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: WFW, Bell Media, Super Channel, Nelvana

William F. White International sets an exclusive partnership with Winnipeg’s Big Sky Studios, Bell Media and Super Channel announce content acquisitions and sales, plus more.

Telefilm unveils 2022/23 cohort for relaunched Talent to Watch

The funder has selected 16 films to share a total funding of $3.5 million from the Talent Fund.

CMPA, DGC reach terms for three-year agreement

The terms of new Standard Agreement must still be ratified by CMPA and DGC members.

Thunderbird talent investment offsets revenue increase in 2022

The Vancouver company reported $149 million in revenue for the fiscal year as it looks to properties such as Princess Power and Reginald the Vampire to propel profits in the next two years.

Telefilm support comes to $136.8M for fiscal 2021/22

The funder’s annual report shows the impact of increased federal support on its Production Program, as well as new statistics from its equity and inclusion initiatives.

Saskatchewan government tops up production grant investment

The additional $7.5 million brings the grant’s total budget to $17.5 million for the fiscal year.

Canadian AVOD, FAST network JOIN TV to launch in 2023

Co-founder Gordon Weiske discusses the network’s acquisition and ad revenue strategies, as well as their post-launch original programming ambitions.

Blue Ant sets first original for FAST channel HauntTV

B.C.-based docuseries Haunted Gold Rush will be released on HauntTV in the U.S. on Oct. 27 before heading to T+E in Canada.

OUTtv commissions, renews unscripted titles

The Canadian LGBTQ+ network has ordered three reality series, in addition to renewing the docuseries Pride for a fourth season.

Omnifilm adds production, business development execs

The Vancouver-based prodco has hired industry veterans Nicole Shizuka Oguchi and Phil Klapwyk to help build its “value proposition” as a producer of “projects of any size and scope.”

Deals: Cineflix Rights, Indiecan, Pixcom, Wavelength

MIPCOM heats up as Canadian titles sell to Europe and the U.S., Indiecan Entertainment acquires two imagineNATIVE world debuts, and more.

Project 10 expands with COO hire

Long-time strategic advisor Brandon Davis will work with CEO Andrew Barnsley to support the company’s operations and growth strategy.