Saw them in concert, saved me from disco, the best band ever!! Yeah, Yeah Rolling Stones, Beatles, blah, blah, blah. Just sit back. play this and chill.
and this
Help me lord, I had the 8 track!
Wednesday 27 June 2007
Tuesday 26 June 2007
Gavin Crawford. You are a Hissyfit!
I think this was somthing spontaneous which I'm totally for. Hanging around getting make-up on, Mr. Crawford, had fun. This is what it should be about.
You'll notice that Mark Farell plays the producer/showrunner and I was struck by something he wrote on another blog, "Too many people in our industry (and I'm not by any means the first to make this point) think that just getting something made or on-air is enough. It isn't."
I think he's totally right on this point. So many productions have come about because it was a job, signed, sealed and delivered by the producer and the broadcaster. It doesn't mean that the writers should shrug their shoulders and say this is only a paycheck and when I get my own show, I'll show'em! (ed. guilty).
Write, fight and smite to get good stuff on the air. It is possible. Even if you have to sneak it under the radar.
Now for a completely different topic, I came across this on YouTube; The Doors doing "The End". (ed. genuflect here). It was supposedly for Canadian TV but was it shot here? Who knows. The guy introducing it I think is Noel Harrison, son of Rex Harrison, who had his own variety show on CBC, shot in Halifax. Jim Morrison in Halifax? Doubt it. But whatever.
The year is 1967, Expo '67 blooms, a younger Jay Leno perfects his stand-up and Paris Hilton is not even imagined as possibly existing. sigh.
You'll notice that Mark Farell plays the producer/showrunner and I was struck by something he wrote on another blog, "Too many people in our industry (and I'm not by any means the first to make this point) think that just getting something made or on-air is enough. It isn't."
I think he's totally right on this point. So many productions have come about because it was a job, signed, sealed and delivered by the producer and the broadcaster. It doesn't mean that the writers should shrug their shoulders and say this is only a paycheck and when I get my own show, I'll show'em! (ed. guilty).
Write, fight and smite to get good stuff on the air. It is possible. Even if you have to sneak it under the radar.
Now for a completely different topic, I came across this on YouTube; The Doors doing "The End". (ed. genuflect here). It was supposedly for Canadian TV but was it shot here? Who knows. The guy introducing it I think is Noel Harrison, son of Rex Harrison, who had his own variety show on CBC, shot in Halifax. Jim Morrison in Halifax? Doubt it. But whatever.
The year is 1967, Expo '67 blooms, a younger Jay Leno perfects his stand-up and Paris Hilton is not even imagined as possibly existing. sigh.
Sunday 24 June 2007
Distribute This!
I read in the paper where Paul Gross, David Cronenberg and friends are upset that the distribution arm of Alliance Atlantis is selling itself to an American company (with a Canadian partner doing the Canadian rubber stamping, of course).
If it goes through, the millions and millions of dollars that the taxpayers of this country (that's ...some of you) will have been spent for naught. The money was paid out to promote Canadian films. That will end.
But why all this fuss over a distributor? What do they do? Well, they are an integrel cog in the motion picture industry in this and other countries.
Although, complex, I'll try and simplify it. Basically, when a motion picture is "produced" in Hollywood, it has to be transported to the actual movie theatre; it doesn't just get dropped off by courier! (duh!). So when "Live Long or Die Harder" is "released", the "studio" sends the actual "film" to a "distributor", who receives it and then "couriers" it to the actual movie theatres across Canada.
Naturally this service dictates a fee (40% of the gross?). And since Alliance Atlantis knows all the street addresses of the movie theatres in Canada they are the main distributor for this country.
Oh, and they also promote (P & A) the film in Canada, because "Live Free or Die Harder" would be shown to empty seats in this country if somebody didn't tell the public it was playing.
I remember Michael MacMillan coming to Halifax years ago earestly explaining to the concerned production community, that the takeover of Salter Street Films would not be an abandonment of production in the city. Rumours were rife that they had purchased Salter Street only to acquire the IFC but he denied this and Michael Donovan to this day denies thats what it was about.
Alliance Atlantis wanted to buy Salter Street because of it's library (Do old Codco's have an aftermarket?) and its current production slate e.g. 22 Minutes, Poko (in development at the time).
So the sale went through and Alliance Atlantis did maintain a presence in town, the IFC has one employee with a phone. They sold all the buildings Salter Street owned and threw Poko and 22 Minutes back to Michael Donovan.
So, let's give the guy the benefit of the doubt, ....again.
As a BTW, my 1000 shares of DHX (Halifax Film Company) is down to $1.38/share. They were acquired at $1.40/share. (1000 x .02 = $20) Not much I know but if it were up the same amount I would be happier.
If it goes through, the millions and millions of dollars that the taxpayers of this country (that's ...some of you) will have been spent for naught. The money was paid out to promote Canadian films. That will end.
But why all this fuss over a distributor? What do they do? Well, they are an integrel cog in the motion picture industry in this and other countries.
Although, complex, I'll try and simplify it. Basically, when a motion picture is "produced" in Hollywood, it has to be transported to the actual movie theatre; it doesn't just get dropped off by courier! (duh!). So when "Live Long or Die Harder" is "released", the "studio" sends the actual "film" to a "distributor", who receives it and then "couriers" it to the actual movie theatres across Canada.
Naturally this service dictates a fee (40% of the gross?). And since Alliance Atlantis knows all the street addresses of the movie theatres in Canada they are the main distributor for this country.
