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Industry News

BravoFACT and Women in Film & Television Announce New Partnership

From a media release:

– WIFT-T partners with BravoFACT to award a total of $70,000 for the first and second place winners of female-led short film pitch contest –
–Year of the Female Filmmaker initiative sees 50% of allocated BravoFACT funds awarded to female-led projects, more than 1.2 million rewarded to date –

Bell Media’s BravoFACT (Foundation to Assist Canadian Talent) and Women in Film & Television  – Toronto (WIFT-T)announced today they have partnered for a new pitch contest, beginning Oct. 1. The announcement was made from the annual BravoFACT brunch celebrating the Toronto International Film Festival Short Cuts Programme. As part of BravoFACT’s Year of The Female Filmmaker initiative, the BravoFACT WIFT-T pitch contest welcomes interested WIFT-T members to submit their short film pitch for a chance to win a $40,000 first place award, and a $30,000 second place award.
Launching Thursday, Oct. 1, teams submitting their short film for consideration must include a female producer or director. From the submissions, six teams will be selected to participate in the pitch competition and will receive the following:
  • A pitch coaching session led by an industry professional to help fine tune pitches
  • Four tickets to the 2016 WIFT-T Showcase
  • An opportunity to showcase their project in front of a high-profile jury comprised of BravoFACT professionals and industry experts

The six teams selected will present to an audience comprised of WIFT-T members, industry professionals, and content creators, affording all presenters excellent exposure for their projects, regardless of the outcome. Aside from the cash awards, the first place team receives two, $500 WIFT-T programming passes that can be put toward the fee of any one of WIFT-T’s paid programs. The second placed team receives onstage recognition at the 2016 WIFT-T Showcase in March. Deadline to submit is Friday, Jan. 8, 2016. Interested teams can download a BravoFACT application form at www.bravofact.com.

Since its launch in January 2015, BravoFACT’s Year of the Female Filmmaker initiative has been providing support to up-and-coming female filmmakers across the country by committing a guaranteed minimum of 50% of its funds, in perpetuity, to female-led projects. To date, BravoFACT has awarded a total of $1,255,044 million to female-led projects, and Women in Film & Television-ATLANTIC (WIFT-ATLANTIC), Documentary Organization of Canada (DOC), HOT DOCS and Victoria Film Festival, to continue to offer young filmmakers support and funding for their projects. BravoFACT has also welcomed high-profile female guest jurors to its quarterly juries including actor and filmmaker Amy Jo Johnson, actor Natalie Brown, and Hot Docs programmer Angie Driscoll.

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Industry News

DHX Media licenses two series to U.S., Asia and Latin America

From a media release:

DHX Media (“DHX” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: DHXM; TSX: DHX.A, DHX.B), a key player internationally in the creation of content for families and children, has signed broadcast deals with Disney XD channels for two series recently commissioned by DHX TV to air originally on its Family CHRGD channel. DHX Media licensed the new 50×11′ animated fantasy series, Fangbone! to Disney XD channels in the US, Latin America, South East Asia and Taiwan. In a further deal, it also licensed the innovative original series Gaming Show (In My Parents’ Garage) to Disney XD in the US where it will premiere Wednesday, September 9 (9:30 p.m., ET/PT).

Fangbone! is a Radical Sheep Production. DHX Television commissioned the series for Canada where it will air on the wacky, wild and energy-filled Family CHRGD network, entering the market in early 2016. The series is aimed at 8–12 year olds and follows the quest of the titular character, a young barbarian from Skullbania, as he travels through a magical portal into the suburbs of our world with a most dangerous burden. His mission is to protect the blackened and slightly jam-smelling big toe of Venomous Drool from being reunited with its master – the evilest sorcerer in all the planes of existence! Fangbone becomes the best friend of Bill – a kid whose weirdness is his ultimate weapon – and who helps Fangbone survive in a world of spelling tests and waffles.

Together, Fangbone and Bill battle Drool’s monsterish creations, along with fat-fingered foot finders, independent magical contractors, and even the thieving Shadowsteppers – keeping the toe safe from any who would use its evil powers. Fangbone! is a tale of epic comedy, epic action and epic epicness! The series is based on the books by New York Times bestselling author Michael Rex.

Gaming Show is an innovative TV show that takes kids and tweens into the world of gaming in a new and exciting way. It’s a fun, authentic, comedic, and informative, semi-scripted gamer magazine series, “un-hosted” by three original, young and passionate gamers. The series is produced by Banger Films’ kids division, B-Minors and created by Jesse Shamata. Twenty-five new 30-minute episodes of the Canadian Screen Award-nominated, live-action show are in production for DHX Television’s Family Channel and Family CHRGD.

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Industry News, Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary

Blue Ant International announces U.S. sales ahead of MIPCOM

From a media release:

Blue Ant International, a division of Blue Ant Media and the producers and distributors of one of the world’s leading native 4K nature libraries, announced today its latest U.S. sales ahead of MIPCOM. More than 75 hours of content from its diverse catalogue of factual, lifestyle, reality and documentary series and formats will land on channels across the U.S.

