Cardinal producer Sphere Media merges with Zone 3

Toronto-based Sphere Media is merging with Quebec-based producer Zone 3 ‘in’ a further consolidation move in the Canadian sector.

The deal is aimed at creating a powerhouse that can produce English and French-language programming for local and international markets.

Sphere Media is behind shows ranging from Cardinal and 19-2 for Bell Media to Sort Of for the CBC and HBO Max. It also produced Wayward for Netflix, and owns a stake in London-based distributor Sphere Abacus with Bell Media, the latter acquiring a majority interest earlier this year.

Zone 3, which was founded more than two decades ago, has produced shows including Family Feud Canada for CBC and Motel Paradis for TVA and Club Illico.

Zone 3 president, Brigitte Lemonde, said: “In a context where demand for content has never been stronger, joining forces is the best way to promote our creations and get closer to the global giants.”

Bruno Dubé, chief exec at Sphere Media, added that the deal would “inject a new creative energy, generating and stimulating collaboration and content.”

He added: “We will continue together to develop our relationships with creators and partners around the world, enabling us to promote our content and enter a new phase of opportunity and expansion.”