All posts by Greg David

Prior to becoming a television critic and owner of TV, Eh?, Greg David was a critic for TV Guide Canada, the country's most trusted source for TV news. He has interviewed television actors, actresses and behind-the-scenes folks from hundreds of television series from Canada, the U.S. and internationally. He is a podcaster, public speaker, weekly radio guest and educator, and past member of the Television Critics Association.
Blackstone

CBC to air award-winning Blackstone

From a media release:

Prairie Dog Film + Television announces that the powerful and gritty primetime drama Blackstone will bow on CBC Television starting June 15. Launching as part of CBC’s National Aboriginal History Month programming, the series explores the real-life issues facing Canada’s Aboriginal community as explored through the characters of the fictional Blackstone First Nation reserve. Blackstone seasons one and two air on CBC starting June 15 at 11:30 p.m./midnight NT. The series will run Monday through Friday in the same timeslot until July 7. The series is also available for download – for the first time ever – on iTunes starting June 16.

Compelling and uncompromising, Blackstone is an authentic drama that explores the raw and real dynamics of family, power and politics. Blackstone is both a portrayal of a community plagued by corruption, violence and injustice, and an inspiring story of the undying hope and resilience of a people fighting for a better life in the midst of adversity.

Currently, viewers can download seven behind-the-scenes videos through CBC’s portal on iTunes. Following that, nine behind-the-scenes videos from season two will be available from June 16. Each episode of “Blackstone” will be available for purchase on iTunes following its CBC broadcast.

Blackstone season one features Carmen Moore, Eric Schweig, Michelle Thrush, Nathaniel Arcand, Roseanne Supernault, Steven Cree Molison, Andrea Menard, Justin Rain and Gordon Tootoosis. Season two sees the addition of Tantoo Cardinal, Georgina Lighting, Garry Chalk, Frank Cassini and Cameron Bancroft.

Blackstone has been nominated for 89 awards, winning 29, including two Geminis, six Leo Awards and multiple Alberta Film & Television Awards.

Blackstone is produced by Prairie Dog Film + Television, with Ron E. Scott as showrunner & director, Jesse Szymanski as co-executive producer, and Damon Vignale as writer/producer.  The series broadcasts in Canada on APTN and is currently in production of season 5. As well, it is in the United States on Hulu, in New Zealand on Maori Television, in Australia on SBS/NITV, and is internationally distributed by PPI Releasing.

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Industry News

Link: TV industry’s turmoil leaves big show production on the sidelines

From Simon Houpt of The Globe and Mail:

TV industry’s turmoil leaves big show production on the sidelines
It’s been an unusual upfront this year, with two of the three commercial Canadian broadcasters opting not to produce a big show, but rather host a series of meetings, fireside chats and dinners with separate constituencies in order to deliver tailored messages about the effectiveness of their offerings. Continue reading.

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Industry News

Project 10 lands comedic development deals with Bell Media

1 Comment

From a media release:

– Cobie Smulders & Paul Campbell partner on Beyond Repair –

– Stand-up comedian Darcy Michael pens series based on his life in Darcy –

Project 10 has inked development deals for two comedies at Bell Media, Andrew Barnsley (Schitt’s Creek) announced today. Creators Cobie Smulders (How I Met Your Mother; Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.; Results; The Avengers) and Paul Campbell (Spun Out; Battlestar Galactica) are developing Beyond Repair while stand-up comedian Darcy Michael (Spun Out) and Carl Johann are collaborating on the family sitcom Darcy. Project 10 is currently looking for U.S. and international partners for both series.

Beyond Repair, a single camera comedy, tells the heartwarming and hilarious story of Nick Barrett, a charming and handsome but out-of-work actor, and Kevin, the son Nick never knew he had. When Kevin shows up on Nick’s doorstep in need of a place to live, perpetual man-child Nick must accept a position as the superintendent of the apartment building his father owns to make ends meet. Faced with “parenting” his nerdy, virgin son, Nick finally starts to grow up. In addition to co-writing the series, Paul Campbell is attached to play the role of Nick.

Darcy is a multi-cam family sitcom that follows two working class dads as they struggle with marriage, children, and money problems. Based on the sidesplitting stand up comedy and real life of comedian Darcy Michael, the series centres on the Mason Family – husbands Darcy and Jeremy, their 15 year-old daughter Grace, six year-old son Bruno, and their extended (sometimes uninvited) family Jane and Carl. Michael is attached to play the lead.

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Featured, Rookie Blue

Comments and queries for the week of June 5

Cracked actor makes an impact on Rookie Blue

I started out watching all the reruns of Rookie Blue. I fell in love with the show and the cast. I could not wait to see the next episode. — Jennifer

Welcome to RBParty! I think going on a RB marathon will really allow you to see how many of the many relationships have developed and how each of the characters have grown so much. — Diane

I actually started watching Rookie Blue this season. With so many passionate fans I decided to give it a try and I was surprised to see I really liked it. Best thing is the episodes are syndicated on so many channels I might get all of them on my DVR so I can watch from the beginning. — Alicia

CTV’s unwavering support for Saving Hope

Thank you CTV! Saving Hope is by far my favourite show right now and I’m glad it’s getting such strong support. I hope it catches on here in the U.S. on ION channel, and I hope the prime time slot will help with any loss of viewers over the Season 3 ending. — Hallie

 

Got a comment or question about Canadian TV? Email greg@tv-eh.com or via @tv_eh.

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