The Board of Directors of the Bell Fund has announced its decisions for the May 2, 2024 round of applications. Over $6.4M in grants has been approved for 39 of the 60 (English and French) applications received, as follows:
The following English language projects received Production Grants under the Bell Fund’s Production Program:
BROADCAST
DIGITAL MEDIA
Anthropocene
Mercury Films
Executive Producers: Edward Burtynsky, Daniel Iron
Producer: Nicholas de PencierBell Media – TMN, TVO, 1 x 90 mins
Anthropogenic Space
Mercury Films
Executive Producers: Edward Burtynsky, Daniel Iron
Producers: Nicholas de Pencier, Thomas WallnerDM Service Co.: DEEP Inc.
A feature documentary film about the enormous impact that human life has had on the planet. The film will follow geologists and cover scenes ranging from subterranean salt mines to the life of the last remaining female northern white rhino.
A collection of interactive photo essays, virtual reality films, and photogrammetry experiences that will allow the viewer to immerse themselves in some of the most remote locations in the world. Content will be available on a website, apps for iOS and Android, and VR headsets.
Canada Crew
Little Engine Moving Pictures
Executive Producers: Maria Kennedy, Ben Mazzotta
Producers: Maria Kennedy, Ben MazzottaTVO, 26 x 7 mins
Canada Crew Interactive
Little Engine Moving Pictures
Executive Producers: Maria Kennedy, Ben Mazzotta
Producers: Maria Kennedy, Jonas DiamondDM Service Co.: Smiley Guy Studios
Preschoolers are introduced to the cultural, historical, and environmental wonders of Canada through a new series combining puppetry, live-action, and animation. Three animal characters – the “Canada Crew” – take viewers on a tour of the nation, sharing sights and fun facts along the way.
An interactive site with environments, activities, and games to introduce young children to Canada. Users can explore a map of Canada through simple click and tap controls and learn about their country through voice-overs and vibrant animations.
Canada’s Smartest Person, Season 3
Media Quarters Film & Television Inc.
Executive Producer: Robert Cohen
Producer: Ron CarrollCBC, 6 x 60 mins
Canada’s Smartest Person Interactive
Media Quarters Film & Television Inc.
Executive Producers: Robert Cohen, Mike MinerDM Service Co.: Telescope, Facebook Canada
A competition series in which contestants take on challenges that test their linguistic, physical, musical, visual, social, and logical intelligence.
An interactive and social experience allowing Canadians to participate in challenges and test their own smarts. Components include a weekly broadcast on Facebook Live – the first ever to feature real-time user play-along – and mini-challenges available on web and mobile for audiences to play during the television broadcast.
Canadian Spirits
Victory Arts Incorporated
Executive Producer: Tero Hollo
Producer: Tero HolloTVO, Knowledge, APTN, 8 x 5 mins
Canadian Spirits
Victory Arts Incorporated
Executive Producer: Tero HolloDM Service Co.: Relish Interactive
Jaxon, Song, and the Red Maple Leaf are three friends who must solve riddles on a journey across the 7 physical regions of Canada to uncover information about a mysterious party. As young audiences follow the three friends on their trip, they learn about Canada’s physical and political regions, its major landmarks, and aspects of First Nations tradition and culture.
An interactive web puzzle experience where users solve riddles and other educational challenges on an adventure across Canada. The puzzle experience will be complemented by 8 streaming videos, 8 mini games, quizzes, and polls.
Driving Me Crazy
Marble Media Inc.
Executive Producers: Matt Bishop, Matthew Hornburg
Producer: Steve SloanCorus – YTV, 20 x 30 mins
Driving Me Crazy
Marble Media Inc.
Executive Producers: Mark Bishop, Matthew Hornburg
Producer: Shelley Simmons
Cameras follow new teen drivers and their anxiety-ridden parents as they work together to pass the ultimate driver’s test. Car chaos ensues when teens who have never taken the wheel are led by parents who have never been driving instructors.
A fast-paced game available on web and mobile in which users have to take the wheel and complete mini-game challenges at a breakneck pace.
Ghost Patrol
Eh-Okay Entertainment, Inc.
Executive Producers: Jason Netter, Loris Lunsford
Producer: Heather PuttockDHX – Family Channel, 1 x 45 mins
Ghost Patrol
Eh-Okay Entertainment, Inc.
Executive Producers: Jason Netter, Loris Lunsford
Producer: Heather PuttockDM Service Co.: GamePill
A television movie for kids 6 – 12 about the Ghost Patrol, two ghost hunters. The team find their most intense mission yet when they meet a ghost wound up in a conspiracy in a haunted mansion.
