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From a media release:

The Banff World Media Festival (BANFF) is thrilled to announce Keith Le Goy, Chairman of Sony Pictures Television, as a keynote speaker for its 2025 BANFF Summit Series. The 46th annual event will take place June 8–11, 2025, at the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel in Banff, Alberta, Canada.

The BANFF Summit Series, launched in 2019, has become the festival’s flagship program, spotlighting transformative thinkers and leaders shaping the future of media and entertainment.

“Keith is a force of nature, a clear-headed growth driver, and a veteran of the storytelling game,” said Sean Cohan, Chair of the Board of Directors, BANFF, and President of Bell Media. “Known for a direct, positive approach, Keith’s keynote will offer insights into where our industry is headed and where the opportunities are.”

Adding to its distinguished lineup, Anjali Sud, CEO of Tubi, has also confirmed participation in the 2025 event. Previous Summit Series speakers have included industry luminaries such as Rob Wade, Channing Dungey, Bela Bajaria, George Cheeks, Jeffrey Katzenberg, Paula Kerger, Pearlena Igbokwe, Ted Sarandos and Maverick Carter.

BANFF is renowned for its vibrant mix of thought leadership, networking, and deal-making opportunities that take attendees behind the scenes of the industry’s most talked-about appointments, projects and pivots as well as over 1,200 networking sessions and 25,000+ meetings, connecting global media professionals to foster partnerships and spark new collaborations.

A key highlight of the festival is the highly anticipated Rockie Awards International Program Competition, one of the world’s most prestigious screen industry competitions. With participation from more than 45 countries annually including an international jury of 150 industry professionals, the Rockie Awards celebrate excellence across a diverse range of content. Additionally, the industry-favourite Rockies Gala will return to honor the best content and most influential entertainment industry executives, talent and creators in the world.

About Keith Le Goy
Keith Le Goy is Chairman of Sony Pictures Television (SPT), responsible for all television production operations, including SPT’s legendary game shows, as well as all television and home entertainment distribution for Sony Pictures’ film and television content, and the studio’s cable networks, such as GSN (Game Show Network), across the US, Latin America and Europe.

Sony Pictures Television (SPT) is one of the television industry’s leading content providers, producing, distributing and carrying programming worldwide in every genre and for every platform. Sony Pictures Television (SPT) produces a wide array of premium programming worldwide, including the longtime #1 and #2-rated game shows, Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy!, as well as The Boys, Cobra Kai, The Last of Us, S.W.A.T., Outlander, For All Mankind, Shark Tank, 90-Day Fiancé, Twisted Metal, The Night Agent, Dark Matter, and many more.

Previously, Le Goy served as Chairman of Worldwide Distribution & Networks for Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE). In this role, he led the studio’s combined television and home entertainment distribution and marketing businesses. Le Goy also oversaw SPE’s Crunchyroll anime business, as well as its successful cable networks in Latin America and Europe. Prior to that, he held the role of President of Distribution for Sony Pictures Television (SPT) before expanding his role to include oversight of home entertainment and networks. Le Goy was President of International Distribution from 2008 and was SPT’s Executive Vice President of Distribution, since 2006. He was previously based at SPT’s Latin America headquarters in Miami, where he served as Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Latin America, for three years. He joined SPT in 1999 as Senior Vice President, European Distribution, based at SPT’s European headquarters in London.

Le Goy joined SPT from The Walt Disney Company, where he was Vice President, Sales, Europe, with oversight for all of Disney’s European television distribution business. Prior to the Walt Disney Company, Le Goy worked at The National Magazine Company, the U.K. subsidiary of the Hearst Corporation, where he served as Director of International Sales.

Le Goy started his professional career in advertising sales, working for media and advertising related publications in London. He was later promoted and became the publisher of Media Week magazine. He also launched and served as the publisher of Media & Marketing Europe, a title dedicated to covering pan European advertising and marketing trends.

He attended the European School in Brussels then went on to Cambridge University in England.