Oh, and they also promote (P & A) the film in Canada, because "Live Free or Die Harder" would be shown to empty seats in this country if somebody didn't tell the public it was playing.
I remember Michael MacMillan coming to Halifax years ago earestly explaining to the concerned production community, that the takeover of Salter Street Films would not be an abandonment of production in the city. Rumours were rife that they had purchased Salter Street only to acquire the IFC but he denied this and Michael Donovan to this day denies thats what it was about.
Alliance Atlantis wanted to buy Salter Street because of it's library (Do old Codco's have an aftermarket?) and its current production slate e.g. 22 Minutes, Poko (in development at the time).
So the sale went through and Alliance Atlantis did maintain a presence in town, the IFC has one employee with a phone. They sold all the buildings Salter Street owned and threw Poko and 22 Minutes back to Michael Donovan.
So, let's give the guy the benefit of the doubt, ....again.
As a BTW, my 1000 shares of DHX (Halifax Film Company) is down to $1.38/share. They were acquired at $1.40/share. (1000 x .02 = $20) Not much I know but if it were up the same amount I would be happier.
Saturday 23 June 2007
Why Do Pickles Exist?
I wanted to clean out the fridge and amongst the various "things" there is a Bottle of tiny dill pickles. No one living here likes tiny dill pickles, why are they here, where the F*** did they come from!? I'm tossing them!
More on tv later, things have been too flux-a-tating here lately.
More on tv later, things have been too flux-a-tating here lately.
Tuesday 19 June 2007
Global! Your Proud CANADIAN Brodcaster!
In local production news, a documentary produced by Arcadia Productions of Halifax found the golden horseshoe. They were in the carribean shooting a documentary called "Going Down" (which in an earlier blog I mistakenly identified as an "L Word" type of show), they had finished filming an ordinary scene where divers prepared to dive and went overboard. As the hauled the anchor up, it was snagged on a treasure chest full of, well treasure. Good for them, hurrah.)
Anyway, Last week Global television announced it's fall schedule. I know I'm a bit late but it wasn't in the papers or on tv (but then they probably didn't advertise it during the 15 hour Simpson's marathon)
But I'll let them speak for themselves (with a few comments from me and excuse me if the cosmopolitans are kicking in)
"CanWest MediaWorks Announces Original Production Slate for 2007-2008
Global Television and E! (This was originally CH from Hamilton who I remember as the small station that tried. And they did. They did local programming for the country, "Tiny Talent Time" and I believe "House of Frightenstein". Anyway now it will be a 24 hour station dedicated to Canadians in the entertainment industry. That means if a Tom Cruise movie shoots in Montreal we'll be treated to a sassy portrait of Tom, probably wearing those RayBans from 40 years ago)
With 20 Original Series Premieres...Over 100 Hours of Scripted Content...Over 80 Hours of Premiere Documentaries, and Nearly 200 Hours of Entertainment News... (My God! Original...scripted content...Premiere Documentaries...Canadian TV has finally come into its own! Except for the 200 hours of TomCat, Maghaughey, etc)
Broadcaster Continues To Grow Critically-Acclaimed Development & Production Commitments (Continues? Did I miss something last year?)
(TORONTO) CanWest MediaWorks today announced details of its Original Production slate at their annual Upfront Presentation to advertisers and industry in Toronto.
Across primetime on Global Television and the all-new E! network, CanWest has positioned over 100 debut hours of scripted content, (okay, got it. Details, please)
over 80 hours of showcased documentaries and nearly 200 hours of entertainment news.
Building on what industry and press have tagged as a ‘turnaround’ year (who said that? It's in quotes so I'm sure someone did) for CanWest's Original Productions, the focus remains on expanding the commitment to developing and producing the best of Canadian drama, comedy, documentary and more (yes, yes, God, yes!) – and integrating these into the nation's most critically acclaimed primetime schedules. (um, okay, I'll play along caught up in the enthusiasm as I am)
"We're incredibly proud of our team, and the wide range of work that is being commissioned," said Barbara Williams, CanWest MediaWorks Senior Vice President of Programming and Production. (Wow, fit that on a nameplate. Barbara used to be an Alliance Atlantis Senior ...something) "Our promise to build on quality, diversity and the country's leading edge creative alliances remains strong, and is at the core of all of our 2007-2008 original product. (Heehee, okay, sorry. I know she has to say this but who is she talking too? Sorry, I'm just reacting based on past history. Apparently they have changed.) We're looking forward to a fantastic new season." (Us too. Sounds like a lot of work for Canadian creatives. And crew, of course. If you're not busy on The Hulk II)
As the CanWest commitment to original programming grows, (snicker, sorry, but it can't do anything but grow, can it?) the broadcaster's creative partnerships with a myriad of producing partners - from across Canada and around the world - have formed a strong foundation for an exciting roster of new content, set to debut this season and in the months to come. Premiere strategic partners include Movie Central, The Movie Network, The NFB, APTN, The BBC, Lifetime, USA Sci-Fi Network, and ABC Family. (uh oh, they don't sound Canadian Contenish at all)
New titles debuting on Global Television for the 2007-2008 season include: West coast action-drama, SEARCH AND RESCUE: From Halifax Film Company and Brightlight Pictures with Exec Producers Ray Storey, Michael Donovan, Charles Bishop (Bowling for Columbine)(that was their brackets not mine. They just want to point out that the guy who signed some cheques on Michael Moore's documentary will have his name in the credits of whatever this is)...Neighbourhood comedy 'DA KINK IN MY HAIR: From Barna Alper Productions, Exec Producer Laszlo Barna, Damian Nurse, Ngozi Paul and trey anthony - based on anthony's multi-award winning play of the same name (ethnic, okay that's good.) ...Coming-of-age college comedy, ABOUT A GIRL: From Brightlight Pictures and Exec Producer Steve Hegyes, starring Chiara Zanni, Jesse Hutch (hmm, sounds ABC Family'ish. But then they wouldn't traipse into Falcon Beach Territory again, would they? No, that would be just....)
