Tag Archives: Lilly Singh

From a media release:

CTV announced today that acclaimed comedian and actress Lilly Singh is confirmed to host and executive produce the inaugural season of CTV’s previously announced primetime quiz show BATTLE OF THE GENERATIONS. Each episode of the nostalgia-packed quiz show features four contestants representing a different generation (Baby Boomer, Gen X, Millennial, and Gen Z), as they battle through multiple rounds of nostalgia-packed pop culture trivia. Whoever triumphs in this unique game of time travelling trivia enters The Vault for a chance to win a cash prize of up to $25,000.

CTV also confirmed today that nationwide casting for BATTLE OF THE GENERATIONS is currently underway, with production on the 20-episode, one-hour quiz show set to begin February 2023 in Toronto. Viewers who think they have what it takes to reign supreme in this epic battle of the ages now have a chance to represent their generation on CTV’s new game show. For casting details and updates, including instructions on how to apply, fans can visit CTV.ca/BOTGcasting.

BATTLE OF THE GENERATIONS not only asks how well you know your own generation but how well you know your rivals’ generations – ultimately resolving the question of which generation has what it takes to win it all. Additional programming information to be announced in the coming months.

Today’s announcement comes on the heels of Blink49 Studios and Bell Media’s multi-year partnership with Singh and her company Unicorn Island Productions on a unique first-look global scripted and second-look unscripted deal. Singh and Unicorn Island also have a first-look unscripted deal with Universal Television Alternative Studio.

About Lilly Singh
Lilly Singh is a multi-faceted entertainer, actress, producer, writer, and creator. A leading force in popular culture, she has amassed a global audience of nearly 40 million followers across her social media channels. Earlier this year, Singh starred in the DreamWorks Animation action-comedy The Bad Guys, which premiered to a global box office of over $230 million. Singh is also a judge on CANADA’S GOT TALENT and will star in the upcoming Disney+ comedy series The Muppets Mayhem. Singh was the only woman to host a late-night show on a broadcast network television in nearly two decades for her show A LITTLE LATE WITH LILLY SINGH. As an author, she has published the #1 New York Times bestseller “How To Be A Bawse: A Guide to Surviving Conquering Life” and “Be a Triangle: How I Went from Being Lost to Getting My Life Into Shape”, which debuted as an instant best-seller in Canada and India.

As part of her Unicorn Island umbrella, Singh launched the Unicorn Island Fund – focusing on girls who continue to be systemically undervalued across cultures and geographies. She currently resides in Los Angeles and was born and raised in Scarborough, Ont.

BATTLE OF THE GENERATIONS is an international format created for markets around the world and will be available for distribution globally. The series is executive produced by Jennifer Couke and Michelle Crespi for Bell Media Studios, Martin Oxley and Abigail Adams for Motion Content Group, and Lilly Singh and Polly Auritt for Unicorn Island Productions.

Featured, Podcast

TV, Eh? Podcast Episode 250: Celebrating 250 and Bell Media’s Upfront Announcement, Part 2

July 31, 2022 Greg David

After saluting Diane and Anthony for starting the podcast in the first place, Greg and Amy go through debuts and returns on the Canadian TV calendar.

Then, we cover the latest Canadian TV news, including CBC’s fall debut and return dates; CBC’s newest reality series, Canada’s Ultimate Challenge; CTV’s new drama, The Spencer Sisters; the chainsaw welding competitors of A Cut Above and Bell Media’s pact with Lilly Singh.

We finish off with Part 2 of Bell Media’s upfront announcement, noting factual programming.

This podcast brought to you by coffee and some kind of alcohol.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Industry News

Blink49 Studios and Bell Media strike long-term pact with world-renowned entertainer Lilly Singh

July 20, 2022 Greg David

From a media release:

Blink49 Studios and Bell Media announced today they are partnering with world-renowned entertainer Lilly Singh and her company Unicorn Island Productions on a unique first-look global scripted and second-look unscripted deal.

Spearheaded by Singh and Polly Auritt, Head of Development at Unicorn Island Productions, Carolyn Newman, Executive Vice President, Global Scripted and Virginia Rankin, Executive Producer for Blink49 Studios, the deal will focus on creating and producing compelling television content that showcases underrepresented communities.

Projects developed under the pact will be executive produced by Singh, Auritt, Newman and Rankin with Blink49 Studios handling production and the worldwide distribution.

