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Awards, Featured

2025 WGC Screenwriting Awards Winners Announced

From a media release:

The Writers Guild of Canada (WGC) announced the winners of the 29th annual WGC Screenwriting Awards tonight at Koerner Hall in Toronto. The gala brought together hundreds of screenwriters, industry professionals, and fans—all in celebration of excellence in screenwriting for Canadian film, television, and digital media.

This year’s winners include Jagjiwan Sohal for Comedy Series (Late Bloomer, “The Turban”), Michael Konyves for Drama Series (Wild Cards, “The Infinity Thief”), Jason Buxton for Feature Film (Sharp Corner), Evany Rosen for Tweens & Teens (Davey & Jonesie’s Locker, “Orange is the New Snack”), and many more across 10 categories.

Special honours were also presented:

  • Leah Johnston received the Sondra Kelly Award, generously sponsored by AFBS.
  • Faisal Lutchmedial was awarded the Jim Burt Screenwriting Prize for Through the Eyes of an Ibis.
  • With supporting partner, the Canadian Academy, the Margaret Collier Award was presented to Andrew Wreggitt.
  • The prestigious Showrunner Award was awarded to Matt Schiller for his outstanding work in the kids and teen space.

Hosted by Andrew Phung (Kim’s Convenience, Run the Burbs) and Jonathan Langdon (Run the Burbs, Open Season: Call of Nature), the gala featured lively moments, and presentations by well-known industry professionals and creators, including maxine bailey (Executive Director, Canadian Film Centre), Joan Digba (Jane, Beyond Black Beauty), Mark Ellis (Allegiance, Flashpoint), Jason Filiatrault (The Order, Entanglement), Allan Hawko (Saint-Pierre, Republic of Doyle), Jamie Thomas King (The Tudors, The Light Before the Sun), Meg MacKay (This Hour Has 22 Minutes, Don’t Even), Thomas Santram (Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Cineplex Entertainment, and Chair of the Canadian Academy’s Board of Directors), Robina Lord-Stafford (Saint-Pierre, Wild Cards), Supinder Wraich (Allegiance, Sort Of), and Sugith Varughese (Kim’s Convenience, Transplant).

The WGC also unveiled the new award statue. Like screenwriting itself, the abstract design is open to interpretation. Each viewer may see something different — a folded script, a wing, a hand, or a torch. The artist, Luisé Cisneros Alavez, was inspired by the themes of creativity, freedom, unity, and diversity.

2025 WGC SCREENWRITING AWARDS WINNERS

CHILDREN’S
Open Season: Call of Nature, “Cash Camp Pt 1 & 2” | Written by Mike Girard

COMEDY SERIES
Late Bloomer, “The Turban” | Written by Jagjiwan Sohal

DRAMA SERIES
Wild Cards, “The Infinity Thief” | Written by Michael Konyves

DOCUMENTARY
Altona | Written by The Affolter Brothers (Heath Affolter, Nathan Affolter, Thomas Affolter, and Jon Affolter)

FEATURE FILM
Sharp Corner | Written by Jason Buxton

MOW & MINISERIES
Gilded Newport Mysteries: Murder at the Breakers | Written by Keri Ferencz

PRESCHOOL
Luna, Chip & Inkie Adventure Rangers Go, “Lights, Camera, Save Eagle Creek!” | Written by Shelley Hoffman & Robert Pincombe

SHORT FILMS (UNDER 60 MINUTES)
Let Me In | Written by Joel Buxton

SHORT SERIES (EPISODES UNDER 15 MINUTES)
Space Janitors, “Clones War” | Written by Brendan Halloran

TWEENS & TEENS
Davey & Jonesie’s Locker, “Orange is the New Snack” | Written by Evany Rosen

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Featured, The Office Movers

Production underway on Season 2 of Crave original comedy The Office Movers from Counterfeit Pictures

From a media release:

They’re back! Counterfeit Pictures and Crave today announce that production is underway on Season 2 of the hit Crave Original comedy series, THE OFFICE MOVERS. Created by and starring Brampton-born content creators and brothers Jermaine “Jae” and Trevaunn “Trey” Richards, the new season is filming in and around Toronto through the end of June and will feature six new half-hour episodes.

