Bell Media and Tom Green partner to develop original Canadian content

February 20, 2025 Greg David

From a media release:

Bell Media announced today a co-development agreement with Tom Green Productions Canada Inc., founded by beloved Canadian comedian, actor, and filmmaker Tom Green, to create original content for Crave and CTV. The pact expands Green’s long-standing relationship with Bell Media, which includes THE TOM GREEN SHOW and TOM GREEN’S HOUSE TONIGHT, and most recently, a co-starring role in the Crave Original comedy THE TRADES, which was the #1 Canadian series on Crave in 2024*, and returns for a second season, March 14.

The agreement covers both scripted and unscripted projects, reflecting Bell Media’s commitment to making great original content and collaborating with some of the industry’s biggest names. Specific project details will be announced at a later date. Rory Rosegarten, Tom’s manager, will serve as Executive Producer on all projects.

“I couldn’t be more excited to be working with Bell Media to develop some of my ideas,” said Green. “It’s great to be back living in Canada and working with one of the world’s premiere media companies.”

“Over the course of his legendary career, Tom has been a creative and comic visionary who has consistently seen around the corner to be ahead of his time,” said Stewart Johnston, Senior Vice President, Content & Sales, Bell Media. “We look forward to embarking on this new journey together as we develop dynamic projects and expand Bell Media’s mandate of making great original content that resonates at home, and abroad”.

With the new agreement, Bell Media continues to strengthen its position as a leader in creating premium original content, fostering a pipeline of innovative projects for Canadian audiences and beyond. Past commitments include a development deal with Point Grey Pictures, Lionsgate, and most recently, PAGEBOY Productions.

About Tom Green Productions Canada Inc.

Tom Green Productions Canada Inc., based in Ontario, is a full-service film and television production company founded by comedian, actor, director, and broadcaster Tom Green. With three new projects having recently launched, including THIS IS THE TOM GREEN DOCUMENTARY, TOM GREEN COUNTRY, and I GOT A MULE!, the company is rapidly establishing itself as a creative hub in the entertainment industry.

Featured, Industry News

Four-part miniseries Disrepair debuts on Bell Fibe TV1

February 13, 2025 Greg David 1 Comment

From a media release:

The entertainment world is buzzing with excitement as we approach the premiere of the highly anticipated four-part mini-series, Disrepair. Set to debut on January 29, 2025, on Bell Fibe TV1, this gripping series stars acclaimed actors Matthew Sauvé, John Reardon, and Tommy James Murphy.

Disrepair takes a timely and poignant look at the essential conversations surrounding mental health and addiction. The series offers a raw and realistic portrayal of the struggles faced by individuals battling these issues and the profound impact they have on family dynamics. The creators aim to contribute to the ongoing dialogue about mental health awareness, emphasizing the importance of seeking support in challenging times.

At the heart of the story is Jake Thomas, portrayed by Matthew Sauvé, Greg Thomas portrayed by John Reardon, and James Thomas portrayed by Tommy James Murphy. After years of navigating the tumultuous waters of addiction, Jake finally finds himself sober but is determined to mend the broken relationships that his struggles have left in their wake. The series delves deep into themes of love, loss, and the intricate dynamics of addiction and recovery, offering viewers an emotional journey that resonates on multiple levels.

The four episodes of Disrepair are set to provide a powerful exploration of the complexities of addiction.

Here’s a brief breakdown of the episodes:

Episode 1 – “Home Sweet Home”: Jake returns to a family that has been waiting for his sobriety but is unsure of how to reconnect.

Episode 2 – “Why Do You Hate Me?”: Tensions rise as unresolved feelings and past grievances come to light.

Episode 3 – What Have I Done?: Jake confronts the consequences of his addiction and seeks forgiveness from those he has hurt.

Episode 4 – Brotherly Love: In the series finale, Jake strives to rebuild the familial bonds that were shattered, showcasing the resilience needed for recovery.

