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.
In an awards presentation unlike any other for the Writers Guild of Canada, host Gavin Crawford announced the winners of the 24th annual WGC Screenwriting Awards via the Guild’s YouTube channel this evening. Winners of 2020’s top prizes include Jann Arden & Jennica Harper (JANN), Noelle Carbone (Coroner), Laura Phillips (Sweetness in the Belly) and Nance Ackerman & Ariella Pahlke & Teresa MacInnes (Conviction). Congratulations to 2020’s talented winners and nominees.
WGC special awards were also presented, with the WGC Showrunner Award going to Dennis Heaton, the Sondra Kelly Award to Cynthia Knight, and Nathalie Younglai receiving the Alex Barris Mentorship Award.Â
In light of the cancellation of the 2020 physical awards ceremony due to COVID-19, this year’s winners will also be celebrated at the 25th Annual WGC Screenwriting Awards, which are set for April 26, 2021, at Toronto’s Koerner Hall.
2020 WGC SCREENWRITING AWARDS WINNERSÂ
CHILDREN’SÂ
Hotel Transylvania: The Series, “Better Know Your Mavis†| Written by Mark SteinbergÂ
COMEDY SERIESÂ
JANN, “The Big House†| Story by Jann Arden & Jennica Harper, Teleplay by Jennica HarperÂ
DOCUMENTARYÂ
Conviction | Written by Nance Ackerman & Ariella Pahlke & Teresa MacInnesÂ
DRAMA SERIESÂ
Coroner, “All’s Well†| Written by Noelle CarboneÂ
FEATURE FILMÂ
Sweetness in the Belly | Written by Laura PhillipsÂ
MOW & MINISERIESÂ
Thicker Than Water | Written by David Elver & Andrea StevensÂ
PRESCHOOLÂ
Dino Dana, “Dino Prints†| Written by J.J. Johnson & Christin Simms & Amish PatelÂ
SHORTS & WEBSERIESÂ
Save Me, “Birdie’s End†| Written by Fabrizio FilippoÂ
TWEENS & TEENSÂ
Creeped Out, “The Takedown†| Written by Emma CampbellÂ
T+E’s new original 10-part documentary series Hotel Paranormal (10×60’), produced by Toronto-based Saloon Media, a Blue Ant Studios company, follows the terrifying, true stories of those who have come face-to-face with otherworldly hotel guests. Narrated by Canadian icon, Dan Aykroyd, who is no stranger to the unexplained, each episode features spine-tingling stories of paranormal encounters told from stays at grand hotels, highway motels and short-term rentals around the world. From hotel workers and guests witnessing objects flying across the room to uncovering trapped ancient spirits and experiencing demonic possession, Hotel Paranormal brings to life terrifying encounters with dramatic recreations and paranormal expert insights. The world broadcast premiere of Hotel Paranormal airs Friday, May 15 at 9 p.m. ET/PT, exclusively on T+E.
Hotel Paranormal reminds audiences they are never truly alone when staying in a hotel. Every year, millions of people spend the night in an unfamiliar space and most are unaware that hotels could hold dark secrets connected to a tragic past. Get shivers as guests and staff alike recall their bone-chilling revelations as they detail their unexplained encounters with the paranormal.
Hotel Paranormal airs Fridays at 9 p.m. ET/PT, starting May 15, 2020, exclusively on T+E. The channel recently extended its nationwide free preview on Rogers running now until June 1st.
The first two episodes include:
Episode 1 – Paranormal Predator
May 15 at 9 p.m. ET/PT
The series opener gives viewers a terrifying taste of what is in store when they check into Hotel Paranormal. A demonic spirit takes possession of a travelling businessman in a Texas motel, a dark force is unleashed by high school students in an Italian guest house and an evil entity attacks a news reporter in a New England B&B.
Episode 2 -Â A Dark History
May 22 at 9 p.m. ET/PT
In this episode, poltergeist activity plagues the staff and guests in a historic Minnesota hotel. We then travel to Alabama where a young chef endures the violent assaults of a former guest seeking vengeance. Across the pond in the UK, a little boy falls ill after a predatory phantom pays an unwanted visit during a family vacation.
Hotel Paranormal is an original Canadian series produced by Saloon Media, a Blue Ant Studios company. Sarah Zammit is the Series Producer. Michael Kot and Betty Orr serve as Executive Producers. Dave Tebby and Mick Grogan are Directors and Josh Pelham is the Co-Director.
Murdoch Mysteries is by far, the best series my husband and I have ever watched! It’s what is helping us through our quarantine time, providing great entertainment! Yannick is brilliant as Murdoch and is my favourite! Looking forward to many more seasons! —Char
I am a 74-year-old from Ohio. I can’t say how much I love Murdoch Mysteries. I watch the show over and over again waiting on the next season. I can’t get it on the TV, so I have to wait and watch the new shows when they come on Hulu. I like that it is a clean, no sex, no cussing show. Also, I would love for the old episodes of Sue Thomas F. B. Eye to come on Hulu. Thank you for Murdoch Mysteries. —Elizabeth
I became a Murdoch fan about five years ago. First saw the show as The Artful Detective and have been following the show since. Because I reside south of the Canadian border, it was tough getting the show on TV, so I had to rent DVDs until I discovered AcornTV. I like the entire cast and will miss the show after I finish the final three episodes of Season 13. Great job CBC. —Leo
I am an 83-year-old lady from the UK and want to say Murdoch Mysteries has been a life saver to watch during lockdown/isolation because of COVID-19. Icame to the series late but am so grateful to all involved over the years to produce such an intelligent and interesting program. Long may it continue! —Sylvia
I’m a 73-yr-old Ohio Buckeye. Been watching Murdoch for years on the Ovation Channel. Just a tremendous cast and talented writers! Please keep this gem in production! —Jennie
I am an American, and I love all of Yannick Bisson’s movies that we are able to see here. I think his acting is superb! I wish we were able to see all of his work, but we only have the Murdoch Mysteries. I love his work! And I am a 72-year-old African American! —Marva
Got a question or comment about Canadian TV? Email greg.david@ami.ca or via Twitter @tv_eh.
