Canadian broadcaster CTV has unveiled the new music competition reality series The Launch.

The international format is the first TV project resulting from the previously announced partnership between Bell Media and record executive Scott Borchetta, founder and president of Big Machine Label Group. The series went into development in January 2016.

The Launch is a six-part series that provides a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of hit songs. The new format features a group of unsigned musicians who are mentored in the creation of a new original song by a panel of internationally renowned hit-makers — including Borchetta.

The series was co-developed by and is produced in association with Borchetta; Franklin of Eureka Productions; Bell Media, in partnership with Insight Productions in Canada.

“The Launch is the centerpiece in our multifaceted partnership with Scott Borchetta and Big Machine,” said Randy Lennox, president, Bell Media, in a statement. “Together with Eureka Productions’ extraordinarily talented Paul Franklin and the amazing Insight Productions, we have assembled an A-list group of collaborators to deliver an incredibly captivating and entertaining series.”

The Launch is executive produced by Borchetta; Franklin; John Brunton and Lindsay Cox, in partnership with Bell Media. EPs for Bell Media are Robin Johnston and Corrie Coe who is also SVP, original programming, Bell Media. Mike Cosentino is SVP, content and programming, Bell Media.

The format will be available for global distribution by Bell Media Original Programming and Big Machine Label Group.

Story by Selina Chignall, Realscreen