Featured, Industry News

“Little Women, Big League” – A Wild New Baseball Comedy Premieres March 13, 2025, on Bell Fibe TV1

March 5, 2025 Greg David

From a media release:

We are thrilled to announce the upcoming premiere of Little Women, Big League, a brand-new baseball comedy series that combines humour, heart, and a whole lot of hijinks. The show is set to debut on March 13, 2025, exclusively on Bell Fibe TV1.

In Little Women, Big League, two former baseball players turned criminals are given one last shot at redemption. Their mission? To coach a troubled girls’ slow-pitch softball team. What starts as a last-ditch effort to avoid a life behind bars quickly turns into a riotous journey filled with unlikely bonds, hilarious challenges, and plenty of heartwarming moments. Expect a rollercoaster of laughs, softball and emotional growth, as these two coaches realize that maybe they need to learn more from the team than they ever expected.

Ty Leblanc, known for his sharp wit and unique storytelling style, pens this exciting series, and brings to life a blend of sports and personal redemption.

The show is directed by Scott Paterson, a veteran actor (Degrassi: The Next Generation), turned director (The Beacons of Gondor, Inside the Actors Cult). Paterson brings his deep understanding of character-driven narratives to the show.

Little Women, Big League features an outstanding cast, led by: Tommy James Murphy (Disrepair), Andrew Ravindran (Midnight Dreamers), Kiera Laidman (One More Time), Lina Sennia (Ruby and the Well), Savannah Basley (SurrealEstate) and Shane Kippel (Degrassi: The Next Generation) and Matthew Edison (The Boys).

The series is produced by RavinMurph Pictures, alongside David M. James and Ray Hoang of Nameless Films, and Sabrina Laidman of Kalkaden Productions.

Mark your calendars and get ready for a deeply absurd, fresh take on redemption and team spirit. Don’t miss out on the show that’s bound to leave you laughing and cheering for more!

Featured, Industry News, Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary

All-new original series Queen of the Castle begins its reign on CTV Life Channel, March 26

February 21, 2025 Greg David

From a media release:

New CTV Life Channel Original series QUEEN OF THE CASTLE becomes the crown jewel of Wednesday nights beginning March 26, as the chaotically-heartwarming docuseries airs at 8 p.m. ET on CTV Life, CTV.ca, and the CTV app, and streaming next day on Crave. The hour-long, eight-episode series follows Canadian socialite Dr. Ann Kaplan Mulholland and her entrepreneur husband Dr. Stephen Mulholland as they turn their lives upside down after the last of their six children leaves home. The two empty-nesters move to England and take on the ambitious task of turning their newly acquired medieval castle in the heart of Kent, U.K. into a luxurious world-class destination.

Set in the quiet English town of Hythe, the arrival of Ann, a force of nature with grand plans and the business savvy to pull it off, takes the local community by storm. With her husband Stephen – a world-renowned plastic surgeon– at her side, the pair are ready to give Lympne Castle the makeover of its century-long lifetime. With a dedicated team of castle staff and tradesmen supporting the renovation, they contend with construction chaos, quirky events, discerning guests, and so much more. Along the way, Ann forges unexpected friendships – from elderly neighbours to the town Vicar – and what she initially saw as a business opportunity quickly evolves into something much more personal.

In the premiere episode, “Taking the Throne” (airing Wednesday, March 26 at 8 p.m. ET on CTV Life, CTV.ca, and the CTV app, and streaming next day on Crave), Ann and Stephen become the new owners of Lympne Castle. With the deed in hand, the pair take on their first ambitious project by tackling a renovation in the castle’s new restaurant.

QUEEN OF THE CASTLE is produced by Blink49 Studios and Nest Productions. Executive producers include Blink49’s Toby Dormer, Allison Brough and Vera Lubimova along with Ann Kaplan Mulholland, Stephen Mulholland, Jeff Copeland and Bell Media’s Justin Stockman, as well as co-executive producers Marisa Erftemeijer-Strowger and Floury Crum from Nest Productions.

Featured, Industry News

Bell Media and Tom Green partner to develop original Canadian content

February 20, 2025 Greg David

From a media release:

Bell Media announced today a co-development agreement with Tom Green Productions Canada Inc., founded by beloved Canadian comedian, actor, and filmmaker Tom Green, to create original content for Crave and CTV. The pact expands Green’s long-standing relationship with Bell Media, which includes THE TOM GREEN SHOW and TOM GREEN’S HOUSE TONIGHT, and most recently, a co-starring role in the Crave Original comedy THE TRADES, which was the #1 Canadian series on Crave in 2024*, and returns for a second season, March 14.