Oil industry thriller, BURN UP: From Producers Tom Cox and Jordy Randall - a BBC co-production from Kudos Film and TV (UK) and Seven 24 Films Inc., (Hmm, BBC/Alberta co-pro. Why do I get the feeling the Alberta producers were tour guides? Don't know for sure but I never heard of them)
Psychological thriller, DURHAM COUNTY: From Exec Producers Janis Lundman, Adrienne Mitchell, Michael Prupas. Co-Developed and Commissioned by CanWest, DURHAM COUNTY is now set for its conventional network premiere. (check the word "conventional", it's been on TMN for a month, now)
In addition, all-new original documentaries arrive on the Global Television slate for 2007-2008, as GLOBAL CURRENTS with Host Kevin Newman marks its third season. (snore) A weekly, original strand that explores social issues and perspectives relevant to Canadians, GLOBAL CURRENTS is a showcase for independent producers from every corner of the country.
(i.e. Dearest CRTC, we are committed to telling Canadian stories to Canadians and have spent thousands of dollars on director/writers grateful for the opportunity. These documentaries will show in the prime viewing slot of Saturdays after golf and before a Simpsons rerun. Hey, if it doesn't get ratings, maybe we should just give up on this whole idea of Canadian content. Canadians are too smart for what we can deliver so we should give them the programming we deserve such as House, and Entertainment...whatever. After all if we want to profile Canadian talent, we should really look to the U.S. who hire a lot of our writers, House..etc)
Continuing the CanWest commitment to documentaries - now in true E! style - the network is proud to announce an all-new showcase, "ON E!", featuring a variety of entertainment-focused documentary series including: Musical-moms-on-a-mission, (oh, my God! WTF is this?)
SHAYE: From Breakthrough Film & TV and Exec Producer Ira Levy, featuring Kim Stockwood, Damhnait Doyle and Tara MacLean (eastern talent as only a Toronto broadcaster can show) ...On set in Hollywood North with adrenaline junkies, (um, yeah)
STUNT STARS: From Montreal's CMJ Productions and Exec Producer John Kuyk...Never call them "cover bands", TRIBUTE - THE NEXT BEST THING: From Fall From Grace Prod's and Exec Producers Michelle Metivier and Allison Grace...And the dangerous world of celebrity diets, break-ups and breakdowns, INSIDE HOLLYWOOD: From Producer Larry Day at Pyramid Productions. (sigh)
Also this Fall, E! network original debuts include...A look at homegrown legends on E! TRUE HOLLYWOOD STORY: CANADIAN EDITION... An unconventional, in-depth take on celebrity news, trends and lifestyles, E! LIVE...And over 20 homegrown MOWs, E! MOVIES WE LOVE: From CanWest, with Lifetime Network and a wide range of Canadian Producing Partners including Shaftesbury Films, ThunderBird Films, Insight Film Studios and Muse Entertainment. (Christ!)
SEARCH AND RESCUE
(13 x 1 hour; drama)
This exciting drama follows the lives of four Canadian Coast Guards, trained to expect the unexpected in their work, but never ready for it in their personal lives. Viewers can follow the adventures of these offbeat heroes whose greatest search will be for meaning in their own lives. A co-production from Halifax Film Company (Michael Donavan and Charles Bishop) and Brightlight Pictures (Steve Hegyes); created by Michael Donavan and Ray Storey. (God, help me!)
‘DA KINK IN MY HAIR
Sundays – 7:30pm
(13 x 30 min; comedy)
The highly anticipated comedy based on trey anthony's multi award-winning play of the same name. Letty's, a bustling hair salon in Toronto's Caribbean community, serves as a platform for a group of women to share their trials, tribulations and deep dark secrets. Viewers can watch as these strong, black women let their hair down – in more ways than one. Series created by trey anthony and Ngozi Paul; Executive Produced by Damion Nurse, Laszlo Barna, trey anthony, Ngozi Paul and Shelly Scarrow.
CAST: Ordena Stephens-Thompson, Ngozi Paul, trey anthony, Conroy Stewart, Richard Fagon (Yeah, okay, this might actually be interesting)
ABOUT A GIRL
(13 x 30 min; comedy)
College student Amy Ryan never thought she would find herself living in an off-campus house along with four male roommates. She's now got a direct line to the male species and what makes them tick – and the guys now have a chick to take out the garbage. What they will learn from each other is more than any classroom could ever teach. From Producer Steve Hegyes (White Noise). (Canadian?)
CAST: Chiara Zanni, Jesse Hutch (Smallville) (Canadian?)
