Toronto-based OMNI Television is set to launch its new international distribution arm, Harbourfront Entertainment, at the Banff Television Festival in June.

As part of OMNI’s mandate to the CRTC for OMNI 2 (launched in September 2002), the broadcaster has implemented its Rogers OMNI Television Independent Producer’s Initiative, and Harbourfront Entertainment will distribute many of the TV programs the Initiative finances.

Dean Oros, OMNI/Harbourfront director of production and distribution, says that because OMNI is a multilingual broadcaster with a broad range of ethnicities represented in its programming, an in-house distribution arm will help both the English-language and non-English-language projects OMNI finances.

‘A lot of these types of shows may not find other distribution because some of them are very ethnic or very niche-oriented,’ says Oros. ‘That said, a lot of our shows are very commercial, so we’re running the gamut between really niche-oriented to very commercial properties.’

The Initiative will divvy up $50 million among applicants it deems worthy over the course of seven years. Oros says approximately 25 productions are already underway in various stages using OMNI money.

‘We are covering documentaries and drama, but part of our fund helps other areas like PSAs and pilot programs. A certain amount will go towards development of programs as well,’ says Oros, adding the fund has been designed to assist all producers, from the most junior to the well established.

-www.omnitv.ca