From a media release:
VisionTV to put three new dramedy series into development
VisionTV has short-listed three original comedy-drama series projects for development, the multi-faith and multicultural network announced today. Mark Prasuhn, Chief Operating Officer for VisionTV’s parent company S-VOX, said the three projects were chosen from among the 270-plus submissions that VisionTV received in response to a recent call for dramedy series proposals.
The projects are:
- Local 69, from Toronto-based Hungry Eyes Film & Television Inc., a satirical comedy about a middle-aged factory worker named Emma Goodman who unexpectedly becomes a union boss and must contend with inept managers, mobsters and disgruntled workers as she fights to keep jobs from being outsourced. The series was created by Jennifer Holness, Min Sook Lee and Sudz Sutherland.
- Saint Michael, the story of a self-involved, daredevil young priest who is sent on the most challenging mission of his life: to the Birchy Delight retirement home, where he learns that the path to hell really is paved with good intentions. The project, from Toronto-based Shaftesbury Films Inc. and Henry Less Productions, was created by writer-actors Steve Cochrane, Phyllis Ellis and Adriana Maggs.
- Taking on Water, from Vancouver-based Soapbox Productions Inc., is an ensemble comedy set on one of British Columbia’s Gulf Islands. The series revolves around psychiatrist Abigail Chadwick, who returns to her childhood home and must contend with her unconventional mother, her gay brother and a host of eccentric hangers-on. Veteran producer Nick Orchard and Second City alum Naomi Snieckus are the creators.
Said Mr. Prasuhn: “We have made our selections with a view toward developing programs that will complement VisionTV’s successful prime time lineup of comedies and dramas, and will appeal to VisionTV’s core audience of viewers aged 50-plus. We are enthusiastic about these projects, and look forward to launching the development process.”
Once the producers finish the first phase of development – which will include the creation of a pilot script and series bible – one of the three projects will be greenlit for production. VisionTV hopes to broadcast the completed series in the fall of 2010.
