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Family Feud Canada, Featured, Fortunate Son, Industry News, The Trickster

Family Feud Canada and Fortunate Son among CBC’s new series; Workin’ Moms, Diggstown and 22 Minutes renewed

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A Canadian version of Family Feud with Gerry Dee at the helm, a drama based on Eden Robinson’s award-winning Trickster novels and a spy drama based on Heartland, Wynonna Earp and Jann executive producer Tom Cox were among the new series announced by CBC at the network’s Upfront presentation on Wednesday.

The network confirmed that Halifax-based legal drama Diggstown, sketch comedy 22 Minutes and comedy Workin’ Moms have all been renewed for new seasons.

Some sad news: CBC confirmed that Little Dog, Cavendish and Crawford have not been renewed.

Adapted from Eden Robinson’s novels and co-created by Michelle Latimer and Tony Elliot, The Trickster—from Sienna Films (Cardinal)—is described as a darkly humorous coming-of-age story that combines dysfunctional family drama with supernatural thriller. Jared, an Indigenous teen, meets Wade, a mysterious stranger who turns Jared’s life upside down.

Based on the real-life of Tom Cox’s family experience, Fortunate Son—created by Andrew Wreggit—is an eight-episode drama from Seven24 Films and Lark Entertainment about the matriarch of an American activist family who helps smuggle Vietnam war deserters and draft dodgers across the border. He is pursued by the FBI.

Gerry Dee is back on the CBC as the host of Family Feud Canada. Airing weekdays at 7 p.m., the 60-episode program showcases homegrown families from across the country competing to guess the most popular answers to fun, family-friendly survey questions from a sample of Canadians.

The Sounds, a co-production between Canada and New Zealand created by author Sarah-Kate Lynch, is being billed as a relationship drama about the goings-on in Pelorus Sounds, where nothing is quite as it seems. Peter Stebbings will direct all eight episodes.

New and returning unscripted series include Back in Time for Winter, Fridge Wars, High Arctic Haulers and Tallboyz.

CBC also made some casting announcements, noting Great Canadian Baking Show is swapping out Daniel Levy and Julia Chan for Baroness Von Sketch Show‘s Aurora Brown and Carolyn Taylor. As much as I’ll miss Levy and Chan, Brown and Taylor are going to be amazing.

And finally, Kurt Browning has been named head judge for Battle of the Blades with Ron MacLean back as the host. Olympians Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir will participate as guest judges. Those confirmed to take to the ice for the competition include figure skaters in Violetta Afanasieva and Vanessa James, and hockey players Sheldon Kennedy and Natalie Spooner.

The new series announcement comes just over a month after CBC revealed the projects returning for new seasons this fall and winter, including Murdoch Mysteries, Frankie Drake Mysteries, Heartland, Still Standing, Baroness Von Sketch Show, Anne with an E, Coroner, The Detectives, Kim’s Convenience and Schitt’s Creek.

Which new shows are you planning to check out this fall and winter? Let me know in the comments below.

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Industry News

Canadian screenwriters and independent producers reach terms on new Independent Production Agreement

From a media release:

Today, the Canadian Media Producers Association and the Writers Guild of Canada jointly announced the successful conclusion of negotiations, resulting in an agreement in principle on the terms for a new Independent Production Agreement. The CMPA-WGC Independent Production Agreement establishes the terms, conditions and rates for writers, story editors, and story consultants.

“We are proud to have come to terms on an agreement that truly values the important alliance that exists between Canadian screenwriters and independent producers,” said Warren Ross, the CMPA’s Vice-President of National Industrial Relations and Senior Counsel. “I want to thank the individuals on both sides of the bargaining table for their commitment to finding solutions that serve to benefit the future of our sector and Canadian storytelling on screen.”

“As the industry continues to evolve in Canada, we are pleased to have reached this agreement with the CMPA,” said Maureen Parker, WGC Executive Director. “We feel it will continue to both protect the interests of Canadian screenwriters and maintain a good relationship with our producer partners for several years to come.”

The terms for the new three-year Independent Production Agreement will be sent to the CMPA’s Board of Directors, and distributed by the WGC, for ratification. The current agreement expires on June 30, 2019.

