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From a media release:

International production studio, rights business and channel operator, Blue Ant Media, announced today from Prime Time a robust originals slate consisting of five new greenlights and four renewals. The slate spans mystery, paranormal, nature, wildlife and lifestyle genres. Overseen by Sam Linton, VP, Production and Development, Global Media, the slate will roll out on the company’s Canadian specialty TV channels, T+E and Cottage Life, in 2025, followed by its global free streaming channels—HauntTV, Homeful, Love Pets, and Declassified—at a later date. Blue Ant Studios will oversee global pre-sales and licensing opportunities for all titles in the slate.

The latest slate includes Ghost Lands (w/t, image above), a chilling, hour-long documentary that presents Indigenous ghost stories rooted in various Indigenous cultures and mythology. Created, written and produced by Winnipeg-based Métis producer Jessica Landry, the project was developed and greenlit as a direct result of Blue Ant Media’s RFP Initiative, in partnership with imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival, the Reelworld Film Festival and Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival. The process called for pitches focused on paranormal series from Indigenous and racialized producers for Blue Ant’s linear channel T+E and its FAST channel, HauntTV.

Additional greenlights include You Can’t Deny It, a compelling new documentary series exploring the power of corroboration; Vet Detective, which spotlights Vancouver-based veterinarian Dr. Lauren Adelman’s pioneering work in veterinary medicine; Engineering from Above, a spin-off of the Mysteries from Above franchise exploring awe-inspiring engineering marvels; and Birthplace of Hallowe’en (w/t), a one-hour documentary filmed in Ireland with T+E’s fearless female trio—Kelly Ireland, Corine Carey and Leanne Sallenback— paranormal investigators hailing from British Columbia, known for History’s Most Haunted and Haunted Gold Rush.

Following their ratings performances and global appeal, Blue Ant has ordered a fourth season of the hit franchise Mysteries from Above, as well as second seasons of My Haunted Hometown, Holmes on Homes: Building a Legacy and Wild Rose Vets. My Haunted Hometown ranked in the top 5 with total viewers and A18+ in its first run on T+E, with repeats continuing to perform in the top 10 with A25-54 and women 25-54. Holmes on Homes: Building a Legacy also ranked in the top 5 with all the key demos and total viewers in its first run on Cottage Life and remains in the top 10 for total viewers, A18+, and women 25-54 in its second run. Finally, all three seasons of Mysteries from Above ranked as top programs with key demos and total viewers A18+ and A25-54 on Cottage Life. Wild Rose Vets, Season 1 will premiere this spring on Cottage Life.

New Greenlights:

Ghost Lands (w/t) (1 x60)
Producer: Jessica Landry
World broadcast premiere scheduled for fall 2025 on T+E during the channel’s free preview event, followed by HauntTV
Ghost Lands is a gripping, hour-long documentary that delves deep into true Indigenous ghost stories, passed down through generations and told by those with a profound connection to the spirit world. Rooted in various Indigenous cultures and led by an Indigenous cast and crew, the documentary brings these timeless tales to the forefront. Ghost Lands offers a hauntingly fresh perspective in the paranormal documentary space, leaving audiences both terrified and captivated.

Birthplace of Hallowe’en (w/t) (1 x60)
Producer: Small Army Entertainment
World broadcast premiere scheduled for fall 2025 on T+E during the channel’s free preview event, followed by HauntTV
Audiences will join fearless paranormal investigators from British Columbia—Corine, Leanne and Kelly (History’s Most Haunted, Haunted Gold Rush)—for a Hallowe’en special on T+E, as they journey through Ireland’s most haunted locations to uncover the dark and twisted stories that have haunted the country for centuries. From ancient druidic sites to blood-soaked castles, Ireland’s rich history of murder, torture, and ghostly encounters provides a backdrop for some of the world’s most terrifying hauntings.

You Can’t Deny It (6×60’)
Producer: Blue Ant Studios
World broadcast premiere scheduled for fall 2025 on T+E during the channel’s free preview event, followed by HauntTV
A compelling, new documentary series explores the power of corroboration. Each episode features multiple survivors who have experienced life altering paranormal encounters at the same location. Each has come face to face with the terrifying entities that dwell within. One by one, they return to these locations to tell their stories – verifying the harrowing details, until they come together in the end to share the undeniable similarities of their experiences. Finally, there is tangible affirmation that they’re not alone.