Season 1 introduced viewers to the Saunders brothers, Everett (Jae) and Eric (Trey), who run a dysfunctional office-moving company, reluctantly following in their father’s footsteps. Season 2 picks up where they left off, with Everett and his unreliable crew hustling to compete with Zenithon Logistics, a corporate giant set on crushing every small-time mover in the city. But after overpaying for a new warehouse—complete with a new, oddball landlord—Everett turns to a series of increasingly desperate money-making schemes to stay afloat. He drags Ricky into an explosive insurance scam, pressures Carla to fudge a DEI grant application, and bankrolls Cousin Cloudy’s half-baked attempt to convert their basement into a short-term rental unit. As his plans unravel, Eric starts to question his loyalty—and whether Zenithon might offer a smoother ride.

“We’re hyped to be back for Season 2! This season takes everything we built in Season 1 and cranks it up – more chaos, more schemes, and way more laughs. We’ve got some wild storylines and amazing talent coming back, plus a few more surprises we can’t wait for people to see. Shooting in Toronto and telling stories that reflect where we’re from means a lot to us. Let’s get moving!” – Jae & Trey Richards, creators and stars of THE OFFICE MOVERS.

Reprising their roles for Season 2 are the talented ensemble cast, including digital creators and comedians: Heather Gallant as Carla Morris, Lucas Lopez as Ricky, Marina Nedic as Trisha Roosevelt, Hassan Phills as Hassan Ahmed, Andy Agyepong-Ntra (WatswithAndy) as Cloudy, Michael Charles as Marcus Adeyimi, Solomom Kehinde as Michael, and Baldeep Sehmbi as Prince.

Joining the cast this season are Danny Martinello as Shazam’s newest hire Doug, Gervail Sean Lemo as Shamez, Shazam’s new landlord, ZlamDunk as Zlad, the bad boy son of Zenithon’s CEO, and Marlon Palmer as Carla’s love interest Chrisss.

Ranked among Crave’s Top 20 titles during its release week*, the first season of THE OFFICE MOVERS was created by Jae and Tre– who became household names through their YouTube channel, Jae & Trey Vlogs. Season 1 generated millions of views and impressions across social and digital platforms. All episodes are now streaming on Crave, with behind-the-scenes content available on Crave’s YouTube page, and on @CraveCanada and @TheOfficeMovers.

THE OFFICE MOVERS is produced by Counterfeit Pictures in association with Crave. The series is created by brothers Jermaine and Trevaunn Richards, who also serve as executive producers, along with Clara Altimas and Counterfeit’s Dan Bennett, Shane Corkery and Anton Leo. Season Two will see Sebastian Cluer and Clara Altimas directing. Counterfeit’s Chris Kelley will serve as producer.

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Amplify, Featured

Original APTN series Amplify returns May 13

From a media release:

The third season of original series AMPLIFY, produced by Shane Belcourt and Jason Ryle of Wolfwalker Productions, premieres on Tuesday, May 13 at 10:30pm ET on APTN, and will stream on APTN lumi. Seasons 1 and 2 are available on APTN lumi and also available on the Air Canada inflight entertainment system.

AMPLIFY showcases the powerful diversity of Indigenous music in Canada. In each episode of this anthology series, we meet an Indigenous singer/songwriter as they explore the creation of a new song based on a personal source of inspiration. From songs in Indigenous languages to country and hip-hop, AMPLIFY takes a deep dive into the creative processes of these artists and their strong connections to their Indigenous communities. Through their music, their cultures are amplified.

AMPLIFY’s third season features an exciting roster of emerging and established Indigenous musicians from across Canada. Season three features: Shane Ghostkeeper, Evan Redsky, Quttau, Darcy Turning Robe, Sebastian Gaskin, Bebe Buckskin, Lido Pimienta, Tia Wood, and Crystal Shawanda.

It is filmed with a 100% Indigenous production crew from First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities.

