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Breakthrough unveils NATPE lineup
New seasons of animated and factual series such as Atomic Betty and Plastic Makes Perfect headed to Las Vegas market
Writers strike gives boost to Internet TV
So, three months into this U.S. writers strike and quel mess! Nielsen Online recently reported that traffic to a number of online video (OV) sites has doubled since the strike began. Anyone who imagined that digging in their heels would somehow protect the television industry from the online invasion sure got that wrong.
Ceeb scores some winter winners
The CBC’s winter launch has been the biggest week for new Canadian dramas in recent memory, and has yielded some series that are likely to get a full-season renewal for next fall.
Cineplex thinks outside the theater
Ellis Jacob doesn’t see the local multiplex as just a place to see Hollywood movies.
Coolroom to carry Nelvana titles
Nelvana has signed a deal with U.K.-based digicaster Coolroom, making some 650 hours of programming including Babar and Rupert available for download. The titles will be available for rent or purchase, starting at 0.60 per episode, roughly $1.18.
Corus lands Dora digi-rights
Corus Entertainment has picked up the Canadian digital rights for Nickelodeon’s popular TV properties including Dora the Explorer and SpongeBob SquarePants, extending its multi-year broadcast partnership with Nick parent MTV Networks International.
MTV, MuchMusic online streaming explosion
Content offered on mtv.ca and muchmusic.com have struck a chord with fans, according to CTV, which says video streams on both sites combined hit 120 million last year, up 360% over 2006.
Game deal for Jimmy
Toronto-based Breakthrough New Media is joining forces with game developer SilverBirch Studios on mobile and online games to accompany its upcoming kids series Jimmy Two Shoes.
They’re here, they’re Queer
Showcase is putting the first three seasons of Queer as Folk and the latest, fifth run of The L Word online. New episodes of the Showtime lesbian drama L Word will be made available online one day after they run on the channel, starting Jan. 17. The eps will remain online for the rest of the year.
CCI and its Bucket Full of success
CCI Entertainment executives say that a new emphasis on licensing, digital media, and live-action drama has reinvented their organization.
King Richard responds
‘King Richard’ here. I’m going to exercise my divine right and respond to some points raised by my good friend (if not my loyal subject) Tamsen Tillson (The Small Screen, Playback, Jan. 7, p. 12).
Bravo to Playback!
Bravo to Playback!
Shaftesbury turns to Europe
As its principals battle in an Ontario court for control of the company, Shaftesbury Films is holding talks with a number of foreign financial investors about a future partnership. These developments come just as the Toronto prodco is ramping up its film and TV slate.
Studios face sluggish pilot season
The prospect of a prolonged WGA strike killing the U.S. network TV pilot season is sending shudders throughout the Canadian production sector, as work continues to slow in service-heavy centers such as Toronto and Vancouver.
Dusty Cohl 1929-2008
Toronto film festival icon Murray ‘Dusty’ Cohl succumbed to cancer on Jan. 11. He was 78.
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