Reelside, TMN – Episode 6 of 6
Emerging filmmaker Matthew Lochner is on a journey to create his own superhero concept, complete with a trailer. He enlists the help of Stephen Amell (ARROW), David Hayter (X-Men), and Lloyd Kaufman (The Troma Empire) to understand what it means to be a superhero and what drives their careers.
From a media release:
Fresh TV today announces start of production on a new Family Channeloriginal performing arts school drama, Backstage. The 30-episode, half-hour scripted series (shot docudrama-style) will follow a group of outstandingly talented teenagers as they live through the highs and lows that come with attending the prestigious Keaton School of the Arts – from the angst and disappointments to the new friendships and crowning achievements. The series films this summer in Toronto, beginning today, and is slated to debut on DHX Television’s Family in Spring 2016.
Through diary-style confessionals and dramatic cliffhangers, Backstage will lift the curtain on these would-be stars as they chase their dreams and deal with the day-to-day reality of being a student, a sister, a son, a girlfriend — a teen. Every episode will be jam-packed with dance, instrumental and vocal performances from rehearsals to concerts to opening nights.
Featuring an all-Canadian cast, the series stars Devyn Nekoda (Degrassi) as Vanessa, a gifted ballet dancer; Alyssa Trask as Carly, a dancer who is stuck in her best friend Vanessa’s shadow; Aviva Mongillo as Alya, an incredible singer who lacks confidence; Joshua Bogert as Miles, a mysterious musician with a big secret; Colin Petierre as Sasha, the school’s biggest gossip; Julia Tomasone as Bianca, who is being groomed by her casting director mother as “the next big thingâ€; Matthew Isen as Jax, a charming DJ and musician; Kyal Legend as Julie, the school president; McKenzie Small as Scarlett, a talented singer with a big ego; Romy Weltman as Kit, a DJ and musician who is fighting to garner recognition for her talents; Isiah Hall as Denzel, a fashionable designer; and Adrianna Di Lielloas Jenna an eager ballet dancer, always ready to seize an opportunity.
Backstage was created and developed by Fresh TV in association with DHX Television. Executive Producers are Brian Irving, who is also a producer; Jennifer Pertsch, who is also the creator, co-developer and a writer; Lara Azzopardi, who is also a co-developer, show runner, writer and director;Tom McGillis and George Elliott.
From the Writers Guild of Canada:
Writers Talking TV – The Next Step
Host Nicole Demerse talks with showrunner Frank van Keeken about his approach to The Next Step, a show for young people based on the lives of a group of dancers at the fictional Next Step Dance Studio. Listen here.
From Melissa Hank of Postmedia:
When Calls the Heart the anti Game of Thrones
Meanwhile, in Canadian television, a handful of series have been priding themselves on their family-friendly focus, exchanging sex scenes for sweetness, and violence for valour. Coincidentally or not, they all feature strong female lead characters. Continue reading.
From Bridget Liszewski of TV Junkies:
Ruby Rose to clash with Zoie Palmer’s android on Dark Matter
If you’re anything like us here at The TV Junkies you can’t get enough of Orange is the New Black’s Season 3 breakout star Ruby Rose. Thankfully we’ll be able to get another look at the Australian actress when she guest stars on the July 24 episode of SyFy/Space Channel’s Dark Matter. Continue reading.
