The Documentary Science & Natural History Unit's flagship program The Nature of Things with David Suzuki is an award-winning series broadcast across Canada, as well as many countries around the world. The series explores issues, discoveries and events in the worlds of science, medicine, technology, wildlife and the environment. Analytic and humanist in perspective, it documents our increasingly complicated and interconnected world, seeking to interpret both advances and setbacks, at a time when the speed of change is ever accelerating.

Who We Are

The Factual Entertainment department was created to broaden the appeal and reach of CBC's programming to larger and more diverse audiences. We are mandated with the development and acquisition of new programming and formats in four genres: TALK, REALITY, AFTERNOON/ LIFESTYLE, GAMESHOWS and VARIETY/ NEW PERFORMING ARTS & LIVE EVENT PROGRAMMING. These projects are also being created with an eye to exporting formats to the world market. We are interested in programs that have sponsorship opportunities and multi-platform strategies beyond traditional broadcast avenues.

Kids' CBC champions Canadian kids and their families by making accessible on all platforms interactive content which is focused on the "whole child". We connect directly with our audience, and partner with parents to reflect back to kids the rich diversity of peoples and places that make up Canada today.

Our focus on the "whole child" means that we go beyond curriculum and look for shows which encourage children's development in the areas of creative expression, socio/emotional intelligence, cognitive learning (e.g. numeracy, literacy, problem solving, science and technology), physical development and awareness of themselves and the world around them.

Our need for shows in these different areas varies depending on what we have on air and in production - it is recommended that producers familiarize themselves with our programming block and interactive sites to understand what we already have and what we might need.

What We Are Looking For

In addition to what is presented below, types of shows we are specifically looking for include:

• A really strong show for 4-7's that can air in the early morning that appeals to preschoolers and 7 year olds alike. Maybe a dramedy for that age, perhaps a narrative. But looking to fill the early morning slot with strong shows that will attract kids of a broader range than our pure preschool
• School aged: Always interested in strong interactive properties with potential for a series of shorts.
• In preschool, we get the least amount of pitches in the area of early science (all sciences). Also interested in shows that are under the umbrella of "physical development" and "dramatic play".

Pre-School, mornings
Target Age: 2-6 yrs

We are looking for child-centered programs and interactive projects that:

• Are highly entertaining and developmentally appropriate to our age target;
• Have clear and well - executed educational goals that support the "whole child" in the areas of creative expression, socio/emotional intelligence, cognitive learning (e.g. literacy, numercy, problem solving, science and technology), physical development and awareness of themselves and the world around them;
• We strive for gender equality to be reflected in our programming, therefore, it is important for you to keep this in mind when submitting your proposal to us. It is essential to connect to preschoolers with an equal representation of both male and female characters (note that there is a disproportionate number of male driven shows on air worldwide at this time, and the majority of the pitches we receive are with male leads). This is not to suggest change Mike to Michelle in your pitch, but rather in the development of show ideas, that you consider this imbalance;
• Are full of engaging, memorable characters;
• Tell great stories;
• Encourage kids to think and do;
• Are tied to a book or an appropriate, well-established brand;
• Show outstanding production value (art design, music and casting);
• Are unique and have a great hook that sets it apart from other projects
• Relate to Christmas (please forward all such pitches to Michael Serafini (michael.serafini@cbc.ca)
  

Saturdays and "Preschool Plus"
Target Age: 4-9

We are looking for child-centered programs and interactive projects that:

• Appeal to preschoolers but also children in the early elementary grades;
• Are highly entertaining;
• Are full of engaging, memorable characters;
• Tell great stories;
• All genres: 2D, 3D animation, live action;
• Less obviously education than pure preschool shows, but still with some level of educational content, whether it be direct (i.e. a game show) or more subtle (pro-social content);
• Pushing the envelope in animation or design- we love shows with a fresh and original look.

School-age

• We have limited financing available for school-age programming therefore, we looking for pitches with creative financing models.
• We are always interested in strong interactive properties with potential for a series of broadcast shorts.

Interactive

We are looking for:

• Engaging content that fits under our overall Kids' CBC strategy;
• Is a unique approach to interactive or game development;
• Is age appropriate and aims to maintain a preschooler's attention;
• Is built within our Kids CBC parameters.

We are interested in:

• Projects that have been developed with both television and interactive in mind;
• All genres: 2D, 3D animation, live action, hybrid, puppets etc.
• We are also interested in content for our Parent's site, let us know if you have a blog.

How To Work With Us

Submissions may take the form of a one-sheet summary or concise creative outline. Some form of written material. Submissions can include, but are not limited to:

• A brief synopsis;
• Creative outline detailing the programming concept;
• Information regarding talent, guests and/or individuals/companies affiliated with the project;
• An estimated budget;
• An idea of the target audience;
• Opportunities for multi-platform content or sponsorship opportunities;
• Promotional DVD or prototype or concept/storyboards for Interactive;
• Bios & CVs for the Key Creative(s) presently attached, if any, including affiliated Canadian or foreign partners and the nature of their involvement;
• A fully executed release form. Unfortunately, Children's and Youth cannot review materials unless accompanied by a completed release form.