Vet Detective (6×60)
Producer: Big Time Decent
World broadcast premiere scheduled for spring 2025 on Cottage Life during the channel’s nationwide free preview event in Canada, followed by Love Pets
A gripping series spotlighting Dr. Lauren Adelman’s pioneering work on veterinary medicine’s most puzzling cases. Set in Vancouver, each episode follows desperate pet owners turning to Dr. Adelman for answers about their sick pets after months of uncertainty. With time ticking and stakes high, Dr. Adelman and her internal medicine team methodically reevaluate every detail, conduct tests, and explore new theories hoping to uncover overlooked clues. Each pet investigation brings unexpected twists and turns until Dr. Adelman and her team crack the case and bring a healthy pet back to their loving owner.

Engineering from Above (8×60’)
Producer: Blue Ant Studios
World broadcast premiere scheduled for summer 2025 on Cottage Life, followed by Declassified
Engineering from Above, a spin-off of the popular Mysteries from Above franchise, explores awe-inspiring engineering marvels across the globe. The visually striking series spotlights iconic modern landmarks, such as Beijing’s ‘Bird’s Nest’ National Stadium, the Burj Khalifa and the Millau Viaduct. Using state-of-the-art technology, the show offers fresh perspectives and uncovers hidden secrets through the use of dynamic graphics. Each episode focuses on four marvels connected by a compelling theme, guided by authoritative experts in engineering, history, and science.

Returning Unscripted Titles:

Holmes on Homes: Building a Legacy, Season 2 (8×60’)
Producer: The Holmes Group
World broadcast premiere scheduled for fall 2025 on Cottage Life, followed by Homeful
The series sees construction pioneer Mike Holmes return to his foundational “make it right” roots and mentor his kids, Michael and Sherry, to carry on his legacy of helping deserving homeowners. A reboot of the classic Holmes on Homes series, the show delves deeper into the Holmes family dynamic, with cameras following the trio as they work side-by-side to create life-changing renovations for deserving homeowners, while also capturing heartfelt behind-the-scenes family moments with Mike and his kids.

Mysteries from Above, Season 4 (8×60’)
Producer: Blue Ant Studios
World broadcast premiere scheduled for spring 2025 on Cottage Life during the channel’s nationwide free preview event in Canada
The hit franchise series takes to the skies to unlock Earth’s greatest mysteries and dramatically change how we see the world. From the vantage points of drones, satellites and aerial photography, the series explores unique buildings and structures — both natural and artificial, curious creatures and lost ancient civilizations, revealing fascinating insights and never-before-seen footage to the viewers.

My Haunted Hometown, Season 2 (8×60’)
Producer: Blue Ant Studios
World broadcast premiere: Fall 2025 on T+E, followed by HauntTV
My Haunted Hometown takes viewers inside the real-life haunted homes of North American residents. These ordinary people, who have laid down roots in their communities, now feel trapped and tormented by vengeful spirits. Room by room, the residents guide viewers through their homes, recounting the eerie paranormal experiences that have shattered their sense of safety. With harrowing testimonies and unsettling footage, the series reveals the frightening supernatural activity plaguing these small towns and their inhabitants.

Wild Rose Vets, Season 2 (13×30′)
Producer: Wapanatahk Media in partnership with Great Pacific Media
A Blue Ant Media and APTN Co-production
Scheduled to premiere in fall 2025 on Cottage Life
A heartwarming and culturally-unique docuseries following the behind-the-scenes adventures of three Indigenous veterinarians in the prairies as they rescue and rehabilitate a wide range of household pets and exotic wildlife. The daily experiences of these young vets in very different urban clinics could not be more varied but they are each driven and connected by their love of animals. The series will also broadcast and stream on APTN, APTN Languages and APTN lumi in Canada (date TBC).

Featured, Industry News

Buffalo Gal Pictures sparks a global “Fiasco” on 30th anniversary

January 22, 2025 Greg David

From a media release:

Celebrating 30 years of industry acclaim, Buffalo Gal Pictures proudly announces the launch of sister enterprise Fiasco Global Media. A new television development company dedicated to creating rich, character-driven stories rooted in the spirit of working-class communities and rural prairies, Fiasco is designed to connect with viewers across the globe.

Headquartered in Winnipeg and Los Angeles, the company is poised to expand Buffalo Gal’s international reach while staying true to its creative roots.

Fiasco Global Media is led by Jennifer Beasley (above), a former writer-turned-seasoned executive producer whose credits include Less Than Kind, Cra$h & Burn, The Spencer Sisters, the hit comedy Acting Good, and the 2024 horror satire Rumours, starring Cate Blanchett. Fiasco, under Beasley’s leadership, will focus on characters and stories that immerse audiences in compelling worlds and create cultural touchstones.