BURN UP
(2 x 2 hour; mini-drama)
This two-part, high-stakes conspiracy thriller is set against the backdrop of the world's corrupt and violent oil industry. This drama focuses on the desperate attempts of those trying to save the planet from global warming while uncovering the truth of oil reserves in Alberta, the southern United States and the Middle East. A co-production of Seven 24 Films Inc. ( Alberta) and Kudos Film and TV (UK). (snore. I wonder what side of global warming they come out on)
KILLER WAVE
(2 x 2 hour; drama)
An action-disaster mini-series about a conspiracy theory come true. A large corporation conspires to devastate North American cities on the east coast with tidal waves so that it can win a multi-billion dollar contract from the government to build a seawall along the eastern seaboard. Directed by Bruce McDonald; from Muse Entertainment, Montreal. (A multi-billion dollar contract from the Canadian government? We're not talking advertising, people. Oh, NORTH America. International sales, anybody)
CAST: Angus MacFadyen, Karine Vanasse, Stephen McHattie
DURHAM COUNTY
(6 x 1 hour; drama)
An emotionally powerful series revolving around Detective Mike Sweeney, his family and a potential serial killer who lives across the street. As Sweeny hunts down his murderous neighbour, the differences between the cop and the killer become blurry. With a shared history that goes all the way back to high school, Sweeney learns you can’t always leave your past behind. Produced by Muse Entertainment in Montreal.
CAST: Helene Joy, Sonya Salomaa, Laurence Leboeuf, Greyston Holt, Hugh Dillon, Justin Louis (Okay, this might actually be good from what I hear, but it's not a Global original)
That's all I'm going to blog tonight.
Anyway, Last week Global television announced it's fall schedule. I know I'm a bit late but it wasn't in the papers or on tv (but then they probably didn't advertise it during the 15 hour Simpson's marathon)
But I'll let them speak for themselves (with a few comments from me and excuse me if the cosmopolitans are kicking in)
"CanWest MediaWorks Announces Original Production Slate for 2007-2008
Global Television and E! (This was originally CH from Hamilton who I remember as the small station that tried. And they did. They did local programming for the country, "Tiny Talent Time" and I believe "House of Frightenstein". Anyway now it will be a 24 hour station dedicated to Canadians in the entertainment industry. That means if a Tom Cruise movie shoots in Montreal we'll be treated to a sassy portrait of Tom, probably wearing those RayBans from 40 years ago)
With 20 Original Series Premieres...Over 100 Hours of Scripted Content...Over 80 Hours of Premiere Documentaries, and Nearly 200 Hours of Entertainment News... (My God! Original...scripted content...Premiere Documentaries...Canadian TV has finally come into its own! Except for the 200 hours of TomCat, Maghaughey, etc)
Broadcaster Continues To Grow Critically-Acclaimed Development & Production Commitments (Continues? Did I miss something last year?)
(TORONTO) CanWest MediaWorks today announced details of its Original Production slate at their annual Upfront Presentation to advertisers and industry in Toronto.
Across primetime on Global Television and the all-new E! network, CanWest has positioned over 100 debut hours of scripted content, (okay, got it. Details, please)
over 80 hours of showcased documentaries and nearly 200 hours of entertainment news.
Building on what industry and press have tagged as a ‘turnaround’ year (who said that? It's in quotes so I'm sure someone did) for CanWest's Original Productions, the focus remains on expanding the commitment to developing and producing the best of Canadian drama, comedy, documentary and more (yes, yes, God, yes!) – and integrating these into the nation's most critically acclaimed primetime schedules. (um, okay, I'll play along caught up in the enthusiasm as I am)
"We're incredibly proud of our team, and the wide range of work that is being commissioned," said Barbara Williams, CanWest MediaWorks Senior Vice President of Programming and Production. (Wow, fit that on a nameplate. Barbara used to be an Alliance Atlantis Senior ...something) "Our promise to build on quality, diversity and the country's leading edge creative alliances remains strong, and is at the core of all of our 2007-2008 original product. (Heehee, okay, sorry. I know she has to say this but who is she talking too? Sorry, I'm just reacting based on past history. Apparently they have changed.) We're looking forward to a fantastic new season." (Us too. Sounds like a lot of work for Canadian creatives. And crew, of course. If you're not busy on The Hulk II)
As the CanWest commitment to original programming grows, (snicker, sorry, but it can't do anything but grow, can it?) the broadcaster's creative partnerships with a myriad of producing partners - from across Canada and around the world - have formed a strong foundation for an exciting roster of new content, set to debut this season and in the months to come. Premiere strategic partners include Movie Central, The Movie Network, The NFB, APTN, The BBC, Lifetime, USA Sci-Fi Network, and ABC Family. (uh oh, they don't sound Canadian Contenish at all)
New titles debuting on Global Television for the 2007-2008 season include: West coast action-drama, SEARCH AND RESCUE: From Halifax Film Company and Brightlight Pictures with Exec Producers Ray Storey, Michael Donovan, Charles Bishop (Bowling for Columbine)(that was their brackets not mine. They just want to point out that the guy who signed some cheques on Michael Moore's documentary will have his name in the credits of whatever this is)...Neighbourhood comedy 'DA KINK IN MY HAIR: From Barna Alper Productions, Exec Producer Laszlo Barna, Damian Nurse, Ngozi Paul and trey anthony - based on anthony's multi-award winning play of the same name (ethnic, okay that's good.) ...Coming-of-age college comedy, ABOUT A GIRL: From Brightlight Pictures and Exec Producer Steve Hegyes, starring Chiara Zanni, Jesse Hutch (hmm, sounds ABC Family'ish. But then they wouldn't traipse into Falcon Beach Territory again, would they? No, that would be just....)
