EXCLUSIVE: Quebec noir is coming to London. Northern Traces is one of the most-watched shows of the last five years on French-language streamer illico+ in Canada, and Beta Film has swooped for international rights. The six-parter will be part of Beta Film’s slate for the London TV Screenings next week.
Northern Traces hails from Quebec-based Pixcom, the producer behind comedy drama series Audrey’s Back starring Florence Longpré and crime drama The Wall, both of which were also sold internationally by Beta.
Set in a snowbound rural town, Northern Traces centers on seasoned Montreal investigator Sergeant Guillaume Pelletier, played by Danny Gilmore. His quiet getaway ends when a friend’s ex-wife is found murdered. Guillaume partners with meticulous local officer Évelyne as they investigate and uncover shocking secrets, they face a race against time.
The Northern Traces cast also includes Robert Naylor, Catherine Bérubé and Léa Roy. Anne De Léan directed the series from Julie Hivon’s script. Pixcom produced the drama in collaboration with Quebecor Content / Club Illico. The show’s original Quebecois title was Alertes: Pelletier.
“Northern Traces is another great example of engaging Canadian storytelling, paving the way for a new type of noir: Quebec Noir,” said Nicola Merola, President Pixcom. With Beta as the international partner, we are confident that the series is in the rights hands to travel internationally and build on the immense success it has achieved in Canada.”
Oliver Bachert, Chief Distribution Officer Beta Film, added: “Northern Traces is exactly the kind of crime series you’d want to binge – gripping, addictive, and set against the breathtaking backdrop of Canada’s snowy winter. We’re confident that the series will be just as successful internationally as it has been on its home turf.”
Beta Film will have a screening event for buyers in London next week as distributors and acquisitions execs descend on the English capital. Over forty sales houses are part of the London TV Screenings, which has become an established fixture in the international TV calendar.