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Featured, Flashpoint

Flashpoint finale airs December 6 & 13 on CTV

From a media release:

The End of an Era: FLASHPOINT’s Mind-Blowing Two-Part Series Finale Marks the Conclusion of CTV’s Trailblazing Series, Thursday, December 6 and 13 on CTV

  • ETALK’s Ben Mulroney sits down with the entire cast on their last day on set in the all-new CTV tribute special FLASHPOINT: THE FINAL SALUTE, Dec. 13
  • Viewers can participate in a live online chat followed by the first-ever, live video after-show with the cast and creators on CTV.ca, Dec. 6
  • Fans invited to share their reflections on what the series has meant to them on CTV.ca to qualify to win exclusive FLASHPOINT memorabilia
  • CTV hosts the ultimate FLASHPOINT finale screening experience at the TIFF Bell Lightbox in Toronto, Dec. 13

Five seasons. 75 episodes. Too many memories to count. Since 2008, CTV’s trailblazing series FLASHPOINT has entertained millions of viewers in Canada and all over the world. It has inspired an industry, paving the way for the hit Canadian series that have followed. And now, on Thursday, Dec. 6 and 13 at 10 p.m. ET/PT, CTV presents the much-anticipated, two-part series finale of FLASHPOINT, fittingly entitled “Keep the Peace” (visit CTV.ca to confirm local broadcast times). In the mind-blowing, not-to-be missed final episodes, Team One faces its most deadly adversary yet – a brilliant serial bomber who takes an entire city hostage. Now, more than ever, their will is put to the ultimate test in the series’ shocking conclusion – one that changes Team One forever and will go down as the most action-packed Canadian television episode in memory.

With just three weeks to go until the final goodbye to the series, CTV is launching a massive promotional campaign that includes, on-air, radio, online and social media to generate awareness about the final farewell to FLASHPOINT. CTV invites viewers to celebrate the end of an era with the exclusive tribute special, FLASHPOINT: THE FINAL SALUTE, premiering Thursday, Dec. 13 at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT on CTV. CTV also presents complementary, interactive fan promotions, including a gala finale screening, all leading up to the highly anticipated final episode on Dec. 13.

The countdown to the final season began in May when Executive Producers Anne Marie La Traverse and Bill Mustos announced in a press release that they had chosen to end the hit series on a high note, following the conclusion of Season 5.

Leading up to the final episode, ETALK’s Ben Mulroney sits down with series’ stars Hugh Dillon, Enrico Colantoni, Amy Jo Johnson, David Paetkau, and Sergio DiZio on their last day on set together as a group. The poignant, all-new 30-minute CTV special, FLASHPOINT: THE FINAL SALUTE premieres Thursday, Dec. 13 at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT on CTV, just hours before the final episode airs. Shot on set at “SRU Headquarters”, the cast reflect on the past five seasons, their most memorable moments, what FLASHPOINT means to them, and more.

Immediately following Part 1 of the FLASHPOINT series finale (Dec. 6), viewers can log on to CTV.ca at 11 p.m. ET for the first-ever live video after-show with series’ stars Amy Jo Johnson, David Paetkau, Sergio Di Zio, and creators Mark Ellis and Stephanie Morgenstern. The live video stream allows viewers logged on to CTV.ca/LiveChat to watch and get their insider take on the episode and the series, while teasing the finale episode. Plus, a selection of hand-picked fan questions submitted through a live chat window starting at 10 p.m. ET will be put forward by CTV.ca to the FLASHPOINT team during the after-show, allowing for unprecedented user involvement. Before Part 2 of the series finale on Thursday, Dec. 13, visit CTV.ca/Flashpoint to view heartfelt video goodbye messages from the series’ stars.

With just three weeks to go until the final scene, the countdown to FLASHPOINT’s landmark series finale continues on CTV.ca with an exciting new contest. Starting now, viewers are invited to share their reflections on what the series has meant to them at flashpointcontest@ctv.ca (max 250 words). CTV will pass these notes along to the cast and producers and every submission will be entered in a random weekly prize draw for exclusive FLASHPOINT memorabilia, including signed cast photos, a locations poster signed by the producers, and a signed finale episode script. With a handful of messages posted to CTV.ca each week, fans can take this opportunity to bid farewell for five great seasons of incredible memories. The contest closes on Friday, Dec. 14 at 11:59:59 p.m. ET. For more information and for full contest rules, please visit CTV.ca/Flashpoint.

