Showcase president Phyllis Yaffe says the all-drama channel will be licensing 15 original half-hour dramas over its six-year licence period, with a fee of $250,000 attached to each project. There will be a competition for the original segments, which is ‘accessible to producers across the country and to which none of the shareholders (Alliance Communications, Productions La Fete, cbc, and various independent producers) can apply,’ says Yaffe.

The balance of the projected $6.3 million (estimated originally for a seven-year period) for Canadian production will be spent on wraparounds. With the adjustment for a six-year period, Yaffe estimates that the ‘return to Canadian fiction investors’ sits at about $85 million. Cable subscription remains at 32 cents per subscriber per month as does Showcase’s supply agreement with the cbc. Negotiations with the National Film Board will proceed as they would with any independent supplier, adds Yaffe.

The service has said it will air 60% Cancon, with 100% during primetime. The nature of the programming focuses on children’s (both live action and animation), adult drama and adventure series as well as family programming for weekend slots. The remaining 40% of the schedule is targeted for international fare, with a declaration that no more than 5% will be American material.

Yaffe says it’s too early to talk about acquisitions, but the budget range has been fixed at $5,000 to $30,000 per hour.

The service is presently running with a staff of three and a half: Audrey Cole, vice-president of programming, Harvey Rogers, general manager, and a part-time administrative assistant. Yaffe estimates a staff of about 43 by the time Showcase is in full swing.

Although the channel has a grid in place, ‘it is seriously being changed.’ PC

Showcase

900 Yonge Street

Suite 400

Toronto, Ont. M4W 3C7

Phone: (416) 967-1174

Fax: (416) 967-4358

Contact: Phyllis Yaffe