EXCLUSIVE:Michael MacMillanretired from the world of television 17 years ago.
Except, he didnt.
However, just four years later, he was back to do it all again.
Michael MacMillan (inset), ‘Canada’s Drag Race,’ ‘Ghosting’ & ‘Blown Away"Blue Ant; Crave; CBC; Netflix
That partnership has also spawnedSlaycation, which seesDrag Racestars vacationing in a winter cabin together.
The company has offices in LA, New York, Singapore, London, Washington and Sydney.
Our line was, You ever hear of a company called Universal?
AirborneBlue Ant Media
That was the sniffy answer wed give, but it did ultimately describe Alliance Atlantis because we did that.
When people say, What are you doing with Blue Ant?
we see that as an inspiration, and there is a similar opportunity here.
It rolled out internationally and now an established global co-producer in the natural history space.
In the U.S., it averages half a billion minutes streamed per month, up 37% year-on-year.
The latest step in Blue Ants trajectory has been acquiring Canadian compatriot MarbleMedia.
Were looking out longer term to build a significant enterprise.
The fact its a difficult time for the industry didnt even come into our heads.
We think people worldwide will continue to watch great programming on what I will call TV.
Asia-Pacific remains an important market for Blue Ant, in particular for global channels and programme distribution.
As noted, both locally and globally, networks and streamers are struggling economically.
However, Canadas tax rebate system, local funding structures and production stages still make it an attractive proposition.
But when do you apply the gas?
You actually hit the gas before you reach the turn.
Metaphorically, before things improve is when you want to be setting up.
If we hadnt, that would not have been possible.
Our first priority is allocating resource to content we can produce and own.
Being inflexible is not for us.
He also an issue with the inflexibility of categorizing distribution platforms, saying it misunderstands consumers.
The proof is in the pudding: people like them all.
Dont assume everything were doing will be our favourite tactic next week.
Can we build from scratch, adapt or acquire another or more international content brands?
Can Love Nature have an international sibling thats just as robust?
I kinda like that size.
Michael MacMillan: scrappy to the last second.
