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

WBD Access Canada sponsors showrunners bootcamp

The Diversity Showrunner Bootcamp is led by Anthony Q. Farrell and his company Canfro Productions.

DGC’s National Directors Division launches mentorship initiative

The National Director Mentor Program will provide up to 10 DGC members with a nine-month mentorship.

APTN pacts with CBC, NCTR for Remembering the Children

The broadcasters have partnered with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation to collaborate on the annual 90-minute special.

Anthem Sports & Entertainment to acquire Hollywood Suite

The deal is still subject to regulatory approval and will see president David Kines continue to manage the business.

Netflix pulls back on training, development support in Canada

The streamer said it has not renewed financial support for certain programs due to the CRTC base contributions requirements.

Happy Accidents CFO Courtney Colman dies at 58

The Toronto-based exec died unexpectedly in August, according to her obituary.

Studio BRB, 1111 Film Group option rom-com with 32 Flavors

The script is written by The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Sutton Stracke and Jeff Festa.

Deals: Go Button, Blue Ant Studios, Cineflix Rights, CBC

Toronto’s Go Button Media inks a new content deal with Super Channel and Autentic, Blue Ant and Cineflix add to their MIPCOM slates, and more.

Swissair 111 tragedy feature gets underway in Halifax

Swiss-Mexican director Mauro Mueller is at the helm of 111, a copro between Canada and Switzerland.

Tyson Media hires Ed de Rivaz as factual SVP

Rivaz has more than a decade of experience in factual, including roles at Great Pacific Media and A+E.

We Forgot to Break Up, Sweet Angel Baby lead DGC film noms

The film and TV winners for the 2024 Directors Guild of Canada Awards will be announced on Oct. 28.

Bell Fibe TV1 renews Everybody’s Meg for season two

Season one of the Nova Scotia-based comedy series premiered in June.