The agreement covers both scripted and unscripted projects, reflecting Bell Media’s commitment to making great original content and collaborating with some of the industry’s biggest names. Specific project details will be announced at a later date. Rory Rosegarten, Tom’s manager, will serve as Executive Producer on all projects.

“I couldn’t be more excited to be working with Bell Media to develop some of my ideas,” said Green. “It’s great to be back living in Canada and working with one of the world’s premiere media companies.”

“Over the course of his legendary career, Tom has been a creative and comic visionary who has consistently seen around the corner to be ahead of his time,” said Stewart Johnston, Senior Vice President, Content & Sales, Bell Media. “We look forward to embarking on this new journey together as we develop dynamic projects and expand Bell Media’s mandate of making great original content that resonates at home, and abroad”.

With the new agreement, Bell Media continues to strengthen its position as a leader in creating premium original content, fostering a pipeline of innovative projects for Canadian audiences and beyond. Past commitments include a development deal with Point Grey Pictures, Lionsgate, and most recently, PAGEBOY Productions.

About Tom Green Productions Canada Inc.

Tom Green Productions Canada Inc., based in Ontario, is a full-service film and television production company founded by comedian, actor, director, and broadcaster Tom Green. With three new projects having recently launched, including THIS IS THE TOM GREEN DOCUMENTARY, TOM GREEN COUNTRY, and I GOT A MULE!, the company is rapidly establishing itself as a creative hub in the entertainment industry.

Featured, Industry News

Four-part miniseries Disrepair debuts on Bell Fibe TV1

February 13, 2025 Greg David 1 Comment

From a media release:

The entertainment world is buzzing with excitement as we approach the premiere of the highly anticipated four-part mini-series, Disrepair. Set to debut on January 29, 2025, on Bell Fibe TV1, this gripping series stars acclaimed actors Matthew Sauvé, John Reardon, and Tommy James Murphy.

Disrepair takes a timely and poignant look at the essential conversations surrounding mental health and addiction. The series offers a raw and realistic portrayal of the struggles faced by individuals battling these issues and the profound impact they have on family dynamics. The creators aim to contribute to the ongoing dialogue about mental health awareness, emphasizing the importance of seeking support in challenging times.

At the heart of the story is Jake Thomas, portrayed by Matthew Sauvé, Greg Thomas portrayed by John Reardon, and James Thomas portrayed by Tommy James Murphy. After years of navigating the tumultuous waters of addiction, Jake finally finds himself sober but is determined to mend the broken relationships that his struggles have left in their wake. The series delves deep into themes of love, loss, and the intricate dynamics of addiction and recovery, offering viewers an emotional journey that resonates on multiple levels.

The four episodes of Disrepair are set to provide a powerful exploration of the complexities of addiction.

Here’s a brief breakdown of the episodes:

Episode 1 – “Home Sweet Home”: Jake returns to a family that has been waiting for his sobriety but is unsure of how to reconnect.

Episode 2 – “Why Do You Hate Me?”: Tensions rise as unresolved feelings and past grievances come to light.

Episode 3 – What Have I Done?: Jake confronts the consequences of his addiction and seeks forgiveness from those he has hurt.

Episode 4 – Brotherly Love: In the series finale, Jake strives to rebuild the familial bonds that were shattered, showcasing the resilience needed for recovery.

Under the brilliant direction of Andrew Ravindran, Disrepair benefits from a unique storytelling perspective that creates a heartfelt narrative, resonating deeply with audiences. Ravindran’s vision lends authenticity and emotional depth to a series that promises to leave a lasting impression.

Written by Tommy James Murphy, Disrepair boasts a talented production team, including Ray Hoang, David M. James, Robin Osmond, Dixon Productions, Nameless Films, and RavinMurph Pictures. The series also features an original song titled “Disrepair,” performed by WILHELM, written by Simon Wilcox and Scott Helman, alongside an evocative original score by Max White.