About Us

Innovation. Inspiration. Insight. When television networks seek out production partners, they seek out Insight first. From comedy and variety, to drama, music, documentaries and sports, for decades Insight Productions has demonstrated the acute ability to read the zeitgeist of the time and respond with television programs that capture the current cultural climate. At a difficult time in the industry, Insight remains on solid ground, firmly established as one of Canada's foremost production companies, and has worked with some of the most talented personalities in the world. Insight is at the forefront of international television programming, and most recently responsible for such successful formats as Canadian Idol, Project Runway Canada, Deal or No Deal Canada, How To Look Good Naked Canada, Top Chef Canada and Are You Smarter Than a Canadian 5th Grader?

Since 1979, Insight has become an industry leader in the creative development, financing and production of television programs in every genre. Recognized internationally and with the hardware to back it up, Insight has the big shows, the big stars and the big ideas that allow it to remain dynamic year after year. The company has created thousands of hours of groundbreaking television entertainment and continues to broadcast over major television networks worldwide.

Insight has produced TV for major Canadian networks; CTV, Global, CBC, CityTV, TSN, Discovery Channel, Comedy, Slice, W Network, SunTV, Food Network Canada & MuchMusic, and have broadcast partners in the United States, which include NBC, ABC, CBS, HBO, Showtime, A&E, IFC, Disney Channel, ESPN, ABC Family and MTVN.

In Canada, Insight Productions is recognized for developing a Canadian "star system" through television programs and specials that showcase and celebrate Canadian talent. Mike Myers was only one example of new talent discovered by Insight in It's Only Rock n' Roll. Further, Canadian Idol, Canada's homegrown version of the hugely successful international format, became Canada's most -watched series of all time in 2003, and then season after season continued to surpass the record-breaking debut. Insight Productions is also credited with revamping Canada's national music awards, The JUNO Awards. By moving the show from a soft-seat theatre to an arena-rock setting and ultimately taking the show on the road to cities across the country, they were able to bring the music directly to the fans. In 2007 & 2008, Insight produced a successful & award winning version of the hit reality series Project Runway Canada, which was hosted by International Supermodel Iman. The success of the first season lead to the decision to migrate the show from cable to the main network for it's second season; and the MuchMusic VJ Search: The Series, was a nationwide search for Canada's newest VJ at MuchMusic.

Insight is well known for their youth programming. The Truth About Alex revealed a pre-Aids look at a homosexual boy's high school experience. This groundbreaking drama for HBO won a Cable Ace Award. Ready or Not was an adolescent series seen in over 40 countries, winning several awards. Insight has also worked closely with the Walt Disney Organization and ABC, launching Disney World's theme park The Animal Kingdom hosted by Drew Carrey and Falcon Beach, an hour long drama series about the freedom of summer on ABC Family & Global. Falcon Beach has been sold by FremantleMedia International and seen in over 100 different countries worldwide.

Additionally, Insight is recognized for producing Canada's first, successful, late-night talk show, Open Mike With Mike Bullard, for six years. The award-winning series was the first to provide a nightly showcase for international talent coast to coast. In 2006, Insight launched it's first original format on the Discovery Channel with Star Racer which took the production team on the hunt for the next Paul Tracy, Jacques Villenueve or Danica Patrick, offering the chance of a lifetime to one extraordinary driver. In 2009, Insight created another original format called Battle of the Blades, which premiered on CBC to an audience of 2 million viewers and a sold out crowd at historic Maple Leaf Gardens and continues to grow as it heads into its third season. The show pairs World & Olympic figure skating champions with NHL alumni in a pairs figure skating competition for charity, like no other. It is quintessentially Canadian. Insight recently wrapped production on another original format titled Canada Sings which will hit the airwaves on Global in August 2011.

Insight's vision, passion and prescience are driven by Canada's leading executive producer, John Brunton. Now celebrating over thirty years as President and CEO, Brunton joined Insight in 1976, and bought the company in 1979. Brunton is noted for his ability to recognize current trends, source ideas and then transform them into extraordinary television by creating production teams comprised of some of the most talented people in the industry. The Globe and Mail, Canada's national newspaper, noted that "John Brunton has airwaves between his ears" and that he is "always thinking about television, moving through ideas like water."

The driving force behind Insight's business affairs is Executive Vice President, Barbara Bowlby. Bowlby joined Insight in 1984 and has been instrumental in developing innovative business strategies and managing the company's growth. Bowlby acts as Executive Producer on Insight's extensive roster of productions. Insight's Senior Management team includes Lindsay Cox, Shannon Farr, John Murray, Mark Lysakowski, Sue Brophey, Jane Rimer and Erin Brock.

Insight is presently producing and developing numerous television shows, including a Canadian adaptation of the international smash hit Got Talent in partnership with CityTV, as well as the mini-series Greenpeace: Making Waves based on the novel Greenpeace to Amchitka and To Save a Whale written by Greenpeace founder and President Robert Hunter. Insight has recently opened up a new division entitled Insight Integrations which is designed to be the middle ground between the network, the sponsor and the producer.

John Brunton is also one of the founding partners and Chairman of the board at Insight Sports Ltd. For more information please visit www.insightsports.com.

Insight has a First Look Deal with FremantleMedia, which grants FremantleMedia a first look at Insight Productions' projects; while Insight will have the first option for the Canadian market on new formats from FremantleMedia. There is also an overall development financing deal between the two companies and they will both look to develop funds and produce projects together with other Canadian production companies and broadcast partners around the world. The pooled development resources, together with a focus on seeking out co-venture opportunities, are expected to drive the creation of new scripted and non-scripted content. A number of new projects are already underway as a result of the collaboration of these two major global players.

Insight Productions has been recognized for its reputation for quality as the recipient of multiple Gemini Awards, four Emmy nominations, two Cable Ace awards, six American Film Festival ribbons, an Academy Award nomination and numerous other film and television awards.