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

Deals: Urban Sales, Farpoint Distribution, Gusto TV

Berlin-bound animated film Space Cadet lands a worldwide sales agent, Farpoint Distribution sells several titles, and more.

Bell Media bundles sports services TSN, RDS with Crave

The bundle includes options for either the basic ad-supported or premium ad-free versions of Crave.

Mellany Welsh to depart as head of Nelvana

Corus Studios head Rachel Nelson will oversee Nelvana and Kids Can Press following Welsh’s departure.

Banff World Media Festival to host Hot Pilot Party in June

BANFF has launched a cross-country search to spotlight five comedy pilots, culminating in the live table read event.

New Brunswick’s local industry finds new life with Revival

The Blue Ice Pictures series stars Melanie Scrofano as a detective in a town where the dead mysteriously return.

CRTC launches consultations on market dynamics in broadcasting

The Commission also addressed what a potential spring election would mean for the overall consultation process.

Weighing the implications of prorogued Parliament for Canada’s screen sector

The Prime Minister’s resignation announcement and a possible spring election already have direct implications for CBC/Radio-Canada and AI regulation.

Screen sector waits for funds to flow under Bill C-11

Year in review: Legal action and allocation concerns around the CRTC’s base contributions decision leave questions around how the funds will support the system.

WGC, CMPA talk sector stability after historic strike vote in 2024

Year in review: Negotiations between Canadian producers and writers reached a tipping point last year, but the standoff laid the foundation for an AI roadmap.

North of North scales up Nunavut’s local screen industry

The creators behind the CBC, Netflix and APTN comedy discuss how the series became a catalyst for building the territory’s first production studio.

Corus, Bell Media execs reflect on fallout from specialty shakeup

Year in review: Playback examines some of the most significant moments of 2024, starting with the content and licensing disruptions at the broadcasters.

ACTRA sets tentative deal with Canadian producers for IPA

A member ratification vote for the renewed agreement will take place from Jan. 15 to 21, according to ACTRA National.