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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

Jane Tattersall leads Toronto teams at Picture Shop, Formosa

The award-winning sound editor has been named managing director, Picture Shop and SVP, Formosa Group, Toronto.

January 27, 2023

Playback’s Unscripted Series of the Year 2022: Blown Away

How marblemedia’s hit glass-blowing competition series ignited the prodco’s unscripted strategy.

January 27, 2023

In Brief: Jennica Harper named PSP showrunner in residence

Plus: Crazy8s gets underway, NSI names a new chair, Sundance selects a Montreal filmmaker for the Merata Mita Fellowship, and more.

January 26, 2023

Playback’s Dealmaker of the Year 2022: Blink49 Studios

The John Morayniss-led studio has attracted a range of artists and business partners in year one, solidifying its value proposition as a global content hub in Canada.

January 25, 2023

Women Talking, The Flying Sailor among 2023 Oscar nominees

Films from Sarah Polley and James Cameron are up for Best Picture, along with multiple homegrown filmmakers recognized in documentary and animation.

January 24, 2023

How Hallmark Channel aims to ‘elevate’ its original series

Laurie Ferneau, SVP, original programming, discusses working with Canadian producers and creators on latest originals Ride and The Way Home.

January 23, 2023

Canadian film, TV stands out in GLAAD Media Awards noms

Over half a dozen Canadian titles earned recognition in 2023, including the film Wildhood, scripted series Sort Of, and multiple children’s programs.

January 20, 2023

Playback’s Executive of the Year 2022: Monika Ille

The APTN CEO wants to keep the network flexible as opportunities emerge for Indigenous-led storytelling.

January 19, 2023

Sphere hires Sébastien Pigeon for legal affairs, distribution role

As EVP and chief legal and television distribution officer, Pigeon will develop Sphere’s TV distribution strategy and provide expertise on further acquisitions.

January 19, 2023

Playback’s Production Company of the Year 2022: New Metric Media

The powerhouse producers behind Letterkenny have their sights set on a comedy brand empire, fuelled by quality content and market savvy.

January 18, 2023

Crave greenlights Shoresy for second season

The Letterkenny spinoff will get back on the ice in Sudbury, Ont., in the spring.

January 17, 2023

Nelvana to produce Millie Magnificent for Treehouse

Head of development Athena Georgaklis discusses how the series sprouted from the studio’s The Most Magnificent Thing short film.

January 17, 2023