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.
Industry News

The CRTC wants Canadians to take back control of their TV services

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From a media release:

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) today set out best practices for TV service providers to ensure Canadians are offered real choice regarding their services and have information about their options.

To follow these best practices, providers should, among other things: provide information about the new choices that will be available as of December 1, 2016; keep their offers simple and transparent; offer deals and discounts regardless of the entry-level package selected; provide online tools allowing subscribers to easily add or remove channels; and offer different options to obtain a set-top box.

The CRTC is also renewing the licences of most TV service providers for one year, rather than the usual seven-year term. This will enable the CRTC to closely monitor the TV providers’ practices as they implement the new TV choices.

These new options will enable Canadians to create their own package for TV services. Canadians are encouraged to shop around to ensure they are aware of what is available in the market if their service provider’s offers don’t meet the needs or the budget of their household. There are many online tools on the CRTC’s website to help Canadians find the best services and negotiate with their provider.

Quick Facts

  • Since March 1, 2016, all licensed television service providers must offer a basic package priced at no more than $25 a month (not including equipment).
  • Some smaller providers like Access, Zazeen, Rangtel and Beanfield have been offering the small basic package at less than $25 a month without having to subscribe to other services.
  • Since March 1, 2016, Canadians also have more options to add to that basic service, as TV service providers must offer channels either individually or in packages of up to 10 channels.
  • Starting on December 1, television service providers will have to offer both pick-and-pay and small packages.
  • The service providers’ actions regarding these new TV choices will be closely monitored in the year to come to ensure that they respect the best practices highlighted by the CRTC.
  • As a result of the CRTC proceeding, some providers announced plans to change practices that were not consumer friendly.
  • Canadians have multiple options to watch TV programming, which can include a combination of the new basic package, individual channels, small packages, free over-the-air stations and Internet streaming services.
  • Canadians are encouraged to use the new CRTC online tools to help them identify their needs and budget, shop around and negotiate for TV services.
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Industry News

Link: TV and movie productions choose Montreal as next big filming locale

From Bill Brioux of The Canadian Press:

Link: TV and movie productions choose Montreal as next big filming locale
The Disappearance is one of several English-language productions currently shooting in Montreal. With the TV business already booming in Vancouver and Toronto, Montreal is fast becoming a popular third option as a Canadian production hub.

A second straight mild fall has probably helped. Generous tax incentives, seasoned crews and the relatively low Canadian dollar haven’t hurt either. Producers say Montreal also offers several “looks,” doubling well for North American, as well as European capitals. Continue reading.

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Featured, Travelers

The Travelers are on their most important mission yet

Last Monday’s episode of Travelers was quite the brain-blower, wasn’t it? What I assumed would be a first season full of “missions of the week” was thrown aside as MacLaren’s squad was captured by an unknown entity and questioned about what time they were from and what their tasks were.

The very fact Marcy, Carly, Trevor and Philip were asked when they were from opens up a possibility I’d never considered: travelers have been coming to this time from different eras and spaces. If that’s the case, storylines could end up being hard to follow and I have my fingers crossed creator Brad Wright doesn’t get too judicious with adding new characters. I like this core five and would rather concentrate on them.

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Here’s a sneak preview to Monday’s new episode, “Helios 685,” written by Rebecca Hales and directed by Helen Shaver.

Those time of deaths continue to impress
Like Six Feet Under did killing off the folks who ended up in the Fisher’s funeral home, Travelers is very creative when it comes to the scenarios surrounding times of death. Tonight is no different.

Kevin McNulty alert!
Fans of Arctic Air rejoice! The former Mel Ivarson guests in tonight’s instalment as … we don’t learn his name. And Kyra Zagorsky is back as the smart-talking Dr. Delaney.

The truck driver wakes up
Remember the driver who was transporting the antimatter device in Episode 1? Well, he’s woken up from his coma and Major Gleason has questions to ask.

Monday’s mission is the most important yet
As MacLaren explains, what happened during the last episode must be put aside, as the events surrounding Helios 685—an asteroid on a collision course with Earth—have to be addressed. The asteroid is a big piece to the puzzle surrounding the future of the planet.

Travelers airs Mondays at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on Showcase.

Images courtesy of Corus.

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Industry News

Richard Nester to retire as host of The Shopping Channel

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From a media release:

As announced last night on The Shopping Channel (TSC), beloved personality Richard Nester will retire as host on December 16, 2016, following 21 years of delighting customers across the country with his charismatic quick-wit and infectious energy. Host Sean Keane will take over Nester’s hours on TSC.

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A Niagara, ON native, Nester moved to Toronto 36 years ago, where he worked behind-the-scenes at TVO before making his on-screen debut at TSC. Since joining the company in 1995, Nester has relished the opportunity to work in the fast-paced, dynamic environment of live TV, introducing customers across the country to the latest and greatest TSC products. He counts getting to know the late Joan Rivers, meeting viewers from all over Canada, and working with big names like George Foreman, Suzanne Somers, and Richard Simmons as career highlights.

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21 Thunder

Link: TV drama 21 Thunder explores the world of under-21 soccer in Montreal

From Brendan Kelly of the Montreal Gazette:

Link: TV drama 21 Thunder explores the world of under-21 soccer in Montreal
“We realized very quickly that every Canadian can relate one way or another to soccer. Either you play it or you watch it or you watched Canada play in international tournaments or you love the Impact or you love Toronto FC. Also, look at any soccer field across Canada and that field reflects huge diversity, of cultural background, of different segments of society. That diversity is reflected in the show. So we thought it was the perfect pitch for a show that was simultaneously Canadian and exportable.” Continue reading.

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