decent Productions.