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Industry News

B.C. production sector and Netflix unveil new initiative for local screenwriters

From a media release:

Today organizations and leaders from across BC’s media production sector announced the launch of the Pacific Screenwriting Program. The Program is billed as an intensive training ground that will provide support and career-advancement opportunities for active and aspiring screenwriters from across BC. The initiative is the result of generous support from Netflix, Creative BC, and the Canadian Media Producers Association, as well as strategic guidance from the Writers Guild of Canada.

Launching today alongside the Pacific Screenwriting Program is its flagship training initiative, the Scripted Series Lab. Beginning in January 2019, the full-time professional development opportunity will train up to six BC-based, entry-level writers, helping them to hone their craft, strengthen their collaboration and presentation skills, and obtain a deeper understanding of the global scripted content industry. Applications for the Scripted Series Lab are now being accepted. An info night is being held on August 8th. For more information check www.pacificscreenwriting.com.

The Scripted Series Lab is the Program’s first training course, combining real-world story-room experience with one-on-one mentorship to equip writers with the skills, experience, and connections necessary to build a successful screenwriting career. The Program’s longer term strategic planning envisions a range of offerings for screenwriters with varied levels of practical experience.

For details about how to apply for the inaugural Scripted Series Lab and more information about the Pacific Screenwriting Program individuals are encouraged to visit www.pacificscreenwriting.com/APPLY.ca

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Industry News

Link: Ed the Sock wants to disrupt television — again

From Tony Wong of the Toronto Star:

Link: Ed the Sock wants to disrupt television — again
“We are stepping in to fill a void. It wasn’t too long ago that we were making cable TV shows with cardboard boxes. We don’t look at something and see a lack of resources and say it’s impossible. We say this is going to be fun. That’s the heart of the network. We want to be a part of the Canadian media industry. Not apart from it.” Continue reading.

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Industry News

Enterprise Pictures announces plans and partial slate

Toronto-based Enterprise Pictures is excited to announce their inaugural television and feature film slate. The company is engaged in ongoing discussions with various U.S. advisors and studios to raise equity in exchange for distribution rights to the company’s robust slate. Stay tuned for additional announcements in the coming weeks. Enterprise Pictures is the brainchild of Matthew Robillard, an ex-investment banker at Osprey Capital who previously developed cable network Channel Canada, and launched multi-platform entertainment brand ComedyLab Entertainment.

Enterprise Pictures is developing eleven television series and fourteen feature films. Highlights listed below:

Television Slate

The Opportunist is a one-hour crime thriller about the Opportunist and his clandestine army of operatives who prey on the criminal super rich by conning them out of their ill-gotten billions. Each season targets a different billionaire operating in an exotic, tax-friendly jurisdiction i.e. Singapore, Monte Carlo, Silicon Valley, Geneva. Season one targets the sociopathic leader of a money-mad, Scientology-like cult that gets exposed, then chased out of the country by the U.S. Department of Justice, with the Opportunist and his team slowly enveloping the target in a web of intrigue, disinformation and misdirection. Pilot written.

Ninja is an action drama about a multi-generational family of Ninja assassin-spies who fight desperately to survive and prosper during feudal Japan’s bloody and treacherous civil war. To be shot on location in Japan utilizing authentic samurai-era historical sites, and starring a cast of English-speaking actors of Japanese heritage. Pilot written.

FunHouse is a comedy drama about six stand-up comics who all eat, sleep, laugh and love in a big, old mansion they call the ‘Funhouse’. Between performing comedy gigs on-stage and holding down hellish part-time jobs, the cast gradually chisel out successful careers in the roller coaster world of comedy. Pilot written.

Treasure Island is a competition reality series about twelve people trapped on an exotic, deserted island. They must compete or co-operate to win a $5.0 million treasure buried somewhere on the island. Physical and augmented-reality clues planted by the ‘Puzzle Master’ host help the cast solve a ‘Genius Puzzle’ that ultimately reveals the treasure’s secret location.

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Industry News, Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary

Season two of Eyes for the Job to premiere July 31 on AMI-tv

From a media release:

Accessible Media Inc. (AMI) announced today that Season two of Eyes for the Job, the 13-part television series focused on home improvement and do-it-yourself projects starring Chris Judge and Alex Haider, will premiere on Tuesday, July 31, at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET on AMI-tv.

Produced by Clerisy Entertainment, Eyes for the Job is set in Halifax and features Nova Scotian co-hosts Chris Judge and Alex Haider. A lifelong handyman and do-it-yourself enthusiast, Chris brings a unique perspective to the program: he is blind. Working alongside Chris is Alex Haider, who shares Chris’ creativity and enthusiasm and boasts some serious social media and outreach know-how. Together, they’ll inform, entertain and inspire viewers to expand their DIY abilities in new and exciting ways.

In Season two, Chris steps up his DIY game. He’s started a community workshop in the heart of the city and has the space, tools and materials for some seriously cool creations. With Alex by his side, Chris tackles several projects both in the workshop and in the community, with help from friends.

In keeping with AMI’s mandate of making accessible media for all Canadians, Season two of Eyes for the Job features Integrated Described Video (IDV), where Chris and Alex describe their actions and surroundings during filming to make the program accessible to individuals with vision loss.

Beginning on July 31, Eyes for the Job airs Tuesdays at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET on AMI-tv.

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Industry News

Roger Petersen named co-host of Breakfast Television Toronto

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From a media release:

Citytv announced today that Roger Petersen has been named co-host of Toronto’s longest-running morning show, Breakfast Television. Starting today, Petersen officially joins co-host Dina Pugliese, along with fellow newcomer Stella Acquisto, and the rest of the celebrated BT family of Frank Ferragine, Winston Sih, Melanie Ng, Tammie Sutherland, and Kerry Prunskus to wake-up the Greater Toronto Area and beyond. Breakfast Television airs weekdays from 5:30 to 9 a.m. ET on Citytv.

Petersen is a familiar face to Citytv audiences having covered some of the largest stories to unfold in his hometown – from the horrific van attack earlier this year to the G20 and G8, SARS and the Papal visit. Petersen joined the Toronto Citytv team in 1999, undertaking a variety of roles including reporter, anchor and host of the car show Autoshop. Petersen then moved to Vancouver to anchor CityNews at 6 p.m. and 11 p.m., before moving back to his hometown as a CityNews Toronto reporter and anchor. Petersen began his broadcasting career in radio, having studied Radio & Television at Seneca College.

In addition to his broadcast career, Petersen also volunteers his time to many causes, including Cardiac Health Foundation and Victim Services, and is a proud father to son McKenna.

A member of the Citytv family since 2011, Stella Acquisto also joins the BT Toronto family as the community correspondent. A first-generation Canadian, Acquisto was born in Toronto where she studied Journalism at Seneca College and earned a Political Science and Communications Studies degree from York University.

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