Showtime announces $50 million Cdn. slate

U.S. cable network Showtime says it will spend as much as $50 million in Canada over the next year in producing 15 to 20 films, ‘principally through various Toronto-based independent production companies.’

Showtime, which is owned by showbiz giant Viacom, says it has hired Canadian producer Patrick Whitley (sctv, JFK-Reckless Youth, To Catch A Killer) to ‘oversee these productions.’

Showtime’s announcement follows word in early June that Viacom was setting up an office in Toronto, Viacom Canada, to spend up to $1 million a year for five years with Canadian arts organizations. Arts observers were curious about Viacom Canada since it has no assets and said little about its planned activities. Parent Viacom is waiting for Investment Canada to approve its takeover of the Canadian assets of Paramount Communications.