Two surprising partners announced a content partnership, Bell and Cirque du Soleil have signed an agreement to start working together to develop Québec-based media content for television, film, digital, and gaming platforms. The new venture will develop entertainment projects for sale and licensing around the world, leveraging Cirque du Soleil’s creative resources, consumer insight, and infrastructure with Bell Media’s production experience, media platforms, and diverse distribution capabilities.
“Bell’s multi-million dollar investment with Cirque du Soleil represents two great Montréal companies coming together to further develop Québec’s world-renowned creative industry,” said George Cope, President and CEO of Bell and BCE. “Working closely with Cirque du Soleil aligns perfectly with Bell’s commitment to make Québec’s best content available to as wide an audience as possible.”
“Cirque du Soleil has always put creative forces from Québec in the forefront. Like Bell joining with Astral, this commitment to invest in Québec content and job creation benefits not only consumers but the broader Québec creative and media industry as well,” said Daniel Lamarre, President and CEO of Cirque du Soleil.
The partnership will be governed by a board of directors including representatives from both Cirque du Soleil and Bell Media, and managed by a programming team with input from both partners.