Corus loses $51.2M in Q3

Corus Entertainment is reporting a net loss of $51.2 million for its third quarter ending May 31, down from earnings of $12.3 million for Q3 2003. The Toronto-based caster and producer took an $85-million writedown on its film assets, including the underperforming animation house Nelvana.

Its television operations grew in the quarter, however, up 13% to $84.7 million from $75 million for the same period last year. Subscriber and advertiser revenue gained 22% and 4% respectively.

CWG climbs 300% in Q3

Buoyed by its holdings in Australia, CanWest Global Communications has reported profits of $54.3 million for the third quarter ending May 31, a move of more than 300% over the same period last year. Revenue for the quarter was $430.7 million, up 1%. The company’s Canadian TV operations held steady, with earnings of $158.3 million.

AAC looking Fine

Alliance Atlantis Communications and U.S.-based Scripps Networks will launch Fine Living Canada, a lifestyle television specialty, on Sept. 3. The channel will offer original programming covering topics such as transport, adventure and personal space, aimed at people looking to maximize their free time. AAC and Scripps also co-run Home & Garden Television and Food Network.

It’s a Wonderful Wilby

Daniel MacIvor’s Wilby Wonderful has been selected as the opening-night gala film for the 24th Atlantic Film Festival. This year’s festival runs Sept. 17-25, and the writer/director will be on hand for the screening of his comedy about a day in the life of the small town of Wilby.

Wilby is the second feature MacIvor has collaborated on with producer Camelia Frieberg and coproducer Sherrie Johnson. As in his previous film Past Perfect, MacIvor stars, this time alongside Callum Keith Rennie, James Allodi, Sandra Oh, Maury Chaykin and Paul Gross.