Kelly Townsend

Kelly Townsend is the editor at Playback, with previous experience in B2B and entertainment journalism. Before joining the Playback team in 2018, she worked in the editorial, marketing and communication departments at B2B publisher Dovetail Communications. She has a bachelor's degree in English from York University and is a graduate of Humber College’s journalism program. Her byline has appeared in IndieWire and she spent several years covering Canadian TV as associate editor of The TV Junkies.

Posts by Kelly Townsend

TIFF forms advisory committee for 2026 content market launch

TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey discusses the strategy behind forming the committee as the organization announces its first seven members.

The Roku Channel picks up comedy Bria Mack Gets a Life

The comedy series about a Black woman and her invisible hype girl drops on the AVOD platform on Feb. 14 in multiple territories.

Fifth Season hires Muriel Rosilio as director of sales for Canada

EXCLUSIVE: Fifth Season announced the newly created role along with a number of sales to broadcasters and streamers in Canada.

CTV’s Children Ruin Everything to end with season four

EXCLUSIVE: Creator Kurt Smeaton and Bell Media’s Justin Stockman discuss ending the series after 50 episodes.

Spin Master Entertainment expands global distribution team

The company announced two new hires following the news of a live-action Bakugan film in development with Canadian director Brad Peyton.

CBC’s new head on pubcaster’s role amid political turbulence

CBC/Radio-Canada president and CEO Marie-Philippe Bouchard spoke with Playback about the need to transform the public broadcaster.

Vortex Media, Candour Pictures ink first-look deal

The deal builds on their collaboration on the MOW Trapped in the Spotlight.

Colette Watson addresses Rogers’ broadcast shakeup

Prime Time ’25: The Rogers Sports & Media exec discussed the pause in plans to commission new content for its lifestyle channels amid distribution challenges.

Sphere Media, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau partner on docuseries

The six-part series is based on Grégoire Trudeau’s 2024 memoir Closer Together: Knowing Ourselves, Loving Each Other.

Export Development Canada support for film, TV hits $250M

The credit agency provided $254.2 million via direct financing and loan guarantees to support international growth and M&A activity.

Melki Films developing film adaptation of novel The Gown

Jennifer Robson’s historical novel follows a woman who flees a concentration camp during the Second World War only to help embroider a royal wedding gown.

ACTRA members ratify IPA with Canadian producers

The new three-year Independent Production Agreement has also been approved by the CMPA board of directors.