The celebration concludes Dec. 13 as CTV hosts the ultimate FLASHPOINT finale screening experience at the TIFF Bell Lightbox in Toronto. Fans will be able to watch the final two episodes hours before the live broadcast, followed by a special Q & A session with the cast and the producers. More information, including how to gain access to this exclusive event, will be available online soon at CTV.ca/Flashpoint and facebook.com/CTV.Flashpoint.

In the two-part series finale, entitled “Keep the Peace” (Dec. 6 and 13 at 10 p.m. ET/PT), an explosive package planted at the 911 call centre is just the beginning of the most challenging call of Team One’s career. A series of bombs in public buildings tears the city apart with terror as the Team juggles high-risk rescues, multiple defusions, and fear for its members’ own loved ones. Just as they begin to grasp the chilling truth behind the bomber’s mission, a defusion takes a shocking and tragic turn. It’s all hands on deck as Team One joins forces with firefighters, paramedics, and the military to contain a devastating threat. As Jules (Amy Jo Johnson) and Parker (Enrico Colantoni) uncover the bomber’s true and dark origins, they realize this is not a man that can be talked down. In the Team’s final showdown, tragedy and triumph collide as the peace is kept… but at a painful cost.

FLASHPOINT stars Hugh Dillon (DURHAM COUNTY), Enrico Colantoni (VERONICA MARS), Amy Jo Johnson (FELICITY), David Paetkau (WHISTLER), Sergio Di Zio (JUST BURIED), and Olunike Adeliyi (BEING HUMAN).

Encore presentations of the two-part finale will air Sunday, Dec. 16 from 9-11 p.m. ET/PT on CTV and Monday, Dec. 10 and 17 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on CTV Two. Viewers can also catch up on full episodes of FLASHPOINT across CTV’s digital platforms following its television broadcast on CTV.ca, the CTV App, the CTV Mobile channel, and through video on demand partners.

Continue reading Flashpoint finale airs December 6 & 13 on CTV →

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Continuum, Featured

Simon Barry of Continuum talks Canadian TV with Rachel Langer

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By Rachel Langer for TV, eh?

I was fortunate enough to sit down with Simon Barry, the showrunner of one of my favorite new sci-fi series: Continuum.  Barry has written for feature films and television in both the US and Canada.  He was gracious enough to let me dissect his views on the writing room, TV in Canada, and the voracity of the science fiction fan.

You’ve written for both features and TV; can you talk about the difference in your process between those two things?

As far as movie projects go, a lot of the movie work is driven by assignments, adaptations, rewrites, and polishes, so the majority of that work tends to be, for me, taking other material and managing it into feature film mode, and it’s good work!  I mean, it’s great work for developing good habits, but it’s not the most creative work because you’re working within the constraints of previous material.

Whereas for TV, from my experience (and this is probably unique for me because I haven’t worked for anyone else in TV, I’ve only ever worked either developing original ideas or executing them), I find it to be more creatively fulfilling in that sense.  Not to say I don’t want to do movies — I absolutely love doing movies — but there is more on your shoulders in TV in terms of thinking everything through from not only the inception of the idea, the execution of the pilot, the planning of the series and then the management of all those other scripts, it’s a much more encompassing writer’s job.

In a movie job you can sort of be a cog in a bigger machine. In TV you’re part of the machine, so it’s a bit of a different approach. It’s the same craft, it’s just applied differently.

Continue reading Simon Barry of Continuum talks Canadian TV with Rachel Langer →

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Dragons' Den, Featured

CBC’s holiday specials

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From a media release:

DECK THE HALLS WITH CBC HOLIDAY MAGIC

CBC is bringing holiday magic to Canadians this festive season. From the classics to the soon-to-be classics, from music, comedy, sports and everything in-between, CBC is offering holiday programming for everyone on CBC-TV, Radio One, Radio 2, CBCMusic.ca and CBC.ca. For the complete holiday schedule, go to CBC.ca/holiday.

Highlights of CBC-TV’s holiday programming include a special episode of DRAGONS’ DEN, the new animated TV special THE MAGIC HOCKEY SKATES featuring the voice of Don Cherry, the CCMA Holiday Special: I’LL BE HOME… and star-studded figure skating specials STARS ON ICE and HOLIDAY FESTIVAL ON ICE.

DRAGONS’ DEN HOLIDAY SPECIAL – Dec. 5 at 8 p.m. (8:30 p.m. NT)

In this special holiday episode of Dragons’ Den, an entrepreneur looks for a little leverage; a redesigned holiday classic attempts to dazzle; and a hot money game is looking for a cold cash deal. Plus a toy maker tries to sleigh the Dragons with his line of action figures.

