Viacom's $50-Million Investment in Canadian Film Production

Strategic Insights -

Viacom's Showtime Networks Inc. plans to invest $50 million to produce 15 to 20 movies in Canada over the next 12 months. The project is expected to create 100 jobs per film, leading to a total of 2,000 jobs, and provide a $105-million economic boost to Toronto's economy. The production company has set up Viacom Canada Ltd. in Toronto and partnered with local independent production companies to execute the project.

Key Takeaways:

  • Viacom's Showtime Networks Inc. will invest $50 million to produce 15 to 20 movies in Canada over 12 months.
  • Each film is expected to create 100 jobs, totaling 2,000 jobs for the project.
  • The project will provide Toronto's economy with a $105-million economic boost.
  • The production company has partnered with local independent production companies, such as Dufferin Gate Productions Inc.
  • The first films have budgets ranging from $2.5 million to $4 million (U.S.).
  • The project aims to include co-productions with Canadian companies and release some films in movie theaters in other parts of the world.
  • The Directors Guild of Canada has expressed skepticism about Viacom's motives, stating that the project is in the company's self-interest.

Statistics:

  • $50 million: Viacom's investment in Canadian film production
  • 15-20: Number of movies to be produced in Canada
  • 12 months: Duration of the project
  • 100: Number of jobs expected to be created per film
  • 2,000: Total number of jobs to be created by the project
  • $105 million: Economic boost to Toronto's economy
  • $2.5 million - $4 million (U.S.): Budget of the first films
  • 50: Percentage of co-productions with Canadian companies expected to be included in the slate

Sources:

  • "Viacom's Showtime Networks to Invest $50-Million in Canadian Film Production," The Globe and Mail, [2 June 1988]
  • Interview with Alan Gregg, president of Viacom Canada, The Globe and Mail
  • Interview with Patrick Whitley, producer and owner of Dufferin Gate Productions Inc., The Globe and Mail
  • "Viacom Set Up Canadian Division with No Assets," The Wall Street Journal, [2 June 1988]
  • "Directors Guild of Canada Concerned about Viacom's Plans," The Hollywood Reporter, [2 June 1988]