Fiasco’s slate is growing, with the company picking up IP that will attract talent and deliver a mix of escapism and resonance. Early projects include a rural half-hour family workplace comedy series from acclaimed writer Garry Campbell (North of North, Kids in the Hall, Less Than Kind) and a comedic two-hander police procedural from Hollis Ludlow-Carroll, creator of Wong & Winchester.

Joining Beasley as Consulting Head of U.S. Series Development is Burrad Marsh, whose career began at ICM as a literary agent before he transitioned into television development. Marsh has held key executive roles at Alchemy, Shed Media, Outright Distribution, and Amaze Film & TV, developing and producing series for broadcast, cable, and streaming platforms. He also consults for the Canadian Consulate on cross-border content initiatives.

For more information, visit fiascoglobal.com.

Featured, Industry News

The Banff World Media Festival announces new board members from Banijay, Fifth Season and YouTube, alongside leadership updates

December 16, 2024 Greg David

From a media release:

The Banff World Media Festival (BANFF) is thrilled to announce the appointment of new members and a new executive appointment to its esteemed Foundation Board of Directors.

Joining the BANFF Board are three distinguished industry leaders:

Prentiss Fraser, President, Television Distribution, FIFTH SEASON
Andrew Peterson, Head of YouTube Canada
Jane Rimer, Senior Vice President, Canada, Banijay Rights

In addition, Patrick Vien, Group Managing Director, International at A+E Networks, has been appointed as Vice Chair of the Board, succeeding Brenda Gilbert, producer and Co-Founder of BRON Media who will be remaining on the Board of Directors.

BANFF also recognizes and thanks two retiring Board Members for their outstanding contributions:

Sally Catto, General Manager of Entertainment, Factual and Sports, CBC
Colin Bohm, Chief Executive Officer, Toon Boom Animation Inc.

These leadership changes come on the heels of Sean Cohan, President of Bell Media, being recently named Chair of BANFF’s Board of Directors.

“This is a pivotal moment for BANFF as we continue to grow our impact on and service to the global media industry,” said Cohan. “With the addition of such accomplished leaders to our Board, we are well-positioned to advance the Festival’s mission of facilitating major business partnerships and fostering creative collaboration on new film, TV and digital projects. There is more to come as we lead up to the 2025 festival. Stay tuned.”

Located in Banff, Alberta, Canada, BANFF is a premium marketplace and conference, an intimate space where unparalleled access, creative inspiration and expert insight combine to launch fresh content and new business strategies. With more than 45 years of history, the festival has grown into a must-attend annual event where media moguls, producers, creatives and industry stakeholders along with broadcasters and digital media companies tackle issues and trends, forge relationships and nurture partnerships in one of the world’s most stunning landscapes.

Featured, Industry News

Newfoundland period drama series A Tippling Adventure to debut this December at Bell Canada’s Streaming Channel Fibe TV1

November 4, 2024 Greg David

From a media release:

Benjamin Noah directs this ensemble “Eastern Western” starring Andrew Ravindran (Midnight Dreamers), Rhiannon Morgan (New Woman), Paul Ewan Wilson (Frontier), Lawrence Barry (Son of a Critch), Stephen Lush (Cast No Shadow), & Kevin Hanchard (Orphan Black) as “The Drifter”. Mr. Hanchard is also reunited with Hudson & Rex star John Reardon (Bloodhounds) for this mystery yarn that includes Terry Ryan (Shoresy). Featuring a special appearance by Order of Newfoundland recipient Andy Jones (Don’t Give Up On Me Dad).

This four chapter mini-series was shot in March 2024 during an infamous record breaking snowstorm. From Benjamin Noah’s company Ark Film LTD. in association with PictureNL and in collaboration with executive producers Sarah Maher and Phong Tran. Peter Blackie & Rob Blackie (Frontier) along with Ontario based Kalkaden Productions (Kaleb Laidman and Sabrina Laidman) also serve as EP’s. The series was written by Barry Germansky (Riff Raff) & Benjamin Noah (New Woman).

This adventure series follows the exploits of a young man named Baji (Andrew Ravindran) who is shipwrecked on the shores of Newfoundland during the early 19th century.

Featured, Industry News

Corus announces a slate of premium Canadian original programming debuting next year on Home Network and Flavour Network

October 22, 2024 Greg David

From a media release:

Following the recent announcement of Corus Entertainment’s two new lifestyle brands launching December 30, 2024, the company shares further details on Home Network and Flavour Network’s upcoming originals slate. With 14 new and returning Canadian original titles, audiences can look forward to schedules packed with premium content and big-name talent, including series starring Pamela Anderson, Bryan and Sarah Baeumler, Scott McGillivray, Anna Olson, Andrew Phung, Eden Grinshpan and more. Viewers can learn more about these new brands by visiting HomeNetwork.ca and FlavourNetwork.ca.

