Cinecoup, CBC, Just For Laughs Join Forces to Launch ‘Canadian Comedy Accelerator’
CBC, CineCoup Media and Just For Laughs Television are joining forces to deliver an opportunity to Canadian content creators with the launch of CBC ComedyCoup, a “digital comedy accelerator.”
The accelerator offers the chance for creators from across Canada to enhance their careers. Ultimately, 10 teams will be optioned for development and the top team will receive $500,000 in production financing for a half-hour comedy special to air during CBC Television’s 2015 primetime schedule.
Over the course of 10 weeks, teams will be challenged to display their skills, build an audience and deliver hilarious content using digital and social platforms.
“We are excited to be launching this ground-breaking comedy accelerator with CineCoup,” said Michelle Daly, senior director of Comedy, Commissioned & Scripted Programming. “CBC has always supported Canadian comedy. Between CBC ComedyCoup and the newly launched Punchline we are able to reach new comedy creators where they live: online.”
“Our studio model is about reducing barriers to entry, doing away with gatekeepers and letting the audience in early to support the content they want to see get made,” says CineCoup founder J Joly. “CBC ComedyCoup is a launch pad for the funniest talent Canada has to offer, no matter where they live. We put fans at the centre and we strive to be as transparent and democratic as possible.”
“Just For Laughs Television couldn’t be happier to be partnering with CineCoup and CBC on this innovative initiative to find the next great Canadian comedy writers and creative visionaries,” says Bruce Hills, COO of Just For Laughs.
