Canada’s Big Time Decent moves into distribution

Vancouver-based production company Big Time Decent is launching a distribution arm and has hired former Beyond Rights exec Sarah McCormack to help run it.. 

Big Time Decent International will take the prodco’s growing content slate to broadcasters, streamers and other platforms overseas, with the upcoming Mipcom in October set to be its first market. 

The new division will be led by René Brar, who has expanded his role in the business to become head of development and sales, with McCormack assisting the new division’s expansion as a consultant.

McCormack has held senior sales roles at the BBC, Flame Distribution and Moonbug Entertainment, and was exec vicde president of acquisitions and co-productions at Beyond Rights.

The move into sales follows several hits for Big Time Decent, which was founded in 2020 and counts titles such as Rust Valley Restorers, Backroad Truckers, Yukon Rescue, Underdog Inc. and The Last Captains among its slate.

In addition to selling unscripted content created by Big Time Decent Productions and scripted projects from its new scripted division, Bread & Better Films, the sales arm is also looking to represent third-party content that aligns with its brand and ambitions.

The team will be actively looking for third-party content at Mipcom and has a fund already set aside for investment.

“We’ve always made content with international audiences in mind but with our company now five years old and having secured a number of hits under our belt, the time feels right to start selling it ourselves and to see where else we can take our IP to help the business grow further,” said Matthew Shewchuk, president of Big Time Decent Productions.

Brar added: “There’s a real hunger right now for character-driven, unscripted series with heart - and that’s currently what we do best. We’re excited to introduce our business and our content to the international market and to grow a distribution label that reflects the same creative values as our production company.

“I’m thrilled to have this opportunity and grateful to have Sarah McCormack by my side offering support and sharing her expertise.”

McCormack added: “I’ve worked in the Canadian market for several years, so have long been aware of Big Time Decent and its brilliant, bold programs, great production values and storytelling skills. I am glad to have joined the team at such a pivotal time and look forward to introducing the business and its content to my network of potential buyers, producer partners and other IP owners.”