Despite recent positive developments regarding the WGA strike, CBS Paramount Network TV isn’t holding its breath. Variety reports that the Eye has found a way around the conflict—outsourcing.

On Monday, CBS released the details of a deal it has made with Canada’s CTV to begin the production of a new primetime drama series. 

A brief description of the show’s premise revealed that it will deal with “an urban Strategic Response Unit (SRU)—essentially a SWAT team.” The characters will reportedly take down gangs, neutralize bomb threats and mediate hostage situations.

The show, titled “Flashpoint,” will run simultaneously on the two networks. This marks the first television project to be scripted and ordered to production since the WGA strike began last November. But CBS claims that it held an interest in reinventing the business model regarding the television industry long before the writers’ walkout.

CBS cites numerous reasons why such a deal will be a success. A partnership with CTV will bring the licensing fees down and allow the production of the show to be mapped out far in advance of the series being aired. In addition, CBS will retain the domestic rights to sell “Flashpoint” to any U.S. cable network and maintain its creative input to ensure the show will fit the needs of its American audience. The network also has plans in the works to develop similar projects with networks in countries other than Canada.

Interestingly enough, CBS is not the only U.S. television network to understand that the industry needs a makeover.  NBC Universal has decided to take a different approach to programming, as well.

The network’s CEO, Jeff Zucker, announced plans last week to considerably reduce the amount of pilots NBC commissions each season. Rather than taking on projects in the double digits, Zucker says NBC will stick to one or two per year.

That is the best news I’ve heard from them in a long time. Maybe now one of their shows will actually make it past the thirteen-episode mark. NBC reportedly has a deal with a Blighty production outlet similar to the CBS-CTV plan, although none of the scripted episodes have yet to be shot.

For more on American television outsourcing, read Variety’s full article here.

Images: Revenue Source, Washington Post

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