Tag Archives: Featured

Academy CEO Tammy Frick previews The 2025 Canadian Screen Awards

This weekend marks the most important in Canadian TV and film. The celebration of homegrown media by the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television, spotlights the best in front of and behind the camera with glitzy events in Toronto and online, culminating in the Canadian Screen Awards, hosted by Lisa Gilroy, this Sunday at 8 p.m. on CBC and CBC Gem.

Academy CEO Tammy Frick (pictured above) says things have kicked into hyper drive as she and the team head into the weekend. And, with Friday’s News, Entertainment, Sports, Documentary, Factual, Lifestyle and Reality awards; Saturday’s Cinematic Arts and Scripted Television awards; and Sunday’s gala, we’re not surprised things are moving fast.

Frick shared her thoughts on this year’s categories, the importance of celebrating Canadian content, and more.

How has the awards preparation gone so far?
Tammy Frick: Really well. Behind the scenes is just so incredible to watch all of this come together. I think people would be totally amazed. We should just run around with GoPros and create a little documentary at some point to show people the complexity of how this all comes together. But I’ll say emotionally, it’s so heartfelt at the end of it, when you see it all come together and you see people in the room and the beautiful speeches, the acceptance speeches, and just the moments that happen. So it’s so incredibly worth it, but it’s a lot of work. I have to give so much credit to our Academy internal team and our external producers. The patience, the level of professionalism that they bring to this is really impressive.

Is there an unofficial or official theme to this year’s awards?
TF: Last year we were really moving towards this feeling that, of course, the insiders partake in the show and want to watch the show and are so incredibly interested. So we’re just elevating that entertainment value. We want insiders to be engaged, and we also want the broader audience to be fully entertained. Our host, Lisa Gilroy, she’s so incredibly talented, witty, energetic, and just really knows how to connect with an audience. We’re excited to have her on stage, and we truly feel that a great awards program needs a lot of humour built in, and that’s the direction we’re taking with the show.

Canadian Screen Awards host Lisa Gilroy

What are your thoughts on the proposed tariffs on U.S. productions being filmed outside of America?
TF: It’s a big conversation that’s taking place right now, and there are a lot of different viewpoints and there’s a lot of uncertainty. I think the Academy’s position we believe in unequivocally, is that Canadian talent is amazing, and it resonates not just here in Canada, but it is a global, it’s content that’s taken in globally and is equally as successful in a broader world. I think we just really need to remind people that we’re resilient and we need to stay united, and that our creative talent out there are our true storytellers and their level of authentic storytelling resonates not just here in Canada, but abroad.

This week is really a celebration of Canadian television and film. How do you feel about the state of the industry and the content?
TF: The world has evolved in how the public takes in content. We now have the introduction of streamers, and everything’s just so accessible. And when we look at the nominees, this isn’t just an opportunity for the Academy to celebrate this wonderful talent, a peer group that comes together to truly spotlight what’s happening in the industry. And then we take it a little step further, and there’s still that discoverability piece. We’re completely aware that the moment is homegrown. Canadians are really paying attention across various industries, and we’re taking advantage of that moment. We truly feel that this awards program will even further spotlight our domestic talent because people are just paying attention in a much bigger way, which is a great thing.

Looking at the TV drama and comedy categories, I’m impressed with the breadth of storytelling being represented.
TF: What a way to truly celebrate Canada because the selection is so incredibly diverse. We’re telling these authentic stories that are resonating, and that’s why we see them on these lists.

Can you tell me a little bit about Sunday’s live Canadian Screen Awards?
TF: We have some pretty incredible presenters that’ll be up there on stage. Some special moments that we have built in as well. We have our Special Award winners. We have a wonderful tribute to Donald Sutherland planned. It’ll be a moment for everyone to just take a moment to remember and to pay their respects. The full In Memoriam piece will have a live performance by Murray Lightburn, who’s also nominated for Best Music in a Feature Documentary.

