From (US-based) GLAAD:
GLAAD’s Where We Are On TV
Following a decline last year, GLAAD has found an increase in the percentage of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) characters anticipated to appear on scripted primetime broadcast television in the coming year. The annual Where We Are on TV report forecasts the expected presence of LGBT characters for the upcoming 2014-2015 television season. Continue reading.
Ruby Skye P.I. is a detective series, but the show’s success is a Cinderella story. An independent project two seasons old, filmed on a shoestring budget and posted on the Internet garners wide acclaim. A third season is partially funded by the CBC, debuts online and then jumps to the network’s morning television schedule. That’s Ruby Skye‘s story, and it’s one borne out of frustration.
“I wasn’t able to tell the stories that I wanted to in the restricted, narrow focus that children’s television has at this moment,” creator Jill Golick says. “There wasn’t a mystery show on television. Nobody was looking at making show’s with girl leads. It was a way for me to tell the story that I wanted to tell.”
Ruby Skye P.I.‘s tale began in 2010 when the Independent Production Fund started offering funding for web series. Golick–after writing on such series as Sesame Street, Noddy, Shining Time Station and Instant Star–was dabbling in the digital realm and had pitched several ideas to the IPF; they backed seasons 1 and 2 of Ruby Skye. A chance conversation with CBC executives at a conference led to the public broadcaster acquiring the first two seasons–The Spam Scam and The Haunted Library–for their website and commissioning a third season, The Maltese Puppy, along with the IPF, Bell Fund, Shaw Rocket Fund and Canada Media Fund. Now Ruby’s Season 3 adventures are available on CBC television as of Oct. 4.
“CBC’s intention was always to make a web show and we didn’t start Ruby thinking, ‘Oh, this should be a TV series,'” Golick explains. “We started thinking when you’re talking to today’s youth you put it on the screen where they are.”
Golick and Julie Strassman (Full House, Sophie, Metropia) co-write Ruby Skye P.I., and this third instalment, The Maltese Puppy, is a fun one. Ruby (Madison Cheratow, Wingin’ It), the sassy, smart star of the series, takes over the dog-walking route run by her sister Hailey (Marlee Maslove, Hailey Hacks) when she comes upon a crime scene. A local charity has been robbed of precious toys and there are a number of suspects, including the charity’s founder, Colin Cumberbund (Seán Cullen). Plus, Ruby has somehow ended up with one extra dog at the end of her leashes–a Maltese–and she’s doesn’t know where the owner is. Each episode–clocking in around the five-minute mark–is packed with whip-smart dialogue, top-notch performances and a cliffhanger style that keeps you wanting more.
“When people find it on the Internet they blow through all the episodes all at once,” Golick says. “We have that pace that makes you want to keep consuming it like potato chips.”
Episodes of Ruby Skye P.I.: The Maltese Puppy can be seen during the Kids CBC! programming block starting Saturday, Oct. 4, or on the network’s web page.
From a media release:
CBC NEWS’ the fifth estate WINS INTERNATIONAL EMMY AWARD FOR DOCUMENTARY ON BANGLADESH FACTORY COLLAPSE
CBC News’s the fifth estate has won a 2014 International Emmy® Award for their investigation into the Rana Plaza collapse in Bangladesh, titled Made in Bangladesh. the fifth estate’s Mark Kelley went to Bangladesh after the disaster and tracked down the garment workers who said they were still forced to make clothes in dangerous conditions for Canadian companies. The documentary first aired on Oct. 11, 2013, and drew praise for its investigation into the people behind a global industry of cheap clothes, big money, and huge risks.
“Everyone at the show is so proud of this story,” said Jim Williamson, executive producer of the fifth estate. “It is in the classic fifth estate tradition of strong investigative journalism mixed with compelling storytelling. What happened to the garment workers in Dhaka is unimaginably sad. Our challenge was to make this a story that no one could or should ever forget. The awarding of the Emmy suggests our team succeeded in doing that.”
“the fifth estate continues to push boundaries with its provocative and groundbreaking investigations, and we’re so proud of the team for the important and brave work they do,†said Jennifer McGuire, general manager and editor in chief, CBC News and Centres. “This award is a testament to the priority CBC News places on investigative journalism that makes a difference in Canada and that challenges injustice. The Canadian connection to the Bangladeshi garment industry was an important story, and Mark Kelley and the fifth estate team took big risks making this documentary.â€
The International Emmy® Award in the Current Affairs and News category was announced in New York at Jazz at Lincoln Center. Other nominees in the Current Affairs field were from Romania, Argentina, and Hong Kong. International winners were recognized alongside their American news and documentary peers.
WATCH Made in Bangladesh here.
For four decades, the fifth estate has been Canada’s premier investigative documentary program, acquainting viewers with a dazzling parade of political leaders, shady characters and ordinary people whose lives were touched by triumph or tragedy. The tradition of provocative and courageous journalism, which began with Adrienne Clarkson, Warner Troyer and Peter Reilly on Sept. 16, 1975, continues unabated with the current team of Bob McKeown, Gillian Findlay and Mark Kelley.
From Entertainment Weekly and Syfy. Canadian co-production Ascension will premiere on CBC on November 25.
From a media release:
Shaw Media and Canada’s Walk of Fame are proud to welcome Jason Priestley as Host of the 2014 Canada’s Walk of Fame Tribute Show, as announced exclusively by ET Canada. The beloved Actor and Director will emcee the star-studded, two-hour event airing on Friday, December 19 at 8 pm ET/PT on Global. Canada’s Walk of Fame Tribute Show celebrates top-notch Canadians who have made a substantial contribution to Canadian culture, treats viewers to show-stopping performances, and showcases the incredible talent this country has to offer. Presenters and performers will be announced in the coming weeks.
“Jason is an exceptional talent and a very proud Canadian. We couldn’t be more excited to have him at the helm of this year’s Canada’s Walk of Fame Tribute Show,” said Barbara Williams, Executive VP, Broadcasting and President, Shaw Media. “His charisma and charm are the perfect complement to a broadcast that’s all about celebrating the accomplishments of these outstanding Canadians.”
Actor, Director, Producer and Author, Priestley has enjoyed a robust and diverse career in entertainment. Best known for playing the charming Brandon Walsh on Beverly Hills 90210, Priestley is a seasoned actor and has received multiple awards including a Canadian Screen Award for “Best Comedy Actor†in 2014 for his role on Call Me Fitz. His talent on screen translated to a passion behind the camera, spending a significant portion of his career directing numerous episodes of successful programs such as Rookie Blue, Saving Hope and Haven. He recently completed filming Zoom starring alongside Gael Garcia Bernal in Toronto. Priestley is a native of Vancouver, British Columbia.
“I’m honoured to be hosting this year’s Canada’s Walk of Fame Tribute Show and excited to pay tribute to these exceptional inductees,†said Priestley. “We have a lot to celebrate in this country, and a great show in store for Canadians – with a few tricks up our sleeves.â€
The following remarkable individuals will join Canada’s Walk of Fame’s long list of celebrated Canadians, bringing the total number of inductees to 157: Louise Arbour, Former Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada and International Lawyer; The Band, Musicians; Jeff Healey, Musician; Rachel McAdams, Actor; Ryan Reynolds, Actor and Hayley Wickenheiser, Athlete.
In addition, the show honours The Weeknd, the recipient of the Allan Slaight Award. The 2014 Canada’s Walk of Fame Tribute Show is held at Toronto’s Sony Centre for the Performing Arts on Saturday, October 18th.
