BBC WORLDWIDE ENTERS INTO PARTNERSHIP WITH CANADA'S TEMPLE STREET PRODUCTIONS

BBC Worldwide and Toronto-based Temple Street Productions announced today that they have reached an agreement for c and for the two companies to enter into an overall partnership on development, production and distribution.

The new relationship provides BBC Worldwide with a Canadian production partner for its world-renowned formats while giving it access to Temple Street's scripted and unscripted programming and formats. 

The deal bolsters Temple Street's presence both in Canada and internationally as a creator and producer of top notch content and significantly increases the company's development and production funding capabilities.

Under the terms of the deal, Temple Street, owned by co-presidents Ivan Schneeberg and David Fortier, will have a first look option, in Canada, to produce BBC Worldwide and independent formats to which BBC Worldwide has Canadian rights. 

Additionally, BBC Worldwide will have a first look option to acquire international distribution rights on Temple Street originated productions.  The new partners will also explore new format and co-production initiatives across a diverse range of genres including entertainment and factual entertainment.

Temple Street will work closely with BBC Worldwide's UK-based Content & Production division and BBC Worldwide’s Toronto-office, run by Hilary Read, to ensure that all opportunities are exploited.

Wayne Garvie, Managing Director BBC Worldwide Content & Production said: "Temple Street is rapidly gaining an international reputation as a hot shot production company. 

"With David and Ivan we have a duo whose ambitions, creativity and attitude mirror those of BBC Worldwide.  Moreover, we have now significantly strengthened our ice hockey squad."