Oil industry thriller, BURN UP: From Producers Tom Cox and Jordy Randall - a BBC co-production from Kudos Film and TV (UK) and Seven 24 Films Inc., (Hmm, BBC/Alberta co-pro. Why do I get the feeling the Alberta producers were tour guides? Don't know for sure but I never heard of them)
Psychological thriller, DURHAM COUNTY: From Exec Producers Janis Lundman, Adrienne Mitchell, Michael Prupas. Co-Developed and Commissioned by CanWest, DURHAM COUNTY is now set for its conventional network premiere. (check the word "conventional", it's been on TMN for a month, now)
In addition, all-new original documentaries arrive on the Global Television slate for 2007-2008, as GLOBAL CURRENTS with Host Kevin Newman marks its third season. (snore) A weekly, original strand that explores social issues and perspectives relevant to Canadians, GLOBAL CURRENTS is a showcase for independent producers from every corner of the country.
(i.e. Dearest CRTC, we are committed to telling Canadian stories to Canadians and have spent thousands of dollars on director/writers grateful for the opportunity. These documentaries will show in the prime viewing slot of Saturdays after golf and before a Simpsons rerun. Hey, if it doesn't get ratings, maybe we should just give up on this whole idea of Canadian content. Canadians are too smart for what we can deliver so we should give them the programming we deserve such as House, and Entertainment...whatever. After all if we want to profile Canadian talent, we should really look to the U.S. who hire a lot of our writers, House..etc)
Continuing the CanWest commitment to documentaries - now in true E! style - the network is proud to announce an all-new showcase, "ON E!", featuring a variety of entertainment-focused documentary series including: Musical-moms-on-a-mission, (oh, my God! WTF is this?)
SHAYE: From Breakthrough Film & TV and Exec Producer Ira Levy, featuring Kim Stockwood, Damhnait Doyle and Tara MacLean (eastern talent as only a Toronto broadcaster can show) ...On set in Hollywood North with adrenaline junkies, (um, yeah)
STUNT STARS: From Montreal's CMJ Productions and Exec Producer John Kuyk...Never call them "cover bands", TRIBUTE - THE NEXT BEST THING: From Fall From Grace Prod's and Exec Producers Michelle Metivier and Allison Grace...And the dangerous world of celebrity diets, break-ups and breakdowns, INSIDE HOLLYWOOD: From Producer Larry Day at Pyramid Productions. (sigh)
Also this Fall, E! network original debuts include...A look at homegrown legends on E! TRUE HOLLYWOOD STORY: CANADIAN EDITION... An unconventional, in-depth take on celebrity news, trends and lifestyles, E! LIVE...And over 20 homegrown MOWs, E! MOVIES WE LOVE: From CanWest, with Lifetime Network and a wide range of Canadian Producing Partners including Shaftesbury Films, ThunderBird Films, Insight Film Studios and Muse Entertainment. (Christ!)
SEARCH AND RESCUE
(13 x 1 hour; drama)
This exciting drama follows the lives of four Canadian Coast Guards, trained to expect the unexpected in their work, but never ready for it in their personal lives. Viewers can follow the adventures of these offbeat heroes whose greatest search will be for meaning in their own lives. A co-production from Halifax Film Company (Michael Donavan and Charles Bishop) and Brightlight Pictures (Steve Hegyes); created by Michael Donavan and Ray Storey. (God, help me!)
‘DA KINK IN MY HAIR
Sundays – 7:30pm
(13 x 30 min; comedy)
The highly anticipated comedy based on trey anthony's multi award-winning play of the same name. Letty's, a bustling hair salon in Toronto's Caribbean community, serves as a platform for a group of women to share their trials, tribulations and deep dark secrets. Viewers can watch as these strong, black women let their hair down – in more ways than one. Series created by trey anthony and Ngozi Paul; Executive Produced by Damion Nurse, Laszlo Barna, trey anthony, Ngozi Paul and Shelly Scarrow.
CAST: Ordena Stephens-Thompson, Ngozi Paul, trey anthony, Conroy Stewart, Richard Fagon (Yeah, okay, this might actually be interesting)
ABOUT A GIRL
(13 x 30 min; comedy)
College student Amy Ryan never thought she would find herself living in an off-campus house along with four male roommates. She's now got a direct line to the male species and what makes them tick – and the guys now have a chick to take out the garbage. What they will learn from each other is more than any classroom could ever teach. From Producer Steve Hegyes (White Noise). (Canadian?)
CAST: Chiara Zanni, Jesse Hutch (Smallville) (Canadian?)
BURN UP
(2 x 2 hour; mini-drama)
This two-part, high-stakes conspiracy thriller is set against the backdrop of the world's corrupt and violent oil industry. This drama focuses on the desperate attempts of those trying to save the planet from global warming while uncovering the truth of oil reserves in Alberta, the southern United States and the Middle East. A co-production of Seven 24 Films Inc. ( Alberta) and Kudos Film and TV (UK). (snore. I wonder what side of global warming they come out on)
KILLER WAVE
(2 x 2 hour; drama)
An action-disaster mini-series about a conspiracy theory come true. A large corporation conspires to devastate North American cities on the east coast with tidal waves so that it can win a multi-billion dollar contract from the government to build a seawall along the eastern seaboard. Directed by Bruce McDonald; from Muse Entertainment, Montreal. (A multi-billion dollar contract from the Canadian government? We're not talking advertising, people. Oh, NORTH America. International sales, anybody)
CAST: Angus MacFadyen, Karine Vanasse, Stephen McHattie
DURHAM COUNTY
(6 x 1 hour; drama)
An emotionally powerful series revolving around Detective Mike Sweeney, his family and a potential serial killer who lives across the street. As Sweeny hunts down his murderous neighbour, the differences between the cop and the killer become blurry. With a shared history that goes all the way back to high school, Sweeney learns you can’t always leave your past behind. Produced by Muse Entertainment in Montreal.
