Burnaby, B.C. (October 16, 2023) – Knowledge Network is announcing Stories (Un)told, a new commissioning stream in partnership with Creative BC, for mid-career to senior B.C. producers and directors to create premium limited documentary series.

Funding for this initiative includes $2.25 million from Creative BC, which is a part of the historic $42 million investment made by the Province of B.C. in support of B.C.’s creative sector.

“As B.C.’s public broadcaster, Knowledge Network plays a vital role in supporting the creation and sharing of B.C. made content,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “This important partnership with Creative BC reflects a historic investment, and it will strengthen our domestic sector. We are committed to bringing British Columbians more high-quality content that reflects a diversity of perspectives, as well as informs, uplifts and inspires.”

Knowledge Network will develop, commission and broadcast three high impact limited documentary series over three years. “This unique partnership opens up the canvas for BC’s documentary storytellers”, said Michelle van Beusekom, President and CEO of Knowledge Network. “Our license fee will enable producers to leverage bigger budgets and talented directors to work within an exciting and popular documentary format at the level of their ability and imagination.”

The thematic frame for Stories (Un)told will be B.C. stories that have been hidden from view or that are being reframed with new context and insight. A minimum of two of the three projects selected for production will be with majority-owned B.C. Indigenous and BPOC owned production companies.

This initiative complements a slate of new funding programs recently launched by Creative BC aimed at supporting the domestic sector. “Creative BC is proud to formally collaborate with Knowledge Network for the first time. By working together to deliver and align opportunities for established filmmakers in B.C., we will unleash new potential,” said Prem Gill, CEO of Creative BC. “This unique investment will enable diverse local producers to create high-calibre factual content for local audiences while increasing their potential to bring B.C.’s unique point of view to the world.”

The Call for Proposals for the first-round of development is now open. More information can be found here: www.knowledge.ca/storiesuntold

About Knowledge Network

Knowledge Network is British Columbia’s viewer-supported public educational broadcaster. Available on television throughout the province of British Columbia and on streaming platforms across Canada, we feature quality programming for pre-schoolers and parents; curated dramas, premium factual series and documentaries from around the globe; and Knowledge Original documentaries commissioned from BC based producers. Our service is free and commercial free. For more information, visit www.knowledge.ca