Canadaland, the Toronto-based news site and podcast network, has signed an exclusive multi-year first-look deal with Entertainment One (eOne). Under the terms of the multi-year deal, eOne will adapt Canadaland’s original podcasts into scripted and non-scripted television, limited series and documentaries. All projects will be co-produced by eOne and Canadaland with eOne serving as the studio and international distributor.
“Partnering with a dynamic podcast network like Canadaland allows us access to an array of fascinating stories,” said Jocelyn Hamilton, President, Canada, eOne Television. “By leaning into the podcast to broadcast approach, we’re broadening our search in finding more incredible and thought-provoking content.”
Previously, eOne teamed up with Canadaland and Anishinaabe journalist and award-winning writer Ryan McMahon on Crave TV’s breakout docuseries “Thunder Bay.” The series follows McMahon on his quest to reveal the truth behind the deaths of Indigenous people in Thunder Bay, Ontario.
“Working with Entertainment One on ‘Thunder Bay’has shown us that they are just as dedicated to telling incredible, true Canadian stories as we are,” Canadaland founder Jesse Brown said. “We're thrilled to build on this partnership and take our past and future stories from sound to screen,” he said in a statement.
Julie Shapiro Joins Canadaland
With an eye towards expanding its podcast development slate, Canadaland says it has also recently added audio industry veteran Julie Shapiro – producer of the Ear Hustle – to its team. Shapiro will support and advise the Canadaland team – taking and shaping pitches, developing new ideas, and bringing new talent to the network.
“Julie Shapiro is a visionary who has brought some of our favorite stories to life,” Canadaland’s Brown said. “Her ability to find and develop astonishing, thoughtful and riveting narratives is unparalleled. I can't believe we get to work with her,” he said in the announcement.
Shapiro most recently was Executive Creative Director at Novel. Before that, she worked at PRX where she served as Vice President of Editorial and Executive Producer of PRX's Radiotopia, From 2014-15, Shapiro helped found and manage the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's Creative Audio Unit. In 2000 she co-founded the Third Coast International Audio Festival, where as artistic director she shaped the Festival's creative trajectory and nurtured a robust international listening culture.
"I've long admired Canadaland's independent spirit and boldness, and its connection with listeners and supporters,” Shapiro said. “I'm looking forward to working with Jesse and his team to elevate Canadian voices and perspectives through more groundbreaking audio storytelling."