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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

Filmmaker Nicholas Treeshin joins Black Watch Entertainment

The Thunderbird director has joined the Winnipeg-based company as head of scripted production and development.

March 2, 2021

Schitt’s Creek wins top comedy award at Golden Globes

The CBC comedy walked away with two Golden Globe awards, including a win for star Catherine O’Hara, while co-creator Dan Levy accepted the Best Musical or Comedy Series win.

March 1, 2021

Blue Ant Media sells majority of NHNZ stake to Dame Julie Christie

The Dunedin, New Zealand-based company has been rebranded to NHNZ Worldwide, with Christie (pictured) serving as CEO; Blue Ant now holds a minority stake and a seat on the board.

February 26, 2021

Entertainment One apologizes for ‘negative portrayal’ of Hasidic Jews in Nurses

Canadian and U.S. broadcasters have pulled a season one episode of Nurses after Jewish human rights groups spoke out against depictions of false stereotypes.

February 25, 2021

Peacock Alley adds new development, production roles

The Toronto-based prodco has hired Diana Foley and Eli Campbell in newly created development roles for factual and scripted, respectively, and named a post-production director.

February 24, 2021

Gusto names Carrie Gillis as VP and general manager

Gillis will oversee operations, sales and marketing in the newly created position, based out of Gusto’s Ottawa studio.

February 23, 2021

Reel World Management to adapt Eternity Springs book series

Empire and The Cosby Show actor Phylicia Rashad is expected to star in the series, as well as executive produce.

February 23, 2021

Blue Ant Media teams with Bristow’s CCF for unscripted IP

The Toronto-based broadcaster, producer and distributor will work with the Content Catalyst Fund to bring women-created IP to the global market.

February 22, 2021

Hot Docs executive director Brett Hendrie to depart in March

Hot Docs president Chris McDonald will temporarily take over Hendrie’s responsibilities while the board of directors searches for a new executive director.

February 22, 2021

Quebecor Content brings The Masked Singer format to Canada

Productions Déferlantes will adapt the popular singing competition format for the Quebec market, set to premiere on TVA in the fall.

February 19, 2021

How REALLIFE Pictures brings diverse Canadian voices to the global market

The boutique literary agency and prodco has leveraged its industry experience to maximize opportunities for marginalized voices to sell their work.

February 18, 2021

Peacock Alley names Mary Anne Waterhouse as EVP of content production

The prolific producer will lead Peacock Alley Entertainment’s content production team as it expands its development slate for coproductions and features.

February 17, 2021