Due to the volume of proposals submitted, we will only set up meetings for projects once we have reviewed materials, and if there is significant interest on our part.

What if you are not a director, writer or producer?

CBC welcomes proposals from all Canadians. While a good idea can come from anywhere, the development and production of a television program requires an in-depth understanding of television industry and process and involves many people, not just the creator of the original concept. If you bring us an idea we really like, we can help connect you with an appropriate production company.

100 per cent CANADIAN CONTENT

CBC's Children's department airs only programs that qualify under CRTC regulations as Canadian Content. We do however work with foreign companies that partner with Canadian companies and who qualify under the CRTC guidelines for Canadian content. For more information on how to qualify, check out http://crtc.gc.ca/eng/INFO_SHT/TV11.htm. For information on co-ventures or co-productions, please visit http://www.telefilm.gc.ca/en/?q=en.

CBC Submission Release Form

Materials will not be reviewed unless accompanied by a signed CBC Submission Release Form, downloadable here: Submission Release Form

We will respond to all submissions within 4 - 6 weeks of receiving a signed CBC Submission Release Form. We cannot return materials submitted.

Contact Information
Lisa Cinelli
Children & Youth Assistant
(416) 205-7155
lisa.cinelli@cbc.ca

Postal Address
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
PO Box 500, Station "A"
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
M5W 1E6

Shipping Address
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
205 Wellington Street West
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
M5V 2G7

As the national public broadcaster we believe we can be most effective by doing what we do best in terms of feature films- providing a national showcase for them on our airwaves.

Our commitment to filmmakers, producers and distributors remains. In addition to our current 8pm timeslot, in 2012 CBC launched "Summer Saturday Movies" a new 9pm dedicated timeslot on Saturdays, showcasing a more diverse set of stories than what we could before.

We will also continue to air Canadian Reflections, a series of 20-30 minute short films from up and coming Canadian directors.

THE AUDIENCE:

A broad audience from all regions, cultures, walks of life and ages including multi-generational viewers who gather together to watch movies, audiences interested in seeing feature films they've heard a lot about, or who already enjoyed them in theatres and want to catch them again on tv with family and friends.

ADDITIONAL CRITERIA:

For the 8pm timeslot, films must be no more than 90 minutes long for a two-hour commercial slot. These films should have recognizable themes, stories, stars or an "even" feel and broad appeal.

The 9pm Saturday summer slot, which will begin in 2012, is ideal for films that are edgier or more controversial, but they must still have recognizable, themes, stories and stars.

Doc Zone is about our world, our journey. It explores the forces and trends that shape our generation. Its story mandate is wide: from the broad sweep of economic, political and social changes that impact our lives to the deeply personal and intimate stories of family and relationships, Doc Zone always has our viewers at the heart of the matter. Our documentaries are evocative, appealing and visually stunning, presenting a panoramic view of what matters most to Canadians.

Doc Zone airs Thursday nights at 9 PM on CBC Television, and also airs on CBC News Network. The series features both independently produced documentaries and CBC in-house productions.

We are actively interested in finding, developing, producing, co-producing and offering the strongest and most original comedic properties for conventional and digital delivery. In other words, we are interested in ideas that are unique, compelling, entertaining and, most importantly, very funny.

Our current development priorities are scripted half-hour series for 8:00PM and 8:30PM for conventional broadcast during weekday time slots. We are looking to reach a broad 25+ audience.

We will consider all forms and styles of comedy, including single-cam, multi-cam, in-studio, sketch and standup. However, our current focus is on finding single-camera, contemporary comedies that are grounded in reality. We want programs with relatable settings, scenarios, themes and stories which feature entertaining but realistic characters. Humour should be generated from small everyday stories and character. We want our comedies to reflect a world that is familiar to, and will resonate with, a broad Canadian audience. Ideally, we are looking for episodic shows that can run for 13 episodes per season, for multiple seasons.

TV Comedy has a special responsibility to work alongside independent producers and creators in Canada. To that end, we look forward to having the opportunity to consider your ideas as we work toward making this your first port of call for new, popular, distinct, relevant, and funny Canadian comedies. We have a particularly strong interest in continuing our commitment to regional voices and production.

WHAT TO SUBMIT

What kind of material do you want to see in my submission?

Submissions may take the form of a pitch document, bible, outline, treatment or script. Proposals should consider the schedule, audience, personality and priorities of the network.

What should be included in my submission?

While there is no formal set of requirements on what should be included in a proposal, it is important to ensure that as much information as necessary is provided to portray a complete picture of your vision, while keeping the volume of material to a minimum. Our scripted programming department reviews over 1,000 comedy proposals, scripts and pitches every year, so shorter materials (three to five pages) are preferred. A short document allows us to evaluate as quickly as possible whether the concept is a priority under the current programming strategy, and whether it is a candidate for further discussion and consideration.

