L.A. bound

Toronto-based Catalyst Entertainment is in the process of opening an l.a. office and has named Debbie Strichartz as vice-president, u.s. operations. The new office comes on the heels of Catalyst’s partnerships on The Martin Short Show with nbc and Dolshor Productions and Shining Time Station with Quality Family Entertainment.

CBC, PBI launch U.S. channels

On Sept. 19, the cbc and Power Broadcasting launched two new channels in the u.s.

Newsworld International and trio, both jointly owned and operated by the cbc and pbi, are being distributed through cable and on DirecTv.

Newsworld International, a 24-hour news and information channel, brings Canadian current affairs shows like Man Alive, The Editors and the 5th estate south of the border, while trio is a family entertainment channel with programming acquired from Alliance Communications, Baton Broadcasting, the CTV Television Network, CHUM/City and others.

The launch comes one year after cbc and pbi signed a joint-venture agreement to market Canadian television services abroad.

Mo money

The cbc, CanWest Global, Rogers Telefund, Telefilm Canada and WIC Western International Communications have increased their cash sponsorship to the National Screen Institute’s Drama Prize program 65%. The award, now in its fifth year, gives five production teams an opportunity to complete a short dramatic film and develop production skills over the course of a year. Five winning teams, chosen from across Canada, will be announced at the Local Heroes International Screen Festival, being held in Edmonton May 12-18, 1995.

Funding news

Montreal-based Cogeco Cable has contributed an additional $1 million to the Cogeco Program Development Fund, increasing its capital to $4 million. The fund’s annual proceeds are used for interest-free advances to Canadian independent producers for the development of English- and French-language bibles and scripts for new dramatic series for Canadian television. The fund is managed by the Maclean Hunter Television Fund and projects are selected by an independent jury every six months.

Novek to set up shop

On Nov. 4, after five years with Astral Communications, vice-president of corporate communications David Novek will be leaving the company to establish his own entertainment/public relations firm. Novek says he will continue to work with his former employers as he seeks new challenges. The new company will be based in Montreal but will operate nationally and emphasize film and television pr as well as the growing area of investor and government relations.

Novek is also rumored to be part of a new promotional effort on behalf of the Montreal World Film Festival and Market.

Astral gets rights

Astral Distribution has acquired the Canadian home video rights to Turner Home Entertainment’s RKO Pictures, pbs, cnn and World Championship Wrestling libraries. Most titles should be available before Christmas.