THE MAGIC HOCKEY SKATES – Dec. 13 at 8:30 p.m. (9 p.m. NT)

In this brand new animated special, Joey is determined to prove to his older brother Zach, that he can be an all-star hockey player too – all he needs are some new skates. Much to Joey’s dismay, he has to settle for a pair second-hand blades. Joey is skeptical when he is told the skates are magic, but all that changes when he hits the ice. Listen for CBC’s Don Cherry and legendary announcer, Bob Cole.

CCMA Holiday Special – I’LL BE HOME… – Dec. 20 at 9 p.m. (9:30 p.m. NT)

Join country music’s brightest stars as they perform holiday classics. The CBC is thrilled to partner with CCMA, CMT and CBC Music to create a unique holiday music special. Celebrate as the brightest stars in country music light up Canadian homes. The spectacular lineup includes Lady Antebellum, Dean Brody, The Band Perry, Gord Bamford, Jimmy Rankin, Billy Ray Cyrus, Paul Brandt, Beverly Mahood and The Tenors, Terri Clark and Johnny Reid.

STARS ON ICE – Dec. 3 at 8 p.m. (8:30 p.m. NT)

Choreographed by Four-Time World Champion Kurt Browning, world renowned figure skaters such as Scott Moir and Tessa Virtue, Joannie Rochette, Jeffrey Buttle, Shawn Sawyer, Cynthia Phaneuf and others come together in a sparkling one hour special.

HOLIDAY FESTIVAL ON ICE – Dec. 12 at 8 p.m. (8:30 p.m. NT)

A returning family favourite, this year’s program will feature performances by a star-studded cast and live music, including Kurt Browning, Elvis Stojko, Jeffrey Buttle, Joannie Rochette, Kimmie Meissner and more. International Opera sensation Measha Brueggergosman will perform hits from her latest release ‘I’ve Got a Crush on You’.

In addition, viewers will be treated to special holiday-themed episodes of

STEVEN AND CHRIS beginning December 10 at 2 p.m. (2:30 p.m. NT)

Looking for some holiday décor inspiration, the latest trends in festive fashion or the best in seasonal culinary delights? This season the guys, along with their special guests, will bring you everything you need to make your holiday shine; simple DIY projects, great party-planning tips and fabulous gift ideas.

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with CBC with a whole night of humourous and insightful programming beginning at 7 p.m. with the THIS HOUR HAS 22 MINUTES Holiday Special, followed by the ROYAL CANADIAN AIR FARCE New Year’s Eve Special at 8 p.m. RON JAMES NEW YEAR’S EVE airs at 9 p.m.. GEORGE STROUMBOULOPOULOS TONIGHT wraps up 2012 at 11:30 p.m.

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Continuum, Featured

Continuum’s winning hybrid

From Diane Wild of Canadian Screenwriter:

  • Continuum Writers Create Winning Hybrid
    Survey the Canadian television landscape today and you’ll find successful police procedurals and sci-fi/fantasy as far as the eye can see. Is there something in the water? We do do it well. And if you take those two genre successes, splice them together, you get the hybrid Continuum, the Simon Barry-led cop show that has time travel at its conceptual centre. So it might be something of a surprise that the concept wasn’t geared specifically for the well-primed Canadian market. Read more.
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Arctic Air, Cracked, Dragons' Den, Featured, Heartland, Mr. D, Murdoch Mysteries, Republic of Doyle, Rick Mercer Report

CBC announces winter season

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From a media release:

CBC TELEVISION LAUNCHES 2013 WINTER SCHEDULE FEATURING A NEW CANADIAN CRIME DRAMA AND A SLATE OF RETURNING HITS

CBC today announced its 2013 winter broadcast season, showcasing a brand new Canadian one-hour crime drama and a roster of home grown hits. With buzz-worthy new programming and some fresh new faces, combined with and a strong slate of established Canadian favourites, CBC Television offers a dynamic and entertaining line-up this winter season.

New this season is the hour-long crime procedural drama, CRACKED. Inspired by real life experiences of frontline police officers and mental-health workers, CRACKED premieres Tuesday, January 8 at 9 p.m. (9:30 NT) on CBC Television. CRACKED stars David Sutcliffe (Gilmore Girls) as Detective Aidan Black, a seasoned officer dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder and his new partner, psychiatrist Stefanie von Pfetten (Battlestar Galactica) as Dr. Daniella Ridley.

