Alliance Atlantis Communications, the production company with a 50% share in the CSI franchise, has shown their support for the shows from the beginning. As the franchise reaches it’s 300th episode, that commitment is paying off for Alliance Atlantis.

At the time CBS announced it’s fall 2000 schedule, Touchstone Television was attached to coproduce CSI. However, prior to it’s premiere, Touchstone backed out due to skepticism that the show could make any money. CBS began looking for a distributor and approached Alliance Atlantis because of its international distribution infrastructure. CBS and Alliance Atlantis had previously coproduced TV movies.

Ted Riley, head of international distribution for Alliance Atlantis, notes that the opportunity for an independent Canadian company to become involved with a U.S. network drama series is so rare that the decision was a “no brainer.” “They were life savers for us, says executive producer Carol Mendelsohn. “They believed in our show at a time when not many did.”

“Nobody could have anticipated its success,” Riley says. The franchise has transcended the television cop show genre, achieving tremendous worldwide success. Alliance Atlantis’ support for the franchise is paying off. It is estimated that in 2005, Alliance Atlantis spent about $138 million on the three CSI shows. It’s 2005 year-end report reflects revenues of $288 million for the franchise, a 41% increase from 2004. In July 2006, Alliance Atlantis signed deals for the second window rights for the franchise in countries such as Spain, France, Germany, the U.K. and Australia totaling approximately $250 million.

For the full story, head over to Playback Magazine.

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