Tag Archives: Industry News

Industry News

Bell Media to Acquire Séries+ and Historia

From a media release:

Bell Media announced today it has entered into an agreement with Corus Entertainment Inc. (TSX:CJR.B) to acquire French-language specialty channels Séries+ and Historia.

Séries+ is Québec’s most-watched fiction channel, offering popular locally produced drama, including recent successes SUR-VIE and MIRADOR, as well as the best of foreign series. Historia, a Top 10 channel among A25-54, broadcasts a suite of locally produced original content, ranging from award-winning documentaries, popular reality series like LE LOT DU DIABLE, and drama series such as BÉLIVEAU.

Bell Media currently operates 10 French-language TV channels in Québec, including Canal D, Canal Vie, Cinépop, Investigation, RDS, RDS Info, RDS2, Super Écran, Vrak, and Z.

The transaction is subject to approval by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) and the Competition Bureau, and is expected to close in mid-2018.

Caution concerning forward-looking statements
Certain statements made in this news release are forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements relating to the proposed acquisition by Bell Media Inc. (“Bell Media”) of French-language specialty channels Séries+ and Historia, the expected timing of, and certain benefits expected to result from, the proposed transaction, and other statements that are not historical facts. All such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the “safe harbour” provisions of applicable Canadian securities laws and of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

Forward-looking statements, by their very nature, are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties and are based on several assumptions, both general and specific, which give rise to the possibility that actual results or events could differ materially from our expectations expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. As a result, we cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statement will materialize and we caution you against relying on any of these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release describe our expectations at the date of this news release and, accordingly, are subject to change after such date. Except as may be required by Canadian securities laws, we do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this news release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Forward-looking statements are provided herein for the purpose of giving information about the proposed transaction referred to above and its expected impact. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes.

The completion and timing of the proposed transaction are subject to customary closing conditions, termination rights and other risks and uncertainties including, without limitation, approval by the Competition Bureau and the CRTC. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the proposed transaction will occur, or that it will occur on the terms and conditions, or at the time, contemplated in this news release. The proposed transaction could be modified, restructured or terminated. There can also be no assurance that the benefits expected to result from the proposed transaction will be realized.

 

 

Facebooktwitterredditlinkedinmail
Industry News, Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary

Viceland to explore wrestling and skateboarding subcultures in The Wrestlers and Post Radical

From a media release:

VICE Studio Canada and Rogers Media announced today two new, original, documentary series: The Wrestlers, an examination of the wrestling world’s underground, and Post Radical, an exploration of skate culture and its many sub-cultures. Both series are slated to premiere early next year, with additional broadcast details to be announced at a later date.

The Wrestlers follows long-time VICE host, legendary Toronto punk band F*cked Up front man, and wrestling fanatic, Damian Abraham, as he explores the modern day manifestations of the world’s oldest combat sport. Each episode looks beyond the polished pro wrestling scene to the gritty, often dangerous, world of unscripted wrestling. From the grueling “Death Tour” across First Nations communities in rural Manitoba to Juarez Mexico’s Lucha Libre scene, Abraham travels across North America to examine the religious zeal of wrestling participants and fans.

Hosted by pro-skater and amateur anthropologist Rick McCrank, Post Radical will explore skate culture in all of its various forms in the signature aesthetic style of VICELAND’s break-out success Abandoned. Each episode will focus on the groups and individuals that make up a specific skateboarding sub-culture, ranging from the best female skaters in the world to those at the intersection of skate and religion. Post Radical looks at the differences between each group as well as their connections to the wider skate community.

 

 

Facebooktwitterredditlinkedinmail
Awards, Industry News

Mackenzie Gray and Veena Sood Receive Top Honours at the 6th Annual UBCP/ACTRA Awards Gala

From a media release:

The 6th annual UBCP/ACTRA awards gala will honour two of Canada’s top talent with distinguished lifetime achievement awards. Mackenzie Gray will be presented with the John Juliani Award of Excellence, and Veena Sood will receive the Lorena Gale Woman of Distinction Award.

The John Juliani Award of Excellence is presented each year to a performer for achievement as a performing artist and distinguished contribution to the film and television industry. The Lorena Gale Woman of Distinction Award is presented to a UBCP/ACTRA member whose work as a performer and/or beyond, embodies the type of accomplishments that advance the status of women in our society and encourage the continued growth and diversification of opportunities for women.

John Juliani Award of Excellence
Mackenzie Gray was born and raised in Toronto. A professional actor for over 40 years, he has appeared in over 170 films and television shows. Mackenzie has acted on stage in Canada, Britain and in the United States in hundreds of contemporary plays, musicals and cabarets and has extensive Shakespeare experience. He wrote for Sesame Street for 4 years and was He is currently a series regular on the Marvel/FX Series LEGION, playing “THE EYE” and is a recurring cast member on the TV Series RIVERDALE, and DC’s LEGENDS OF TOMORROW.

Mackenzie is a 16-time Leo Award “Best Actor” nominee, recently winning three Leos for his work on the TV series DIRK GENTLY’S HOLISTIC DETECTIVE AGENCY, SPOOKSVILLE and BITTEN and has won or been nominated for many awards in his various disciplines.

