TV, eh? | What's up in Canadian television | Page 3147
TV,eh? What's up in Canadian television

CMT’s Original Series The Wilkinsons returns with a second season

From CMT:

Premiering Wednesday, March 7 at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT on CMT

The Grammy-nominated country music family The Wilkinsons returns to CMT this March with a brand new 10-episode season. After watching the family’s trials and tribulations of building their home in small-town Ontario in season one, viewers now see what happens when they actually move in. Reconnect with this truly unconventional musical family when the CMT Original Series The Wilkinsons premieres with two back-to-back episodes, Wednesday, March 7 at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT.

Season one of the comedy-reality series saw Steve, Chris and their kids whiplashed between the demands of mid-level stardom and complications with cabin contractors. This season, Amanda and Tyler explore solo careers – a Music Row spin on the dilemma of the empty nest that all families eventually face. There are also new headaches with a demanding new manager, a new album and some less-than-welcoming neighbours.

To view a promotional clip of The Wilkinsons please visit http://stream1.corusent.com/TV/corus/00promos/wilkinsons.wmv

“The Wilkinsons is a hybrid show that blends scripted beats of comedy and drama with improvisation and reality. It’s the universal story of a family adjusting to children growing up. Will they leave? Will they stay? Some very poignant moments all wrapped into a maze of laughs and some tears as the season guides us to the answers.” says Henry Less, President and Founder of Henry Less Productions.

Family time continues at CMT.ca where viewers can watch the Wilkinsons’ video diaries dishing on fame, touring and family life, along with bloopers and out-takes. Lower thirds will run throughout each episode directing the audience to view the extended versions of the scenes on CMT.ca. Also, at CMT.ca, viewers will be able to download The Wilkinsons’ song “Heal Me” for free.

“We are thrilled not only to be giving our audience a new season of this CMT original Canadian production, but also for the rich interactive experience we can offer our viewers on CMT.ca, with more exclusive content than ever before, along with great bloopers and video diaries that take the fan experience to the next level,” said Ted Ellis, Director of Programming, CMT Canada.

The Wilkinsons’ brand new album, Home, will be released in March through Fontana North Distribution. The album was produced by Russ Zavitson, John Dymond, Steve Wilkinson and David Kalmusky and features their cover of Bonnie Raitt’s song, “Papa Come Quick”, now playing on country stations across Canada.

In the first two episodes, the Wilkinsons get used to small town life where they are inundated with requests to perform at charity functions. The family struggles with the decision of hiring a new manager for the band. To top it all off, Amanda’s photo appears in a local rag with a suspected “baby bump,” and Steve worries about his decision to put his family in the
spotlight.

CMT airs two back-to-back episodes of The Wilkinsons every Wednesday night at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT beginning March 7.

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X-Weighted casting calls

From Anaid Productions:

HIT US WITH YOUR BEST LOSS

X-Weighted announces casting calls for third season in Victoria, Calgary, Winnipeg and Toronto

Tried everything? All carbs, no carbs, cleanses, shakes, frozen dinners, and every diet known to mankind? Why not get off the potato couch and get to an X-Weighted casting couch? Tell us your story and take the opportunity to really lose it this time … and inspire others while you’re at it.

Anaid Productions, producers of the popular weight-loss documentary series X-Weighted, is announcing a casting call for the third season of X-Weighted, slated to air over 13 episodes on Sliceâ„¢ during the 2008 broadcast year. Casting calls are set to take place in Victoria, Calgary, Winnipeg and Toronto February 24-25, 2007. Based on response to the casting call, the producers will narrow down production to three of these cities.

“X-Weighted is simply a television program that makes a difference to both its participants and its viewers,” says David Way, Vice President of Production and Development at Anaid Productions. “It’s a wonderful feeling to invite new participants to bring their inspiring stories to this third season.”

X-Weighted is a documentary series that follows the participants on their journey to losing weight with the help of experts and coaches. But it goes far beyond the surface lifestyle issues – the participants dig deep to identify the emotional demons that keep them stuck in unhealthy habits.

X-Weighted will be in production from June 1 to November 30, 2007 and Anaid is announcing an open call for participants willing to have their weight-loss journeys recorded on camera for a six-month period.

Continue reading X-Weighted casting calls

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In the news: Vision for Canadian TV

From actor Peter Keleghan in Playback:

  • With no vision comes no Canada
    “Since the disastrous 1999 CRTC decision to change the rules for broadcasters, one of our cultural delivery systems, indigenous television, has fallen on hard times. If we had gains by the ’90s with some good sitcoms and dramas, we are now in a place where, because of business concerns, we have been set back decades. We currently make so few shows for so little money, that Cancon hardly registers in our cultural picture, TV schedule, or press.”

Also from Playback:

  • TV needs “vision,” says Heritage critic Keeper
    ” ‘We have to be committed to our TV or it will become American,’ says Keeper, the MP for the northern Manitoba riding of Churchill, who is perhaps better known as Michelle Kenidi, the RCMP constable she played for five seasons on CBC’s North of 60.”
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In the news: A Valentine for Canadian TV (sort of)

From John Doyle of the Globe and Mail, a facetious apology to shows and people he’s criticized, including The Jane Show, Robson Arms, and George Stroumboulopoulos. Also includes a blurb on a new HGTV reality show called Big City Broker:

  • My Valentine to Jane, George, and Jim
    “The case has sent a chill through the media in Britain. Can negative reviews of anything — food, theatre, books television — now be considered fodder for libel cases? Must all critics make nice or risk being sued? With this in mind and today being a certain saint’s day, I want to issue an assurance to everyone in the Canadian television racket: I love you all! Yes, you’re all decent, talented and lovely people. Some of you are outright gorgeous, beautiful people, as well as talented and creative. Hugs and kisses to every one of you.”
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