Canadian kids series to be adapted for U.S. market

Zash Global Media is kicking off its move into original kids content with a new version of CBC series The Thrillusionists.

Hollywood Suite slates original docuseries

Relentless: The Kevin Porter Story, about one man’s dream of becoming a professional hockey player in his 40s, will premiere next month.

Oscar-winning VFX house expanding Canadian operations, talent pool

A new Toronto-area studio will employ up to 200, while up to 300 additional staff will be spread across Montreal and Vancouver, including 100 at a new feature animation division on the West Coast.

TIFF ’21: People’s Choice Award to be announced at Tribute Awards

The festival also revealed that Night Raiders director Danis Goulet (pictured) will be feted during the one-hour broadcast ceremony.

CMPA hires PSP’s Raila Gutman for B.C. branch role

Effective this week Gutman will take on the role of director, member development, which was previously held by Linda Hay.

Sony TV acquires Darrin Rose’s short film for series development

The award-winning Oshawa-born TV writer crafted his crime short One Last Last Heist as proof of his directing ability but sped away with a new opportunity.

TIFF ’21: Canadian films make Industry Selects, Platform jury unveiled

The festival also revealed the full jury for its Platform program, led by Riz Ahmed, with Ivan Grbovic’s Drunken Birds (Les oiseaux ivres) (pictured) among the competing titles.

How a fateful trip led to Proper Television’s first Netflix series

Motel Makeover producers share what made the series an easy sell to the streamer and how their finance partners kept production from going off the rails.

Hot Sheet

Hot Sheet: Top 30 TV programs for Aug. 9 to 15, 2021

Private Eyes hits a new high at No. 2, followed by Fantasy Island, while Nurses remains in the top 30.

Blue Ant International reveals Secrets of the Imperial War Museum

While lockdown restrictions have made it difficult to visit the famed venue, the Spring Films’ U.K. series offers exclusive access to artifacts and stories important to history and culture.

Reelworld to create industry guideline on depiction of racialized women onscreen

The new initiative received $640,000 funding through the federal government’s recently announced Feminist Response and Recovery Fund.

Boat Rocker, Ibram X. Kendi strike multi-genre development deal

Kendi is the New York Times best selling author behind Stamped from the Beginning and How To Be An Antiracist.

London film festival opens $60K pitch event nationwide

The Forest City Feature Film Pitch is open to any feature film ready to go to camera, with the hopes of attracting new productions to the city.

Half of Canadians regularly stream with AVOD

New research suggests 10% of total streaming time now goes to ad-supported platforms.

Hot Sheet

Hot Sheet: Top 10 films for Aug. 13 to 19, 2021

Free Guy, starring Vancouver-born actor Ryan Reynolds, leads the Canadian box office, followed by Jungle Cruise and Don’t Breathe 2.