Morrell’s title grows

The CTV Television Network has added to Gail Morrell’s job description. In addition to her role as vice-president, corporate communications with responsibility for on-air presentation and graphics, Morrell assumes the tasks of program director. The new assignment will require her to look after ‘some of the programming responsibilities’ – such as affiliate relations and scheduling – formerly handled by Pip Wedge, who has retired from ctv. As far as her programming responsibilities are concerned, Morrell will report to Paul Robertson, ctv’s senior vice-president programming and marketing.

Couture leaves v-p post

Pauline Couture has left her post as vice-president of communications at Alliance Communications and is once again working as a communications consultant for the company. Alliance will be looking for a communications v-p to replace Couture, but since ceo Robert Lantos is on holidays, chances are the search is not yet on.

Harel’s back at Astral

Hubert Harel is rejoining Astral Communications as president of AstralTech, the company’s fast-growing technical services arm.

Harel’s responsibilities include the new $9.5 million dubbing studio and motion picture laboratory complex, slated to open in September, and the AstralTech Video Postproduction Centre.

In 1991/92, Harel served as executive vice-president of Groupe juste pour rire following seven years with Astral as president and ceo of French-track specialty and pay-tv operator Premier Choix:tvec.

Storm clouds in B.C.

actra British Columbia is predicting a stormy summer for b.c.’s film and television industry.

Reacting to the June 24 incident in which the Union of BC Performers filed for certification on the set of Disney’s Man 2 Man, actra bc has asked that the government call a commission of inquiry to review the situation.

actra bc says the possibility of certification disputes on film and television sets is making l.a. producers uneasy and could threaten the jobs of working performers in the province.

Sold!

Israeli Educational TV and the Arab Orbit Satellite Network have purchased CanWest Global’s popular children’s series Kids Can Rock and Roll. The program, which features pop group kideo, will be seen in 23 Middle East and North African Territories.

Kids is produced by Children’s Hour Productions in association with Global and is distributed by Catalyst Distribution.

Montreal fest expanded

The Montreal International Film, TV and Video Market expands to a 12-day run this year, parallel to the Montreal World Film Festival. The market will be located at the Meridien Hotel and will be on from Aug. 25 to Sept. 5.