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Having built a strong foundation in LGBTQ-focused factual content, network and streamer OUTtv is looking to expand its scripted programming roster, including international coproductions.

By Jordan Pinto

pro inc co J

Canada-based linear network and streaming service OUTtv has built a reputation as a programmer of envelope-pushing unscripted content focused on the LBGTQ+ community.

The company has been on a steady growth trajectory since its launch in 2001 but has gathered momentum quickly as its SVoD platform has expanded into new international markets, allowing the brand to scale new heights.

In early February, OUTtv also launched its first free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) channel OUTtv Proud on Pluto TV in Canada, in partnership with Latino multi-platform company Fuse Media. The new FAST channel carries 400-plus hours of content across a wide array of OUTtv’s original series, documentaries, films and specials.

OUTtv is now looking to evolve its programming strategy to capitalise on growing demand for scripted content geared toward LGBTQ+ audiences.

“I would say our forte is in the unscripted space but we’re slowly making an expansion into scripted,” says head of programming Lauren Whitelaw.

The company is currently working on its first feature film, It’s All Sunshine & Rainbows, which was developed in-house and is scheduled to premiere later this year.

Whitelaw, who wrote the film, says it is reminiscent of a traditional Hallmark film, but with a twist. “It hits all those nine beats of a traditional Hallmark movie, we just happen to lift out the female lead and put in a drag queen as the lead.”

OUTtv has previously commissioned and acquired scripted content, including mockumentary Slo Pitch and intergenerational lesbian comedy Avocado Toast, but 2023 sees the company putting an added push behind those efforts.

Another scripted title in the pipeline is Womb Envy, a 12x15’ series created by Toronto drag artist Champagna and co-commissioned with Accessible Media. It follows two friends who, despite their differing sexualities, pretend to be in a relationship to escape the societal expectations placed on pregnant women.

With the wind now in its scripted sails, the hope is to do more, says Whitelaw. “[Scripted] has always been slightly out of reach because we are a small network, but that’s definitely not the case anymore. As web series have become more popular, we have found a way to work with production companies to develop scripted projects that work for our audience as well as working for producers financially,” she says.

While the company is turning its eye to scripted, it is not turning away from the unscripted content that has helped put it on the global content map.