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Featured, Industry News

Filmmakers Erin Carter and Sam Coyle talk Hazy Little Thing

Yes, TV, Eh? is devoted to covering Canadian television, but I couldn’t pass up the chance to talk to filmmakers Erin Carter and Sam Coyle. I was introduced to pair after I spoke to Supinder Wraich about The 410, her own excellent digital series about drug trafficking, truckers and the Indo-Canadian community.

I’d also seen a lot of Carter and Coyle on my TV recently. Suck It Up, directed by Jordan Canning, stars Carter, while Coyle stars in and produced The Definites, two superb Canadian feature films you can see on Crave. So when Wraich mentioned she stars in Hazy Little Thing, a new film written and produced by Carter and Coyle and directed by Coyle—it’s currently seeking Kickstarter funding to help with post-production—I jumped at the chance to speak to them.

A woman sits in a bathtub.Starring Carter, Emily Coutts, Jade Hassouné, Wraich and Dayle McLeod, Hazy Little Thing is about Billie (Carter) a writer who is struggling with the fear of failure. A successful novelist living off the proceeds of her first book, she’s been commissioned to write another and is gripped by debilitating fear. Spiralling into depression, Billie’s sister and her friends celebrate her birthday with a weekend get together.

“They come into this with a ‘buck up’ mentality,” Coyle says. “But what’s unearthed during the weekend is this is a whole lot deeper, and Billie’s depression is more complex than anybody ever knew. Everyone is just trying to have a good time and it results in everyone taking mushrooms.” The drugs, Coyle says, are used as a mechanism to explore the psychology of the characters and what they’re going through rather than as a fun, crazy trip.

A woman talks on her cell phone. The sun sets behind her.Hazy Little Thing is the first film Carter and Coyle have written together—they have collaborated in the past—and love the immediacy filmmaking presents, and the opportunity to work on this project. Coyle refers to the “special connection” she has with Carter when they’re writing. They, she says, share similar strengths and insecurities.

“Honesty is such an important part of our relationship,” Carter says. “It’s so easy to say, ‘Listen, I don’t know if this is going to work,’ or ‘I love where this is going.’ There is a trust that exists that can only come with full honesty.”

Back Erin Carter and Sam Coyle’s Hazy Little Thing via Kickstarter.

Images courtesy of Sam Coyle.

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Industry News

Bell Media Studios’ slate expands with two new productions for 2019/20

From a media release:

In advance of the #CTVUpfront next week, Bell Media announced today the commissioning of two new series for Crave from Bell Media Studios, along with the renewal of 13 other programs for 2019/20. In the UNTITLED ELAINE “LAINEY” LUI SERIES, THE SOCIAL co-host and ETALK senior correspondent dishes on some of Crave’s most buzz-worthy programming. Based on ETALK reporter Chloe Wilde’s highly successful lifestyle website Healthy is Hot, HEALTHY IS presents a variety of healthy living tips in each episode.

From morning, noon, and night, Bell Media Studios has Canadians covered with its diverse, leading slate of lifestyle, entertainment and factual series, and live events. With 400 hours of content produced each week, Bell Media Studios’ daily programs, all renewed for new seasons this fall, reach an average of 7.5 million Canadians on Bell Media’s linear channels, and more than 3.7 million users across associated websites, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram accounts each week.

The UNTITLED ELAINE “LAINEY” LUI series features Lui, along with a variety of fascinating guests, providing perspective and irreverent commentary on some of Crave’s big-ticket, pop culture programming.

HEALTHY IS features Wilde, along with special guests, discussing health, beauty, empowerment, and self-love, in the midst of today’s highly pervasive social media culture.

Also from Bell Media Studios:

Canada’s most-watched national morning show, YOUR MORNING, returns for a new season this fall with hosts Ben Mulroney and Anne-Marie Mediwake, news anchor Lindsey Deluce meteorologist Kelsey McEwen, and contributing co-host Melissa Grelo.

CTV’s original daytime lineup dominates as the Top 2 most-watched Canadian daily lifestyle programs, THE MARILYN DENIS SHOW and THE SOCIAL, celebrate their 10th and seventh seasons respectively this September.

Canada’s most-watched entertainment newsmagazine ETALK kicks off its 18th season this September with unmatched exclusive access to the 44th annual Toronto International Film Festival®.

