Corus Entertainment announced today a slate of 50 new original scripted made-for-television movies, reinforcing its commitment to bolstering independent production and cultivating industry talent at home in Canada. The recent deals cement Corus’ partnerships with leading independent production companies including Champlain Média Inc., and Neshama Releasing, accompanying a growing list of original content deals Corus has with Canadian producers.
Made-for-television movies continue to captivate audiences across Corus’ specialty networks, complementing Hallmark Channel’s signature seasonal programming on W Network throughout the year. Most recently, eight of the 50 Corus original titles debuted as part of the most-watched annual holiday tradition, Hallmark Channel’s Countdown to Christmas, ranking W Network as the #1 Specialty Entertainment station with Adults 25-54*, the #1 Specialty station overall with Women 25-54*, and bested conventional networks with Women 25-54 on weekends**.
Additional premieres are still ahead across Lifetime, Showcase and W Network including its themed programming blocks Hallmark Channel’s Winterfest this January featuring the film Love in Winterland, and the upcoming Hallmark Channel’s Love Ever After featuring the film A Valentine’s Day Match this February.
“We’re incredibly proud to invest and partner with Canada’s outstanding independent production community and its roster of exceptional and diverse talent, both behind and in front of the camera,” said Lisa Godfrey, Vice President Original Content, Corus Entertainment. “By investing in Canadian movies, we are delivering more of the quality content and passionate storytelling that continues to drive growth across our networks and attract advertisers.”
Key titles of the Neshama Releasing deal include – all titles in the VC Andrews’ Casteel Family movie series (Lifetime); Mistletoe & Menorahs (Lifetime); The Alleged Abduction (Lifetime)
Key titles of the Champlain Média Inc. deal include – Cherished Memories: A Gift to Remember 2 (W Network); The Madison Trilogy (Showcase); Dying to Be You (Showcase)
Additionally, W Network welcomes beloved and celebrated host of Global News Morning Toronto Jennifer Valentyne as the face of new original interstitial series, W Network’s Movie Date. Each episode of W Network’s Movie Date is comprised of three themed content segments featuring Valentyne’s warm and friendly energy as she welcomes familiar faces into her home to enjoy delicious snacks and engaging conversation. W Network’s Movie Date will complement the slate of original titles and theatrical movies and serve as an extension of Hallmark Channel content, inviting viewers to further connect with the brand. Timed with Hallmark Channel’s Love Ever After, W Network’s Movie Date launches February 1 with special guest Anna Olson of Food Network Canada’s Great Chocolate Showdown.