Are there any TV shows that you’ve been addicted to?
TF: I’m a huge Andrew Phung fan, I just love Run the Burbs. At the end of my day when I feel I just need some silliness, that’s the kind of stuff I watch. Children Ruin Everything, I’ve got a couple of kids, so it’s like PTSD. I tend to really lean into those comedy moments, and that keeps me going.

Stream or watch the Canadian Screen Awards this weekend and Sunday.

Images courtesy of George Pimentel Photography

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Crave presents the world streaming premiere of new Trailer Park Boys movie

From a media release:

The Trailer Park Boys are coming to Crave. Beginning Friday, June 6, Crave becomes the exclusive streaming home of the 111-min feature film STANDING ON THE SHOULDERS OF KITTIES: THE BUBBLES AND THE SHITROCKERS STORY, while all 12 seasons of the classic TRAILER PARK BOYS series join Crave on Friday, May 30.

“DEEE-HEEE-HEEEECENT,” said Bubbles.

“Great! We’ll be able to watch the show in jail now!” added Ricky and Julian.

About STANDING ON THE SHOULDERS OF KITTIES: THE BUBBLES AND THE SHITROCKERS STORY
While Bubbles and his band, “The Shitrockers,” are playing shows around Nova Scotia, a viral internet clip lands them a European tour opening for Billy Bob Thornton and the Boxmasters. With Randy as their roadie, they head to Prague but soon get kicked off the tour, busking to survive. Can Ricky and Julian come to the rescue? Starring Mike Smith, Robb Wells, and John Paul Tremblay.

About TRAILER PARK BOYS
TRAILER PARK BOYS is the legendary mockumentary television comedy series following the misadventures of a group of residents living in Sunnyvale Trailer Park. The series stars John Paul Tremblay as Julian, Mike Smith as Bubbles, and Robb Wells as Ricky. The series is set to join Crave’s esteemed lineup of classic comedies, which includes FRIENDS, THE OFFICE, THE BIG BANG THEORY, PARKS AND RECREATION, 30 ROCK, and FRASIER.

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Rogers Xfinity TV now delivers the most content in Canada

From a media release:

Rogers Xfinity TV offers the most content of any television provider in Canada with the addition of more than 150 international channels in over 20 languages. Now Rogers customers can access more than 480 channels and experience more of the world from home, only on Rogers Xfinity TV.  

“We’re proud to bring Canadians the most TV content and best entertainment experience,” said Bret Leech, President, Residential, Rogers. “Our world-class platform seamlessly integrates this TV content, which now includes 150+ channels from around the world, with a growing range of streaming services so customers can easily find the content they’re looking for with our award-winning voice remote.”

According to a recent survey of Canadians who speak multiple languages,in-language content is important to 84% to stay connected to their culture and heritage.¹

Rogers newly expanded international TV channel offering is available with Rogers Xfinity TV packages in Free Preview through June 17 for customers to explore the world from the comfort of their home. When the preview is over, customers can customize their entertainment experience by subscribing to these international TV channels and theme packs.

Rogers Xfinity TV brings the most TV content² – live sports, entertainment and news from Canada and around the world – with on-demand and streaming apps together on one platform to deliver the best entertainment experience.³

To learn more, visit rogers.com/Xfinity.

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A story of perseverance in life and adaptive sport, We Were Broncos debuts May 26 on AMI-tv and AMI+

From a media release:

It was the story that rocked a community, a country and the world. The tragic bus crash on April 6, 2018, in Saskatchewan that killed 16 and injured 13 members of the Humboldt Broncos junior ice hockey team forever changed the lives of those involved.

Ryan Straschnitzki, who was paralyzed from the chest down in the crash, stars in the upcoming AMI docuseries We Were Broncos, debuting Monday, May 26, at 9 p.m. Eastern on AMI-tv and AMI+.

As an athlete, Ryan Straschnitzki wanted to be a professional hockey player. But after the crash, he had to adapt to a new athletic goal of becoming a wheelchair basketball player while completely changing his lifestyle.

We Were Broncos is about perseverance in life and adaptive sport,” says Cara Nye, Director, Content Development and Production at AMI. “We sincerely thank Ryan, his family, and Prairie Cat Productions for allowing us to tell this story.”