MUCH STUDIOS PRESENTS: MIKE ON MUCH IN CONVERSATION WITH, based on the fan-favourite podcast of the same name, enters production on a second season this summer.
Sold around the world in territories including Africa, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Latin America, Poland, CSA-nominated WHERE TO I DO? returns to Gusto for a third season in Spring 2020.

Major television events from Bell Media Studios continue in 2019/20 including THE 2019 IHEART RADIO MMVAs, THE ORIGINAL SANTA CLAUS PARADE, ETALK LIVE AT THE OSCARS, and the CSA-winning ETALK LIVE FROM THE OSCARS BALCONY.
Additionally, Bell Media Studios’ Exploration Production Inc. (EPI) division continues to produce entertaining and highly rated factual documentaries and series, for both Discovery Canada and more than 100 international broadcasters, including MIGHTY TRAINS, MIGHTY CRUISE SHIPS, and DISASTERS AT SEA, which all return with new seasons.

Bell Media Studios continues to work with some of the biggest brands in the Canadian market. Over the past year, Bell Media Studios programs have worked with more than 60 individual brands, have had more than 200 in-show integrations, more than 70 branded digital stories, and more than 60 social media integrations. The Bell Media Studios’ Branded Entertainment team also continues to produce original, consumer-focused branded campaigns targeting clients’ core audiences.

Commissioned by CTV:

YOUR MORNING
Hosted by Ben Mulroney and Anne-Marie Mediwake, with Lindsey Deluce (News), and Kelsey McEwen (Meteorologist), as well as contributing co-host Melissa Grelo, YOUR MORNING delivers original perspectives and unique insights into the headlines of the day, as well as weather, while showcasing lifestyle topics of interests to Canadians from coast-to-coast-to-coast.

THE MARILYN DENIS SHOW
Hosted by Marilyn Denis and taped before a studio audience, THE MARILYN DENIS SHOW is a daily lifestyle and entertainment talk show featuring Canadian and international celebrities and experts. Celebrities who have appeared on THE MARILYN DENIS SHOW include Hugh Jackman, Diane Keaton, Bradley Cooper, Harry Connick Jr., Shania Twain, Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, Michael Bublé, Josh Groban, Sarah McLachlan, Meghan Trainor, Jerry O’Connell, Eric McCormack, Martin Short, Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara, Howie Mandel, Jason Momoa, Danai Gurira, Milo Ventimiglia, Amy Poehler, Derek Hough, Tatiana Maslany, and many more. Top lifestyle experts who have appeared on the show include Nigela Lawson, Jamie Oliver, Dr. Oz, Daphne Oz, Jillian Michaels, Kortney & Dave Wilson, Mike Holmes, Scott McGillivray, The Property Brothers, Joe Zee, Clinton Kelly, Carson Kressley, Bryan Baeumler, Debbie Travis and more. THE MARILYN DENIS SHOW also airs in the Middle East and North Africa on Discovery Channel (MENA).

THE SOCIAL
Co-hosted by Melissa Grelo, Marci Ien, Cynthia Loyst, and Lainey Lui, with correspondent Jessica Allen, THE SOCIAL brings a fresh, daily perspective on the up-to-the-minute news, pop culture, and lifestyle topics that matter most to Canadians in a socially interactive format. Broadcast live in front of a studio audience, guests who have appeared on THE SOCIAL include Ryan Reynolds, Jann Arden, Alessia Cara, Stephen James, Chelsea Clinton, Jessica Alba, Katy Perry, Ice Cube, Demi Lovato, Danny DeVito, Drew Barrymore, Chris Tucker, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Kelly Clarkson, and Danai Gurira. In what feels like a can’t-miss lunch date with friends, the socially interactive series incorporates viewer feedback and exchange through Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

ETALK
Hosted by anchors Ben Mulroney and Danielle Graham, senior correspondents Lainey Lui and Traci Melchor, reporters Chloe Wilde and Tyrone Edwards, and L.A. correspondent Liz Trinnear, ETALK is the #1 most-watched entertainment newsmagazine in Canada. From the OSCARS® and the EMMY® Awards, to the GOLDEN GLOBE®, and iHeartRadio MMVAs, ETALK is front-and-centre, delivering up-to-the-minute news in film, television, music, and more. ETALK celebrates both home-grown talent and international stars.