RELEASE
English episodes air every Tuesday on APTN beginning on Tuesday, May 13th, 2025.
Check local listings as timing changes in each time zone:
7:30pm PT, 8:30pm MT, 9:30pm CT, 10:30pm ET and 11:30pm AT

SERIES CREATOR
Shane Belcourt

SINGER/SONGWRITERS
Shane Ghostkeeper
Tia Wood
Crystal Shawanda
Darcy Turning Robe
Lido Pimienta
Quttau
Evan Redsky
Sebastian Gaskin
Bebe Buckskin

DIRECTORS
Trevor Solway
Alexandra Lazarowich
Carla Robinson
Jason Ryle
asinnajaq
Claudia Skunk and Sean Stiller

PRODUCERS:
Shane Belcourt and Jason Ryle

ASSOCIATE PRODUCERS
Claudia Skunk and Adam Phipps

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Featured, Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary

APTN’s spring lineup delivers authentic stories from this side of the border

From a media release:

So you’re looking for top-tier storytelling north of the 49th parallel, eh? No need to paddle your canoe any further. APTN’s got you covered with a lineup of spring shows that ooze maple syrup and remind you what it means to be the True North strong and free. From pow wows to paintbrushes, every show reflects the spirit, resilience and beauty of these lands we call home.

Whether you are watching on APTN, APTN Languages or on our streaming platform APTN lumi, our programming reminds us that diversity isn’t something to fear, it’s something to embrace. (Not-so-subtle side-eye.) We’re keeping our stories, our voices and our languages alive OUR way and no, we won’t apologize for it.

APTN has some of the most TREMENDOUS Indigenous programming. It might be the best Indigenous programming we’ve EVER seen. (See what we did there?) And you can watch knowing that most of our content is proudly produced right here, on this side of the border.

As we roll into June, we’re amplifying Indigenous voices louder than ever. For National Indigenous History Month, we’re sharing powerful programming that celebrates the stories, cultures and histories that have shaped these lands long before Canada was even an idea. We’re kicking things off in style! On June 1, dive into a North of North marathon. Viewers can’t get enough of this fan-favourite! Friday nights will be dedicated to unforgettable movies, and on June 21, National Indigenous Peoples Day, experience the vibrant sights and sounds of Le grand solstice, a spectacular concert showcasing Indigenous artists and cultures.

No fake news here – this lineup is HUGE and 100% authentic! Here’s what you can watch with pride this spring on APTN:

NEW SHOWS THIS SPRING!

Northwoods Survival
Welcome to some of the most breathtakingly wild and untamed places on Earth – where “progress” doesn’t mean skyscrapers and Wi-Fi, but a return to the land, survival on your own terms and freedom from modern distractions. For these adventurers, every day is a high-stakes gamble with exhilarating rewards.

APTN premiere: May 28 (English)
APTN lumi premiere: May 28 (English)

Red River Gold
In 1870, a trove of gold coins on their way to fund a military force heading to confront Louis Riel during the Red River Resistance disappeared. With the gold having never been recovered, a group of modern-day treasure hunters are hoping to find it!

APTN lumi premiere: April 28 (English)
APTN premiere: May 5 (English)

@Home
Tamara Bell uses her interior design prowess to help Indigenous Peoples connect with their cultural and artistic traditions.

APTN premiere: May 5 (English)
APTN lumi premiere: May 5 (English)

RETURNING APTN FAN-FAVOURITES!

Chuck and the First Peoples’ Kitchen / Chuck et la cuisine des premiers peuples (Season 5)
This season, chef Chuck Hughes learns culinary traditions from Indigenous mentors from across Canada and the United States. Cross border sharing is caring!

APTN premieres: May 5 (English) and May 9 (French)
APTN lumi premieres: May 5 (English) and May 9 (French)

Pow Wow Chow (Season 2)
Pow Wow Chow follows two food vendors as they navigate their way through the pow wow trail and festivals. Get a spectacular behind-the-scenes view into the fast-paced livelihood of these resilient business owners.

APTN lumi premieres: May 2 (English) and April 30 (Cree)
APTN Languages premiere: May 7 (Cree)
APTN premiere: May 9 (English)

Red Earth Uncovered (Season 5)
Embark on an adventure to places where legendary mysteries keep the world guessing! From the elusive Sasquatch to the secrets of Ogopogo, Red Earth Uncovered dives deep into myths, archaeology and the untold stories behind them.

APTN lumi premiere: May 4 (Cree)
APTN Languages premiere: May 11 (Cree)

Amplify (Season 3)
Amplify showcases the powerful diversity of Indigenous music in Canada. In each episode, we meet an Indigenous singer/songwriter as they explore the creation of a new song based on a personal source of inspiration.

APTN lumi premiere: May 6 (English)
APTN premiere: May 13 (English)

Tallboyz (Season 2)
The TallBoyz are back, taking their absurdist, technicolour approach to gender, politics, family and friendships to even greater heights.

