TV/FILM/VIDEO:
Telefilm Canada has officially launched its online platform Dialogue, which allows audiovisual industry clients to create, submit and manage funding applications in one place. Dialogue, which replaces eTelefilm, is a joint initiative with the Canada Media Fund (CMF), whose clients will also benefit from the platform.
The Canada Media Fund (CMF) is investing $2M to support the production of 10 projects as part of its Web Series Pilot Program, financing Canadian web series in their second or subsequent season. Of the 10 dramatic series, six are in English and four in French. One is from B.C., five are from Ontario and four are from Québec. Click here to view a list of CMF-funded projects.
CBC is apologizing to those who “felt misrepresented” by its new miniseries Canada: The Story of Us. Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil was among the politicians who signed a letter to CBC president Hubert Lacroix accusing the public broadcaster of snubbing the province in the miniseries. The letter requested an apology and new episode after the series portrayed Quebec City as the site of the first permanent European settlement in 1608. However three years earlier, Samuel de Champlain helped establish a year-round habitation in Port-Royal, N.S. The series was also blasted by the Parti Quebecois during question period in Quebec’s legislature last week.
Nova Scotia film industry movers Marc Almon and Rob Power have announced the creation of Culture Link, which would see Halifax’s World Trade and Convention Centre (WTCC) converted into a 9,000 square foot multi-purpose studio for film, television, video game, animation and virtual reality projects. Other plans include development of a digital media and creative industries incubator. The province is investing $58,000 into a feasibility study, while developer Armco Capital Inc. has committed $78,000.
Vancouver will be the starting point for the Wapikoni, Cinema on Wheels cross-country tour of Indigenous short films on Apr. 23. The tour is part of Wapikoni From Coast to Coast: Reconciliation Through the Media Arts, supported by the Canadian Commission for UNESCO and the federal government. From April to November, a caravan equipped with exterior projection equipment will travel west to east, covering 10 Canadian provinces and stopping in 100 Indigenous communities and 50 cities. The screenings will be in English, French and Indigenous languages.
Pelmorex is partnering with Nikon as a sponsor for its original Storm Hunters series. The camera maker will also become the official supplier of the Weather Network’s mobile teams.
Shaw has rolled out its BlueSky TV service to the rest of Western Canada. Powered by Comcast’s next generation X1 platform, BlueSky TV’s interface allows customers to access live programming, PVR recordings, on-demand shows and streaming services in one place. A voice-activated remote also allows users to find content by title, genre, actor name or even by famous movie quote.
Bell Media’s BravoFACT (Foundation to Assist Canadian Talent) has announced the 11 short films sharing $512,750 in funding from its April 7 jury meeting. Projects include Bryan Kawalsky’s Touch, which will be co-produced by Kathryn Alexandre and Tatiana Maslany. You can view a complete list of recipients here. The next submission deadline is May 12.
DHX Media has signed a deal with Cartoon Network U.S. for Mega Man, an original DHX Media co-production with Dentsu Entertainment USA, Inc. The new series has also been picked up by DHX Media’s Family CHRGD for Canada. Based on the legendary Capcom Mega Man video game franchise, the 3D animated series goes into production this summer at DHX Media’s Vancouver studio.
