The Foundation in production

From a media release:

THE FOUNDATION

• A Canwest Original Series currently shooting in Montreal until November 3rd
• Five half-hour episodes slated to premiere on Showcase in spring ‘09

Production is currently underway in Montreal on THE FOUNDATION – an irreverent comedy series about an uncharitable man at the helm of a charitable organization. Directed by Michael Dowse (FUBAR, It’s All Gone Pete Tong), the series will premiere exclusively on Showcase in spring, 2009.

Set in the upper class charity world of sincerity, sentiment and immense self-sacrifice, THE FOUNDATION wags its fat-cat finger at the well-heeled philanthropists and donors who earnestly relieve their guilt in the high stakes world of non-profit charity fund-raising.

The series revolves around an irresponsible, corrupt man holding the reins of a powerful non-profit organization. Michael Valmont-Selkirk, played by comedian MIKE WILMOT (last year’s Canadian comedy award winner as best male stand-up), is an impressive hypocrite doing much wrong in the face of great righteousness. In this world of so many worthy causes, Michael Valmont-Selkirk has but one cause dear to his heart – himself.

“After seeing one too many fading celebrities latch onto a cause to boost their stardom and exposure, we felt it was time to poke fun at the insincerity of the charity world, a world seemingly moving along unchecked. And after working with Mike Wilmot on It’s All Gone Pete Tong, we knew the part was his. He is perfect,” explained director Michael Dowse and producer Jennifer Wilson.

“We are thrilled to welcome THE FOUNDATION, a show that takes a creative and hilarious look at the charity world, into the Canwest family of hit originals series”, adds Christine Shipton, SVP Drama and Factual Content, Canwest Broadcasting.

The series also stars Martin Sims as “Barry” the scheming CEO of THE FOUNDATION as well as Rebecca Northan as the do-good executive vice-president. Quebec star Yvan Ponton is “Réjean Lemelin”, the main character’s nemesis from another charity. If philanthropy had a face, it would be Réjean’s. Paul J. Spence (of FUBAR fame) plays the foundation’s spokesperson “Apollo”, a famous rock-opera meets Cirque de Soleil star.

The show was created by director and executive producer MICHAEL DOWSE along with production partner and series producer JENNIFER WILSON for CARDINAL FILM 04. DANIEL IRON of Foundry Films is also on board as executive producer. THE FOUNDATION was written by MICHAEL DOWSE, JACKIE MAY and JON TUCKER and BOBBY SHORE is the DOP.