The Flash is the latest Vancouver-shot production to have a member of its team test positive for COVID-19. Production on The CW series has been temporarily halted while contact tracing is initiated. According to Deadline, the case was asymptomatic and detected through regular testing protocols.
The Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television and WarnerMedia have announced that the WarnerMedia x Canadian Academy Global Access Writers Program, focused on experienced Canadian writers from underrepresented communities, is now open for submissions through Dec. 18. Offered in English and French, the program is open to storytellers of all genders, abilities and identities from underrepresented communities in Canada, including members of Indigenous, Black, racialized groups, people with disabilities, LGBTQ2+ and Francophone minority communities. Over a period of roughly nine months, the eight to 12 applicants selected will have the opportunity to hone their artistry; gain deeper industry knowledge; and gain exposure to WarnerMedia executives and established industry professionals, as well as workshop an unfinished script into a viable draft. The inaugural class will begin in June 2021.
The Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA) has launched the CMPA STAR Producer Program, a professional development platform designed to help members advance their careers and grow their businesses. STAR (an acronym for Skills, Training, Access, and Resources) will offer a range of development opportunities for producers at all stages of their careers, with no commitment required other than being a member of the CMPA. Made up of six modules: Pre-Development, Development, Pre-Production, Production, Post-Production, and IP Commercialization, each one will run for approximately two months and feature programming, training opportunities, and supporting materials.
The Canada Media Fund (CMF) and Spcine, the agency responsible for media funding in the Brazilian state of São Paulo, have launched a joint program that encourages codevelopment and prototyping of immersive media projects. The incentive budget is set at CDN $100,000. Projects must involve at least one São Paulo-based production company and one Canadian production company. Eligible projects are international codevelopment or prototyping projects of immersive content that are either a virtual reality, augmented reality or mixed reality project; are innovative or experimental; are developed on an appropriate platform (or platforms) with regards to content and audiences; and focus on storytelling that has the potential to cross national boundaries. Click here to access guidelines and here to apply before Feb. 1.
Aeon Studio Group says its new Aeon Bayfront Studios in its Hamilton Studio District mixed-use development, will be open for business on Feb. 1. The 80,000 sq. ft. facility sits on a total of 7.5 acres of land and boasts a 27,000 sq. ft. main stage with 50-foot ceilings and clear span; 40,000+ sq. ft. of additional production space; 6,500+ sq. ft. of furnished office; and a paint shop with two booths, as well as four acres of outdoor space suitable for backlot use. The studio is located across from the Barton Tiffany lands, where Aeon is planning to build a live-work-play hub for the creative industries that will feature studios, offices, retail and residential space. Aeon has also announced the launch of a location representation service to help productions find unique filming locations in the Hamilton area and assist area property owners interested in renting their spaces to the film and TV production industry.
marblemedia has started production on the third season of ultimate sports competition series, AllRound Champion (11×60). Off the back of delivering Season 2 to BYUtv, TVOkids, and Knowledge Network, production is underway in Toronto and will continue through to late December with broadcast set for late 2021. Returning as host for the third season is Canadian Olympian and World Champion Hurdler, Perdita Felicien. This latest season will feature guest appearances from four-time MLS Champion and 2011 League MVP, Dwayne De Rosario and retired Canadian doubles tennis pro, Daniel Nestor.
CTV has unveiled its holiday schedule highlighted by marathons of The Big Bang Theory, Bones, numerous Jamie Oliver holiday specials, and back-to-back Christmas Eve and Christmas Day airings of the Harry Potter films.
CTV’s January schedule sees Mayim Bialik (The Big Bang Theory) return to the network in new comedy series Call Me Kat (Jan. 3). The show joins previously announced series The Masked Dancer (Dec. 27), and returning series The Rookie (Jan. 3), The Resident (Jan. 12), and 9-1-1: LONE STAR (Jan. 18). CTV’s January schedule also features complete coverage of the NFL playoffs, including the NFL Wild Card Round, beginning Jan. 9, the NFL Divisional Round, beginning Jan. 16, and the NFL Conference Championships, beginning Jan. 24, all on the road to SUPER BOWL LV (Feb. 7).
Showcase’s new and returning series premiering in January, include the return of British detective drama, Bulletproof (Jan. 6); Season 2 of Tell Me A Story (Jan. 6); and the return of Batwoman and Pennyworth (Jan. 17). Landing on W Network, is new Australian dramedy Five Bedrooms (Jan. 3, as well as the second season of Nancy Drew on Jan. 20.
TSN has debuted part one of The Bubble: An Open Gym Documentary presented by Bell. The four-part series documents the Toronto Raptors’ experience in this summer’s NBA Bubble in Orlando. The next two hour-long episodes air Tuesday, Dec. 15.
Asian Television Network (ATN) has acquired exclusive Canadian Broadcast rights for Cricket West Indies, New Zealand Cricket and Lanka Premiere League 2020. The current season starts with West Indies tour of New Zealand, followed by tours from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Netherlands, South Africa and Australia. Cricket West Indies rights will also feature top International teams visiting the Caribbean, namely India, England, Bangladesh, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Australia, Pakistan and Ireland, starting in February. All games will be aired live on CBN and ATN Cricket Plus, both available nationally on various cable and satellite platforms.
Crave has announced that it’s the new and exclusive Canadian streaming home of Friends, beginning Dec. 31. Friends joins Crave’s collection of “comfort TV” classics that includes the entire libraries of Seinfeld, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Frasier, Veronica Mars, 30 Rock, and The Bernie Mac Show.
Super Channel is adding HBO Max Original docu-series, House of Ho, to the Super Channel Fuse schedule, starting Dec. 21. Two half-hour episodes will air back-to-back nightly Monday to Wednesday, culminating with a marathon of all seven episodes on Dec. 24. Produced by Lionsgate Television and Wallin Chambers, the reality series follows the day-to-day drama of a wealthy, Houston-based, Vietnamese-American banking investment family.
CTV Atlantic hosts the 57th Annual Christmas Daddies Telethon on Saturday, Dec. 5, starting at 11 a.m. AT. The annual holiday event is also available for live streaming at CTVAtlantic.ca. Performers this year will include Brett Kissel, George Canyon, Joel Plaskett, Neon Dreams, and Matt Anderson, among others. With the anticipated demand for support this holiday season greater than ever before, the telethon has partnered once again with The Salvation Army for registration and distribution of toys and gifts. Since it began in 1964, the event has raised more than $33.5 million in gifts and food for Maritime families.
Corner Gas Animated’s Brent Butt has released his first-ever single, “Everyone Can Sing at Christmas.” Distributed by Universal Music and Hidden Pony Records, the festive single was co-written by Craig Northey, frontman of Canadian rock band Odds, who also co-wrote the original Corner Gas theme song. Corner Gas Animated’s first-ever holiday episode “Tinsel-itis,” debuts Monday, Dec. 14 on CTV Comedy Channel.
