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

Amaze expands senior team, names Alex Lalonde COO

The prodco behind Prime Video Canadian original The Lake is boosting its leadership to scale-up efforts on the international market.

Wattpad Webtoon Studios adds animation division

The studio has tapped three executives to lead animation, television and film divisions, working under head of global entertainment David Madden.

3 Arts Entertainment boards Citytv’s Wong & Winchester

The partnership with Pixcom and distributor Lionsgate Television is the talent firm’s first collaboration since opening its Canadian office.

Darren Throop to exit Entertainment One

Throop will step down as president and CEO after his contract expires at the end of the year, according to Hasbro.

Cineplex Q2 revenue boosted by summer blockbusters

The Canadian theatre chain reported its highest revenue increase since the pandemic, thanks to box office successes such as Top Gun: Maverick and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

Confessions passes $1 million box office milestone

Directed by and starring Luc Picard, the drama crossed the hurdle following its third weekend in Quebec theatres.

Boat Rocker sets course to increase share value

The Toronto media company reported $65.4 million in revenue in Q2, with a loss in TV revenue offset by an increase for its kids and family division.

CMF allocates $10.7M via Pilot Program for Racialized Communities

Hungry Eyes Media’s feature 40 Acres and season four of Diggstown are among the 19 projects to receive production support.

Lantos epic Rise of the Raven underway in Hungary

Serendipity Point Films has secured an additional coproducer as production begins for the 10-episode historical series, expected to be one of Central Europe’s largest TV projects.

Telefilm supports 64 small fests via COVID recovery fund

The festivals will receive a total of $725,000 through the Promotion Program, with support for larger film festivals to be announced in early 2023.

TIFF Tribute Awards to return as gala fundraiser

The annual awards ceremony was retooled for broadcast on CTV in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

CMPA petitions Heritage Minister to send back CBC/Radio-Canada licence renewal

The petition has been supported by a number of industry orgs, including the Indigenous Screen Office, the Black Screen Office and the Documentary Organization of Canada.