CRTC responds to government’s “welcome letter” 

Following a Sept. 28 “welcome letter” signed by Minister of Canadian Heritage Melanie Joly and Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Navdeep Bains, CRTC chair Ian Scott has penned a reply to the government. The feds’ letter laid out what it sees as the CRTC’s priorities – including ensuring the broadcasting system provides trusted, accurate information and that the cultural industries are supported. In his response, Scott said he looks forward to “taking up the challenge of ensuring that all Canadians have access to a world-class communications system, which will contribute to their success in a digital economy.” Scott’s letter offered few concrete details, but stated the CRTC looks forward to contributing to the review of the Broadcasting and Telecom Acts, and the government agency has asked Canadians to contribute their views on how future distribution models will affect the Canadian market. He added that “Canadians should be provided with access to and have the ability to create high-quality and diverse content,” though he noted that “English and French broadcasters operate under different conditions.”

Five in Focus partners with WIFT-Atlantic 

Women in View has partnered with Women in Film and Television – Atlantic to put a spotlight on female directors from the east coast who are ready for hire. Launched in February, Five in Focus invites a team of producers and broadcasters to identify and raise the profile of women directors who will be announced at Prime Time in Ottawa in 2018. Each of the directors will have one-on-one meetings with producers and a Master Class with media creators at WIFT-Atlantic’s Women Making Waves Festival in Halifax in March. Next year’s winners will be selected by senior director of comedy at CBC, Michelle Daly, actor/writer/producer Allan Hawco; Bell Media production executive, drama and feature film, Gosia Kamela; Lambur Productions CEO Joan Lambur and Topsail Entertainment president Michael Volpe.

Inconceivable up for Gotham Award 

Inconceivable, a semi-autobiographical Vancouver-based web series, has been nominated for Gotham Independent Film Award in New York. Created by Joel Ashton McCarthy, Rachel Kirkpatrick and Mike Doaga, the six-part web series is up for the breakthrough short form series award. The show follows a young lesbian whose fling with a male filmmaker results in an unexpected pregnancy. Funded by Telus Storyhive, the show recently launched on YouTube.