What a nasty little piece of writing Mr. Vlessing offers up in his Big Screen column of Jan. 7 (‘Canadian cinema takes a step back in 2007’).

South-of-the-border spree sees NBC close a deal for Shaftesbury’s The Listener, ABC Family take Sophie. The Border in the running at CBS and ABC

Independent outfit to handle music rights for all film and TV titles, including The Tudors

Alliance’s new owner has named the content execs for its networks and channels, including Showcase. But questions remain over who, exactly, is in charge of what

Blood Ties producer to write and exec produce new series, Bodies and Soul, with company chief Debbie Nightingale

History Television exec jumps ship to head the board’s English Program, edging out candidates said to include insiders Silva Basmajian and Gerry Flahive

Controversial handover of international distribution rights is a ‘significant win’ for Ceeb, taxpayers and creators, says new president and CEO

Nine-member team put in place under Kathy Dore, including former Alliance Atlantis VP of sales Errol Da-Ré, while Canwest execs get new roles

The Academy Award nominations give the nod to the stars of Away from Her, Eastern Promises and Juno. Polley ‘over the moon’ following nod for her script, says producer

Despite complaints from Quebecor and a ‘think again’ order from cabinet, the Commission has again ruled that Avis de Recherche must be carried on digital cable — at six cents per head, please and thank you

Troubled printer Quebecor World has been asked by its parent to drop the ‘Quebecor’ name, following its move into protection from its creditors

Former TVA Films exec to handle releases in English Canada for Montreal distributor