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

Deal of the Year 2024: Lionsgate and Entertainment One

Lionsgate’s Kevin Beggs and Jocelyn Hamilton unpack how the US$375 million acquisition has been a boon for the larger studio and its newly minted Canadian division.

Bell Media, Lionsgate developing series with Point Grey Pictures

The scripted series is part of a first-look television deal between Lionsgate and Point Grey, founded by Vancouver’s Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg.

TV Directors of the Year 2024: Tanya Talaga, Courtney Montour

The duo discuss the process of bringing Talaga’s bestselling book The Knowing to the screen.

U.S. streamers can appeal base contributions decision, says court

The Federal Court of Appeal granted appeals from MPA-Canada, Apple, Amazon and Spotify.

Catherine Tait on industry ‘in crisis,’ her CBC/Radio-Canada legacy

The outgoing CBC/Radio-Canada president and CEO reflects on her time at the head of the pubcaster and the state of the screen sector.

No additional funds for screen sector in fall fiscal update

Film and TV stakeholders had urged the government to commit to permanent budget increases for Telefilm and the Canada Media Fund in the Fall Economic Statement.

BANFF adds three execs to board of directors, names new vice chair

The new additions to the board come from Fifth Season, YouTube and Banijay Rights.

Several Canadian series pick up Children’s & Family Emmy nods

Malory Towers, Hilda and Jane are among a number of titles to earn multiple nominations.

Cameron Bailey looks ahead to TIFF’s 50th anniversary

The Toronto International Film Festival CEO says the 50th edition will also be a chance to look forward to its 2026 content market launch.

CMPA, IATSE Local 411 set tentative agreement

The new agreement is subject to ratification and covers craftservice providers and honeywagon operators in Ontario.

CRTC denies AMI request for wholesale rate increases

AMI had been seeking a boost in revenues for discretionary services AMI-tv and AMI-télé.

Corus Entertainment acquires raft of titles from ITV Studios

More than 80 hours of programming has been picked up for Slice, Home Network and Flavour Network.