Scripps Networks (U.S.) has purchased an array of series from Blue Ant International, including Rebel Without A Kitchen (26 x 30’ HD) for Cooking Channel which follows Matt Basile who takes his roving food truck on the road, popping up in the most unlikely spots to deliver his culinary take on the Cuban sandwich. For GAC, Scripps has also purchased a season of Lake Guys (original title: Brojects; 26 x 30’ HD), produced by Farmhouse Productions. The series follows quirky brothers Kevin and Andrew as they brainstorm extreme build ideas for their family cottage. Lake Docks & Decks (original title: Decks, Docks & Gazebos; 26 x 30’ HD), focuses on a one-of-a-kind builds by the lake, was acquired for both GAC and DIY Network.

A+E Networks® (U.S.), for FYI™ Network, has opted for Cabin Truckers (13 x 30’ HD), produced by Remedy Productions, a factual series following the incredible exploits of hauling colossal cabins to remote, picturesque locations. Watch as an expert team navigates through extremely rocky, mountainous terrain, delivering precious cargo to thrilled homeowners.

Earlier this year, two series were picked up by Discovery Communications’ stable of U.S. networks including Our House Media’s Paranormal Survivor, Season 1 (10 x 60’ HD), a series that shares terrifying real-life encounters with the supernatural for Destination America and; Summerhill International’s My Dog’s Crazy Animal Friends (original title: Dog’s Best Friend; 13 x 30’ HD) which follows the cutest of these uncanny canine acquaintances, for Discovery Family Channel.

Blue Ant International is a leading global content distribution company and a leader in native 4K nature and wildlife programming. Its diverse catalogue of over 1,700 hours includes award winning factual, lifestyle, reality and documentary series and formats. Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, the company’s catalogue includes The Weapon Hunter (Cream Productions; 6×60’ HD), Wild Ride (Nomadic Nation; 16×30’ HD) and Live Here, Buy This (JV Productions; 52×30’ HD). Blue Ant International is a division of Blue Ant Media.

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Industry News

Seven New Original Lifestyle Series join OMNI’s fall schedule

From a media release:

With everything from Italian cooking to Kama Sutra, today OMNI Television unveils its Fall Schedule featuring seven new original titles, six newly acquired series, six returning favourites, and the return of Hockey Night in Canada: Punjabi Edition. OMNI’s revamped schedule boasts the best mix of informative lifestyle programs, coveted telenovelas, and gripping scripted and reality prime-time series beginningSaturday, Sept. 5.

Additionally, OMNI’s first original Chinese language crime series Blood & Water will premiere this Fall, with broadcast details to be announced at a later date.

See below for series descriptions followed by the OMNI Television Fall 2015 schedule; the new series join thepreviously announced OMNI Television current affairs programs.

New OMNI Television Series 

L’Arte Di Cucinare **OMNI Television Original***
Born and raised in Friuli, Italy,  Chef Gianni Cescia serves up authentic dishes and old world charm to Italian audiences, demonstrating the art of eating well.

Nos Portugeuses **OMNI Television Original***
Each weekly episode of Nos Portuguese will focus on a theme that defines the current Portuguese-Canadian community, covering a variety of topics such as language retention, connection to Portugal, and Canadian politics.

Kama Sutra **OMNI Television Original***
Hosted by South Asian therapist, Rebecca Rosenblat, Kama Sutra is just as it sounds – a program designed to answer candid questions about intimate matters in Hindi and Urdu.

Kitty Talk **OMNI Television Original***
An engrossing weekly women’s South Asian talk show featuring three hosts sharing their thoughts on what’s trending in the community including current affairs, lifestyle, cooking, fashion, health, and entertainment.

Afro-X **OMNI Television Original***
Afro-X celebrates African-Canadian culture featuring segments focused on fashion, food, language, lifestyle, and much more.

Parwaaz **OMNI Television Original***
Catering to the Punjabi community in Edmonton, Alberta, Parwaaz  focuses on entertainment and culture, with discussions on the hottest issues of the week, as well as community events, and poetry.

Glee China
With his deep passion for music, Xiao Wen, an Accounting Professor at Chen Xi University, decides to take over the underachieving university choir and pledges to lead them to first place at the national championships. However, the choir members are an eclectic group without much experience, and a shortage of singers and a tight budget are not the only challenges for the choir. After the leader of the basketball team, Xiang Yuan, and the enthusiastic and outgoing team center, Li Yiyuan,  join the choir, they qualify for competition. But Xiao Wen’s nemesis, Yan Su, the cheerleading coach, tries everything to shatter their dreams.

24 India
Based on the American series of the same name, 24 India is an Indian television series in Hindi. Set in Mumbai, India, the series follows Anti-Terrorist Unit director Jai Singh Rathod’s efforts to thwart the assassination of Indian Prime Minister candidate, Aditya Singhania, while his own family comes under threat from the perpetrators.

