Bell Media inks development deal with Elliot Page’s prodco

Bell Media's Justin Stockman discusses the scripted deal with Pageboy Productions and "rebranding" Canada's content image.

Bell Media and Elliot Page’s prodco Pageboy Productions have inked a deal to co-develop scripted series for Crave and CTV with a focus on untold stories.

The non-exclusive deal is set for several years, Justin Stockman, Bell Media’s VP of content development and programming, tells Playback Daily.

“[Pageboy is] very open to us bringing them things that we think they’d be good partners on,” says Stockman. “Whether it’s to be the producer or even just come on as an EP.”

Pageboy has discussed a couple of drama projects with Bell Media, while Bell has brought a comedy to the discussions. The deal, which had been in the works for the last few months, was “easier to get over the line” than others, according to Stockman.

Halifax-born actor, director and producer Page (pictured) founded the prodco in 2021. Pageboy’s titles include Dominic Savage’s 2024 drama Close to You (Pageboy, Me + You Productions, Good Question Media), also starring Page.

Another title is D.W. Waterson’s feature debut Backspot (Pageboy, Night is Y, Prospero Pictures), starring Devery Jacobs. The film, released in U.S. theatres last May via L.A.-based XYZ Films, was one of three Canadian features nominated for Outstanding Film – Limited Theatrical Release at the 36th annual GLAAD Media Awards.

“Partnering with Bell Media feels like a natural evolution for Pageboy Productions,” said Page in a statement. “We’re excited to create captivating content that amplifies voices that deserve to be heard. This collaboration will allow us to tell powerful, genuine stories that challenge perspectives, and inspire audiences both at home and internationally.”

The partnership with Pageboy follows the December 2024 announcement that Bell Media and Lionsgate have partnered with L.A.-based Point Grey Pictures, founded by Vancouver-born creatives Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, to develop original scripted series for all Bell Media platforms.

While potential development deals can be made with any Canadian or Canadian prodco, wherever they’re based, Stockman says it’s part of Bell Media’s strategy to highlight premium Canadian content around the world.

“We’re rebranding in people’s heads that Canada is not just the place you come to make cheap stuff,” says Stockman. “They’re working with Canadians every day, whether they live here or in L.A., and we want to partner with those Canadians to make content that travels around the world.”

Photo by Joe Maher/Getty Images