THE ORIGINAL SANTA CLAUS PARADE
For the 10th straight year on CTV, the beloved family tradition and annual broadcasting event, THE ORIGINAL SANTA CLAUS PARADE officially kicks off the holiday season this November. The arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be amplified like never before with all-new floats, a star-studded roster of live yuletide performances, exclusive celebrity cameos and holiday greetings.

ETALK LIVE AT THE OSCARS
ETALK LIVE AT THE OSCARS is the only Canadian entertainment news outlet broadcasting live from the OSCARS red carpet. ETALK anchor and YOUR MORNING co-host Ben Mulroney interviews the stars as they arrive from his coveted position on the carpet, second only to host broadcaster ABC, while ETALK anchor Danielle Graham and ETALK and THE SOCIAL’s Lainey Lui report from the exclusive balcony position for a birds-eye view of the OSCARS red carpet.

ETALK LIVE: THE OSCARS BALCONY
Launched in 2018 with the highly successful inaugural digital special, which secured the Canadian Screen Award for Best Host, Web Program or Series, ETALK LIVE FROM THE OSCARS BALCONY returns for a third year in 2020. The special invites audiences to join Danielle Graham and Lainey Lui live from the balcony position for a raw, in-the-moment red carpet show. Whether analyzing red carpet run-ins, gushing over the night’s major fashion moments, or eavesdropping on Mulroney’s interviews with Hollywood’s biggest names on the carpet below, nothing gets by these two.

THE 2019 IHEARTRADIO MMVAs
Fans get the experience of a lifetime by putting them as close as humanly possible to their favourite artists and celebrities at THE 2019 IHEARTRADIO MMVAs. Past MMVA performers and presenters include: Alessia Cara, Ariana Grande, Awkwafina, Britney Spears, Bruno Mars, Camila Cabello, Carly Rae Jepsen, Drake, Ed Sheeran, Gigi Hadid, Halsey, Jonas Brothers, Justin Bieber, Kanye West, Katy Perry, Kim Kardashian, Lady Gaga, Lorde, Miley Cyrus, Nick Jonas, Post Malone, Rihanna, Selena Gomez, Shawn Mendes, Taylor Swift, The Weeknd, and many more. At THE IHEARTRADIO MMVAs, the audience is the priority; whether a foot from the stage or a foot from a television, computer, or mobile phone.

Commissioned by Discovery Canada:

MIGHTY TRAINS – Season 3
Each one-hour episode is a journey into the fascinating world of rail travel, as host Teddy Wilson tells the stories of six exceptional trains and their scenic locomotive routes through Switzerland, South Africa, Thailand, Norway, Italy, and Australia. Wilson follows the inner workings of these unique rail journeys with immersive and in-depth accounts from train drivers, load-masters, head chefs, track inspectors, rail traffic control officers, and passengers. MIGHTY TRAINS airs in more than 100 countries around the world, spanning the U.K., Germany, Australia, France, Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, and throughout Asia.

MIGHTY CRUISE SHIPS – Season 4
The world’s most luxurious and cutting-edge cruise ships are highlighted when the Discovery original series MIGHTY CRUISE SHIPS sets sail for Season 4. The six-episode season takes viewers to South America, the Canary Islands, Japan and South Korea, the Caribbean, Spain, and Alaska, highlighting the best vessel on which to set course for each tantalizing destination. Every one-hour episode delivers a see-all, hear-all journey through every moment above and below deck, from the mechanics of modern sea-going to the human dramas of the seafarers and guest service staff.

DISASTERS AT SEA – Season 2
Already renewed for a third season, DISASTERS AT SEA Season 2 is scheduled to premiere on Discovery in early 2020. This six-episode, one-hour docudrama tells the unimaginable true story of a maritime disaster, combining harrowing re-enactments with expert analysis from marine investigators. Whether it’s survivor testimony about a sudden sound, GPS data about the ship’s speed, or the scatter pattern of wreckage at the bottom of the ocean, each piece of evidence helps investigators build a dramatic picture of the deadly chain of events. Armed with the newly-discovered facts uncovered by investigators, archival footage is combined with evocative re-enactments, CGI, and special effects to immerse viewers in each story and dramatically convey the catastrophic events. Each episode delivers a suspenseful journey into one of the deadliest jobs on the planet, the working men and women who choose this dangerous life, and the marine investigators who work tirelessly to help make the high seas a safer place.

