✖
Canadian film distributors pivoting once again amid mandated theatre closures
Scarborough, See For Me among homegrown projects changing theatrical release plans as COVID-19 measures force cinema shutdowns.
Cineplex issues nearly 5,000 temporary layoffs amid Ontario cinema closures
Canada’s largest film exhibitor says it plans to rehire the part-time staffers once cinemas reopen.
Drinkwater tapped for numerous awards at WFF
The film was the most popular for both in-person and online attendees at the annual event, which feted Canadian star Eric McCormack’s illustrious career.
Ontario cinemas face new round of contractions amid Omicron surge
Landmark Cinemas says it has to lay off hundreds and close 10 theatres in the province, while Cineplex temporarily shutters 67 Ontario locations after closures in Quebec and N.L.
Wow! Unlimited shareholders approve Genius Brands acquisition
The $66-million deal, which will see Genius Brands acquire all shares of Wow! Unlimited, is expected to complete in the first half of 2022.
Entertainment One inks mega deal with NENT
The Stockholm-headquartered streaming giant acquired more than 700 hours of ‘strong international ratings performers’ – both new and library content – including Sheri Elwood’s Moonshine.
Hot Sheet: Top 30 TV programs for Dec. 13 to 19, 2021
CBC documentary Anne Murray: Full Circle, produced by Network Entertainment in association with Universal Music Canada, cracks the top 20.
Talent Fund chair sets strategy to support emerging talent
Philanthropist and mental health advocate Sandi Treliving sets her agenda to draw support for the private donation fund for emerging filmmakers.
Creative BC awards $820K in first Production Program since 2003
Funding goes to B.C. producers and directors for the production phase of their longer-form projects, including scripted feature-length films and documentaries.
Playback’s most-read stories of 2021
We look back on the stories that earned the most attention from readers this year, reflecting the highs and lows of 2021.
Canadian shorts make the cut in 2022 Oscar short list
Canadian shorts represented four of the 15 projects shortlisted in the animation category, with an additional two making the live action short category.
ACTRA ratifies new contract with producers
The three-year deal includes a 3% annual pay raise as well as protections for child performers, new standards for scenes involving nudity and auditions, as well as additional temporary COVID-19 provisions.
Production sector monitoring Omicron ‘really carefully’ over the holidays
With productions on holiday hiatus, many are taking a wait-and-see approach on how the latest COVID-19 variant might affect their sets.
Happy Holidays from Playback!
Wishing you a safe and restful break as we pause our newsletter until Jan. 5.
Hot Sheet: Top 30 TV programs for Dec. 6 to 12, 2021
The CFL Grey Cup led TV ratings for the week, followed by Blue Bloods and Survivor.
The definitive CDN broadcast and production resource.Over 5,000 company listings!
