From a media release:

Crave, in association with Rollercoaster Entertainment and Blink49 Studios, announced today that production is underway in Nova Scotia on the Crave Original comedy series, THE TRADES. From the producers of TRAILER PARK BOYS, THE TRADES is an eight-part, 30-minute, comedy set in a working-class community, where the stress and high risks of working in a refinery are balanced by the comedic, high-wire antics of the plant workers. The series will be available in English and French.

“From the moment I first read the pilot two years ago, I was immediately drawn to Ryan J. Lindsay’s vision for the series,” said Robb Wells, star and producer, THE TRADES. “I love all of the colourful characters, the backdrop, and especially, the different types of humour associated with each trade. It’s amazing to see the team come together, including an unbelievably talented cast and crew. It’s going to be so much fun, and I am very excited.”

THE TRADES centres around Todd Stool (Robb Wells, TRAILER PARK BOYS), a pipefitter who is proud of his working-class background, and collection of big boy toys. His sister, and roommate, Audrey (Anastasia Phillips, MOONSHINE), decides to follow in her big brother’s footsteps and pursue a career in the trades as a carpenter, just like their father Rod (Patrick McKenna, THE RED GREEN SHOW). While Todd loves his life, he dreams of climbing the corporate ladder and becoming site manager at Conch Industries – which isn’t so far-fetched, given the current site manager Bennett’s, (Tom Green, THE TOM GREEN SHOW) lifestyle. But Todd’s future, that of the plant—and the town, are thrown into question when Chelsea (Jennifer Spence, YOU ME HER), an ambitious young executive sent from head office, announces she is the new site manager, and vows to make some changes.

Rounding out Todd’s rag-tag crew are: Jimi (Enrico Colantoni, VERONICA MARS); Dewey (Jason Daley, TRAILER PARK BOYS); Homer (Jesse Camacho, LOCKE & KEY); Backwoods (Daniel Petronijevic, LETTERKENNY); Taser (Brandon Oakes, DIGGSTOWN); Medhi, the Chief Engineer (Raoul Bhaneja, BLINDSPOT); and Steph the Safety Chick (Susan Kent, THIS HOUR HAS 22 MINUTES). Together, they balance the high risks of working in an oil refinery with bawdy nicknames, elaborate pranks, and jokes to amuse and enrage one another – but must work together if they want to save their livelihood and protect their community.

THE TRADES is co-produced by Trailer Park Boys Inc. and Kontent House Inc. in association with Bell Media’s Crave, with the participation of the Nova Scotia Film & Television Production Incentive Fund, and the assistance of the Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit and Ontario Creates. The series is distributed by Rollercoaster Entertainment and Blink49 is the exclusive U.S. sales agent. Ryan J. Lindsay is creator, writer, and executive producer; Shelley Eriksen is writer and executive producer; Warren Sonoda is director; Gary Howsam is executive producer; and Jonathan A. Walker and Robb Wells are producers. John Morayniss and Virginia Rankin are executive producers for Blink49 Studios. Co-executive producers are Andrew McMichael, Angelo Paletta, Ross Mrazek, and Ben Rappaport.

Moonshine

Link: Jennifer Finnigan Raises a Glass to ‘Quirky, Weird’ Moonshine and the Schitt’s Creek-Like Dramedy’s CW Debut

July 8, 2023 Greg David

From Matt Webb Mitovich of TV Line:

Link: Jennifer Finnigan Raises a Glass to ‘Quirky, Weird’ Moonshine and the Schitt’s Creek-Like Dramedy’s CW Debut
The CW this Friday night at 9/8c invites you to get a taste of Moonshine, an acquired Canadian dramedy set against the backdrop of financial hardship, small-town intrigue and a long-buried secret that threatens to annihilate a quirky clan once and for all. Continue reading.

Son of a Critch

Link: Coming-of-age comedy ‘Son of a Critch’ is a sweet, but not saccharine, portrait of the enduring bonds of families and friends

July 8, 2023 Greg David

From Debra Yeo of the Toronto Star:

Link: Coming-of-age comedy ‘Son of a Critch’ is a sweet, but not saccharine, portrait of the enduring bonds of families and friends
You don’t have to have grown up in the 1980s — or in Newfoundland — to appreciate the gentle humour of CBC’s “Son of a Critch.” If you went to school, had friends, crushes, enemies and a family, you’ll find points of commonality with 12-year-old Mark Critch (Benjamin Evan Ainsworth), the hero of this series based on the memoir of Canadian comedian Mark Critch. Continue reading.

Don't Even

Production underway on new Crave & APTN Indigenous-led original comedy series, Don’t Even

July 6, 2023 Greg David

From a media release:

Crave and APTN, in association with Pier 21 Films, Frantic Films Manitoba, and Sekowan Media, announced today that production is underway in Winnipeg on the all-new dramatic comedy series, DON’T EVEN. Created by Amber-Sekowan Daniels, directed by Zoe Hopkins, and starring Leenah Robinson (1923), Victoria Turko (Burden of Truth), Joel Oulette (Trickster), Gail Maurice, and Jennifer Podemski, the six-part series is an urban Indigenous, coming-of-age story.

DON’T EVEN follows two best friends in late ‘90s Winnipeg as they grapple with their uncertain futures, in the summer after their final high school year. After humiliation at her high school grad, Violet (Leenah Robinson) wants to make the most of the last summer before moving away for university, as Harley (Victoria Turko) distracts herself from a big dilemma, of what’s next. As the lifelong BFFs bask in newfound freedom, and face adult life choices, cracks begin to form in their once impenetrable bond. It’s awkward. It’s dramatic. It’s friggin’ Winnipeg.

