Netflix is taking its talents north of the border — en route to creating a permanent production presence outside of U.S. soil with the initiation of its Canadian-based arm. The streaming service has committed to contribute over $400 million USD — spread out over a 4-year window — to help form and foster local programming.
Netflix has lobbied hard to avoid facing many of the strict guidelines levied on to traditional Canadian broadcasters, including having to fulfill a quota of Canuck content put on air, in addition to spending a set percentage of revenue earnings to fund “programs of national interest.” With streaming competition all but non-existent, Canada once laid claim to its own service called Shomi, which buckled under the pressure of its American rivals late last year. Netflix has already enjoyed success in working with Canadian content producers with the development of Anne of Green Gables.
In case you missed it, Netflix is making its way onto several Airline services as well.