Supernanny China
Based on the hit U.S. and UK versions, Supernanny (China) features Lan Hai, a modern-day Mary Poppins who takes on the unruliest children in China and rescues desperate, overstressed parents. It’s the first child-rearing show ever produced in China, and it is rooted in Chinese society to meet the unique needs of Chinese parents. Using innovative, time-tested methods, Lan is able to solve problems with behaviour, sleep, mealtimes, potty training and other challenges that have irritated parents around the world for centuries.

Planet’s Got Talent
Highlighting the most incredible acts from across the globe, from Indonesia to Iceland, Bulgaria to Brazil, and China to Chile, Planet’s Got Talent steers audiences through hilarious, show-stopping, heart-pumping performances.

Ramayan
Based on the ancient Indian Hindu religious epic of the same name, Ramayan tells the story of Rama, an avatar of the Hindu Supreme-God Vishnu, whose wife Sita is abducted by the King of Sri Lanka, Ravana. Thematically, the Ramayan explores human values and the concept of dharma – that which upholds, supports or maintains the regulatory order of the universe.

Returning to OMNI Television

Bollywood Star, Season 2 **OMNI Television Original***
In search of Canada’s next Bollywood sensation, Bollywood Star follows Canadian Bollywood hopefuls around Mumbai on their quest to score a role in a Bollywood film and the opportunity to become Bollywood’s next marvel.

Hockey Night in Canada: Punjabi Edition
Once the puck drops in October, OMNI will continue to air Saturday night NHL hockey in Punjabi on Hockey Night in Canada: Punjabi Edition.

****

OMNI.1 FALL 2015 PREMIERE DATES (Ontario)

All dates are subject to change. All times ET.

Monday, Sept. 14

3:30 p.m. L’Arte Di Cucinare

Sunday, November 1

11:30 a.m. Nos Portugueses

****

OMNI.2 FALL 2015 PREMIERE DATES (Ontario)

All dates are subject to change. All times ET.

Saturday, Sept. 5

8 p.m. Bollywood Star 

Saturday, Sept. 12

12 p.m. Bollywood Freetime Movie

3:30 p.m. Kitty Talk **NEW – OMNI Television Original**

5 p.m. 24 India **NEW**

9 p.m. Planet’s Got Talent **NEW**

 Sunday, Sept. 13

7 p.m. Glee China **NEW**

8 p.m. Super Cinema Movie

10 p.m. Supernanny China **NEW**

Thursday, Sept. 17

11 p.m. Kama Sutra **NEW – OMNI Television Original**

Saturday, October 10

7 p.m. Hockey Night In Canada: Punjabi Edition

Sunday, October 18

6 p.m. Fashion Girls by Dan **New One-Hour Format**

Monday, November 9

2 p.m. Ramayan **NEW**

****

OMNI B.C. FALL 2015 PREMIERE DATES

All dates are subject to change. All times PT.

Saturday, Sept. 5

8 p.m. Bollywood Star 

Sunday, Sept. 6

3 p.m. Afro-X **NEW**

Saturday, Sept. 12

11 a.m. Bollywood Freetime Movie

2:30 p.m. Kitty Talk **NEW**

5 p.m. 24 India **NEW**

9 p.m. Planet’s Got Talent **NEW**

 Sunday, Sept. 13

7 p.m. Glee China **NEW**

8 p.m. Super Cinema Movie

10 p.m. Supernanny China **NEW**

 Thursday, Sept. 17

11 p.m. Kama Sutra **NEW – OMNI Television Original**

Saturday, October 10

4 p.m. Hockey Night In Canada: Punjabi Edition

Sunday, October 18

6 p.m. Fashion Girls by Dan **New One-Hour Format**

Monday, November 9

2 p.m. Ramayan **NEW**

****

OMNI ALBERTA FALL 2015 PREMIERE DATES

All dates are subject to change. All times MT.

Saturday, Sept. 5

8:30 a.m. Afro-X **NEW**

11 a.m. Parwaaz **NEW**

8 p.m. Bollywood Star 

Saturday, Sept. 12

12 p.m. Bollywood Freetime Movie

3:30 p.m. Kitty Talk **NEW – OMNI Television Original**

5 p.m. 24 India **NEW**

9 p.m. Planet’s Got Talent **NEW**

Sunday, Sept. 13

4 p.m. Viet Time TV ** New One-Hour Format**

7 p.m. Glee China

8 p.m. Super Cinema Movie

10 p.m. Supernanny China **NEW**

Thursday, Sept. 17

11 p.m. Kama Sutra **NEW – OMNI Television Original**

Saturday, October 10

5 p.m. Hockey Night In Canada: Punjabi Edition

Sunday, October 18

6 p.m. Fashion Girls by Dan **New One-Hour Format**

Friday, October 30

10:30 a.m. Nos Portugueses **NEW**

Monday, November 9

2 p.m. Ramayan **NEW**

 

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