Meridian Artists expands to Vancouver with new agent

Katharine Pavoni will work in the key creative and directors division for the B.C. office, adding to the agency’s principal offices in Toronto and L.A.

Hyperlocal and Hip: J. Joly’s ‘pioneering’ production model

The Kingston, Ont.-based producer has a production model in the works to create local filming hubs outside of major cities, with two Tragically Hip musicians as investors.

SODEC supports 12 Quebec TV literary adaptations

The selected projects will receive pre-development funding under an assistance program held in collaboration with the Canada Media Fund.

Deals: Cineflix Rights, Neshama, IMAX, Guru Studio

Cineflix Rights and Guru Studio pad their MIPCOM sales slates, Neshama options Canadian coming-of-age novel, IMAX acquires an Ontario-based video quality solutions company, and more.

In Brief: Fabienne Colas among the Black Academy’s inaugural Legacy Award recipients

Plus: David Cronenberg receives the Donostia Award, TIFF appoints Marsha John-Greenwood as VP of people and culture, and more.

CRTC ordered to reconsider CBC/Radio-Canada broadcast licence decision

Industry organizations such as the CMPA, the DGC and ACTRA have applauded the federal government’s decision to send back the broadcast licence after petitions.

Hot Sheet

Hot Sheet: Cobra Kai defeats Stranger Things in digital demand

HBO’s Game of Thrones maintains its lead on the overall TV demand chart for the week of Sept. 12 to 18.

Creative BC gives $300K to doc, factual grant recipients

The Documentary and Factual Development Fund supports the development of B.C.-owned unscripted IP.

NSI appoints former board chair Marlene Kendall as new CFO

Kendall’s experience will help the NSI “achieve unprecedented growth and long-term sustainability,” says CEO Joy Loewen.

The Black Academy launches skills development program

The training intiative, launched in partnership with Insight Productions, is intended to help Black Canadians gain experience in TV production.

Playback’s 10 to Watch 2022: Abdul Malik

The prolific screenwriter and development exec explains his “elliptical” journey that led to a focus on stories about justice, liberation and labour.

Beyond Black Beauty series trots into production

The copro between Toronto’s Sinking Ship Entertainment, Leif Films, and Amazon Studios has production set for Canada and Belgium.

Telefilm captures the feel of the theatre experience

A spot by Director X kicks off a campaign to help the Canadian film industry’s recovery efforts.

Pluto TV readies its Canadian market launch

Olivier Jollet, Pluto TV’s EVP and international GM, discusses the platform’s multi-faceted partnership with Corus Entertainment and how AVODs and FAST channels are complementary to linear and VOD subscription options.

Still of Darlene Naponse's film Stellar

Darlene Naponse’s Stellar to open 23rd imagineNATIVE festival

Gail Maurice’s ROSIE will close the in-person portion of the hybrid festival, with screenings and events running from Oct. 18 to 23, and additional virtual screenings available until Oct. 30.