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

Megan Colligan to depart Imax Entertainment

The Imax Entertainment president has resigned after four years in the role, and will leave Imax at the end of April.

Creative BC launches Pilot Podcast Program

The program will support the development, production, and promotion of podcasts from B.C. producers.

Canadian producers partner with Slash on horror-focused outfit

BerserkerGang builds on an existing collaboration between Raven Banner, Hangar 18 Media, director Rodrigo Gudiño and the Guns N’ Roses guitarist.

In Brief: Asia Youngman, Gail Maurice among VIWFF winners

Plus, Canadian lifestyle series earn honours at the Taste Awards, and the Quebec Academy names screenwriters pitch cohort.

Summer With Hope among TIFF’s Next Wave lineup

Sadaf Foroughi’s sophomore feature is among nine selections for the annual Next Wave Film Festival this April.

Creative Saskatchewan, WFF launch market accelerator

The eight-month intensive program gives Saskatchewan-based producers market training in the lead-up to the Whistler Film Festival.

SODEC supports minority copro, post-production features

A total of eight minority coproductions were selected, with partners from France, Poland, Belgium, and Germany.

KO Distribution sets sales slate for Series Mania

The KOTV distribution arm will present new dramas Double Fault and Fragments, among others.

Wattpad Webtoon Studios not impacted in Wattpad layoffs

The Toronto-based digital publisher laid off approximately 15% of its workforce this month.

Future of Film Showcase appoints new COO ahead of 10th edition

The festival has also added TIFF’s Samantha Summers to its advisory board.

CBC renews Juno Awards broadcast deal for five years

The extended deal with CARAS will see CBC broadcast the annual Canadian music awards into 2028.

TIFF taps Norm Wilner as acting lead programmer for Canada

Wilner first joined the Toronto International Film Festival’s programming team in 2022.