Summary
Bulldog Productions is proud to announce its latest initiative The Bow, a brand-new ad driven streaming platform, free to all users, that will feature elevated original content created for queer people by queer people. In addition to content, The Bow will also offer a user experience unlike any you’ve seen, hosting community based social media functions and interactive resources that will revolutionize queer living and create connection on a global scale. The Bow subscribes to the notion that the only cure for homophobia is education and the platform aims to do just that: educate.
Backstory
The Bow, as in the end of the rain(bow), will be a place where allied corporate partners will have the opportunity to join forces to support true excellence in Canadian queer film and television. Canada is a leader in the fight for equal rights of 2SLGBTQI+ people, yet when it comes to queer entertainment, there is a stark void. Mainstream media still depicts queer stories as niche and by ghettoizing queer content we are perpetuating the harmful notion of shame surrounding the queer experience. The Bow saw that void as their opportunity to support this deserving audience, while providing a platform for Canadian 2SLGBTQI+ talent. Content created under The Bow umbrella will be easily accessible to everyone, creating a safe space for audiences to connect with the content while raising positive awareness for corporate partners.
Funding Needs
This cause is so vitally important but like anything in life we can't do it alone, which is why we are calling on the support of our community to help us realize our vision. Moving forward we are shifting our focus towards setting up the corporate structure, pitching our content, securing corporate partners, incorporating the business, applying for a broadcasting licences, developing the application and creating marketing materials. Your contribution will directly contribute towards legal fees, compensating our team and necessary licenses, all essentials as we move forward towards creating a functioning and impactful platform.
Testimonials
“Growing up, the queer content I watched on TV validated my experiences and gave me hope to know that in time I’d be able to live the life I saw reflected in these stories.”said The Bow founder and Bulldog Productions Creative Director Matthew McLaughlin. “However, as most 2SLGBTQI+ content is hidden behind a paywall, many youths today aren’t as fortunate. Through both our original programming and interactive functions, we hope that queer youth feel seen and supported by our platform, empowering them to live their authentic life from the very beginning.”
“The Bow will tell queer stories by queer creators. We are thrilled to be the platform that allows for queer voices to have a true seat at the table.” said The Bow Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisor Billy Porter. “It’s my mission to create equity within mainstream media and The Bow is making that happen.”
Impact
The 2SLGBTQI+ community has always been an integral part of the arts. However, fuelled by social media, the current upward trend of queer acceptance has enabled this market to grow exponentially and there is no sign of it slowing down. According to Stats Canada, only 5% of Canadians above the age of 40 self-identify as queer, compared to 11.1% of Canadians aged 18-39. We see this increased self-accepting segment of the population, along with the ever-growing allyship and community support, as an audience deserving of great Canadian queer content. No matter your orientation, The Bow aims to establish a common ground in today’s divided social climate.
The current content available for 2SLGBTQI+ audiences is limited, not Canadian and not inclusive. The current model for distribution of that content is either paid cable TV or an online paid subscription, both requiring a credit card. This model of distribution doesn’t allow those who are most vulnerable to access it. Youth have abandoned broadcast television and The Bow is here to provide them with the elevated content they seek. The Bow meets the needs of queer youth head-on by being 100% free and 100% accessible, so that no matter how you identify, you grow up feeling that there is a community here for you, to support you whenever you need it.