Submissions can include, but are not limited to:

• A synopsis of the project, including setup, scenario, story engine and theme;
• Character descriptions;
• Sense of tone, style, look, and any setting considerations;
• An idea of the audience it is targeting;
• Possible episode ideas;
• Opportunities for multi-platform content or companion pieces;
• Bios and CVS of the Key Creative(s) presently attached, if any, including affiliated Canadian or foreign partners and the nature of their involvement.

Please be sure to include a fully executed Submission Release Form. Unfortunately, we cannot review materials prior to receipt of this executed release.

DIVERSITY

At the CBC, inclusion and diversity are a priority. This means reflecting all of our regions and our country's multicultural and multiracial nature.

Please be advised that as part of our commitment to this priority, we have been and will continue to reach out to our business partners in programming production to ensure that a concerted and documented effort is made to represent Canada's diverse population wherever and whenever possible/feasible both on and off-camera.

As the national public broadcaster, we want to reflect all of Canada to our many diverse audiences.

ACQUISITIONS:

The Scripted Prime Time Department deals solely with the commissioning, development & production of original content, and not the acquisition or pre-buy of completed programming. Independent Producers, Sales Agents and Distributors looking for the network to acquire completed content should contact:

Sophie Allen
Manager, Acquisitions and Content
CBC Content Office
sophie.allen@cbc.ca

WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We are actively interested in finding, developing, producing, co-producing and offering the strongest and most original dramatic properties for conventional and digital delivery. In other words, we are looking for sophisticated, absorbing and above all, entertaining dramas. These should be character-driven series with a strong story engine that will appeal to Canadians. We are looking to reach a broad 25+ audience.

We are also looking for two-hour TV movies and limited series, between 6 and 8 episodes, for stories of a more epic nature. Typically, we look for programming that has historical or cultural significance to Canadians or is based on important Canadian literary properties.

Our current programming strategy is focused on one-hour series and miniseries that can air between 8:00PM and 9:00PM or, 9:00PM and 10:00PM, as well as two hour movies for an 8:00PM timeslot.

TV Drama has a special responsibility to work alongside independent producers and creators in Canada. To that end, we look forward to having the opportunity to consider your ideas as we work toward making this your first port of call for new, popular, distinct, and relevant Canadian dramas. We have a particularly strong interest in continuing our commitment to regional voices and production.

WHAT TO SUBMIT

What kind of material do you want to see in my submission?

Submissions may take the form of a pitch document, bible, outline, treatment or script. Proposals should consider the schedule, audience, personality and priorities of the network.

What should be included in my submission?

While there is no formal set of requirements on what should be included in a proposal, it is important to ensure that as much information as necessary is provided to portray a complete picture of your vision while keeping the volume of material to a minimum. Our scripted programming department reviews over 1,000 drama proposals, scripts and pitches every year, so shorter materials (three to five pages) are preferred. A short document allows us to evaluate as quickly as possible whether the concept is a priority under the current programming strategy, and whether it is a candidate for further discussion and consideration.

Submissions can include, but are not limited to:

• A synopsis of the project, including setup, scenario, story engine and theme;
• Character descriptions;
• Sense of tone, style, look, and any setting considerations;
• An idea of the audience it is targeting;
• Possible episode ideas;
• Opportunities for multi-platform content or companion pieces;
• Bios and CVS of the Key Creative(s) presently attached, if any, including affiliated Canadian or foreign partners and the nature of their involvement.

Please be sure to include a fully executed Submission Release Form. Unfortunately, we cannot review materials prior to receipt of this executed release.

DIVERSITY

At the CBC, inclusion and diversity are a priority. This means reflecting all of our regions and our country's multicultural and multiracial nature.

Please be advised that as part of our commitment to this priority, we have been and will continue to reach out to our business partners in programming production to ensure that a concerted and documented effort is made to represent Canada's diverse population wherever and whenever possible/feasible both on and off-camera.

As the national public broadcaster, we want to reflect all of Canada to our many diverse audiences.

ACQUISITIONS:

The Scripted Prime Time Department deals solely with the commissioning, development & production of original content, and not the acquisition or pre-buy of completed programming. Independent Producers, Sales Agents and Distributors looking for the network to acquire completed content should contact:

Sophie Allen
Manager, Acquisitions and Content
CBC Content Office
sophie.allen@cbc.ca

A MESSAGE FROM KIRSTINE STEWART, EXECUTIVE VICE-PRESIDENT, CBC ENGLISH SERVICES                                                                                                    

CBC Television is open for business. We want your ideas, your creativity, your passion and your pitches--and we want to work with you to tell Canadian stories--our stories--in our own voices.

We're committed to making CBC a place where Canadians see themselves, their interests, their values and their country come alive. And it's our job to make smart, popular, relevant television programming that Canadians want to watch.

Canada lives here.

Please have a look around the site and discover who we are, how to work with us and what we're looking for. And then, drop us a line--we want to hear from you.