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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

EyeSteelFilm’s Bob Moore wins Hot Docs’ Don Haig Award

The Montreal-based producer is the 15th recipient of the award and has four films set for Hot Docs, including the festival’s opening film Softie.

May 4, 2020

WGC re-elects Dennis Heaton for second term

The 2020-22 term sees a long-standing member step down and a new addition to council, with Heaton leading the WGC through “a period of unprecedented change.”

May 4, 2020

How producer Loretta Todd kept cameras rolling during COVID-19

The producer behind APTN children’s series Coyote’s Crazy Smart Science Show leaned on the Indigenous community to keep season three in production.

May 1, 2020

Telefilm selects 15 films for $2.1-million theatrical doc program

Among the chosen are Suzanne Crocker’s Hot Docs selection First We Eat and projects from Jennifer Baichwal and Jennifer Holness.

April 29, 2020

‘Stronger Together’ breaks Canadian ratings record

Roughly one-third of Canadians watched some part of the 90-minute COVID-19 charity special produced by Insight Productions, Bell Media and CBC.

April 28, 2020

WGC virtually honours Dennis Heaton with showrunner award

The winners of the 24th annual WGC Awards were announced via YouTube by comedian Gavin Crawford, with Jann and Coroner earning the top prizes.

April 28, 2020

How a momentous TV event united Canadian networks

The story behind Stronger Together, Tous Ensemble, a 90-minute special that will span 120 platforms when it airs on April 26, from producer Insight Productions, Bell Media and CBC.

April 24, 2020

U.S. streamer BET+ picks up Diggstown from eOne

The first season of the Floyd Kane-created legal drama lands on BET+ as an original series, making it the first time Diggstown will be available in the U.S. market.

April 23, 2020

Martin Carrier to succeed Michel Trudel as MELS president

The video game developer exec will serve as SVP, business development and transition to the role of president when Trudel’s contract expires. (Carrier pictured)

April 22, 2020

CBC leads Canadian nods for virtual Rockie Awards

37 Canadian titles picked up nominations in the Banff World Media Festival’s annual awards show, which will be livestreamed on June 15 in place of a physical ceremony.

April 21, 2020

Nation’s broadcasters assemble for all-Canadian COVID-19 special

Stronger Together, Tous Ensemble is produced by Insight Productions, Bell Media Studios and CBC to show support for frontline workers and raise funds for Food Banks Canada.

April 20, 2020

Schitt’s Creek ends on a high note on CBC

The series finale pulled in an average audience of more than 1.2 million viewers and was the most-watched program on CBC Gem for the week of April 5 to 11.

April 17, 2020