I have to quote an unnamed producer by starting off by saying “It's a miracle that any television show ever gets made.” So under no circumstance, anywhere in the planet, is it simple.
The process was relatively straightforward. It started as a pitch package that we put in front of three networks, two years before production, and the CBC was the first to come at it. Then we worked through the system and it made it on the air. It really was quite straightforward except for the natural torture that one will experience in making a television show anyway, regardless of what network you're working for.
I think the CBC is very clear today in terms of what they want. Perhaps there are producers who are hearing stuff they don't want to hear, and it is certainly a challenge. We are in the process now of closing a deal with the CBC to do a movie, set in Newfoundland, and it's still going on, but it's clear from statements they've made that they're interested in television series. This a programming choice, and one has to respect that they are programmers. We are producers. There is a reality that once you establish two or three one-hour series, then the amount of time available for mini-series and movies of the week will be diminished. The movies of the week and the mini-series do lend themselves as a production model to smaller companies because of the capital required to produce it. You're making only two or four hours of television. When you start coupling it with the provincial investment funds and with the size of the pool they are, they are a nice fit. Also, there can be eight or twelve movies and mini-series per year.
From my own perspective, I'm hopeful that the movies of the week and the mini-series will continue, but that's programming choice. I'm also actively trying to come up with a one-hour series. And by the way, I did pitch them Above & Beyond as a one-hour series, where we settle in 1942 and stay there for the whole time, just after the Americans arrive.
Thank you for the kind words. It was a pleasure to shoot in your district.