Named in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Hollywood & Entertainment list, Fast Company’s Most Creative People and as one of the most influential people on the internet by TIME, Lilly Singh is a multi-faceted entertainer, actress, producer, writer, creator and a New York Times bestselling author. She is a leading force in the digital world having amassed a global audience of more than 38 million followers across her social media channels. This year, Singh was a judge on CityTV’s Canada’s Got Talent, was part of the star-studded cast for the DreamWorks Animation action-comedy The Bad Guys and launched her book club Lilly’s Library that spotlights South Asian stories for everyone. Up next, she will headline the new Disney+ comedy series The Muppets Mayhem alongside several Muppet stars. Singh is also a co-owner of Angel City FC in the National Women’s Soccer League.

Blink49 Studios is a content venture with Endeavor Content as its anchor investor and lead strategic partner. Focusing heavily on a creative-first approach, Blink49 Studios is dedicated to partnering with best-in-class writers, creators and producers, as well as aggressively pursuing IP in Canada and throughout the world. The indie studio is committed to applying significant resources to support new and diverse Canadian voices.

ABOUT BLINK49 STUDIOS

Co-founded in 2021 by industry veterans CEO John Morayniss, Non-Executive Vice Chair Patrice Theroux, COO Jeff Lynas and CFO Nelson Kuo-Lee, Blink49 Studios is a full-service indie studio focused on the development, production, and monetization of premium scripted and unscripted content for a global market. Headquartered in Toronto with offices in Los Angeles, Blink49 Studios was formed in partnership with its anchor investor and lead strategic partner Endeavor Content. With a combined experience of innovative deal-making and strong relationships in the creative community, Blink49 Studios takes a content-first approach by partnering with best-in-class writers, creators, producers, and talent as well as supporting new and diverse voices.

Canada's Got Talent

Citytv hits the golden buzzer on dream team of judges and host for Canada’s Got Talent

October 26, 2021 Greg David

From a media release:

Lights, Camera, Talent! As production on original series Canada’s Got Talent gets underway in Niagara Falls, ON next month, Citytv today unveils Howie Mandel, Lilly Singh, Kardinal Offishall, and Trish Stratus as judges alongside host Lindsay Ell for its highly-anticipated talent competition, airing exclusively on Citytv and Citytv.com this spring, with catch-up available on Citytv Now.

Bringing his infectious energy, warmth, humour, and a keen eye for astonishing talent, Howie Mandel is one of America’s Got Talent’s star judges with 11 seasons under his belt. He also hosts the weekly podcast Howie Mandel Does Stuff with his daughter Jackelyn Schultz.

Hailing from Scarborough, ON, entertainer, actress, writer and creator Lilly Singh brings passion, creativity, humour, and heart to the judge’s table where she will offer perspective from her own successful self-made journey in the entertainment industry to Canada’s bright new talents.

Award-winning artist, music label executive and producer Kardinal Offishall (affectionately known as Kardi) is a creative force and highly-respected leader in Canada’s music scene, who brings his larger-than-life personality and exceptional ability to seek out Canada’s new wave of superstars.

Rounding out the jury is wrestling Legend and Hall of Famer Trish Stratus, who was named WWE’s #1 Greatest Female Superstar. This Sports Entertainer is also a world-renowned fitness icon, who has inspired generations of people around the world.

Born and raised in Calgary, Lindsay Ell is described as ‘one of the most exciting and talented young artists in country music’ (Forbes). An accomplished musician, vocalist, and awe-inspiring songwriter, Lindsay’s first full-length album The Project was named Billboard’s Best Country Album of the Year (2017) and since then, she has celebrated a #1 U.S. single, two #1 Canadian singles and watched her track ‘wAnt me back’ earn GOLD-certification. Earning the most 2021 CCMA Award nominations of any female, Lindsay has become Canada’s fastest rising country star.

Got Talent is the world’s greatest talent competition, for acts of all ages and sets out to discover the most unique, skilled, heartwarming, and showstopping performers. Dancers, singers, illusionists, comedians, and every imaginable talent in between will compete before celebrity judges, a live studio audience, and the entire nation. At stake is the title of Canada’s Got Talent Champion and a prize beyond their wildest dreams. With compelling stories and mesmerizing performances, this competition is unlike any other.

Canada’s Got Talent is produced by Fremantle, SYCO Entertainment, McGillivray Entertainment Media Inc., in association with Citytv, a division of Rogers Sports & Media. For McGillivray Entertainment Media, Executive Producers are Scott McGillivray, Angela Jennings, and Mike Bickerton, with Showrunner Jonathan Payne.