CSI still selling

Alliance Atlantis Communications has signed deals for the second-window rights to its CSI franchise totaling some US$250 million. The forensic crimes series, which now add up to some 280 hours of programming, have been picked up by broadcasters including RTL in Germany, Five in the U.K., France’s TF1, Nine Network in Australia and, closer to home, Canada’s CTV. AAC also closed video-on-demand deals with broadcasters in Germany and the U.K.

Borsos gets boost

The Whistler Film Festival has increased the value of its Borsos Award by 50%, and will offer a windfall of $15,000 for the best new Canadian feature when it returns to the B.C. resort town in December. The boost stems from a two-year partnership struck with the B.C. branch of the Directors Guild of Canada to present the prize, named for filmmaker Philip Borsos (The Grey Fox). Eligibility for the prize has been limited, however, to dramatic features. Submissions to the Whistler festival are due by Aug 18.