Watch the teaser trailer. 

In the debut episode, “Moving Beyond Tragedy,” Humboldt Broncos bus crash survivor Ryan Straschnitzki tries to narrow down which parasport will give him his best chance at making Team Canada for the Paralympics. He ultimately chooses wheelchair basketball after he is cut by the national sledge hockey team.

Future instalments of the six-part series follow Ryan as he experiences the frustrations of learning a new sport, attends a Calgary Flames tribute game for the late NHL player Johnny Gaudreau and revisits Humboldt, Saskatchewan, for the first time since the crash.

Season 1 of We Were Broncos debuts Monday, May 26, at 9 p.m. Eastern on AMI-tv and can be streamed on demand for free on AMI+.

About Prairie Cat Productions
Prairie Cat Productions is a Canadian Screen Award-nominated production company based in Regina, Saskatchewan. Our projects vary greatly in genre and scope, ranging from scripted films to documentaries and promotional videos. We love to focus on telling stories that celebrate life on the Canadian prairies and have worked with Telefilm Canada, CBC, the Accessibility Network, SK Arts, Canada Council for the Arts, SGI, the Regina Police Service, and more.

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.

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He’s back! AMI’s Dave Brown returns with a brand-new series, Game Changers, debuting May 15 on AMI-tv and AMI+

From a media release:

Dave Brown is back! Accessible Media Inc. (AMI), in partnership with FRANK Digital, is thrilled to announce the debut of the 16-episode Game Changers, Thursday, May 15, at 9 p.m. Eastern on AMI-tv and AMI+.

Each episode of Game Changers finds Dave in his element, visiting stunning locales while spending the day chatting with notable Canadians.

Guests joining Dave in Season 1 include wheelchair basketball star Tara Llanes, sportswear designer Lucy Wild, The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, award-winning music producer/recording artist Mattmac, PGA golfer Kyle Miller, playwright Ashley King, actor Bruce Horak and punk rock icon Bif Naked.

“Dave has a genuine curiosity about how others view the world,” says John Melville, Vice-President of Content Development and Operations, AMI-tv and AMI-audio. “His engagement with his interview subjects is second-to-none. We invite Canadians to join Dave and his guests as the third chair in their engaging conversation.”

“It’s important to have meaningful conversations with people who want to make a difference,” host Dave Brown says. “These are people putting words into action. It’s a privilege to learn about them and give them a platform to share their perspective. It’s an added bonus that I’ve been able to make my way across the country to have these conversations.”

The first five episodes of Game Changers include:

Tara Llanes – Thursday, May 15, at 9 p.m. Eastern
Dave Brown shoots hoops with Tara Llanes, former pro mountain biker turned wheelchair basketball star. Along the way, Tara shares her journey of resilience, reinvention and athletic excellence.

Maggie Manning – Thursday, May 22, at 9 p.m. Eastern
Dave Brown sits down with para hockey goaltender Maggie Manning to hear her story of sport, advocacy and resilience. Then it’s game on as Dave hits the ice to see if he can score on Maggie!

Lucy Wild – Thursday, May 29, at 9 p.m. Eastern
Dave Brown hits the slopes with technical sportswear designer Lucy Wild to talk innovation, inclusion and high-performance gear. From Paralympic design to skiing in Whistler, this episode is all about pushing limits in style.

Jaimie Borisoff – Thursday, June 5, at 9 p.m. Eastern
Dave Brown chats with Paralympic champion and rehab engineer Jaimie Borisoff about innovation, mobility and life after elite sport. Then the pair explore the future of accessibility tech, including a playful encounter with the British Columbia Institute of Technology’s robotic dog, MACO!

Carla Qualtrough – Thursday, June 12, at 9 p.m. Eastern
Dave Brown meets Member of Parliament Carla Qualtrough—Paralympian and trailblazing politician—to talk sports, leadership and disability advocacy. Then Dave takes on a new challenge: learning to walk with a guide dog!

Game Changers airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. Eastern on AMI-tv. Stream episodes anytime, for free, on AMI+.

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