Help us help Kids 2017: Contributions being accepted for TV, Eh?’s charity auction

It’s back! In what has proudly become a yearly event, it’s time once again for our charity auction in support of Kids Help Phone. All of the proceeds go to the free, anonymous and confidential phone and on-line professional counselling service for youth.

In advance of the auction launch next month, we are asking for contributions to the cause—especially TV-related swag or experiences, but anything that might grab the interest of our readers. Past years have seen set visits, wristbands to the MMVAs, DVD packs, CBC swag, advice from Canadian television writers in Toronto and Vancouver, magazine subscriptions, signed scripts and more!

If you or your organization have items or experiences you can contribute, please contact me at greg.david@tv-eh.com. And look for the auction to go live next month!

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Dark Matter: Five for fighting

Whoa, last Friday’s episode of Dark Matter was really something, wasn’t it? Aside from the countless humorous moments courtesy of Three we got a sobering peek at what the future looks like thanks to The Android’s conversation with future Five. “All the Time in the World” really was a landmark instalment for the series and now we’re itching to discover if that dire future is really what’s in store or if the timeline can be changed.

So, what does this week’s new episode “Give It Up Princess”—written by Paul Mullie and directed by Bitten‘s J. B. Sugar—have in store? Here’s the official description:

The crew of the Raza track a data file across the galaxy in an attempt to strike a blow against Ferrous and save the life of a young woman.

And we’ve got more tidbits after watching the episode!

Five gets physical
She’s pretty great handling weapons, but Solara believes hand-to-hand combat is just as important. That leads to an interesting and emotional back story tale from Solara that makes us like her even more than we already did. As for Five, she gets to flex her comic muscles a bit this week and is a key component to the A-plot.

Where is Tabor?
The search takes the Raza to a planet where Tabor has a safe house with treasured items secreted away there. Of course, Adrian’s eagerness to go there puts everyone’s lives in jeopardy. What would Dark Matter be without drama?

MMA fighter lands guest role
British mixed martial arts athlete Michael Bisping drops into the world of Dark Matter on Friday in a key role. Does he perform any signature moves on our heroes? You’ll have to tune in to see.

As for The Android and that red dress…
We’re speechless.

Dark Matter airs Fridays at 10 p.m. ET on Space.

Images courtesy of Bell Media.

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Canada’s independent producers, performers and directors petition Minister Joly to reject CRTC decision

From a media release:

Today the Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA), the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA), and the Directors Guild of Canada (DGC) submitted a joint petition to the Minister of Canadian Heritage, asking her to set aside, or refer back, the CRTC’s Group Licence Renewal decisions for Canada’s large television broadcasters, released last month.

Across the production sector, Canada’s creator community shares deep concerns about the damaging impact of these decisions. An independent analysis commissioned by the CMPA found that the CRTC’s decision to decrease the required amount broadcasters must spend on Canadian Programs of National Interest (PNI) will likely result in a drop of more than $900 million in production volume, causing a cumulative economic reduction of $1.15 billion in GDP over the five-year period during which the broadcasters’ licences will be in place. A backgrounder summarizing these findings is available here.

If these decisions are allowed to stand, the required PNI spend for channels operated by Rogers, Corus and Bell, will fall to just five per cent, having a severe negative impact on the production of Canadian television dramas, comedies, children’s programming, long-form documentaries, variety and performing arts shows,  and on the health and productivity of our sector as a whole.

In addition to greatly reduced PNI spending, the joint petition objects to the CRTC’s decision to remove evening exhibition requirements for the broadcasters’ discretionary services and the negative consequences of the CRTC’s failure to address the erosion of independently-produced programming.

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CBC’s Mr. D is back in Halifax as cameras roll on Season 7

From a media release:

Principal photography on Season 7 (11 x 30) of CBC’s original comedy series Mr. D – starring comedian Gerry Dee – is now under way in and around Halifax until mid-August. The new season will premiere in fall 2017 on CBC.  

Exploring the staff and student dynamics at a private school, Mr. D is based on the stand-up comedy act of Dee, who was a teacher for nine years before transitioning to a career in comedy. The series revolves around the eponymous Mr. D, an under-qualified and unmotivated teacher trying to fake his way through work – and life.

In the Season 6 finale, Gerry Duncan (Gerry Dee) seems to be on the upswing as he unloads wife Lisa (Lauren Hammersley) and lands his dream job – head of the Phys. Ed department. But does getting burned by Gerry and abruptly leaving her job as Principal signal the end of Lisa Mason? Better not count on it.

In Season 7, Gerry realizes Phys. Ed is not all fun and games; Robert (Jonathan Torrens) and Bobbi (Naomi Snieckus) navigate parenthood; Simon (Mark Little) and Nisha (Emma Hunter) get more physical in their new relationship; new Economics teacher Dave (guest star Dave Merheje) tries to inspire his students; and Lisa does whatever she can to return to Xavier Academy.  

Mr. D also stars Bette MacDonald (Trudy), Darrin Rose (Bill), Wes Williams (Paul), Suresh John (Malik), Kathleen Phillips (Emma), and Bill Wood (Frank), with season 7 guest stars to be announced at a later date.

A CBC original series, Mr. D is produced by Topsail Productions Limited and Gerard ADHD Entertainment Inc. and distributed worldwide by Entertainment One Television International Ltd.

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Link: “Air Farce” spoofs Canada in honour of 150th

From Bill Brioux of The Canadian Press:

Link: “Air Farce” spoofs Canada in honour of 150th
“We’re trying to make it a totally different flavour from the New Year’s show,” says Royal Canadian Air Farce founding member Don Ferguson. After consistently delivering top-rated year-end specials since the “Air Farce” series ended in 2008, Ferguson has been lobbying hard for a second annual showcase. Continue reading.

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