Tag Archives: CBC

Diggstown

Production begins on Season 3 of CBC original series Diggstown

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From a media release:

Production is now underway in Halifax, Nova Scotia on Season 3 (8 x 60) of CBC original drama DIGGSTOWN, produced by Circle Blue Entertainment, Freddie Films Inc., and Waterstar Entertainment Inc. Created by Floyd Kane (Across the Line), who serves as showrunner and executive producer, DIGGSTOWN features the determinedly fierce Marcie Diggs and her colleagues at Halifax Legal Aid as they dive deep into battles against the complex criminal justice system. CBC renewed the series for a third season last year, with production pushed to spring 2021 due to COVID-19.

In Season 3 of DIGGSTOWN, the world has changed. In this post-COVID society, our heroes’ lives have transformed, and perspectives and priorities have changed. Relationships have formed while others have fallen apart. As Marcie (Canadian Screen Award Nominee for Best Actress, VINESSA ANTOINE) tackles some of her most complex and personal cases to date, she finds herself bucking up against a system that refuses to change. Colleen (NATASHA HENSTRIDGE) struggles to manage Halifax Legal Aid amidst increasing interference from the board of directors. Reggie (C. DAVID JOHNSON) embraces life as a guest lecturer at the University, only to become tangled in the ethically charged world of academia. Doug (BRANDON OAKES) is confronted with his past and finds new romantic and job opportunities in the least likely of places. Iris’ (SHAILENE GARNETT) ability to help others as a social worker leads her to an unanticipated and exciting career opportunity. Meanwhile, after a year spent travelling, Avery (DWAIN MURPHY) returns to Halifax a changed man with a desire to live a better life.

Joining the cast of DIGGSTOWN this season are Antoinette Robertson (Dear White People), Crystle Lightning (Trickster) and Nicole Muñoz (Van Helsing). Robertson stars as Vivian, a young tech mogul with the deep pockets to make Marcie’s dreams a reality; Lightning is Doug’s fiercely independent ex-wife Michelle; while Muñoz plays Ellery, a sharp Crown attorney who plays for keeps.

Jully Black guest stars as Nina in the season’s premiere episode, playing a long-term Continuing Care Assistant charged with assault and criminal negligence. Michelle Hurst guests in a later episode as Marcie’s client Jojo, a Black woman who has spent most of her life in and out of prison.

Returning cast members also include Mpho Koaho as Percy Lincoln, Arlene Duncan as Velma Diggs, Maurice Dean Wint as Austin Diggs, Matthew Bennett as Steve Conway, Jenny Brizard as Emily Diggs, and Kim Roberts as Ona Reeves.

As Nova Scotia continues to struggle with the third wave of COVID-19, production is maintaining strict protocols based on the municipal, provincial and federal government and public health regulations currently in place.

Seasons 1 and 2 of DIGGSTOWN are currently available to stream in Canada on CBC Gem. The first two seasons of the series were acquired by FOX in the U.S. earlier this year.

A CBC original drama, DIGGSTOWN is co-produced by Circle Blue Entertainment, Freddie Films Inc. and Waterstar Entertainment Inc. Floyd Kane is creator, executive producer and showrunner and Amos Adetuyi (Jean of the Joneses) is executive producer along with Brenda Greenberg (Being Erica) and Karen Wentzell (Seed). Directors for the season are Cory Bowles (Black Cop), Lynne Stopkewich (The L Word), Juanita Peters (Hannah’s Story), Rob Adetuyi (Strike!, Beat the World), and Shamim Sarif (Murdoch Mysteries). John Calvert (X Company) is producer. Series writers are Kane, Lynn Coady (Burden of Truth), Ellen Vanstone (Departure), Lakna Edilama (Odd Squad), Amber-Sekowan Daniels (Trickster), Motion (Akila’s Escape), and JP LaRocque (Jann). Series cinematography by Celiana Cárdenas (Diggstown), production design by Jennifer Stewart (Pure) and costume design by Martha Curry (Mr. D.).

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Dragons' Den

CBC welcomes Wes Hall to Dragons’ Den for Season 16; Jim Treliving and Lane Merrifield depart

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From a media release:

CBC today announced that a new Dragon will enter the Den for Season 16 of DRAGONS’ DEN. Wes Hall, Executive Chairman and Founder of Kingsdale Advisors and Founder and Chairman of The BlackNorth Initiative, brings a diverse range of expertise to the Den. Recently named to Maclean’s Power List ranking of the 50 most powerful people in Canada, Hall is an innovator and entrepreneur who is revered as one of Canada’s preeminent power brokers.

