The MOW

Milgaard is this year’s Gemini forerunner, having garnered 11 nominations, among them best tv movie, best writing and best direction in a dramatic program or miniseries. Based on the harrowing real-life story of the wrongfully convicted David Milgaard, the film was coproduced by Barna-Alper Productions, Marble Island Pictures and Bar Harbour Films.

Meanwhile, Halifax-based Salter Street Productions’ Emily of New Moon is neck-and-neck with Alliance Atlantis’ sci-fi series Total Recall 2070, both in the running for eight wins, including best direction in a dramatic series (Emily) and best visual effects (Total Recall).

The 14th annual Gemini Awards, celebrating achievement in Canadian English-language television, will be held Nov. 5, 6 and 7 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

Submissions reached a record level this year, with more than 3,200 entries vying for a total of 670 nominations. Four-hundred and fifty programs were entered for consideration, a dramatic jump from the 320 received last year. Maria Topalovich, Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television president and ceo, attributes the record numbers to a rise in the strength of private, pay and specialty broadcasters, the availability of funding dollars from private and public agencies and government support. ‘It all works together to build an industry,’ she says.

The number of entries rose significantly in several major categories, including best documentary series (up 60% compared to last year), best children’s or youth series (up 50%), best dramatic series (21%) and best tv movie and mini-series (18%).

‘The increase in the program categories relates directly to the craft categories,’ says Topalovich. ‘We have been seeing a trend in the Geminis where those entering programs are entering them right across the board in all the craft categories, which was certainly not the case in the past.’

While the third night of the Geminis has traditionally been the one evening broadcast, this year marks the live television debut of the first two nights. The opening night – covering broadcast journalism and some technical and craft awards – is hosted by newsman Peter Kent. Night two, honoring the best programs and featuring more craft and performance awards, has Steve Smith at the helm. Both will be broadcast on Rogers Cable. On night three, Rick Mercer takes the stage with the live broadcast on cbc and the awarding of top program and performance awards.

In response to industry requests for changes to the awards’ category lineup, the Academy recently conducted a three-month review of all categories, with key industry people from across the country being consulted. The purpose was to ensure that the awards best reflect television in Canada. The result: eight new categories have been added, bringing the total to 75.

‘We are very cautious about categories, which is why we had the review,’ says Topalovich. ‘As time goes on, we will continue to look at the categories. With this review we were looking further into the future and fine-tuning things. Having to add eight categories – we haven’t done that in a long time.’

Although this time around the Academy decided to forgo last year’s ad campaign to raise awareness of Canadian television, the wheels are already in motion for an elaborate campaign for the Geminis’ 15th year in 2000.

In the absence of commercials urging Canadians to tune in to Canadian tv shows, Topalovich says that the three largest broadcasters, cbc, ctv and Global, all corporate partners of the Academy, have integrated the marketing of Gemini award-winning programs at the network level.

‘They have been marketing Gemini award-winning shows throughout the year,’ says Topalovich. ‘It’s very astute marketing and I think it’s unique to Canada.’

Producing this year’s Gemini galas once again are Steve Sloan and Susan Edwards. Topalovich is executive producer.