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

Knowledge Network adds Gordon Loverin to its programming team

Loverin, who comes from the Tlingit and Tahltan Nations, will take on the role of producer, originals documentaries starting April 1.

Alberta to invest $225M in film, TV tax credit over next three years

The annual budget will increase to $80 million by 2024/25, revealed as part of the province’s recent budget update.

Canadian Film Fest to open with world premiere of Tehranto

Super Channel has partnered with the Canadian Film Fest for the third year to present its 10-feature lineup as part of its linear broadcast schedule, along with other virtual offerings.

Canadian distributors suspend business with Russia

Companies such as Blue Ant Media and Gusto Worldwide Media are cutting business ties due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Corus to launch Magnolia Network Canada

First launched in the U.S. as a joint venture between Chip and Joanna Gaines and Discovery, Magnolia will serve as a rebrand for Corus’ existing lifestyle channel DIY Network Canada.

CineFAM opens networking database for women of colour creators

The Women of Colour Content Creator Database was launched by CaribbeanTales Media Group’s Frances-Anne Solomon to offer more visibility and resources for women of colour in the screen industry.

CBC renews its freshman comedy slate

Run the Burbs, Son of a Critch and Strays have all been renewed for sophomore seasons.

Telefilm, Rolling Green partner on film carbon footprint study

The case study will track a major Quebec feature film through its production process to collect data on priorities for sustainable practices in the audiovisual industry.

Aircraft, WexWorks prep the Popularity Papers for YTV

The adaptation of the popular book series by American author Amy Ignatow is co-created by Vivian Lin and Amanda Brooke Perrin.

Report outlines best practices for funders to identify false claims of Indigeneity

The report, created in collaboration with the Indigenous Screen Office and APTN, shares recommendations for eligibility requirements, review and remedy practices.

Michelle Séguin named president and CEO of TFO

The appointment comes more than two years after long-standing president and CEO Glenn O’Farrell resigned to take another position outside of the sector.

In brief: Sturla Gunnarsson joins NSI’s New Northern Voices program

Plus: Ontario invests in film and TV projects in the north, Fremantle hires global drama exec to oversee international co-productions and Brain Power launches romance-focused app.