Bell Media Inc. and Big Machine Label Group form joint venture

Goodmans LLP acted as lead counsel to Bell Media Inc. (BMI) in connection with (1) the joint venture between BMI and Big Machine Label Group (BMLG) to co-develop the framework of a music format entitled “THE LAUNCH” intended for television series productions, recordings of musical performances and worldwide exploitation of recording rights, concert performance services, merchandise, publishing and other music related ancillary rights and (2) the international rollout of the format via a major distributor including the international distribution of the format and production and distribution of the local series/spinoffs using strategic global relationships with musical talent and companies throughout the world.

The format was originally produced by BMI and BMLG for initial exhibition in Canada in which five unsigned emerging artists audition for the opportunity to record and perform a new original song, mentored by a panel of internationally renowned music industry legends (including recording superstars, Fergie and One Republic’s Ryan Tedder, Shania Twain, Scott Borchetta, etc.) from discovery to stardom in just 48 hours. The hit song recorded by the selected artist is “launched” and immediately released across the country on iTunes following each weekly broadcast of the episode.

Goodmans acted as outside production legal counsel to Insight Production Company Ltd. in connection with the financing, production, legal/clearance/E&O insurance review, talent contracts/ negotiations and other production legal matters in connection with the initial and the second cycle of the Canadian version of the format.

On February 22, 2018, Bell Media and Big Machine Label Group secured their first international distribution deal for the singing competition format, The Launch. Sony Pictures Television (SPT) will distribute the format and the original Canadian series worldwide, excluding Canada, with SPT’s London, U.K.-based production company, Electric Ray signed on to produce the format for the U.K. market. The deal marks the first time a Bell Media original format for CTV has been sold for international distribution.

In Canada, the inaugural season of The Launch debuted #1 in its timeslot on CTV and delivered a series of consecutive #1 hits. Season 2 of The Launch will premiere on CTV on January 30, 2019.