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Licence renewal for CFCF-TV
The CRTC has renewed the licence of CTV station CFCF-TV Montreal until Aug. 31, 2008. In its decision, the commission finds CTV must assume responsibility for unpaid tangible benefits of $800,000, committed by WIC Television when it purchased a controlling interest in CFCF in 1997. CanWest Global Communications acquired the station and related assets in October 1999. CTV took formal control in the fall of 2001.
Toronto film critics choose Atanarjuat
The Toronto Film Critics Association has chosen Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner as the best Canadian film of 2002.
Cable pirates cost $400M, says Bell
‘Widespread theft’ of TV signals across Canada costs the cable industry more than $400 million in lost revenue every year, according to a new study from satellite operator Bell ExpressVu.
‘Plug and play’ could make digi delivery more secure
TV manufacturers and U.S. cable operators have agreed to eliminate set-top boxes for digital service, allowing cable to be directly plugged into digital sets, a pact that has ignited fears over the prospect of increased digital piracy on both sides of the border.
Jump Cuts
OMNI to spend $50 million
B.C. Film shifts focus
Vancouver: Domestic producers on the West Coast will have to be satisfied with development funding, skills enhancement and distribution support initiatives from British Columbia Film in 2003, unless the provincial government substantially boosts its annual allowance in the next budget beginning April 1 – an unlikely scenario.
Craig execs meet Toronto producers
Meet the new kid on the block. He’s eight months old, likes improv comedy and Aboriginal storytelling, and has $15 million to spend.
Global Vision buys Studio Concept, Audio-Telepoint
Montreal: Global Vision is adding audio post-production and dubbing to its technical services palette with the acquisition of two established operations, Studio Concept and Audio-Telepoint. Studio Concept, owned by musician Guy Trepanier, specializes in dubbing and ADR. Audio-Telepoint specializes in audio post, including sound design, sound editing and folly.
WIFT study due this fall
Canada’s film and television sector will get a snapshot of the breadth and depth of the industry in September when a new study sponsored by Women in Film & Television Toronto is scheduled for publication.
Big success from TDF
The Toronto Documentary Forum, an annual international pitch session held at Hot Docs, has proven invaluable to doc makers and commissioning broadcasters alike. A recent exit poll indicates 50% of the 36 projects pitched in May have since managed to secure additional financing as a result of their participation in the forum.
People
* Toronto’s Portfolio Entertainment has appointed Anita Simand as VP of creative development. Simand will be responsible for the development activities of the company’s current TV projects. She will also pursue new production opportunities for the kids, family and primetime TV market.
Canucks head to Sundance
The Sundance Film Festival, considered by many the world’s premiere indie film fest, has announced its 2003 schedule, and several Canuck flicks have gotten the nod.
Legislation backs industry on Internet retransmission
With the passage of Bill C-11 into law Dec. 12, the ball is now in the CRTC’s court.
A case for market research
Before joining Playback, I spent time working as a stringer out of New York for Marketing Magazine and a couple of years writing and editing for Strategy Magazine.
Coast-to-coast post
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