MARCH TO THE TOP is a groundbreaking, multi-platform programming event that follows the story of 12 wounded Canadian soldiers as they train and summit the 20,305 ft. high summit of Island Peak. MARCH TO THE TOP chronicles the journey as they embark on the climb and face their own personal rediscovery of self, and emotional, physical and mental rehabilitation. It’s about what these soldiers are doing next in their lives, and what they need to do to get there. MARCH TO THE TOP airs Wednesday, January 30 at 8 p.m./8:30 p.m. NT on CBC Television.

BEST RECIPES EVER welcomes new host Christine Tizzard this winter. The Newfoundlander, mother of two, and accomplished chef will share even more tips, tricks and delicious recipes to make everyday life easier for Canadians. Each episode will continue to feature dishes from Canadian Living’s renowned recipe library, as well as cost-saving ideas and helpful nutritional information. BEST RECIPES EVER is Canada’s most-watched daily food show.

ARCTIC AIR – Wednesdays at 9 p.m. (9:30 NT) beginning January 9
On the heels of its successful premiere season, CBC’s blockbuster adventure drama, ARCTIC AIR, returns for its highly-anticipated second season on CBC Television. Starring Adam Beach as Bobby Martin, Pascale Hutton as Krista Ivarson and Kevin McNulty as Mel, ARCTIC AIR is a Yellowknife-based series following a maverick airline and the extended family of unconventional people who run it.

DRAGONS’ DEN – Sundays at 8 p.m. (8:30 NT) beginning January 6
Canada’s highest-rated reality TV show is back on an all-new night with 10 all new episodes, Sundays at 8 p.m. Catch an array of special episodes including the Second Chance show, where pitchers from past seasons return to the Den for another round with the Dragons, a special Valentine’s Day-themed show, and the season finale, The Year of the Dragon, which will give viewers an exclusive insider’s look at the Dragons’ busy lives outside the Den.

MURDOCH MYSTERIES – Mondays at 9 p.m. (9:30 NT) beginning January 7
New to CBC this year is the one-hour, period, crime drama MURDOCH MYSTERIES, now with new never-seen episodes in its sixth season on Monday, January 7 at 9 p.m. (9:30 NT) on CBC Television. Set in the late 1890’s and early 1900’s, critically acclaimed series MURDOCH MYSTERIES stars Yannick Bisson as William Murdoch, a handsome young detective using radical forensic techniques for the time, to solve some of the city’s most gruesome murders.

MR. D – Mondays at 8 p.m. (8:30 NT) beginning January 7
MR. D, the breakout comedy that debuted to almost 1.3 million viewers, returns for a second season beginning Monday, January 7, 2013 at 8 p.m. (8:30 NT) and kicks off its first week featuring a special guest – comedic legend Russell Peters. Based on the stand-up act of comedian Gerry Dee, who was himself a private school teacher for nine years, MR. D centres on an under-qualified teacher trying to fake his way through a teaching job just as he fakes his way through life.

REPUBLIC OF DOYLE – NEW NIGHT – Sundays at 9 p.m. (9:30 NT) beginning January 6
REPUBLIC OF DOYLE returns for an explosive fourth season on an all-new night – Sundays at 9 p.m. beginning January 6. As Season Four begins, Private Eye Jake Doyle and Malachy Doyle return to the Republic crushed with guilt over what happened to Des at the end of Season Three, but must attempt to restore their first-rate standing as the best private investigators in the city.

THE RON JAMES SHOW – Mondays at 8:30 p.m. (9 NT) beginning January 7
The uniquely Canadian, poetically charged stand-up comedy that made Ron famous is back and viewers will be laughing from coast-to-coast with season four of THE RON JAMES SHOW returning Monday, January 7 at 8:30 p.m. (9 NT) on CBC Television.

Additionally, a number of viewer-favourite programs return with all-new episodes this winter on CBC Television: STEVEN AND CHRIS (Weekdays at 2 p.m. / 2:30 NT), IN THE KITCHEN WITH STEFANO FAITA (Weekdays at 3:30 p.m. / 4 NT); THE LANG & O’LEARY EXCHANGE (Weeknights at 6:30 p.m. / 7 NT); GEORGE STROUMBOULOPOULOS TONIGHT (Weeknights at 7 p.m. / 7:30 NT); THE RICK MERCER REPORT (Tuesdays at 8 p.m. / 8:30 NT); MARKETPLACE (Fridays at 8 p.m. / 8:30 NT); the fifth estate (Fridays at 9 p.m. / 9:30 NT); THE NATURE OF THINGS (Thursdays at 8 p.m. / 8:30 NT); and family-favourite HEARTLAND remains a Sunday night staple (Sundays at 7 p.m. / 7:30 NT).

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