Mrs. Ritchie wows Emmys

The Craig Media MOW The Incredible Mrs. Ritchie won two Daytime Emmys this month, taking best children’s special and best writing for creator Paul Johansson. It tells the story of an angry young boy’s healing friendship with an elderly woman, and stars Gena Rowlands and James Caan. The pic was coproduced with the U.K. by Calgary’s Nomadic Pictures, with help form the A-Channel Production Fund, and is set to air on Craig stations in September.

International accolades for Degrassi

Degrassi: The Next Generation was named best family TV series at the annual Young Artist Awards in L.A., besting such popular U.S. shows as The Simpsons and Two and a Half Men. The awards, in their 25th year, celebrate the work of performers under 18 as well as family films and TV.

Degrassi, which recently began shooting its fourth season in Toronto, is also a finalist for best children’s program at the 2004 Prix Jeunesse International TV Festival, to be held June 13-19 in Munich. The show’s website, www.degrassi.tv, is nominated in the online category.

Canucks shine at WSFF

The Worldwide Short Film Festival wrapped its six-day run in Toronto on May 16, handing one of its top Canadian honors and $25,000 to director Chris Landreth for his film Ryan. The fest awarded best live-action short to U.K. director Andrea Arnold for her WASP, and best animated went to Oscar winner Harvie Krumpet, by Australia’s Adam Elliot. Best experimental winner was The Paper Wall by Quebec’s Nicholas and Sheila Pye.

Levy joins Powerhouse

Casting director Brian Levy has rolled up his company and joined forces with cross-town competitor Powerhouse Casting. The new Powerhouse will target commercial shoots, plus some TV and film, with Levy as exec VP of casting and Kim Everest continuing as president. Last year, the two companies cast a combined 1,200 projects.

Specialties take lead

Specialty channels are the destination of choice for many Canadians, according to a new survey commissioned by Alliance Atlantis and conducted by The Strategic Council.

Of the 1,174 Canadians interviewed, 47% said they prefer specialty channels, while 31% prefer conventional. Among those who prefer specialty channels, 44% said the programming is of higher quality.