Commissioned by Crave:

MUCH STUDIOS PRESENTS: MIKE ON MUCH IN CONVERSATION WITH – Season 2
Hosted by seasoned writer, director, and producer Mike Veerman, Max Kerman, lead singer of the multi-JUNO Award-winning rock band Arkells, and YouTuber and “pop culture aficionado” Shane Cunningham, each episode of MUCH STUDIOS PRESENTS: MIKE ON MUCH features long-form interviews, candid conversations, and comedic segments. Celebrity interviews include Alessia Cara, Jared Keeso (LETTERKENNY), Jodie Whittaker (DOCTOR WHO), Leon Bridges, Lights, Nile Rodgers, Noel Gallagher, and Sting & Shaggy.

Commissioned by Gusto:

WHERE TO I DO? – Season 3
Produced by Bell Media Studios and Motion Content Group, the eight-episode, half-hour lifestyle program is hosted by Canadian property and design expert Tommy Smythe (THE MARILYN DENIS SHOW, THE SEARCH FOR CANADA’S NEXT DESIGNER), who follows couples as they search for the wedding venue of their dreams. New episodes of WHERE TO I DO? air Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET on Gusto. Episodes are also available now on Gusto’s YouTube channel as well as on Crave, CTV.ca, and the CTV app.

Jennifer Maclean is Executive Producer for YOUR MORNING. John Simpson is Executive Producer for THE MARILYN DENIS SHOW. Laura Scarfo is Executive Producer for THE SOCIAL. Manny Groneveldt is Executive Producer and Jennifer Morrison is Co-Executive Producer for ETALK. Jennifer Couke-Cosgrove is Executive Producer for WHERE TO I DO?. John Kampilis is Executive Producer for Bell Media Studios Specials. Kelly McKeown is Director of Production, EPI. Michelle Crespi is Executive Producer for Bell Media Studios. Leah Borkwood is Director, Bell Media Studios. Nanci MacLean is Vice-President, Bell Media Studios and President, Pinewood Toronto Studios.

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Industry News

Sherry White, Kerri MacDonald and Omnifilm Entertainment adapting Ami McKay’s, The Birth House

Froma media release:

Omnifilm Entertainment has secured the rights to the #1 Canadian and international bestseller,  THE BIRTH HOUSE (Penguin Random House Canada)—authored by Ami McKay and inspired by the real-life Scots Bay midwife heroine, Esther Rebecca Steele. Creative team Sherry White (Maudie, Little Dog, Ten Days in the Valley, Frontier) and Kerri MacDonald (Frontier, Little Dog, Republic of Doyle) are on board to develop the television series adaptation.

The cover of the book, The Birth House.An arresting portrait of the struggles that women have faced for control of their own bodies, THE BIRTH HOUSE is the story of Dora Rare, the first daughter in five generations of Rares. As apprentice to the outspoken Acadian midwife Miss Babineau, Dora learns to assist the women of a rural Nova Scotia community through infertility, difficult labours, breech births, unwanted pregnancies, and unfulfilling sex lives. During the turbulent World War I era, uncertainty and upheaval accompany the arrival of a brash new medical doctor and his promises of progress and fast, painless childbirth. In a clash between tradition and science, Dora finds herself fighting to protect the rights of women as well as the wisdom of the old ways that have been entrusted to her. Filled with compelling historic events and surprising detail—childbirth in the aftermath of the Halifax Explosion; unconventional relief efforts during the Spanish Flu epidemic in Boston; shared activism between the women’s suffrage movements in Canada, the US and the UK—THE BIRTH HOUSE is an unforgettable tale of women banding together to defend their traditions and create change in a world dominated by the politics of men.

Ami McKay is the author of three internationally bestselling novels—THE BIRTH HOUSE, The Virgin Cure and The Witches of New York, as well as the recent yuletide novella, Half Spent Was the Night. She began her writing career as a freelance journalist, writing and producing radio documentaries for programs such as CBC Radio’s Maritime Magazine, This Morning, OutFront, and The Sunday Edition, as well as NPR’s Soundprint in the United States.

This project is being pitched to potential buyers in the coming weeks.

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