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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

Indie List 2024: Financing challenges abound in Canada

Producers sound off on their biggest obstacles and opportunities in the Indie List 2024 survey results.

June 3, 2024

AIFF to host CMPA’s 2024 Indiescreen Awards

EXCLUSIVE: The annual producing awards will be held at the 44th Atlantic International Film Festival’s copro and co-financing market.

June 3, 2024

Reelworld’s Tonya Williams on affecting change, staying hopeful

The Reelworld Screen Institute founder is being honoured with the Canadian Academy’s Changemaker Award this year.

May 31, 2024

CSAs ’24: Canada’s Drag Race, Mr. Dressup doc lead unscripted wins

Additional winners at the Documentary, Factual, Lifestyle, and Reality Awards include Thunder Bay and Black Community Mixtapes.

May 30, 2024

CSA roundtable ’24: What is the secret to success in TV?

Part two of Playback‘s Canadian Screen Awards roundtable looks at shifts in the current TV landscape for creatives.

May 29, 2024

CSAs ’24: CBC leads winners for news, entertainment, sports

The first Canadian Screen Awards ceremony also saw wins for County Blooms, The Legacy Awards and Entertainment Tonight Canada.

May 29, 2024

The Black Academy names Gail Case as executive director

Case will oversee the fundraising and programming of Shamier Anderson and Stephan James’ not-for-profit organization.

May 28, 2024

CSA roundtable ’24: Creators discuss legacy, getting personal

Part one of the discussion with some of the top Canadian Screen Awards nominees examines authenticity in storytelling.

May 28, 2024

Deals: Filmoption, Blue Fox, 9 Story Distribution

Filmoption International picks up the sales rights to We Forgot to Break Up, The QB Bad Boy and Me goes wide, and more.

May 27, 2024

CBC ups cross-Canada content strategy with programming slate

CBC’s Sally Catto and Barbara Williams discuss the pubcaster’s content strategy, budget turbulence and which series won’t be moving forward.

May 24, 2024

CBC reveals new, returning series for 2024-25

Upfronts ’24: The lineup includes new series from Allan Hawco and CBC sketch comedy alums, as well as an expansion of CBC News FAST channels.

May 23, 2024

Writers Guild of Canada members ratify new IPA with CMPA

The IPA goes into effect on May 22 and includes script fee increases and AI protections.

May 22, 2024