Hall strives to be a positive influence for emerging entrepreneurs. As a child in rural Jamaica, he was raised by his grandmother; he moved to Canada at 16, and set himself on track to become one of the most influential business people in Canada. As the Executive Chairman and Founder of Kingsdale Advisors, he has delivered an unparalleled track record of success leading some of the highest profile deals and activist campaigns in North America. Most recently, Hall made headlines when he founded The BlackNorth Initiative, which he believes can end anti-Black systemic racism by using a “business-first mindset” to create more opportunities for Blacks and all of those in the BIPOC community across Canada.

Hall joins Arlene Dickinson, Michele Romanow, Manjit Minhas and Vincenzo Guzzo, as beloved longtime Dragon Jim Treliving and virtual game changer Lane Merrifield depart the Den. After 15 seasons and an incredible history of betting on winners, Treliving plans to focus on his role as Chairman of Boston Pizza International, in addition to remaining active with his other commitments as a business advisor, investor, entrepreneur and dedicated philanthropist. Having recently sold his latest venture FreshGrade to the California company behind the world’s largest network of Montessori schools, Merrifield will be taking a sabbatical to enjoy some time focused on travel and adventures with his children.

“I have so much gratitude for the production team at CBC. As the first Dragon signed to the show, I have been so fortunate to have developed great friendships with my fellow Dragons and CBC staff,” said Treliving. “To the viewers of the show, I can’t thank you enough for your support and kindness over the years.”

“Our thanks to Jim and Lane for their commitment to Canadian entrepreneurs,” added Dettman. Once a Dragon, always a Dragon – and while we will miss them in the Den, we look forward to seeing what they do next.”

Hall’s track record extends beyond the corporate boardroom as well. As an entrepreneur, Hall is the owner of QM Environmental, a leading national environmental and industrial services provider with over 450 employees; he owns Titan Supply, a top manufacturer and distributor of rigging and wear products serving industries in the oil and gas, construction and transportation sectors; and Harbor Club hotel, one of St. Lucia’s premier resorts. He’s also a proud investor and supporter of many burgeoning small businesses.

Additionally, Hall is an instructor at the Rotman School of Management of the University of Toronto, where he teaches Black Entrepreneurship & Leadership in Canada, a first-of-its-kind course in North America that provides students with a deep understanding of the systemic anti-Black racism faced by Black entrepreneurs, the cultural impacts and how to navigate the system.

Known for his generosity, Hall leverages his business success to benefit others with a number of impactful charitable initiatives and serves as a Board Member with the SickKids Foundation, Pathways to Education, Toronto International Film Festival, and most recently, The Black Academy. He is the Founder and Chairman of The Canadian Council of Business Leaders Against Anti-Black Systemic Racism and The BlackNorth Initiative, committed to the removal of anti-Black systemic barriers negatively affecting the lives of Black Canadians.

Production on Season 16 of DRAGONS’ DEN’s will begin later this spring at CBC in Toronto. Tracie Tighe is executive producer and Molly Middleton and Amy Bourne are senior producers. Dianne Buckner hosts.

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Kim's Convenience, Run the Burbs

Link: ‘Kim’s Convenience’ actor Andrew Phung on crafting his own series, ‘Run the Burbs’

From Victoria Ahearn of The Canadian Press:

Link: ‘Kim’s Convenience’ actor Andrew Phung on crafting his own series, ‘Run the Burbs’
“Kim’s Convenience” has just ended but cast member Andrew Phung is already “knee-deep in ideas and stories” for his next project, “Run the Burbs.” Continue reading.

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Kim's Convenience

Link: ‘Kim’s Convenience’ stars Paul Sun-Hyung Lee and Andrew Phung on its premature end

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From Victoria Ahearn of The Canadian Press:

Link: ‘Kim’s Convenience’ stars Paul Sun-Hyung Lee and Andrew Phung on its premature end
“He wouldn’t return my calls or my texts, and finally he responded via email saying he wasn’t comfortable talking about it. And that was it.” Continue reading.

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