Bell Media and Fox Entertainment Global have struck a new licensing and distribution pact that sees the companies partner to support original Canadian productions for Bell Media platforms, including CTV and Crave, and FOX in the U.S. 

The deal encompasses English-language scripted drama and comedies, unscripted competition, and docuseries with CTV or Crave acting as the commissioning broadcaster. Initial projects will be produced in Canada by Toronto-based prodco Neshama Entertainment with global distribution to be handled by Fox Entertainment Global.

“This new partnership with Fox Entertainment Global bolsters Bell Media’s commitment to the creation of original Canadian content that resonates both at home and abroad,” said Justin Stockman, Vice-President, Content Development & Programming, Bell Media, in a release. “Working alongside our production partners we look forward to continuing to expand our original content offering, working with Canadian creators and filming in this country, with guaranteed international exposure on FOX and beyond.”

“I am excited to expand our longstanding collaboration with Bell Media through this bold partnership that harnesses our companies’ rich source of creativity and enviable independence,” added Michael Thorn, President, Scripted Programming, of Fox Entertainment. “The high-level of world-class talent in Canada makes this pact even more attractive, and Neshama and Bell shepherding these projects through the country’s proven production community allows Canadian content to have scale both locally and globally.”

The Bell Media announcement follows Fox Entertainment’s centralized content sales division reaching similar agreements with Eagle Eye, Clapperboard and Newen Studios’ Aux Singuliers in the UK and France.

The international distribution arm recently sold Fox series Animal Control, starring Joel McHale, to CBC, among other broadcasters in the UK, Australia and New Zealand.