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

Muse partners with Sydney’s Pop Fiction to develop Madison Knight adaptation

Murdoch Mysteries‘ Hélène Joy is attached to EP and star in the adaptation of Canadian author Carolyn Arnold’s detective novels.

Award-winning script With Love and a Major Organ rolls in Vancouver

The feature debut from Canadian/British/Filipina director Kim Albright is in production until the end of the month.

Canadian factual series among raft of Beyond Rights sales

Blue Ant Media has acquired hundreds of hours for FAST and linear channels as part of the deals, which saw 650 hours of content sold by the U.K. distributor.

CSAs ’22: Sort Of, Wynonna Earp, Pretty Hard Cases lead TV nominations

Sienna Films’ Sort Of earned the most nominations with 13, followed by Wynonna Earp and Pretty Hard Cases with 11.

Further screen sector consultations ahead, says Minister Rodriguez

The Minister of Canadian Heritage discussed the Online Streaming Act in a keynote session on the final day of Prime Time.

Low End doc TRAMPS! to close BFI Flare

The British Film Institute’s LGBTIQA+ film festival runs from March 16 to 27.

Canadian Heritage extends production insurance relief fund

The Short-Term Compensation Fund has been extended an additional 12 months, with the government calling for a “longer-term solution” with insurers beyond 2023.

Shudder renews Slasher, Eric McCormack to star in fifth season

The Shaftesbury-produced horror anthology will go into production in Toronto in the spring.

Brightlight Pictures elevates Arielle Boisvert to partner

The former VP of production will work with president Shawn Williamson to build the company’s industry relations with studios and networks.

BGM hires Kim Bondi as SVP of development

The former EVP of production and programming at Cineflix Productions will oversee BGM’s development strategy, taking over the role from Sean Connolly.

Corus inks deal with Rogers to bring StackTV to Ignite customers

Lifetime has also been added to the roster of available channels on the Corus-owned streaming service.

Knowledge Network sets equity plan in wake of independent audit results

The B.C. public broadcaster allocated the majority of its commissioning and licensing dollars to non-diverse production companies between 2014 and 2021, according to a report from Castlemain Group.