CTV's New Original Music Series THE LAUNCH Begins Production

– Fergie, OneRepublic's Ryan Tedder, and Scott Borchetta are initial show mentors, with more to be announced soon –
– Bell Media's new international TV format in partnership with Big Machine Label Group (BMLG), and Insight Productions has begun production in Toronto on six one-hour episodes –
– Studio audience tickets for tapings of THE LAUNCH available now –

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TORONTO, Aug. 31, 2017 /CNW/ - CTV announced today that production has begun in Toronto on the inaugural season of its new original music series and international TV format THE LAUNCH. Recording superstars Fergie and OneRepublic's Ryan Tedder, joined by world-renowned music mogul Scott Borchetta, are the first of a group of musical mentors shaping the creation of new releases by undiscovered artists.

After an international casting call and completion of an extensive A & R process that reviewed more than 10,000 emerging performers, 30 have been selected to participate in the new six-part, hour-long series, debuting early next year on CTV. Additional mentors, songwriters, producers – as well as the selected artists performing on THE LAUNCH – will be announced soon.

Reinventing the music television series genre, THE LAUNCH debuts a new and unique format, documenting an authentic, behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to break a new artist and bring a song to life. In each hour-long episode, a group of unsigned emerging artists are mentored in the creation of a new original song by a panel of internationally renowned hit makers and mentors – from discovery to stardom in just two days. THE LAUNCH takes viewers on a fresh journey every week, unveiling new talent and new songs in each episode.

"As we begin production, we look forward to watching the magic unfold as our growing list of mentors guide the show's emerging artists through the monumental journey of launching a new song," said Randy Lennox, President, Bell Media. "Alongside our brilliant partners at BMLG, Eureka Productions, and Insight Productions, we have worked hard to create what is sure to be an unforgettable viewer experience."

"We have reimagined the power of television and music to give viewers, fans and especially aspiring artists, an experience like never before," said Scott Borchetta, President and CEO of the Big Machine Label Group. "So many artists just need the right break with the right song, great production and real pop culture marketing. We're bringing together the best of the best while taking the viewer on a behind the scenes journey that's never been seen before."

"We are beyond fortunate to have been able to put together such a formidable roster of world-class artists to propel THE LAUNCH into action!" said John Brunton, Executive Producer, Insight Productions. "With production underway, the entire Insight team and our talented crew are so thrilled to bring this new music format to life."

After the series was announced in April, the search was on to find performers who could showcase music's next big songs.  A few short months later, a talented group of 30 unsigned artists/acts aged 13 to 43 and representing a hugely diverse blend of genres, styles, and musical backgrounds, have been identified to receive the opportunity of a lifetime in THE LAUNCH's inaugural season.

CTV is giving viewers in the Greater Toronto Area an opportunity to experience the excitement first-hand by attending a taping of THE LAUNCH. The studio is located just east of downtown Toronto, and is accessible by TTC with free parking available within a five-minute walk from the studio. Participants interested in attending a taping can visit CTV.ca/TheLaunch for ticket information or RSVP by emailing [email protected] with subject line "THE LAUNCH Tickets". Note: include the number of guests, along with full names of everyone attending. All audience members must be at least 11 years of age and those under the age of 16-years-old must be accompanied by an adult.

Following in the successful footsteps of Bell Media's CANADIAN IDOL, THE IHEARTRADIO MMVAs, THE JUNO AWARDS, the MuchMusic and Coca-Cola Covers competition, and most recently, the launch of iHeartRadio Canada, THE LAUNCH was put into development in January 2016. The series was co-developed by and is produced in association with Scott Borchetta of Big Machine Label Group, Paul Franklin of Eureka, and Bell Media, in partnership with John Brunton and Lindsay Cox of Insight Productions in Canada.

The format is currently being readied for an upcoming international roll-out.

THE LAUNCH is executive produced by Scott Borchetta, Randy Lennox and John Brunton; Lindsay Cox and Paul Franklin are Showrunners and Executive Producers; Executive producers for Bell Media are Robin Johnston and Corrie Coe, who is also Senior Vice-President, Original Programming, Bell Media. Pat DiVittorio is Vice-President, CTV and Specialty Programming, Mike Cosentino is Senior Vice-President, Content and Programming, Bell Media. Randy Lennox is President, Bell Media.