“The show is a love letter to your childhood best friend, and your hometown. It’s about growing up and growing apart, while trying to find your place in the world,” said Amber-Sekowan Daniels, Creator and Showrunner. “We don’t often get to see Indigenous women as funny, weird, and distinct, so I hope this series shows that complexity.”

“Making DON’T EVEN has me in stitches, and I’ve cried in rehearsals,” added Director Zoe Hopkins.” I’m so stoked to be back in Winnipeg telling this nostalgic story, where laughter is medicine.”

“Amber has created a series with unpredictable comedy, and a huge surplus of heart. It will resonate with audiences because it gives all the feels,” said Nicole Butler, Executive Producer, Pier 21 Films. “We’re fortunate to have both Crave and APTN as partners sharing a vision in striving to make an incredibly original, and iconic new show.”

“We are thrilled to be co-producing this series with Pier 21 and Sekowan Media,” said Frantic CEO & Executive Producer Jamie Brown. “As a Winnipeg based company, Amber’s stories have a special resonance, and we love her voice and the authenticity of her storytelling.”

DON’T EVEN is co-produced by Pier 21 Films, Frantic Films Manitoba, and Sekowan Media, in association with Bell Media’s Crave and APTN, with the participation of the Canada Media Fund, Manitoba Film & Music, and tax credit assistance from the Government of Manitoba, the Government of Ontario, and The Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit. Amber-Sekowan Daniels is Executive Producer, Creator, and Showrunner. Zoe Hopkins is Executive Producer and Director for the series. Laszlo Barna, Nicole Butler, Karen Tsang, and Vanessa Steinmetz serve as Executive Producers for Pier 21 Films. For Frantic Films Manitoba, Jamie Brown and Stephanie Fast are Executive Producers. Lori Lozinski is Series Producer. Karen Hill is Co-Executive Producer and Meg MacKay is Co-Producer.

The Beachcombers Animated

Slap Happy Cartoons ready to make a splash with The Beachcombers Animated

July 5, 2023 Greg David 1 Comment

From a media release:

Vancouver BC’s Slap Happy Cartoons Inc. has inked a deal with industry veterans Blair Peters and Nick Orchard to develop, finance and produce an animated series reimagining the iconic Canadian series, The Beachcombers.

In announcing the agreement for The Beachcombers Animated, Slap Happy Cartoons partner Greg Sullivan said, “We’re thrilled to combine our animation expertise with Blair and Nick’s passion for storytelling to bring the timeless charm, comedy, and adventure of The Beachcombers to a new generation of fans. We look forward to updating the classic series in a way that doesn’t shy away from the real issues we face today, but with humour and heart. The timing is right for another Canadian hit series in the vein of Schitt’s Creek and Corner Gas.”

Peters and Orchard announced last fall that they had acquired the rights at an event in Gibsons, B.C. at Molly’s Reach, the café featured in the original series. The event coincided with the 50th anniversary of The Beachcombers, one of the most successful Canadian television series of all time. The half-hour family comedy/adventure series ran on CBC television for 387 episodes over 18 seasons from 1972 to 1990. Ahead of its time, the series featured Indigenous characters and storylines, and often dealt with subject matter involving preservation of the land.

The original Beachcombers was licensed to over 35 countries worldwide, was a hit in the UK, Australia and Germany, and was versioned into numerous languages.

Said Blair Peters: “After Nick and I acquired the rights, the next step was to find an animation studio that could help us develop the series. Slap Happy was really a no-brainer, as I had previously worked for many years with the principals Kathy Antonsen, Greg Sullivan and Josh Mepham at Studio B Productions on Canadian classics such as Yvon of the Yukon and Being Ian, both of which went on to sell well internationally and garner awards. With the help of some talented folks at Yeti Farm Creative in Kelowna B.C. we came up with a killer pitch deck, and we’re excited about Slap Happy pitching it soon.”

“I’ve been part of The Beachcombers for over 40 years,” said Nick Orchard, “and Blair and I look forward to working with the talented folks over at Slap Happy to give this classic series a fresh new look for a whole new audience.”

SLAP HAPPY CARTOONS was founded in 2012 by top animation professionals KATHY ANTONSEN, GREG SULLIVAN, JOSH MEPHAM and VITO VISCOMI to realize their passion for creating original, funny and sometimes twisted cartoons for both kids and adults. Since then, the Vancouver studio has produced award-winning original series that have aired around the world – Nerds and Monsters for YTV and The Hollow for Netflix. Slap Happy has also contributed creative production services for local and international clients including Nickelodeon, Warner Bros., Cartoon Network, Knowledge Kids, and the Vancouver Canucks.

BLAIR PETERS has worked in the animation industry for over thirty years, from layout artist to executive producer. As co-founder of Studio B Productions, he went on to develop and produce over 1000 half hours that sold in over 100 countries on networks such as Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, Teletoon, YTV and the BBC. Blair was named a Top 40 Under 40 Entrepreneur of the Year, Lion’s Gate Producer of the Year and was awarded the DHX Media Award for Excellence in Animation. He now lives on BC’s Sunshine Coast where he continues to consult on and develop animated projects.

NICK ORCHARD has been in the film and television business for over half a century, beginning as a child actor on stage, radio and TV, and later producing hits like The Beachcombers (CBC), Eastenders (BBC) and Brookside (Channel 4). For the past 30 plus years, as head of Soapbox Productions Inc., Nick has produced network series such as the popular teen drama Northwood and produced and directed award-winning documentaries and comedy series such as the iconic Double Exposure for CTV and the Comedy Network.