A web game in which players adopt the role of preteen ghost hunters and find ways to bust ghosts around their neighbourhood. Players explore a town map to search for ghosts and must successfully battle and capture the ones they meet. As they progress through the game, players take on higher level ghosts with increasingly advanced equipment.
Ollie: The Boy Who Became What He Ate
Radical Sheep Productions Inc.
Executive Producers: John Leitch, Sheena Macrae, Michelle Melanson Cuperus, Mickey Rogers
Producers: Jain DicksonCBC, 26 x 11 mins
Ollie’s Edible Adventures
Radical Sheep Productions Inc.
Executive Producers: John Leitch, Sheena Macrae, Michelle Melanson Cuperus, Mickey Rogers
Producers: Judith BeauregardDM Service Co.: Tobo Inc.
Ollie, a very picky eater, finds that when he eats new foods, they give him the superpowers he needs to save the day!
A game available on tablet and web, primarily intended for preschoolers. Users explore continents in the world of Olliepopolis to find superpower-laden fruits and vegetables. When the foods are found, a mini-game highlighting the benefits of each particular one is launched.
Orphan Black, Season 4
Temple Street Productions
Executive Producers: Ivan Schneeberg, David Fortier, John Fawcett, Graeme Manson, Kerry Appleyard
Producers: Claire Welland, Tatiana MaslanyBell Media – Space, 10 x 60 mins
Orphan Black: Mind of A Clone
Temple Street Productions
Executive Producers: David Fortier, Ivan Schneeberg
Producer: Bryce Hunter
In the fourth season of the sci-fi hit, Sarah returns home from Iceland only to be met by a new enemy. Sarah is forced to make drastic decisions when she uncovers new facets of the conspiracy that may spell the destruction of her and her clone sisters.
An app-based game in which users, playing as clones, must navigate through obstacles and avoid guards to progress through multiple levels.
The Beaverton
Pier 21 Films, iThentic Canada Inc.
Executive Producers: Laszlo Barna, Melissa Williamson
Producers: Paula Smith, Shawn WatsonBell Media – Comedy Network, 13 x 22 mins
The Beaverton Digital
Pier 21 Films, iThentic Canada inc.
Executive Producers: Laszlo Barna, Melissa Williamson
Producer: Jonas Diamond
A humorous, tongue-in-cheek news program in which pretend newscasters file fake stories satirizing real events in Canadian news and society.
A content-rich hub containing clips from the television series, over 150 original videos across 11 digital-exclusive series, 7 podcast series, and more of the biting satire presently featured on The Beaverton website.
The Bone Yard, Season 6
Five in The Eye Productions Inc.
Executive Producers: Calvin Buckler
Producer: Jason AcornWildTV, 13 x 30 mins
The Bone Yard 6
Five in the Eye Productions Inc.
Executive Producer: Calvin Buckler
Producer: Jason Acorn
A unique hunting show where sport hunting is mixed with comedy, music, and lots of entertainment.
Video blogs filmed by eight cast members documenting their best moments from the production of the show. Vlogs will include personal anecdotes from hunting expeditions, as well as hunting tips and tricks to share with viewers.
The Deep, Season 2
DHX Media Vancouver / Nerd Corps
Executive Producers: Chuck Johnson, Steve Wendland, Ken Faier, Robert Chandler
Producers: Asaph Fipke, Avrill StarkDHX – Disney XD, 13 x 30 mins
The Deep 2 Digital Media
DHX Media Vancouver / Nerd Corps
Executive Producers: Asaph Fipke, Ken Faier
Producer: Asaph Fipke
A children’s series about the Nektons, a family who dares to explore the very bottom of the ocean. As they explore the deep waters in their submarine, the parents and two children find artifacts and creatures once thought long lost.
The Deep: Scroll of Lemuria is an adventure game for iOS and Android where users hunt for secrets and treasures in the mysterious waters of the sea. Players must avoid threatening sea creatures in various dangerous locations to discover the hidden artifacts that can only be found in the deep.
This is High School
Paperny Entertainment Inc.
Executive Producers: David Paperny, Cal Shumiatcher, Audrey Mehler, Sarah Sharkey Pearce
Producers: Megan Cameron, Dan JacksonCBC, 6 x 60 mins
This is High School Digital
Paperny Entertainment Inc.
Executive Producers: David Paperny, Audrey Mehler, Cal Schumiatcher
Producer: Cal Schumiatcher
A serialized documentary series looking at day-to-day life in a Canadian high school. Students grappling with the highs and lows of teenage life face and overcome challenges with the help of their tireless and determined teachers.
