Jacob Tierney Made ‘Heated Rivalry’ in Canada As He Needed Freedom

Canadian creator Jacob Tierney made a bold decision when he chose to bring his show “Heated Rivalry” back to Canada for production, rather than sticking with a U.S. platform that limited his creative freedom. Thanks to the support of Crave, the show was able to fully realize Tierney’s vision, including the incorporation of explicit scenes from the start.

The success of “Heated Rivalry” has been nothing short of phenomenal, attracting a global audience with its unique blend of hockey, romance, and daring storytelling. Julie Roy, executive director & CEO at Téléfilm Canada, praised the show for its authenticity and the courage of Crave in backing the project.

Roy also highlighted other recent Canadian successes like “Empathy” and “North of North,” which delve into important Inuit stories. She emphasized the diversity and richness of Canada’s storytelling perspectives and the significant economic impact of the creative industry in the country.

During a panel discussion at the Series Mania Forum on Global Audiovisual Alliances, Roy discussed the strong collaborative spirit in Canada, with 57 co-production treaties in place. She expressed excitement about the potential for more international partnerships and collaborations in the future.

Gaëtan Bruel, CNC president, stressed the importance of staying true to core values in the face of shifting global dynamics in the entertainment industry. He called for a new approach to global governance for the moving image, one that embraces diversity and creativity beyond traditional Hollywood standards.

Klaus Zimmermann, managing partner at Les Productions Dynamic, echoed the sentiment that European producers need to embrace courage and storytelling in the face of increased competition from streamers. He emphasized the opportunity to create more local shows and the importance of taking risks in content creation.

Mariela Besuievsky of Tornasol Media highlighted the changing landscape of storytelling in the digital age, noting the need for producers to find their own unique voices and connect with audiences on a deeper level. She emphasized the importance of forging new partnerships and financing deals to support innovative productions.

Overall, the panelists agreed that the future of the entertainment industry lies in collaboration, creativity, and a willingness to adapt to changing audience preferences. As the global landscape continues to evolve, producers and creators must remain true to their values while embracing new opportunities for growth and innovation. The co-production laws, which were established many years ago, are facing challenges in keeping up with the rapidly changing landscape of the entertainment industry. While these laws provide a necessary regulatory framework, they may be hindering innovation and collaboration. It is time to reconsider and adapt to a more flexible approach while still maintaining the security that regulations offer.

Recently, there has been a significant development in the industry with TF1 and Netflix announcing a strategic distribution deal. This partnership signifies a willingness to bridge the gap between traditional broadcasters and streaming platforms. According to Bruel, this collaboration is a step towards rethinking how different players in the industry can work together.

“We believe, more than ever, that we need to think differently about how we can work together. We have a lot to learn from the streamers and they say they have a lot to learn from other models,” Bruel emphasized. This shift in mindset highlights the importance of embracing new models and approaches to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving industry.

As the entertainment landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial for stakeholders to remain open to collaboration and innovation. By reevaluating and potentially revising existing co-production laws, industry players can better adapt to the changing dynamics of the market. Finding a balance between traditional regulations and modern practices will be key in ensuring continued growth and success in the industry.

In conclusion, the industry is at a crossroads where flexibility and adaptability are essential for survival. By looking towards strategic partnerships and reimagining traditional approaches, stakeholders can navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by the changing landscape of entertainment. It is time to embrace change while maintaining a solid regulatory foundation to drive growth and innovation in the industry.