CAST: Helene Joy, Sonya Salomaa, Laurence Leboeuf, Greyston Holt, Hugh Dillon, Justin Louis (Okay, this might actually be good from what I hear, but it's not a Global original)
That's all I'm going to blog tonight.
Saturday 16 June 2007
My Banff Corrsespondant Shows Up...in the Middle of a Melee!
Last week my friend Wendall went off to Banff to report on the future of Canadian television and found himself in the middle of a protest from a group of writers who felt television should concern itself with quality story telling rather than the interests of investors who risk their assets off so the industry can actually exist! People, please! Priorities!
Anyway, I haven't heard from him since that skirmish, until yesterday when he called from downtown Halifax on the pay-as-you-go cell phone, we chipped in on. He was unable to recall the missing five days, other than there were a lot of shrimp cocktails, Sambuca body shots and apparently he now has a development deal with a major U.K. broadcaster on a reality show about beavers.
I'll give you the ghist of his phone call. Yesterday was an interesting day in normally quiet Halifax.
Wendall:
"I'm downtown, apparently, where all hell has broken loose. I awoke on the curb, to find myself among a dozen protestors who were defending themselves against the Halifax Police. From what I can see, the protestors, all dressed in black, including stylish headcoverings and baklava's (ed. they tried to disguise themselves with greek pastry on their faces?), and identical vintage Doc Martin's, were peacefully walking down the street carrying a few garbage can lids, just for style, when a police officer approached on a bicycle and brazenly offended them by asking how their day was going.
The protestors felt cornered and defended themselves accordingly; luckily they were all geode fanatics and had some of the sparkly, seemingly unoffending pieces of Mother Nature on their person.
As usual, police overreacted and held up their hands in a "let's calm down" provocative manner. That's when I apparently lost conciousness.
When I awoke, one of the protestors was using me as a human shield as he attempted to re-decorate the Toronto-Dominion bank with light bulbs full of paint. (ed. Thank God! I really am sick of that green colour everywhere.)
The protestor, 'Grellum', defended his actions by saying his act of throwing paint at the outside of a building will "make those people trying to shove Atlantica down our throats to reconsider their options!" (ed. I know what you mean. I once saw some graffeti on a mail box that said "save our planet" and I didn't litter that day!)
I asked him what he had against "Atlantica" and said it was a tool for corporations to oppress the dis-advantaged.
As the pepper spray cried away from my face (ed. should have been wearing some sort of international pastry!), I asked him what "Atlantica" was. He looked at me like I called his sister a whore, then hit me in the knee with a can of organic coffee, while calling me a facist. Excellent point, I thought, as I crumbled to the ground.
Later in the Halifax PD lock-up, I had a chance to talk to several of the protestors. I wanted to know why they had travlled from Montreal, Toronto and Truro; what had raised their ire so much that they were willing to risk....well, just having their picture taken being arrested.
'Cohan', a radical protestant anarchist from Montreal said he had travelled by train, and all the hardships that comes with that, to add his voice against the concept of "Atlantica" which would reduce the minimum wage, (ed. But even in Nova Scotia isn't every business scrambling for workers offering unheard of wages for semi-skilled and un-skilled labour?), create a double teared (his pronounciation, not mine, *snicker*) health care system, and allow cloned vegetables to rule the streets.
I asked Joshua from Toronto why he had travelled to Halifax, other then the fact his airmiles were expiring soon, and he responded that he'd rather be here fighting the oppresive forces of "Atlantica" than going to school or volunteering in his community because it was "betterest" and "really cool". Also Becky hated oppressive regimes and she is totally hot with her pierecd things.
Confused, I asked Caleb from Cape Breton why he was here and his response was ' I likes to throw rocks at things, but like, if I'm in North Sydney throwing rocks at telephone poles, no one's goin' chase me. What the hell fun is dat!"
As the commissionairres gave us sandwiches, cold and on white bread not whole wheat, pigs!, I had to ask the question to my cellmates; what is "Atlantica", exactly? "
That's when I lost the feed.
Wendall, I'll make some phone calls and try and get you out of there. If only I could leave the apartment.
Anyway, I haven't heard from him since that skirmish, until yesterday when he called from downtown Halifax on the pay-as-you-go cell phone, we chipped in on. He was unable to recall the missing five days, other than there were a lot of shrimp cocktails, Sambuca body shots and apparently he now has a development deal with a major U.K. broadcaster on a reality show about beavers.
I'll give you the ghist of his phone call. Yesterday was an interesting day in normally quiet Halifax.
Wendall:
"I'm downtown, apparently, where all hell has broken loose. I awoke on the curb, to find myself among a dozen protestors who were defending themselves against the Halifax Police. From what I can see, the protestors, all dressed in black, including stylish headcoverings and baklava's (ed. they tried to disguise themselves with greek pastry on their faces?), and identical vintage Doc Martin's, were peacefully walking down the street carrying a few garbage can lids, just for style, when a police officer approached on a bicycle and brazenly offended them by asking how their day was going.
The protestors felt cornered and defended themselves accordingly; luckily they were all geode fanatics and had some of the sparkly, seemingly unoffending pieces of Mother Nature on their person.
As usual, police overreacted and held up their hands in a "let's calm down" provocative manner. That's when I apparently lost conciousness.
