HALIFAX and TORONTO – DHX Media has signed a two-year first-look deal with indie film, TV and new-media production company New Metric Media.
Based in Toronto, New Metric Media is a partnership between producer Mark Montefiore and former CBC production executive Patrick O’Sullivan. The company currently has several scripted series in active network development which DHX Media anticipates co-producing, subject to broadcaster greenlight. At Bell Media, these include the half-hour comedies Letterkenny, about residents of a farming town trying to protect their old fashioned ways, and Divorce Party, about three young newly single women; while at CBC the one-hour murder/mystery drama series McMurray is in development.
DHX Media’s primetime credentials include the long-running Canadian news-satire and sketch show This Hour Has 22 Minutes, and twenty-something comedy Satisfaction for CTV.
“Mark and Patrick have a tremendous track record and a clear vision for New Metric Media”, said DHX president and COO Steven DeNure, in the news release. “It’s an ideal opportunity for DHX to potentially extend the scope of our primetime output with a production company that is creatively strong with a dynamic slate of shows.”
“We are thrilled to be working alongside DHX, a forward-thinking, industry leader at an exciting time”, added New Metric Media partner Mark Montefiore. “This deal allows us to focus on the core vision of our vibrant slate and creative teams while propelling us further into the international marketplace.”