Cannes, France: As it continues to expand its distribution business, the National Film Board announced a groundbreaking new deal with Partners in Motion to distribute the Regina-based producer’s entire catalogue internationally.

‘We don’t produce series at the NFB, but that is what broadcasters are looking for, so we had to get product fast,’ says Johanne St-Arnauld, director general, NFB distribution.

The deal gives the NFB worldwide distribution rights to over 200 hours of Partners in Motion programming, including the Emmy Award-winning 13 Seconds: The Kent State Shootings and series Crime Stories.

For the last year, the NFB has been moving aggressively into third-party distribution. So far, the move appears to be paying off, with a 30% boost in distribution revenue over the last 12 months.

St-Arnauld says the board is also eyeing the prospect of acquiring non-exclusive rights on programming for a new Web-based distribution system.

-www.nfb.ca

-www.partnersinmotion.com