Insight Productions
Insight Productions is a Canadian television production company based in Toronto, Ontario. It was established in 1970. Insight is led by CEO John Brunton.
History
Insight Productions was established in 1970 by Penray "Pen" Densham and John Kingsley Watson.In December 1978, John Brunton, assistant editor and director with Insight, bought the rights to the company from Densham and Watson, becoming president and CEO.
Insight has created programs in several genres, and has adapted to shifting tastes, technology and formats. Canadian Idol, an Insight-produced iteration of the successful international format, aired between 2004 and 2008 to record-breaking audiences.
Insight is also credited with revamping Canada's national music awards, Juno Awards. By moving the show from a theatre to an arena setting, Insight was ultimately able to take the show on the road to cities across the country.
John Brunton and Barbara Bowlby were awarded the Order of Canada in 2018.
The company released the documentary film Life Times Nine in 1973 for which it was nominated for two Academy Awards.
The company faces a class-action lawsuit over unpaid wages.
Recent productions include Big Brother Canada, The Amazing Race Canada, Canada's New Year's Eve: Countdown to 2021, Every Child Matters: Reconciliation Through Education, Juno Awards, Wall of Chefs, Battle of the Blades, Gordon Lightfoot: If You Could Read My Mind, The Launch, Canada's Walk of Fame, Top Chef Canada, I Do, Redo, The Tragically Hip: A National Celebration, and Stronger Together, Tous Ensemble. On April 13, 2021, Amazon Prime Video announced Jay Baruchel will host a Canadian version of LOL: Last One Laughing to be produced by Insight.
In May 2018, global entertainment company Boat Rocker Media which was based in Insight's founding location Toronto had acquired a 70% majority stake in Insight Productions as Boat Rocker Media expanded its unscripted portfolio whilst Insight Productions continued operating as an independent unit within Boat Rocker Media who would provide investment alongside Insight's chairman and CEO John Brunton who will continue leading the company. Boat Rocker Media would later announce a deal to acquire the remaining 30% stake of production company Insight Productions in August 2024.
On March 24, 2025, Blue Ant Media announced its intent to acquire Insight Productions from Boat Rocker Media as part of a larger reverse takeover arrangement.
Filmography
Television
A Russell Peters ChristmasA Christmas FuryThe Artistry of Torvill and DeanCanada Day 150Canada's Walk of FameCanada’s New Year’s Eve: Countdown to 2021Canada’s New Year’s Eve: Countdown to 2022Deal or No Deal CanadaEurovision CanadaEvery Child Matters: Reconciliation Through EducationHatching, Matching and DispatchingHeart of GoldThe GoodsHow to Look Good Naked CanadaIndigoIt's Only Rock & RollJamie & David: A Golden HomecomingJann Arden: Live at LastJoni Mitchell: Painting with Words and MusicThe Jon Dore Television ShowJuno AwardsKurt Browning: Ice LegendsKurt Browning: You Must Remember ThisKurt Browning: Tall in the SaddleVJ SearchMusic Without BordersOne World: The Concert for Tsunami ReliefTest PatternSaying GoodbyeScott Hamilton: Upside DownThe Seán Cullen ShowSeán Cullen Home for ChristmasSonic TempleStar RacerStolen HeartsStronger Together, Tous EnsembleThe Truth About AlexToller Cranston: A TributeWall of Chefs- ''The Wave''
Films
The Tragically Hip: A National Celebration- ''Comedy Gold: The Hilarious Story of Canadian Comedy''
Digital
Joke or ChokeBut I'm Chris Jericho!- ''Damaged''