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Film festival legend Dimitri Eipides dies at 82
The longtime TIFF programmer and co-founder of the Montreal Festival du nouveau cinema paved the way for international cinema in Canada during his lifetime of work.
Wattpad subject of US$500M takeover talks: reports
The story-sharing platform is in talks with multiple bidders, according to reports.
Hot Sheet: Top 30 TV programs, Dec. 21 to 27, 2020
Star Trek: Discovery lands at #9, while Highway Thru Hell makes the list at #30.
Executive purge at Bell Media
Updated: A raft of the country’s most senior content executives have exited the company, including Mike Cosentino, Tracey Pearce, Corrie Coe and Nanci MacLean.
Telefilm says no misconduct occurred following employee investigation
While the federal funder has “adjusted internal practices” in its project financing team processes, the investigation concluded “no harassment, discrimination or misconduct had occurred.”
Deals: Beyond Rights, Arcana Studio, HBO Max
Blue Ant Media and Quebecor secure Pooch Perfect, while Vertical Entertainment acquires the U.S. rights to The Clockwork Girl, plus more.
Blue Ant International secures several sales
Titles sold include Hope for Wildlife, Life Below Zero: Canada, Detention Adventure and more.
Top-rated Canadian TV of 2020
Breakout dramas, final-season runs, long-running favourites and more: which series topped the TV charts in 2020?
Hot Sheet: Top 30 TV programs, Dec. 14 to 20, 2020
Private Eyes claim the #13 spot, while Star Trek: Discovery comes in at #30.
Hot Sheet: Digital Demand for Dec. 15 to 21, 2020
The Mandalorian claims the top spot, while The Expanse and Animaniacs land at #2 and #3 on the Digital Originals list.
Hot Sheet: Top 30 TV programs, Dec. 7 to 13, 2020
NCIS leads, while Private Eyes make the list at #29.
In brief: Canada-Ukraine copro treaty comes into effect Jan. 1
Plus: Bell Media and Reel Canada launch joint initiative, Pictou Twist Pictures and Ion Inc. option Blood in the Water, Productivity Media rolls on its latest project, and more.
Inconvenient Indian pulled from Sundance lineup
The NFB said it has withdrawn Michelle Latimer’s doc from ‘active distribution’ after engaging with its Indigenous Advisory Group, industry partners, 90th Parallel Productions and producer Jesse Wente.
Happy Holidays from Playback
We’re taking a break for the holidays and will return to regular newsletter publishing on Jan. 5.
Randy Lennox: the exit interview
After five and a half years, the Lennox era at Bell Media is coming to a close. In this exclusive interview, Playback chats with the outgoing president about his move from music to broadcasting, setting Bell Media up for future success, his departure and future.
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