Summerhill has been creating, producing and distributing high-end television programming and feature films for international markets since 1975. The company was started by Ron Lillie and Bill Johnston, both of whom are passionate about making great television and remain so to this day. Our longevity speaks to the quality of our team and sincere approach to our work. We enjoy what we do everyday.
Our strength in the marketplace rests on our flexible approach with producers and in our well-established relationships with broadcasters and distributors in Canada and around the world. We understand that every project and producer we work with is different. That is the unique and exhilarating nature of the television production business.
Summerhill works well with rising and seasoned producers, providing as much or as little creative assistance as is required. In all projects, our strength as executive producer is an acute knowledge of all aspects of production financing, funding and administration. We provide the guidance and tools that the independent producer needs to get their ideas from pitch to production in the shortest period of time. This support allows each producer to focus on what they do best - making great television.
As Executive Producer, we:
 Develop the creative approach and business model for each concept
Prepare proposals and pitch concepts to broadcasters
Raise production financing
Serve as the link between the producer and broadcaster
Distribute finished shows to global markets
Exploit ancillary revenues
We make the business' of producing easy for the producer by securing Canadian content recognition, obtaining production rights, insurance, and production financing (including broadcast licenses, distribution guarantees and local industry financing awards). Our experienced business affairs team submits the applications and manages the administrative requirements, affording producers the time and resources necessary to produce television programs - not get bogged down in miles of red tape!
We are tenacious and thorough in our sales approach but all projects, no matter how strong the idea is, require time to get a broadcast license. Typically, we negotiate rights with producers for a three-year term, which allows us to pitch for at least two complete broadcast cycles domestically and internationally. We are tenacious and thorough in our sales approach, but all projects no matter how strong the idea is require time to get a broadcast license. Producers are rewarded with industry standard fees and back end profit sharing commensurate with experience and project potential. It's a win-win scenario for everyone, which is why we have been around longer than almost any other Canadian production company.
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