National Film Board takes to the skies
I remember being impressed with the introduction of the Cinerobotheque by the National Film Board (NFB) in downtown Montreal. Basically on command, a whole library of decades of Canadian films was available at your fingertips. A robot actually picked up the CD in front of you. Now, the reach is far wider. After uploading the collection to the internet, they’re also taking it a logical step forward and placing the collection not on the air, but in the air.
Following an agreement announced this week with Skeye Inflight Entertainment, the National Film Board of Canada’s collection is now available to airlines around the world. Canada’s public film producer and distributor signed an exclusive airline distribution agreement with Skeye Inflight Entertainment to offer its catalogue to airlines worldwide, operating outside of Canada.
“We are thrilled to explore this new market,” says Johanne St-Arnauld, the NFB’s Director General of Distribution. The NFB is seen on television, in classrooms and on DVD in over 60 countries worldwide. This new partnership with Skeye will allow us to extend our reach and introduce our rich collection of original programming to an even broader audience.”
“It is a fantastic way to promote our work of the last 70 years and a beautiful way for our films to travel.”
The National Film Board of Canada’s library includes numerous Oscar nominated films. In recent years the NFB has sought to increase the reach of the film library, which for decades was at the forefront in the production of documentaries and animated films. Marking its 70th anniversary last year, the NFB launched an online screening room, where some of the most bold and innovative productions were made available online.
Canada’s public film producer and distributor, the NFB produces and distributes social-issue documentaries, auteur animation, alternative drama and digital content that provide the world with a unique Canadian perspective. Since the NFB’s founding in 1939, it has created over 13,000 productions and won over 5,000 awards, including 12 Oscars and more than 90 Genies.
Skeye, for its part, offers a variety of comedy, lifestyle, science and technology, music, performing arts, sports, documentary and children’s programming, specifically tailored for the airline market.
Skeye is the exclusive distributor for top-rated programs such as the Sesame Street TV series, shown in over 150 countries around the world, and How It’s Made, one of television’s most popular programs seen in almost 200 countries. Skeye also holds the rights to Janson Media, Spectra and many other catalogues.
