Two years ago, ComediHa! Distribution rebranded to Amuz Distribution, and now, the company has undergone another transformation as Just For Entertainment (JFE) Distribution.
“The rebranding of our parent company, ComediHa!, follows the acquisition of Just For Laughs (Juste Pour Rire) back in June,” says Alex Avon, chief revenue and strategy officer. “We have now mostly completed the integration of the Just For Laughs assets and operations. Our new name reflects this expanded scope and unified group. With Just For Entertainment Distribution, we aim to ensure that strong brands like Just For Laughs Gags continue to resonate internationally.”
Avon adds that JFE Distribution is positioned to become “a preeminent entertainment company within multiple sectors, continuing our program evolution from Amuz to include even more than comedy, dramedy and documentary programs. We will also distribute the company’s music and stand-up festival programming.”
The evolution to Amuz Distribution from ComediHa! Distribution encompassed a broader range of content beyond comedy—and this expansion continues following the recent merger. JFE Distribution’s primary focus remains on comedy and feel-good content but also now includes a wider variety of content, such as live performances and stand-up shows from Just For Laughs, primarily produced by its parent company. Additionally, the catalog now features both English and French content, “allowing us to cater to a more diverse audience,” Avon says.
“‘Entertainment’ in many forms is the core connection between the content,” he adds. “And an emphasis on our motto, ‘Keeping the world feeling good,’ which we have maintained in the transition of names. Just For Entertainment produces live comedy and music events in several countries; produces television programming across scripted, music and comedy specials; and JFE Distribution distributes feel-good television programs both produced in-house and from third-party producers.”
The company attended the inaugural MIP London and is heading to Series Mania with an ever-growing program slate. The hidden-camera series Just For Laughs Gags, for example, has been in high demand from buyers and commissioners around the globe, with a footprint in over 100 territories already. There are 25 completed seasons and a 26th in preproduction. The popular scripted non-verbal sketch series LOL—ComediHa! is also getting a new season, marking its 12th, in production this spring.
“Buyers have been quite receptive to our feel-good programming overall,” says Avon, “especially in these unsettling times. And we have plenty of great, award-winning shows to offer, many with universal themes that fit into all corners of the world, such as About Antoine; Like Father, Like Daughter; LOL—ComediHa! and many more.”
Avon has seen shifts in the market in both platforms and programming desires. On the platform side, he notes, JFE Distribution launched, and absorbed, over 30 FAST channels since the Just For Laughs acquisition. “JFE Distribution takes a 360-degree approach to monetizing its assets. Along with global programming distribution, the company will continue to be present on FAST channels and is now syndicated across 30-plus different platforms and markets, including Amazon Fire TV, Anoki and Local Now, Samsung TV Plus, Roku, Xumo Play, Google TV, Rakuten TV, Sling TV and others. These FAST channels make Just For Entertainment Distribution one of the largest independent Canadian media companies with this high of a reach with FAST channels.”
As for programming, he says, “We have over 2,500 hours of fantastic, feel-good scripted and unscripted programs ranging from hidden-camera, documentaries and sketch shows to dramedy series, musical specials, stand-up comedy specials and much more.”
Company Info & Contacts
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Alex Avon
Chief Revenue & Strategy Officer, Just For Entertainment
Zoé Crabtree
Director, Sales & Acquisitions
Carlos Pacheco
Director, Monetization & OTT
MJ Sorenson
International Communications Rep.
