From Katie Underwood of The Grid:
Reality bites: An oral history of The Lofters
8 twentysomethings. 21 cameras. One hot tub. Zero privacy. The story of Canada’s first reality show, from the people who lived it. Continue reading.
From a media release:
08-29-13: OLN Unlocks Broadcast Details for New Original Series Storage Wars Canada
A modern-day treasure hunt based on the smash-hit Storage Wars franchise, Storage Wars Canada cuts its inaugural lock Thursday, Aug. 29 at 9 p.m. ET/PT (check local listings) on OLN. The half-hour homegrown reality series follows six professional bidders who use their combined knowledge, expertise, and wit to bid on the contents of abandoned, repossessed, and forgotten storage containers. In each of the of the 36 uniquely Canadian episodes, watch as the auction-goers attempt to outbid each other – uncovering everything from grand pianos and rare antiques, to sex toys and vintage riding crops.
The battle for the biggest payout heats up this August with the previously announced Storage Wars Canada cast, including: self-taught, veteran auctioneer Don Reinhart, no-nonsense buyer Roy Dirnbeck – “The Instigator,†fashionista Ursula Stolf – “The Knock-out,†long-time bidders Cindy Hayden and Rick Coffill – “The Veterans,†and father-and-son duo Paul and Bogart Kenny – “High-roller and the Kid.â€
In the series premiere entitled “Northern Lights. Northern Fights,†the buyers travel to Aurora, where they hope to uncover a wealth of treasures. Roy spots something unusual that may give him the upper hand, and Rick and Cindy find something that needs closer inspection. Father-and-son duo Paul and Bogart are played for suckers, and Ursula quickly learns “there are no friends at auction.â€
In advance of the eagerly awaited series debut on August 29, Fan Expo 2013 attendees can be the first to watch the Storage Wars Canada world premiere at an exclusive sneak-peek screening on Saturday, Aug. 24 at the super fan event in Toronto. Held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, the screening will be followed by a panel and autograph session with the cast. Additional details to be announced in the coming weeks.
Ensuring super fans don’t miss a single find this season, OLN.ca will feature a comprehensive episode guide, live chats with series stars, photo galleries, and exclusive webisodes. Plus, the Storage Wars Canada cast will be live tweeting with fans and giving behind-the-scenes scoops on their best finds throughout the season.
From a media release:
Animal Planet’s Funniest Home Videos! Canadian Original Series MY PET’S GONE VIRAL Spotlights the Funniest, Fuzziest, and Furriest Online Stars, Premiering August 20
Animal Planet’s MY PET’S GONE VIRAL is the perfect summer treat! The Canadian original series premieres Tuesday, August 20 at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT and spotlights cute-as-can-be behind-the-scenes stories about now-famous pets – and their owners – who star in the world’s most ridiculously entertaining and popular internet videos. Some videos show pets doing impressive tricks, some are overwhelmingly funny, many are irresistibly cute, and some even capture a unique pet moment.
In each episode of the eight-part series, viewers spend a fun day with pet stars and their owners. Like any celebrity, find out the most interesting and loveable things about these pets, why the owners decided to make the video, and how the video has changed their lives.
MY PET’S GONE VIRAL highlights include:
Doberman Puppy Scared – 11 million clicks
Tessa, a one-year-old Doberman, is scared of a squeaky rubber toy.
Linus, The Boxer Loves His Baby – 30 million clicks
People think Linus looks scary, but he is a big softie when it comes to his infant sidekick!
Seeing my dog the day I got back from Afghanistan – 17 million clicks
Heart-felt and heart-warming story of a major stationed with Canadians in Kandahar.
Denver the Guilty Dog – 30 million clicks
Someone ate the kitty treats, but who’s the culprit?
Henri Le Chat Noir – 8 million clicks
This award-winning, French speaking existential feline stars in a series of noir comedies.
From a media release:
Temple Street Productions and Family Channel announce start of principal photography on season 2 of The Next Step
Temple Street Productions Inc. (Temple Street) and Family Channel announced today that principal photography has begun on the second season of break out reality-style series, The Next Step. The serialized tween drama is created by Frank van Keeken, creator of the hit Temple Street series Wingin’ It, which also airs on Family Channel and Disney XD.
In addition to the 30 half-hour episodes on the channel, extra content will appear on Family.ca including, The Next Step Aftershow web series featuring exclusive character interviews and behind-the-scenes footage and commentary on the series’ storylines.
Season two of The Next Step follows the lives of an elite group of dancers at The Next Step Dance Studio as they attempt to win at the highest levels of competition. But it takes a lot more than proper technique to be successful; the A-Troupe needs to learn to work together and accept everyone for who they are, if they truly want to win as a team.
The Next Step stars: Victoria Baldesarra as Michelle; Alexandra Beaton as Emily; Brittany Raymond as Riley; Trevor Tordjman as James; Isaac Lupien as Eldon; Lamar Johnson as West; Brennan Clost as Daniel; Jennifer Pappas as Chloe; Bree Wasylenko as Miss Kate; Samantha Grecchi as Stephanie; Tamina Pollack-Paris as Tiffany; and So You Think You Can Dance Canada season four winner Jordan Clark as Giselle. A national casting search found new cast members Zac Vran, who plays Hunter, someone from Michelle’s past; and Taveeta Szymanowicz as Thalia, a new studio member.
The remaining episodes from season one will debut on Family Channel this fall, culminating with the epic competition taking place at the regional championship.
Commissioned by Family Channel, The Next Step is produced by Temple Street and is executive produced by Frank van Keeken (Wingin’ It, Kids in the Hall, Billable Hours), Ivan Schneeberg and David Fortier (Orphan Black, Being Erica, Wingin’ It). BBC Worldwide handles the international rights to the series. The Next Step is also produced with the financial assistance from The Shaw Rocket Fund.
From a media release:
W Network Announces New Series About Canada’s Figure Skating Sweethearts Tessa & Scott
Corus Entertainment’s W Network announced today that it is commissioning a new six-part series following Olympic Gold medal winners and Canadian sweethearts Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir. To be produced by Media Headquarters in association with W Network with the participation of the Canada Media Fund, Tessa & Scott will go into production this summer and is scheduled to launch on January 2, 2014, leading up to the Sochi Olympic games.
Tessa & Scott (6×30) will go beyond closed doors and into the day-to-day lives of Canada’s irresistible duo. The series will follow the figure skating superstars on their quest for a second Olympic gold medal at the 2014 Winter Games in Russia and give audiences a window into the dramatic world of competitive ice dancing. In the face of fierce competition and pressure, Tessa and Scott will have to fight their way to the top of the podium while staying in sync with each other.
The series will also capture Tessa and Scott’s unique personal relationship. Partners since primary school, their intimate connection on the ice has inspired millions of fans. Interest in their close friendship follows them everywhere. Whether undergoing intense training, travelling to competitions around the world, or just trying to live the lives of 20-something year olds, audiences will be drawn inside the roller-coaster adventures of Tessa and Scott.
Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir caught the World’s attention in 2006 when they became the first Canadian Ice Dancers to win the Junior World Championships. Since then, the pair has consistently placed among the top of the pack at International competitions, including a gold medal at the 2010 Olympic Games and gold at the 2010 and 2012 World Figure Skating Championships. Virtue and Moir are also four-time Canadian National Champions, winning in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2012. At the 2009 Skate Canada, the pair received the first 10.0 awarded in dance in international competition. The pair have skated together since 1997, and are known for their intricate footwork and innovative lifts.