Netflix has forged an agreement with the Canadian government whereby the streaming giant has pledged to spend at least $400 million on original productions within the country over the next five years.
Accordingly, Netflix will establish Netflix Canada — a permanent production presence that represents its first such venture outside of the United States, Variety reports. Netflix Canada will collaborate with other Canadian production firms, broadcasters, and local talent to develop content in both English and French. Of the $400 million, for instance, $25 million will be specifically allotted for French-language content, according to Variety.
All told, Netflix says its global content budget will ascend to $7 billion next year — up from $6 billion in 2017.
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Netflix has already developed several Canadian projects to date, including the miniseries adaptation of Margaret Atwood‘s Alias Grace — written by Sarah Polley and starring Anna Paquin — which was co-produced by the national Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), Netflix, and local outfit Halfire Entertainment. Netflix also partnered with the CBC on an Anne Of Green Gables remake dubbed Anne. Additionally, Netflix distributes the mockumentary series Trailer Park Boys, which is shot in Nova Scotia, and co-produces the sci-fi series Travelers, which is filmed in Vancouver.
“We are encouraged to see global online platforms highlighting the great talent that Canada has to offer,” the Canadian government said of the agreement, per Variety. Arts and culture represents a $54.6 billion industry in Canada that employs more than 630,000 citizens.
