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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

Negotiations resume in DGC BC dispute

Both the CMPA and AMPTP have returned to the bargaining table more than one month following a strike notice from the directors guild, Playback has learned.

May 30, 2022

CMPA promotes lead negotiator Sean Porter

As VP, national industrial relations and counsel, Porter will now be part of the CMPA’s senior leadership team in addition to his current remit.

May 27, 2022

Deals: CBC, marblemedia, Mezo Entertainment, Wattpad, Netflix Canada

CBC has acquired the rights to Australian romantic drama Love Me, marblemedia and Mezo Entertainment are developing a Generation Mars series, plus more.

May 27, 2022

Tech horror Romi brings smart-home chills to Calgary

Production has begun for Robert Cuffley’s latest horror feature, produced by Colin Sheldon’s Nevermine Films.

May 27, 2022

Jean-Marc Vallée to receive posthumous honour at BANFF’s Rockie Awards Gala

Additional recipients for the in-person ceremony at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel on June 14 include Eagle Vision, Ana Gasteyer, Vivica A. Fox, Starstruck‘s Rose Matafeo and the showrunners of Yellowjackets.

May 26, 2022

Sphere Films sets Ethel, Out Standing for production slate

New features from directors Aisling Walsh and Mélanie Charbonneau are on the distributor’s 2022 slate following its recent acquisition and rebrand to Sphere Films.

May 25, 2022

Donkeyhead leads Leo Awards with 11 nominations

Winners of the 2022 Leo Awards will be announced across three nights, culminating in an in-person gala on July 9.

May 25, 2022

Allan Ungar’s Bandit goes on the run overseas

Highland Film Group has secured distribution deals in multiple territories for the heist thriller starring Josh Duhamel, produced by Montreal’s Goldrush Entertainment and U.S. prodco Yale Entertainment.

May 24, 2022

Short doc A Hundred Joys wins WIFT Toronto Best in Showcase

The film from Amanda Ann-Min Wong was among four media projects that took a prize at the annual Showcase awards.

May 24, 2022

Crimes of the Future buzz builds ahead of Cannes bow

Director David Cronenberg and producer Robert Lantos discuss the internet fervour surrounding the world premiere and the marketing strategy for its theatrical release.

May 20, 2022

Whistler Film Festival unveils 2022 Producers Lab cohort

The seven chosen producers are the first to receive $500 in financial support through the newly-established David Miller Legacy Award.

May 19, 2022

Night Blooms leads nominations for Screen Nova Scotia Awards

The 2022 awards include eliminated categories for the ACTRA Maritimes Award for Outstanding Performance and two new awards, with the winners to be announced at an in-person gala event on June 18 in Halifax.

May 19, 2022