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TV
Red cameras: collect ’em all!
With thousands of Red One cameras in shooters’ hands now, excitement is mounting for two new models set for release in 2009. Here’s a look at what to expect from the new Reds on the way.
Good news/bad news/less news at Canwest
The former Alliance Atlantis specialty channels, now controlled and managed by Canwest Global Communications in partnership with Goldman Sachs & Co., have emerged as a bright spot in an otherwise darkening TV ad business. CW Media Holdings, which includes Showcase and History Television, posted higher advertising and subscriber fee revenues as part of its first-quarter results. But the Canwest subsidiary swung to a steep first-quarter loss after recording foreign exchange losses of $57.1 million related to the influence of a weaker loonie on unhedged U.S. denominated senior unsecured notes.
In the director’s chair: Alison Reid
First-timmer Reid’s Baby set for summer release
Sandra Cunnigham sees long road ahead
Last year’s Prime Time in Ottawa marked film producer Sandra Cunningham’s first as chair of the CFTPA. And what a time to assume the role: the past 12 months have seen the evolving impact of broadcaster and film distributor consolidation, a slumping service sector, Bill C-10, and a collapse of the indie feature film market worldwide.
CFTPA 25th anniversary and counting
The Canadian Film and Television Production Association is celebrating its 25th anniversary, and then some.
Bruce McDonald collects $20K
In the middle of a snow storm on a cold January night, a creative fundraiser for Bruce McDonald’s experimental film about John Coltrane still managed to pack the jazzy Trane Studio bar and raise $20,000 for A Love Supreme. Asked about the total film budget, the Pontypool director laughed and said, ‘There isn’t one.’
Vancouver’s worst-kept secret
New Moon, the sequel to the US$340-million box-office hit Twilight, is slated to shoot in Van beginning in March, though the local industry remains tight-lipped about the ‘top secret’ shoot.
Fancy yourself Canada’s next leading commercial director?
Winnipeg-based Frantic Films has joined forces with prominent commercial producer Soft Citizen and ad agency TAXI for the new reality series Commercial Break, looking to sniff out top talent to create television commercials for existing brands. The 10 x 60 series will pit 10 participants against each other in weekly challenges for the chance to win an exclusive one-year contract with Soft Citizen. Contestants’ work will be evaluated by TAXI exec creative director Steve Mykolyn, Soft Citizen exec producer Dr. Link York and a guest judge.
Arcadia hooks up
U.K. distributor Parthenon Entertainment recently acquired a minority stake in Halifax documentary prodco Arcadia Entertainment. Arcadia will serve as a Canuck production partner for Parthenon’s international distribution and production business. The transaction also grants Parthenon a first-look option for international rights on all Arcadia productions.
Tong lands on Planet
Daily Planet tapped Ziya Tong as its new cohost alongside Jay Ingram. Tong has been a guest host since November and replaces Natasha Stillwell, who left in 2007. Discovery Canada says Tong found favor with viewers, as Planet increased viewership by 34% in the 25-54 demo this past December compared to 2007. Tong’s past hosting duties include CBC’s ZeD, CTV’s travel series Island Escapes, and science shows The Leading Edge for Knowledge Network.
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