Big Time Decent has launched Big Time Decent International, a new distribution division established to take its growing content slate to broadcasters, streamers and other platforms overseas.
Founded in 2020, the Vancouver-based production company specializes in unscripted and scripted series, feature documentaries, and digital content, with its best known titles including Rust Valley Restorers, Backroad Truckers, Yukon Rescue, The Last Captains, and Underdog Inc.
The new international division will be shepherded by René Brar, who takes on an expanded role to become Head of Development & Sales, promoted from Head of Development (Unscripted). He’ll be supported by Sarah McCormack, a London-based distribution executive who has held senior sales roles at the BBC, Flame Distribution and Moonbug Entertainment, and spent time as EVP Acquisitions and Co-Productions at Beyond Rights.
The prodco says the move into distribution is a strategic expansion, building on the company’s strong track record in unscripted television with its content finding audiences around the world through license agreements with Netflix, Hulu and Discovery Channel.
The distribution arm will also sell scripted projects from Big Time Decent’s new scripted division, Bread & Better Films, and is looking to represent select third-party content that aligns with its brand.
“We’ve always made content with international audiences in mind—but with our company now five years old and having secured a number of hits under our belt, the time feels right to start selling it ourselves and to see where else we can take our IP to help the business grow further,” said Matthew Shewchuk, President of Big Time Decent Productions.
“There’s a real hunger right now for character-driven, unscripted series with heart—and that’s currently what we do best,” added Brar. “We’re excited to introduce our business and our content to the international market and to grow a distribution label that reflects the same creative values as our production company. I’m thrilled to have this opportunity and grateful to have Sarah McCormack by my side offering support and sharing her expertise.”
MIPCOM in Cannes in October will be the new division’s first official international market, joining other Canadian businesses in the Canadian Pavilion. Big Time Decent says its team will be actively looking for third-party content at the industry trade show and has funds set aside for investment in the right properties with the right partners.
