With several sponsored programs already under the belt of Toronto-based Generator Films, parent commercial producer Avion Films is set to jump into the category with a new lifestyle/cooking show that will be financed almost entirely through sponsorship deals. It is the first of what Avion partner Michael Schwartz hopes will be several ‘branded programming’ initiatives out of the prodco.

With the commercial production industry reeling from a thousand body blows and long-suffering Canadian directors still looking for the respect they deserve, On The Spot turned to one of the industry’s most prolific creative talents for his prescription to help alleviate what ails commercial production.
Throughout his career, Martin Shewchuk has been involved in the creation of well over 1,200 commercials, and has worked extensively as a director as well as on the agency side.

Ontario worked a lot harder for a little more money in 2002, according to data on film and TV production recently released by the Ontario Media Development Corporation. There were more projects – including features, docs, series and animation – supported by the OMDC last year, 240 in total, up 30% from 2001, but overall production dollars left in Ontario gained only 0.3%, up to $984.5 million from $981.6 million the previous year.
The OMDC figures reflect expenditures in Ontario by productions utilizing OMDC-administered programs and services in 2002.

The original creators and producers of Starhunter have severed ties with the series to start up a new prodco.

Craig Broadcasting Systems has been given 90 days to rework the broadcast schedules on MTV Canada and 30 days for MTV2 after a CRTC commission concluded the MTV-branded diginets are in breach of Craig’s broadcast licence.

Montreal: The 5th edition of the Prix Jutra film awards emerged as a major two-film sweep, with the year’s surprise hit, Ricardo Trogi’s sexy, low-budget road movie Quebec-Montreal, edging out three other finalists in the best picture category, including the blockbuster hit Seraphin: Un Homme et son peche.

Award-winning director Pete Henderson has left Toronto-based Spy Films after more than eight years to start his own production house financially backed by Toronto prodco Radke Films.
Henderson and executive producer David Cranor, who comes from a line producing background, are busy at work on new prodco Brown Entertainment’s first project, but of course it’s all very hush hush.

Sarah Ker-Hornell has left Toronto-based Generator Films in what she and the company are terming a mutual parting of ways.

Less than a year after opening The Park City Film Company, J.J. Lyons has departed the commercial production house he cofounded.

Dan Ford is the newest member of the executive team at Toronto’s Steam Films, joining managing director Roger Harris, executive producer Michael Haldane and managing partner Jennifer Sykes.

Vancouver: Post-production companies, local animators and foreign service producers got the goodies in British Columbia’s 2003/04 budget announced Feb. 18 as new tax-credit additions made their way to the local financing arsenals.

Mitch Gabourie is a director with Toronto-based Navigator Films. He uses Rub A535 after every shoot.