Under the brilliant direction of Andrew Ravindran, Disrepair benefits from a unique storytelling perspective that creates a heartfelt narrative, resonating deeply with audiences. Ravindran’s vision lends authenticity and emotional depth to a series that promises to leave a lasting impression.

Written by Tommy James Murphy, Disrepair boasts a talented production team, including Ray Hoang, David M. James, Robin Osmond, Dixon Productions, Nameless Films, and RavinMurph Pictures. The series also features an original song titled “Disrepair,” performed by WILHELM, written by Simon Wilcox and Scott Helman, alongside an evocative original score by Max White.

Featured, Industry News

Ian Hanomansing to host new CBC News daily primetime program, Hanomansing Tonight, live from the West Coast

February 12, 2025 Greg David

From a media release:

CBC today announced that veteran broadcaster and award-winning journalist Ian Hanomansing will host a new CBC News daily primetime program rooted in Western Canada, HANOMANSING TONIGHT, live from CBC Vancouver beginning Tuesday, February 18. Offering breaking and live news coverage with the professionalism and personality that he is known for, HANOMANSING TONIGHT will broadcast weeknights from 7 – 9 p.m. ET (4 – 6 p.m. PT) on CBC News Network, and will also be available to stream anytime on CBC Gem with on-demand segments on YouTube.

“Of all the assignments I’ve had, my favourite has always been going live on a major, developing story. And we’ll be doing a lot of that on this show,” said Hanomansing. “It’s also important to have a daily show from Western Canada. Where you are has an impact on how you assess stories and we’ll be very aware of news developing in the late afternoon and early evening out here.”

In this unprecedented time in news with a looming federal election, the uncertain U.S.-Canada relationship, and cascading cost of living pressures for Canadians, HANOMANSING TONIGHT is positioned to help audiences make sense of it all, anchored by one of the most trusted journalists in the country.

Hanomansing will continue as the host of CROSS COUNTRY CHECKUP on CBC Radio and CBC News Network, and as the Sunday host of CBC News’ flagship program THE NATIONAL. Over the years, he has anchored a wide range of programs for CBC including:

Pacific Rim Report (1995-1999), which focused on Canada’s connection to Asia;
Times 7 (2005), a joint venture between CBC News and the New York Times;
Canada Now (2000-2007), a national supper-hour newscast;
Still Talking Hockey (2004), a sports-themed late night program on CBC British Columbia;
Feeling the Heat (2007), a summer series about the environment on CBC Radio;
CBC News Network with Ian Hanomansing (2012-2017) which won a Canadian Association of Journalists Award in 2014 and shared a Canadian Screen Award in 2015, both for breaking news coverage.

Other national awards include the 2008 Gemini Award for Best News Anchor, and the 2016 and 2020 Canadian Screen Award for Best National News Anchor, the latter shared with Adrienne Arsenault, Rosemary Barton and Andrew Chang. He also co-hosted the CBC podcast UNCOVER: BOMB ON BOARD with Johanna Wagstaffe in 2018.

Born in Trinidad and raised in Sackville, New Brunswick, Hanomansing graduated with an honours B.A. in political science and sociology from Mount Allison University in Sackville, where he was valedictorian; he also has a law degree from Dalhousie University in Halifax. While in university, Hanomansing won six national university debating and public speaking championships. He began his broadcasting career at CKDH Radio in Amherst, Nova Scotia and worked at radio stations in Moncton and Halifax before joining CBC in Halifax in 1986. His assignments took him to Toronto the following year and eventually to Vancouver, where he was a national reporter for 14 years.

Image courtesy of CBC.

Hudson & Rex

Link: Hudson & Rex trainer confirms show’s beloved dog star has ‘passed away,’ new canines have taken over role

February 12, 2025 Greg David 39 Comments

From Kelli Bender of People:

Link: Hudson & Rex trainer confirms show’s beloved dog star has ‘passed away,’ new canines have taken over role

Police procedural drama Hudson & Rex is mourning the loss of a crucial cast member.

