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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

Marie Pier Germain named Canada Council for the Arts vice-chairperson

Germain will work with chairperson Jesse Wente in a four-year term, succeeding former vice-chairperson Nathalie Bondil.

January 11, 2022

Ira Levy launches new Toronto-based production banner

The Breakthrough Entertainment co-founder and veteran producer will develop and produce both scripted and unscripted titles under Spike & Sadie Media.

January 11, 2022

TIFF top programmer Diana Sanchez departs

The long-time international programmer was named senior director, film, in 2019.

January 10, 2022

Reelworld launches training program for Black entrepreneurs

The Reelworld Screen Institute established the program to help Black producers, casting directors, agents and managers build their business.

January 10, 2022

Indie producers share what’s top of mind in 2022

TV and film producers share key questions about screen sector legislation, financing and content strategies as they head into the new year.

January 7, 2022

Wow! Unlimited shareholders approve Genius Brands acquisition

The $66-million deal, which will see Genius Brands acquire all shares of Wow! Unlimited, is expected to complete in the first half of 2022.

January 5, 2022

Playback’s most-read stories of 2021

We look back on the stories that earned the most attention from readers this year, reflecting the highs and lows of 2021.

December 22, 2021

Canadian shorts make the cut in 2022 Oscar short list

Canadian shorts represented four of the 15 projects shortlisted in the animation category, with an additional two making the live action short category.

December 22, 2021

Cineflix Productions sees evergreen possibilities with TV movie boom

Projects such as Miracle in Motor City and Believe Me: The Abduction of Lisa McVey have helped the prodco identify long-term value in the space.

December 21, 2021

Muse Entertainment in development on crime drama with CBS

FBI co-creator Craig Turk has been tapped to co-write the series and serve as executive producer, with Muse’s Irene Litinsky (pictured) as co-EP.

December 20, 2021

Cinema of Sleep wins best Canadian feature at Whistler Film Festival

The psychological thriller, written and directed by Jeffrey St. Jules, and Sarah Fortin’s Nouveau Quebec each picked up two prizes at the festival.

December 20, 2021

Canadian-made series made waves globally in 2021

Recent data from Parrot Analytics offers insight about what Canadians are watching and what homegrown content is most in demand.

December 20, 2021