Born in Montreal, Quebec, back in 1969, Yannick Bisson landed his first significant television role at the age of 15 when he played the part of Spear Kozak in Hockey Night. Since then, the Canadian actor has gone on to establish himself as a pivotal figure in the country’s entertainment sector. So, let’s take a look at Bisson’s career.
Murdoch Mysteries and his move into directing
Having found his feet on Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s television network in 1984, the now 50-year-old actor went on to have an active role in several Canadian productions. Although he has featured in a wide array of different shows, Bisson is most well-known for being the main protagonist in the award-winning series, Murdoch Mysteries.
Premiering back in 2008, the drama has been running for 13 seasons, but reports suggest that the much-loved Canadian series is set to return to screens for another season in the future. Crucially, the show’s longevity has, at the time of writing, provided Bisson with his longest-active role throughout his career in television. Playing Detective William Murdoch, the Canadian recently reached 200 episodes in a production that has, by the actor’s own admission, become part of modern-day Canadian culture. It’s a testament to Bisson’s leading role in the now 12-year-old series that he claimed the Canadian Screen Awards Fan’s Choice Award in 2016, while the show itself received the Golden Screen Award for the most-watched drama in both 2017 and 2018.
Although the Murdoch Mysteries star is widely recognized for his on-screen contributions to the show, the series’ success gave him the foundation to broaden his horizons within the industry. During the fourth season, Bisson used his abilities on the other side of the camera to direct six episodes so far. Furthermore, his contributions to Canadian television, including his roles in Nothing Too Good for a Cowboy, Sue Thomas: F.B. Eye, and The Adventures of Napkin Man!, as well as Murdoch Mysteries, resulted in him being given the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists’ Toronto Award of Excellence in 2017 for his continued dedication to the industry.
The Canadian’s growing role within the film industry
During the early years of his career, Bisson only sporadically played roles in films. However, shortly before the turn of the new millennium, the award-winning actor landed a role in Velocity Trap, where he played the part of Franklin J. Robinson. Although the film didn’t reach the heights of other titles that were released in the same year, such as Fight Club and The Blair Witch Project, it did provide the Canadian actor with his first serious film role.
Eleven years after the release of Velocity Trap, Bisson was cast in Casino Jack as Oscar Carillo, alongside Barry Pepper, Kevin Spacey, Rachelle Lefevre, and many more. The comedy-drama, which is a true-to-life tale centred around the career of Jack Abramoff, a lobbyist and businessman from Washington, generated a box office total of $1.1 million upon release. Essentially, the movie acquires its title from Abramoff’s cunning plan against casino owners for his own sizeable financial gain. In reality, while casinos are legal throughout Canada, including online casinos where players have a wide choice of games, they are only available under strict supervision and when in line with the country’s implemented legislation.
Following Casino Jack, Bisson’s most recent venture into film came in the 2017 Canadian comedy horror movie, Another WolfCop. The title varies in genre to some of the previous workings that the 50-year-old has been a part of, with it offering light-hearted, gory entertainment as opposed to real-life tales of corruption.
Bisson has become an icon of Canadian television
Ultimately, there can be no doubt that Bisson is more than worthy of his Award of Excellence, given how much he has contributed to Canada’s entertainment industry. Aside from being the focal point of one of the country’s most iconic shows, the actor’s dedication has resulted in him being cast along some of the world’s biggest stars, which is a testament to his career success.
The highly-anticipated 10th season of Hope for Wildlife (10×60’) offers Canadians the perfect indoor distraction during self-isolation, with heart-warming stories, tears and plenty of happy endings. Cottage Life’s fan-favourite program follows nature advocate Hope Swinimer and her team as they rescue animals at her Halifax-based wildlife refuge and release them back into the wild. The world broadcast premiere of Hope For Wildlife airs Friday, April 24 at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT on Cottage Life, during the channel’s nationwide free preview event running until May 3 across 10 million Canadian households.
When wildlife collides with the human world, Hope and her team spring into action to restore the natural order. In this brand new season, there are more animals than ever – seals, beavers, foxes, fawns, eagles and owls. Hope battles government red tape to save a black bear and a Category 2 hurricane slams straight into Hope For Wildlife, putting hundreds of wild lives in danger.
The first two episodes include:
Episode 1 – Frozen Hope April 24 at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT
The rehab is flooded with orphaned seals and surrounded by solid ice following a brutal bone-chilling winter, providing an additional challenge to the team. Then, a Mountie saves a beaver, with Hope’s help, in what could be the most Canadian wildlife rescue ever.Â
Episode 2 – Lila The Bear May 1 at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT
When an orphaned black bear cub needs help, Hope puts everything on the line to save it and two bobcats are ready for release, but they don’t leave easily.
Hope For Wildlife is a Cottage Life original series, produced by Arcadia Entertainment. Overseeing the series for Cottage Life is Sam Linton, Head of Original Content for Blue Ant Media. Blue Ant International oversees international licensing for Hope For Wildlife.
