AAC in line for CSI bonus bucks

Alliance Atlantis Communications will gain tremendous financial reward if CSI: Crime Scene Investigation can maintain its ratings momentum. CSI, coproduced by AAC and Jerry Bruckheimer Films, is currently the highest-rated series on U.S. television, attracting 30 million viewers while receiving a number-one weekly ranking for 24 out of 34 possible weeks in its third season, just passed.

AAC has stated that if the show manages a fourth consecutive top-30 finish next season, then production costs for all subsequent seasons will be covered by broadcaster CBS. AAC will also be entitled to bonus payments up to US$600,000, depending on the exact Nielsen ratings the show receives.

If CSI is ranked in the top 20, then 50% of the production deficit for the first four seasons will be reimbursed. If the series is ranked in the top 10, then 100% of the production deficit for all four seasons will be reimbursed.

Film Circuit wires North America

The Film Circuit, an initiative of the Toronto International Film Festival Group, has announced its further expansion into the North American market.

The Circuit is contributing to the launch of a new film festival in Beaver Creek, CO as well as programming Canadian and indie films for festivals in Reno, NV and confirming sites in New England for October 2004.