When I awoke, one of the protestors was using me as a human shield as he attempted to re-decorate the Toronto-Dominion bank with light bulbs full of paint. (ed. Thank God! I really am sick of that green colour everywhere.)
The protestor, 'Grellum', defended his actions by saying his act of throwing paint at the outside of a building will "make those people trying to shove Atlantica down our throats to reconsider their options!" (ed. I know what you mean. I once saw some graffeti on a mail box that said "save our planet" and I didn't litter that day!)
I asked him what he had against "Atlantica" and said it was a tool for corporations to oppress the dis-advantaged.
As the pepper spray cried away from my face (ed. should have been wearing some sort of international pastry!), I asked him what "Atlantica" was. He looked at me like I called his sister a whore, then hit me in the knee with a can of organic coffee, while calling me a facist. Excellent point, I thought, as I crumbled to the ground.
Later in the Halifax PD lock-up, I had a chance to talk to several of the protestors. I wanted to know why they had travlled from Montreal, Toronto and Truro; what had raised their ire so much that they were willing to risk....well, just having their picture taken being arrested.
'Cohan', a radical protestant anarchist from Montreal said he had travelled by train, and all the hardships that comes with that, to add his voice against the concept of "Atlantica" which would reduce the minimum wage, (ed. But even in Nova Scotia isn't every business scrambling for workers offering unheard of wages for semi-skilled and un-skilled labour?), create a double teared (his pronounciation, not mine, *snicker*) health care system, and allow cloned vegetables to rule the streets.
I asked Joshua from Toronto why he had travelled to Halifax, other then the fact his airmiles were expiring soon, and he responded that he'd rather be here fighting the oppresive forces of "Atlantica" than going to school or volunteering in his community because it was "betterest" and "really cool". Also Becky hated oppressive regimes and she is totally hot with her pierecd things.
Confused, I asked Caleb from Cape Breton why he was here and his response was ' I likes to throw rocks at things, but like, if I'm in North Sydney throwing rocks at telephone poles, no one's goin' chase me. What the hell fun is dat!"
As the commissionairres gave us sandwiches, cold and on white bread not whole wheat, pigs!, I had to ask the question to my cellmates; what is "Atlantica", exactly? "
That's when I lost the feed.
Wendall, I'll make some phone calls and try and get you out of there. If only I could leave the apartment.
Wednesday 13 June 2007
Lost in Banff. My Correspondent Goes Missing.
Busy few days at the apartment. I haven't seen much of my sister and her boyfriend Carl, the Brazillian Bushman/millionaire. She came home tonight to drop off my whopper with cheese and she couldn't stop giggling.
Apparently she was at the drug store and she found it funny that in the same display rack where they had the pregnancy tests, they had the condoms for sale. Yeah okay, ironic depending on how you look at it. Depending on what you were shopping for.
My Banff corespondant Wendell has apparently disappeared. He sent a report two nights ago and the only time I've heard from him since was an incomprehensible rant from his cellphone. If any of you in Banff see an tall, skinny, impossibly white almost transluscent, yahoo asleep in the ditch, give him a poke would you and send him on his way home.
Mia Farrow was on The Hour tonight. I always wondered how she could go from Frank to Woody? They're like polar opposites in every way. But I doubt she got asked the question
Apparently she was at the drug store and she found it funny that in the same display rack where they had the pregnancy tests, they had the condoms for sale. Yeah okay, ironic depending on how you look at it. Depending on what you were shopping for.
My Banff corespondant Wendell has apparently disappeared. He sent a report two nights ago and the only time I've heard from him since was an incomprehensible rant from his cellphone. If any of you in Banff see an tall, skinny, impossibly white almost transluscent, yahoo asleep in the ditch, give him a poke would you and send him on his way home.
Mia Farrow was on The Hour tonight. I always wondered how she could go from Frank to Woody? They're like polar opposites in every way. But I doubt she got asked the question
Monday 11 June 2007
Chaos at Banff TV Festival!
Well, the Banff Film Festival is underway and memories of fruit plates, white wine and tasty threesomes (every party seemed to have the same combination of brie, ghouda and for the meek, chedder.)
But since I'm unable to leave my apartment, my friend Wendall, usually my editor, has gone in my stead. So I'll be editing for him for a change. From the sounds of things, I'm missing one of the most active Banffs in a while, if not ever. Here's his report.
Wendall - Chaos has broken loose here in Banff for the first time since the cancellation of "Silk Stalkings" which tore assunder the co-operation between the best of Canadian television and really late night CBS.
There have been rumours of protests for weeks but nobody expected what happened here today. This morning just after a light brunch of crepes and fresh fruit, a group of individuals (ed. is it a group or are they individuals?), gathered on the front lawn in a threatening manner.
As producers, broadcasters and assorted "assistants, i.e. not wives" were peacefully smoozing, a small cadre of writers organized and stormed the main room where Fran Drescher was holding court on the effects of ethnicity and nasal whining on sitcoms . Sally Struthers had barely begun her rebutal when the writers strode in screaming "winter driving" according to one witness.
Although security is usually tight at the meeting of the best minds of the international broadcasting community and drunken Canadian broadcasting development officials, the RCMP were totally unprepared for this.
Staff Sargent Rideau commented that the writers had fooled guards at the security entrance, where the razor wire shone with the dashed hopes of unfufilled story ideas (ed. get to it!) The writers fooled security by busily texting, talking to their "assistants" and screaming into their blackberries as they walked through the metal detector.