Diesel vom Burgimwald, the German shepherd who portrayed the titular K9 Rex in the series, “passed away” during the production of Season 7, according to Sherri Davis, the executive producer and dog master for Shaftesbury’s Hudson & Rex. Continue reading.

Featured, Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary

Mary Mammoliti experiences all things food with Canadian culinary creatives on Season 5 of the award-winning Dish with Mary on AMI-tv and AMI+

February 11, 2025 Greg David 2 Comments

From a media release:

Mary Mammoliti is sampling delicious treats while having fascinating chats with Canadian culinary pioneers. Accessible Media Inc. (AMI), in partnership with FRANK Digital, is thrilled to announce the Season 5 return of the award-winning Dish with Mary on AMI-tv and AMI+.

Mary Mammoliti—a home cook and culinary content creator who has low vision—knows her way around the kitchen and proves it during fun cook-alongs with renowned Canadian chefs. Each episode of Dish with Mary focuses on one chef and one dish, plus a lot of laughs, a bunch of tips, and tons to dish about!

Season 5 of Dish with Mary debuts Wednesday, February 26, at 9 p.m. Eastern on AMI-tv and can be streamed on demand for free on AMI+.

“To me cooking should be fun and finding ways to make it accessible is what motivates me,” Mary Mammoliti says. “I look forward to viewers joining me on my adventure across Canada where I connect with culinary celebrities and hear their stories.”

The Canadians Mary cooks alongside in Season 5 of Dish with Mary are Jenna Hutchinson and Ashley Kosowan, the owners of Jenna Rae Cakes; Chef Carlo Guzzi of Carlo’s Cucina; Chef Eden Hrabec of Crazyweed Kitchen; Chef Danny Beaulieu of Ånkör; Chef Phil Tees of Bluebird Wood-Fired Steakhouse; Jackie Wild and Agustin Doming, the team behind Tito Boy Restaurant; Chef Tracy Little of Sauvage; and Chef Fabrizio Rossi of Vida Cucina. The recipes featured in each episode will be made available post-broadcast at AMI.ca.

Additionally, in-depth conversations between Mary and the trailblazers of the Canadian culinary industry reveal how and why they entered this world and the passion that keeps them cooking.

The first two of eight Season 5 episodes include:

Wednesday, February 26, at 9 p.m. Eastern — “Jenna Rae Cakes”
Mary Mammoliti travels to Winnipeg to meet with twin sisters Jenna and Ashley, the owners of Jenna Rae Cakes. Together, they create showstopping cupcakes and cookie sandwiches that make their bakery stand out.

Wednesday, March 5, at 9 p.m. Eastern — “Carlo’s Cucina”
Mary heads to Winnipeg Beach to meet Chef Carlo, a multiple Le Burger Week winner. They embark on an adventure before crafting one of Carlo’s renowned burgers in the kitchen.

Dish with Mary was recently named “Best in Canada” by The Taste Awards, which celebrates the year’s best in food, fashion and lifestyle programs on television, in film, online, streaming and on radio.

About Mary Mammoliti
Mary Mammoliti is a Toronto-based food writer and cook behind the Kitchen Confession. She works as a freelance recipe curator, radio and TV personality, food blogger and amateur food photographer. She is a regular contributor to AMI’s weekday audio series Kelly & Company.

Educating and speaking about vision loss is Mary’s passion, inspiring others to find their light of happiness is what drives her.

Season 5 of Dish with Mary debuts Wednesday, February 26, at 9 p.m. Eastern on AMI-tv. Stream past episodes and seasons of Dish with Mary on AMI+.

About FRANK Digital
FRANK Digital is a Winnipeg-based video production and post-production studio. They produce award-winning commercials, corporate films and series with their talented team of editors and animators. They are one of Manitoba’s largest digital production companies, providing all equipment and expertise in-house.

About Accessible Media Inc.
AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.