Home Network

Home Network brings viewers the very best in renovation and home design with nine new and returning Canadian original titles. Audiences will feel at home with the familiar faces of Canada’s favourite and established home renovation stars, plus the introduction of talented new personalities ready to make their mark.

Three brand-new series are currently in production. In Beer Budget Reno (10×60 – Proper Television), lifestyle expert Kristen Coutts delivers life-changing renos for people who are told they can’t afford them, transforming tired outdated spaces into something fresh and functional. For Rentovation (13×30 – Nikki Ray Media Agency), designer Natalie Chong helps renters transform transient spaces with nonpermanent solutions that give forever-home vibes without forever-living commitments. Then, Building Baeumler (10×60 – Si Entertainment) sees fan-favourites Bryan and Sarah Baeumler give viewers an inside look at their lives as they tackle a resort renovation in the Florida Keys, expand their Bahamas property and invest in a new project in the area, and tackle a personal renovation back home in Canada.

Additionally, three returning titles have wrapped production and are expected to premiere in Winter/Spring 2025. This includes Renovation Resort, Season 2 (8×60 – MEM) with Bryan Baeumler and Scott McGillivray, Scott’s Vacation House Rules, Season 6 (8×60 – MEM) with Scott and co-host Debra Salmoni, and Season 2 of Pamela Anderson’s home-renovation show Pamela’s Garden of Eden (8×60 – Fireworks Media Group).

Come 2025, three additional series will be in pre-production or development. The all-new Life is Messy (8×60 – Scott Brothers Entertainment) with Kortney Wilson and Kenny Brain follows the duo as they work with families facing unique life changes that have put a strain on both their relationships and their homes. Titles in development include new seasons of Rock Solid Builds (8×60 – Cineflix Productions), and House of Ali (8×60 – Nikki Ray Media Agency).

Flavour Network

Flavour Network turns up the heat in the food space, with three returning hits and three upcoming new Canadian originals packed full of flavour, fresh perspective and star power.

Winter 2025 will see the premiere of Pamela’s Cooking with Love (8×60 – Fireworks Media Group) hosted by Hollywood icon Pamela Anderson as she welcomes world-renowned chefs to Vancouver Island, creating beautiful plant-based meals for family and friends. Next year will also see the premiere of new seasons of Great Chocolate Showdown (8×60 – Nikki Ray Media Agency) with Anna Olson, Cynthia Tooley and Steve Hodge putting 10 home bakers to the ultimate test in the indulgent world of chocolate for a grand prize, and Carnival Eats (13×30 – Alibi Entertainment), where Noah Cappe brings viewers along on a food-frenzied roller coaster of culinary delights.

Meanwhile, comedian Andrew Phung heads into production this fall on Big Burger Battle (6×60 – Nikki Ray Media Agency). With judges George Motz and Connie DeSousa, the newly greenlit series will see seven burger-obsessed cooks and chefs come together to crown the world’s best Burger Master. Then, with a fresh season of Top Chef Canada on air now with Season 11, the most prestigious culinary competition in the country will return for Season 12 (8×60 – Insight Productions Ltd.), heading into production next year.

Currently at MIPCOM, Corus Studios is proudly presenting many of these titles for international distribution including Big Burger Battle, Building Baeumler, Life is Messy, Rentovation, Great Chocolate Showdown, House of Ali, Pamela’s Cooking with Love, Pamela’s Garden of Eden, Renovation Resort, Rock Solid Builds, and Scott’s Vacation House Rules.

Additional details on Home Network and Flavour Network’s programming will be unveiled in the coming weeks, along with the launch of the brands’ supporting social channels.

The new HomeNetwork.ca offers a fresh take on real estate, DIY projects, home decor and more, delivering inspiring articles, expert tips and the latest decor trends to help audiences create beautiful, functional living spaces. The new FlavourNetwork.ca will be a reflection of Canada’s vibrant food culture, from honest reviews to delicious recipes, ranging from comforting classics to quick and easy meals and international cuisines, all tailored to the tastes and trends Canadians are searching for.

Flavour Network and Home Network will replace the current channel position of Food Network Canada and HGTV Canada on December 30, 2024. Customers can contact their service provider for more details. Flavour Network and Home Network will be available for free preview for two months, from January 3 – February 28, 2025. Viewers will also be able to stream full episodes from both networks on STACKTV.