APTN premiere: May 20 (English)

Michif Country (Season 4)
This docuseries takes you deep into the heart of St. Laurent, Manitoba, where the Michif language, culture and landscape come alive! Join Indigenous celebrities as they swap stories, traditions and maybe even a few survival tips with the locals all while embarking on epic adventures.

APTN lumi premiere: May 1 (English)
APTN premiere: May 8 (English)

A LITTLE SOMETHING FOR THE MAPLE MUNCHKINS!

Ukaliq and Kalla (New show!)
Deep in the Arctic, two unlikely besties are on a mission to learn, laugh and maybe cause a little mischief! Ukaliq, the bouncy, impatient Arctic hare, and Kalla, the cool, clever lemming, team up in this fun-filled children’s series that mixes 2D animation with live action.

APTN Languages premiere: May 11 (Inuktitut)
APTN lumi premiere: May 11 (Inuktitut)

Chums (Season 2)
A rag tag group of furry friends discover their relationship to the animals, the environment and Mother Earth.

APTN lumi premieres: May 3 (English, Cree and Anishinaabemowin)
APTN premiere: May 10 (English)
APTN Languages premiere: May 10 (Cree and Anishinaabemowin)

Indigenous Art Adventures (Season 2)
Indigenous Art Adventures is back with even more fun and creative projects for kids! Join host Lance Cardinal as he takes young viewers on exciting crafting journeys that celebrate Indigenous cultures.

APTN premiere: May 10 (English)
APTN lumi premiere: May 10 (English)

This spring, join APTN with programming that feels like home. Check out APTN’s full TV schedule at www.aptntv.ca/schedule.

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Featured, Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary

Crave orders Project Runway Canada, with Coco Rocha and Jeanne Beker

From a media release:

Crave announced today a 10-episode order for PROJECT RUNWAY CANADA, the Canadian adaptation of the globally renowned fashion competition series, which sees some of the country’s most exciting designers competing in a captivating series of challenges for their ultimate industry breakthrough. The series, which is set to return to Canadian audiences, is produced in collaboration with Fashion at The Creative School, Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU). Production begins this summer, and the series is slated to debut on Crave later this year.  Canadian powerhouses Coco Rocha (host and judge) and Jeanne Beker (judge) are set to join PROJECT RUNWAY CANADA, helping determine who truly has what it takes to make it in the fashion industry, with additional cast to be announced soon.

Casting is now open, and designers are invited to apply at www.ctv.ca/projectrunwaycanada.

“Canada’s fashion culture and industry deserves to be celebrated, and this is the perfect moment to spotlight homegrown designers,” said Carlyn Klebuc, General Manager, Original Programming, Bell Media. “PROJECT RUNWAY is already an iconic franchise, and we can’t wait to give it a distinctly Canadian twist.”

Michela DiMondo, EVP, International Distribution, Fremantle Canada, said: “We are delighted to be working with our partners at Bell Media to launch PROJECT RUNWAY CANADA. PROJECT RUNWAY has had a profound effect on the fashion industry and is known globally for launching careers. We can’t wait to see PROJECT RUNWAY CANADA open doors for some of the country’s most inspiring fashion designers in this international renowned fashion series.”

“Fashion at The Creative School, Toronto Metropolitan University is thrilled to collaborate on PROJECT RUNWAY CANADA, an exciting initiative that supports the development, visibility, and long-term success of fashion in Canada. As the country’s leading fashion school, we’re proud to contribute our expertise and facilities in downtown Toronto to help spotlight Canadian talent and strengthen the creative industries,” said Joseph Medaglia, Chair, Fashion at The Creative School, Toronto Metropolitan University.

The PROJECT RUNWAY format is licensed for Canada from Fremantle.

When PROJECT RUNWAY debuted in 2004, the series broke new ground and helped revolutionize the reality competition genre. Since then, PROJECT RUNWAY has aired in more than 125 countries and has had a profound effect on the fashion industry, launching the careers of prolific designers, including Christian Siriano, Austin Scarlett, Leanne Marshall, Irina Shabayeva, Michael Costello, and Bishme Cromartie, among many others.

PROJECT RUNWAY CANADA is produced by Bell Media Studios. Jennifer Couke and Michelle Crespi are Executive Producers. Coco Rocha also serves as Executive Producer. Charles Falzon, Dean, The Creative School, Toronto Metropolitan University, is Executive Producer. Nicholas Vasil is Series Producer.

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