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The Establishing Shot: Same guy in Ottawa, new guy at Playback
In the lead-up to the recent federal election, a number of high-placed industry executives in both the private and public sectors confided their belief that if the Conservatives won a majority, ‘We’re all…’
Top cable channel balances Disney and homegrown hits
Two decades after Astral Media quietly launched Family Channel as Canada’s first children’s-oriented broadcaster with only 200,000 subscribers, it has become the big kid on the block with 5.8 million viewers (2+). In 2008, it also garnered the coveted number one English-language pay and specialty channel status in Canada.
Producers angered over tax-rebate changes
Canadian producers are up in arms over a move by the Canada Revenue Agency to potentially shrink their tax-rebate cheques.
Sinking loonie raises service sector hopes
Remember the good old days of 2002/03, when the loonie sat safely at 63 cents American, when The Aviator was circling Montreal, Cat Woman was stalking Vancouver and Chicago was in T.O.? The U.K.’s Pinewood Shepperton was even going to build a giant film studio on Toronto’s portlands.
Canwest goes drama shopping
Canwest is looking to bolster its homegrown drama slate for its two conventional networks and Showcase Television with orders for four one-hour pilots, with a fifth pilot to follow within weeks.
The Big Screen: Festival Nouveau uncovers hidden gems
The most exhilarating thing about Canadian film is seeing a wholly unpredictable discovery come through the darkness of a cinema to wild cheers and applause as the credits roll.
Playback Innovations Forum: Top international show creators, in your backyard
The inaugural Playback Innovations Forum in Toronto (Oct. 28) should save some time and airfare for local entertainment execs who want tips on creating compelling content for both the small and smaller screens.
Digital Media: New media producers decry funding cuts
Ontario digital media producers are taking courage from current economic seesaws and market turbulence by resolving to do more to finance and sell their wares around the world.
Digital Media: Canwest, Rogers partner on VOD
Viewers looking for more access to first-run network shows on Canwest’s Global and E! will soon be appeased. A deal between Canwest and Rogers announced earlier this month will provide free access to more than 60 hours of programming, at any time, via Rogers On Demand.
Digital Media: CRTC readies for new media rethink
GATINEAU, QC — The CRTC has moved a step closer to its rethink of new media, and on Oct. 15 issued a call for comments on broadcasting through mobile, the Internet and other technologies – looking ahead to public hearings set to start in February.
Culture issue hurts Tories
MONTREAL — Pundits have been quick to cite the culture issue, and in particular the boisterous efforts of Quebec film and TV stars, as one of the factors that denied the Tories their long-sought majority government in this month’s election.
Emmy nod for Next PM
The CBC special Canada’s Next Great Prime Minister could walk away with International Emmy hardware next month, having garnered a nomination in the non-scripted entertainment category.
David Lee 1938-2008
Academy Award-winning sound mixer and recordist David Lee died in Panama City, Panama on Oct. 16, following a sudden illness. He was 70.
Sold!
• Teletoon has signed a multi-year output deal with comic-book giant Marvel. Due to begin in the spring, the pact will deliver ‘a minimum of 182’ episodes of first-run animation to the toon channel and its spin-offs, including rights for broadband, VOD, mobile and other platforms
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