Digital-specific content to engage audiences on a variety of social media platforms. Discussion about secondary education in Canada will be encouraged and facilitated by weekly Facebook Live roundtables; student-produced videos shared on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram; and follow-up content with the students featured in the television series.
Thornwood Heights
Reel World Management
Producer: Roma RothA&E Networks, 1 x 90 mins
Welcome to Thornwood Heights
Reel World Management
Executive Producer: Roma Roth
Producer: Evan JonesDM Service Co.: Stitch Media
Jennifer, a successful New York City detective, has tried to distance herself from the dark childhood secret she had back in her small hometown of Thornwood Heights. When her sister is put on trial for murder, Jennifer must return to the community and confront the truth of her past.
A mobile app in iOS and Android designed as the phone of a private investigator working in the show’s Thornwood Heights. Through the app, users undertake virtual investigations and solve new mysteries arriving each week. With the use of 360 degree images, investigators can thoroughly explore crime scenes and find the clues they need to solve the mobile mysteries.
The following English-language projects received Development funding:
Four Senses
Innovate By Day
Deb Day
Accessible Media Inc. (AMI)
The National Arts Project
Jam3
Heather Phenix
CBC – Documentary Channel
The following English-language projects received TV Development Online funding:
Sparkly Butt & The Hot Dog Kid
Hazel House Productions
Kimberly Persona
Corus – Teletoon
The following English-language projects received Performance Accelerator funding:
Dino Dan: Dino Dig
Sinking Ship Entertainment Inc.
Blair Powers, JJ Johnson
TVO
The following organizations received Professional Development funding:
[Interactive] Film Industry Forum
St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival
Digital Media Bootcamp
WIFT-T (Women in Film & Television – Toronto)
iLunch Series 15 & Interact
Interactive Ontario
The following French language projects received Production Grants under the Bell Fund’s Production Program:
BROADCAST
DIGITAL MEDIA
911, saison 2
Trinôme Inc.
Productrice: Isabelle Ouimet
V Télé, 30 x 26 mins
911, saison 2
Trinôme Inc.
Producteur: François Veillette
Maison de services numériques : Trinôme Inc.
C’est juste de la TV – saison XI
Urbania
Productrices: Raphaëlle Huysmans, Marylène Fortier
ICI ARTV, 16 x 60 mins
C’est juste du web – saison II
Urbania
Productrice: Raphaëlle Huysmans
Maison de services numériques : Version 10
Cochon Dingue
Trio Orange Inc.
Productrice : Julie Lavallée
Télé-Québec, 65 x 30 mins
Cochon dingue
Trio Orange Inc.
Productrice : Julie Lavallée
Maison de services numériques : Les Affranchis
Les Argonautes 2024
Productions Pixcom Inc.
Productrice : Nadine Dufour
Télé-Québec, 1 x 24 mins
Les Argonautes 2024.com
Productions Pixcom Inc.
Productrice : Nadine Dufour
Maison de services numériques : Toboggan Studio
Like-moi II
Zone 3
Productrice: Josée Fortier
Télé-Québec, 12 x 30 mins
Like-moi II
Zone 3
Productrice : Geneviève Provost
Maison de services numériques : Turbulent
Lourd
Attraction Images Inc.
Productrice: Louise Lantagne
Vrak TV, Super Écran, 20 x 30 mins
Lourd
Attractions Images Production V
Producteur : Micho Marquis-Rose
Maison de services numériques : Akufen
MaXi
Frima Studio Inc,
Producteurs: Frima Studio Inc.
TFO, 26 x 11 mins
MaXi
Frima Studio Inc.
Productrice : Valérie Hénaire
Maison de services numériques : Frima Studio Inc.
SQ, saison 3
Trinôme Inc.
Productrice: Isabelle Ouimet
TV5, 26 x 30 mins
SQ, saison 3
Trinôme 3
Producteur : François Veillette
Maison de services numériques : Trinôme
Trauma (titre de travail)
Trinôme Inc.
Productrice: Isabelle Ouimet
TV5, 13 x 30 mins
Trauma (titre de travail)
Trinôme Inc.
Producteur : François Veillette
Maison de services numériques : Trinôme
The following French-language projects received TV Development Online funding:
Shampoing, gloire et karaoké
Productions Pixcom Inc.
Nadine Dufour
Vrak TV
The following French-language projects received Performance Accelerator funding:
Lire V
Attraction Images Productions IV inc.
Micho Marquis-Rose
ICI ARTV
The following organizations received Professional Development funding:
Alliance Québec Animation
Classe de maître avec Simon J. Smith
Doc Circuit Montréal
Doc Circuit Montréal
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