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

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@CTV_Television
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@Fergie
@RyanTedder

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@fergie

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About Big Machine Label Group
Led by Founder, President and CEO Scott Borchetta, the Big Machine Label Group encompasses Big Machine Records, The Valory Music Co., BMLG Records, Nash Icon Records and publishing company Big Machine Music as well as its own digital radio station, Big Machine Radio. BMLG artists include superstars ‪Taylor Swift, ‪Rascal Flatts, ‪Reba McEntire, ‪Florida Georgia Line, Thomas Rhett, ‪Brantley Gilbert, ‪Hank Williams Jr., ‪Ronnie Dunn, Cheap Trick and ‪Jennifer Nettles; chart-topping acts ‪Justin Moore, ‪Eli Young Band, A Thousand Horses, Brett Young, ‪Aaron Lewis, THE VOICE winners ‪Cassadee Pope and ‪Danielle Bradbery, AMERICAN IDOL Season 15 winner Trent Harmon; up-and-comers ‪The Cadillac Three, Drake White, ‪Tucker Beathard, Tara Thompson, Midland, Carly Pearce and ‪Delta Rae. BMLG also helms soundtracks for the hit TV show NASHVILLE. BMLG artists have received multiple GRAMMY, CMA, ACM, AMA, CMT, Teen Choice, MTV, Billboard, People's Choice, and Brit Awards. Big Machine is the first-ever American label to align with terrestrial radio for performance royalty rights for its artists and is an industry leader in fighting for artist, songwriter, publisher and record company rights. Visit BigMachineLabelGroup.com for more information.

About Eureka
Eureka is a next-generation production company combining the expertise, credibility and key relationships traditionally found within large multi-national production companies with the energy and nimbleness of a startup. Launched in January 2016, Eureka has offices in Los Angeles and Sydney and produces both unscripted and scripted programs. Within less than a year of opening Eureka has over sixty hours of programming commissioned in 2017 with more series to be announced soon.

About Insight Production Company, Ltd.
Insight Productions, known for its award-winning ratings juggernauts, is Canada's most established content producer. Headed by CEO John Brunton & COO Barbara Bowlby, Insight is an industry leader in the development, financing, and production of hit programming, both scripted and unscripted. The Tragically Hip: A National Celebration; The JUNO Awards; Canada's Walk of Fame; Big Brother Canada; How To Change The World; and The Amazing Race Canada – the most watched Canadian series on record – were collectively nominated for 29 Canadian Screen Awards in 2017, more than any other prodco. Year after year, The Amazing Race Canada wins the Golden Screen, the CSA for the highest-rated reality program in Canada. Other productions include: Canadian Idol; Battle of the Blades; Never Ever Do This At Home; Intervention; Top Chef Canada; Ready Or Not; Falcon Beach; and The Truth About Alex. Recently, Insight produced The Tragically Hip: A National Celebration, a live concert special watched by one in three Canadians. Insight Productions was founded in 1979 and has since created thousands of hours of groundbreaking and multiplatform content for the global market in every genre. In 2015, Insight received the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television's inaugural Icon Award in recognition of its 35th anniversary. For more information visit www.insighttv.com.

About Bell Media Original Programming
Bell Media has commissioned some of Canada's most-watched and most-acclaimed original programming, working with the best Canadian independent producers in the country. Hit series commissioned by CTV include ratings success stories SAVING HOPE, the record-breaking THE AMAZING RACE CANADA, MASTERCHEF CANADA, hit drama CARDINAL, and upcoming original series THE DISAPPEARANCE, THE INDIAN DETECTIVE, and THE DETAIL. Among the original series on Bell Media specialty and streaming platforms are Space's internationally acclaimed ORPHAN BLACK as well as KILLJOYS, WYNONNA EARP, and DARK MATTER; Bravo's award-winning and most-watched original drama 19-2; CraveTV hit comedy LETTERKENNY; Discovery's first-ever drama FRONTIER; Comedy's satirical news series THE BEAVERTON, CORNER GAS ANIMATED; and multiple series and specials for food and lifestyle channel Gusto, including ONE WORLD KITCHEN and A IS FOR APPLE. Discovery is also home to Bell Media's hit factual franchise HIGHWAY THRU HELL, COLD WATER COWBOYS, and CANADA'S WORST DRIVER, among others. Bell Media is one of the first media companies in North America to commit to producing all new original scripted series in 4K.

About CTV
CTV is Canada's #1 private broadcaster. Featuring a wide range of quality news, sports, information, and entertainment programming, CTV has been Canada's most-watched television network for the past 16 years in a row. CTV is a division of Bell Media, Canada's premier multimedia company with leading assets in television, radio, digital, and Out-of-Home. Bell Media is owned by BCE Inc. (TSX, NYSE: BCE), Canada's largest communications company. More information about CTV can be found on the network's website at CTV.ca.

SOURCE CTV

Natalie Cole, THE LAUNCH Unit Publicist, [email protected] or 416.580.7741; Matthew Almeida, CTV, [email protected] or 416.384.2629