Cirque du Soleil Media, a joint venture between Bell Media and the Cirque du Soleil circus troupe, has inked a first-look TV development deal with 20th Century Fox Television.

The pact will see Cirque du Soleil Media and Fox develop live-action primetime scripted TV projects that go beyond Cirque du Soleil live shows to draw on the Quebec-based troupe’s creative vision. As part of the Cirque joint venture, Bell Media will have the inside track on possible collaborations.

But away from the Canadian market, 20th Century Fox Television’s wide distribution reach offers Cirque du Soleil Media a new avenue to get its content into the world market.

“We think the combination of Cirque and 20th is a perfect fit, and we’re already searching for writers who can tap into their world to create scripted series that are as distinctive and exciting as the world famous Cirque live events,” 20th Century Fox Television president of creative affairs Jonnie Davis said in a statement of the deal brokered by CAA.

Headquartered in Montreal, Cirque du Soleil Media develops entertainment projects for distribution and licensing around the world, using Bell Media’s production expertise and media platforms.