Mackenzie has given his time to various charities over the years including “The Juvenile Diabetes Foundation”, “The Children’s Wish Foundation” and “The Actors Fund of Canada”. He was on the Board of Directors of The Academy of Canadian Cinema for several terms and is currently an adjunct professor at UBC and teaches on camera acting workshops at UBCP/ACTRA, the DGC, the Manitoba Film Training Centre, and across the country on a Freelance basis.

Lorena Gale Woman of Distinction Award
Veena Sood is an award-winning actress, & 30-year veteran of the industry. She’s known for her versatility as a performer in film, television, theatre, improv comedy, cartoon voices, teaching, and em-ceeing. Veena has been a series regular on 5 different TV series, co-hosted TV specials, her own CBC TV talk show, em-ceed gala awards events, & co-produced & performed radio podcasts.

She is a co-founder of Calgary’s Loose Moose Theatre Company (creators of Theatresports), as well as a co-founder & developer of the Vancouver Theatersports League.

A true veteran of stage, film and TV, Veena is a three-time Jessie Richardson nominee & winner, as well as a Leo Award winner for her work. Veena is currently is in development with new TV, theatre & film projects.

The UBCP/ACTRA Awards will be held on Saturday, November 18th at the Vancouver Playhouse with over 600 industry professionals including UBCP/ACTRA members, press and politicians in attendance.

The Union of British Columbia Performers (UBCP/ACTRA) is an autonomous branch of ACTRA (Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists), the national organization of professional performers working in the English-language recorded media in Canada. ACTRA represents the interests of 22,000 members across Canada – the foundation of Canada’s highly acclaimed professional performing community.

 

 

Facebooktwitterredditlinkedinmail
Children's Programming, Industry News

Blue Ant Media launches new animation studio Look Mom! Productions

From a media release:

Blue Ant Media, an international content producer, distributor and channel operator, announced today the launch of its new animation studio, Look Mom! Productions. The Toronto-based unit produces compelling creator-driven animated content for kids (6-11), teens and adults (18-34) and is led by Creative Director, Joshua Bowen, who joined Blue Ant Media in 2013 to launch Bite on Mondo.

Look Mom! Productions is currently in active development on two new animated, action-comedy series for the kids 6-11 category: Toy Hunters (26×11) which follows two brothers who move to Smalls Hollow after their grandfather leaves their parents his mansion as an inheritance. After meeting Bob Munson, owner of Munson’s Toys and Collectibles and his daughter Kaylee, the boys learn that their eccentric grandfather led a secret life traveling the world hunting down haunted toys; and Cloudface (26×11) which is about a character who desperately wants to be a person with his dapper suits and desire to help others, but is more like a big kid with his fun-loving ways and short attention span. While fiercely loyal to his friends, he often forgets to honour commitments and will drop whatever he’s doing in the moment if something shinier catches his eye. Look Mom! Productions will be seeking co-production opportunities for these two series at MIPCOM 2017.

Blue Ant Media will be showcasing Look Mom! Productions content and more at MIPCOM 2017 at booth R8.D7.

Blue Ant Media is a privately held, international content producer, distributor and channel operator. From our production houses around the world, we create content for multiple genres including factual, factual entertainment, short-form digital series and kids programming. Our distribution business, Blue Ant International, offers a catalogue of 3,000+ hours of content, including the largest 4K natural history offering on the market. Blue Ant Media’s international channel business offers a portfolio of media brands such as Love Nature (International), ZooMoo Networks (International), Smithsonian Channel Canada, BBC Earth (Canada) and HGTV (New Zealand). Blue Ant Media is headquartered in Toronto, with operations in Los Angeles, Singapore, Auckland, Dunedin, London, Sydney, Beijing and Taipei.

 

Facebooktwitterredditlinkedinmail
Industry News

Share your views on the future of programming in Canada

From a media release:

Starting today, the CRTC is inviting Canadians to share their views on how they will access audio and video content in the coming years and its impact on the Canadian market. The CRTC is accepting comments until November 24, 2017.

This consultation arises from the Government’s request that the CRTC submit a report on future distribution models for Canadian programming, as well as its continued creation, production and distribution. This report is due by no later than June 1, 2018.

Canadians can participate in the consultation’s first phase by:

  • filling out the online form;
  • writing to the Secretary General, CRTC, Ottawa, Ontario K1A ON2; or
  • sending a fax to (819) 994-0218.

Comments collected will help shape the second phase of the public consultation. Further details related to the format and deadlines of the second phase will be shared at a later date.

Quick Facts

  • On September 28, 2017, the Governor-in-Council used its power under Section 15(1) of the Broadcasting Act and requested that the CRTC provide a report relating to the announced review of the Broadcasting and Telecommunications Acts.
  • As directed by the Governor-in-Council, the CRTC is seeking comments on:
    • What programming distribution model(s) is/are likely to exist in the future?
    • How and through whom will Canadians access their programming?
    • To what extent these models will ensure a vibrant domestic market?
  • Interested parties are also invited to submit studies or relevant research on these or related issues that could inform the CRTC.

Quote
“We want to hear from Canadians and interested parties from all regions of the country on these important questions referred to the Commission by the Government. This will ensure we have the necessary information and evidence to prepare a report that will help inform the upcoming review of the Broadcasting and Telecommunications Acts.”

– Ian Scott, Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of the CRTC

 

 

Facebooktwitterredditlinkedinmail