"Sure they were all dressed in black and had a bleak outlook on life but, really" said Sgt Rideau, "who would have expected a Canadian writer to be taking an important call on a blackberry. Is he on-line to the set for an important piece of dialouge for a crucial scene?" He allowed himself an obvious chuckle amidst the chaos.
Most of the writers were identified as Canadian and, given that no one could name names. Except for the ringleader who couldn't help himself and gave an interview to the media.
As quoted in the Calgary Herald "The don of this mob is Canadian TV writer Denis McGrath, and just like Tony Soprano, McGrath is trying to exploit a chaotic situation for his own benefit.
McGrath and his self-described "writer's mafia" -- a.k.a.: a half dozen of his writing pals -- are hitting the Banff festival at a time when the North American television industry is in turmoil."
But today, most of McGrath's followers were distracted when a quick thinking broadcaster jumped onto a table and waved a development deal in front of the writer's faces.
Fortunately, it was an American broadcaster.
On location, I'm Wendall.
Saturday 9 June 2007
Trailer? Film?
Here's a cool trailer shot in Halifax and the makers are/were from Halifax. Went to their website and it seems they did do a short film; it's on Youtube in sections, with a cheap digital camera. I like the trailer, I'll have to check out the film later. Who knows these guys might be the "next big thing". Imagine what they could do if they had my DHX money. Maybe I should invest in a small start-up company. Risky but better to have a big share of an indie blockbuster then plod along the safe corporate revenue stream like Poko stuck in the mud. I shall have to think more.
I'm Never Been So Excited to See Something Up Like This!
Well, I was a bit down on DHX (ed. The Halifax Film Company, to all you non-capitalists) yesterday because my 1000 shares were down to $1.40 a share at closing on Thursday. I thought it had something to do with the fact that they are throwing stock certificates around the office like pinata stuffing, to all their imported executives. Diluting my essence , if you will.
But I should have know the wiley masters of the company were merely toying with the general stock buying public. They didn't make themselves millionaires with government money by making non-money related decisions.
Today (Friday's closing) the stock is up to $1.45! 1000 x $ .05 = $50! While I was reading my classic L'l Jinx comics, yesterday, the market was making me rich(er). And I was going to cash in and pay my Writers Guild Fees. (tsk)
I'm in this for the long haul.
Hopefully we can get the stock back up to the issue price.
http://www.tsx.com/HttpController?QuoteSymbol_1=dhx&GetPage=QuotesLookupPage&DetailedView=DetailedPrices&Market=T&Language=en&x=8&y=11
But I should have know the wiley masters of the company were merely toying with the general stock buying public. They didn't make themselves millionaires with government money by making non-money related decisions.
Today (Friday's closing) the stock is up to $1.45! 1000 x $ .05 = $50! While I was reading my classic L'l Jinx comics, yesterday, the market was making me rich(er). And I was going to cash in and pay my Writers Guild Fees. (tsk)
I'm in this for the long haul.
Hopefully we can get the stock back up to the issue price.
http://www.tsx.com/HttpController?QuoteSymbol_1=dhx&GetPage=QuotesLookupPage&DetailedView=DetailedPrices&Market=T&Language=en&x=8&y=11
Thursday 7 June 2007
CTV GOES ALL CANADIAN!
I know I'm a bit behind but things are busy here at the apartment.
I was shocked that after all the fuss over Canadian content and simul-casting, CTV has stepped up to the plate in announcing that their new fall schedule will be completely 100% Canadian developed and produced to show our Canadianish-ness (sic) to the world.
Their fall line-up was introduced by that Canadian of Canadians Jon Stwewart (ed. from the Duddy Kravitz part of Montreal, I think).
Gray's Anatomy - (Grey south of the border)- Wilfred Brimley (his nephew married a girl from Barrie) plays Gray Owl (Grey Owl) a native Canadian who performs autopsies by studying the entrails of the victims. (Thursday at 9:00)
Private Practice - Actually a spinoff of Gray's (Grey's) Anatomy, Kate Walsh (her great-grandfather landed in Halifax before emigrating to Pittsburgh). A naive American educated doctor tries to set up a practice in Toronto and runs into a bureaucratic nightmare of paperwork before she is able to see patient one, never mind Patient Zero. (Sunday, up against America Funniest Home Videos)
Criminal Minds - Something about the Conservative government. (ed. now you're not even trying). Sue me, I'm tired.
Desperate Housewives - Belinda Stronach stretches her acting by doing household chores. (Wednesdays - 100 A.M.)
Dirty Sexy Money - Donald Sutherland! Canadian! Sucessful Canadian south of the border! You got some sort of problem with this, whatever it is, being Canadian?!
There's more but time for me.
As most of you know (ed. Unless they're just skimming for their name) I inheirited 1000 shares of DHX (Halifax Film Company) and because of all the confusion around the apartment I have neglected to check their performance lately. So just hang on a minute.
Symbol Last Trade $ Change % Change
DHX 1.370 +0.010 +0.74 10,000
Okay. I'm taking a deep breath. The initial price was $1.40. And I have 1000 shares. So $.03 X 1000 shares = $30. I'm down. Crap.
Now, most of you can sit through this plunge but I am concerned. In the news today, DHX granted Cheryl Haseen 100.000 options. Just like that. Gave them to her.
They also granted David Regan (ed. a job well done, now move along.), 175,000 options.
Way to dilute my portfoilo with the wave of a pen! Did I miss a meeting?
Are we just willy-nilly throwing shares around like they're not worth the paper they're printed on?
I'm tired now but I'll continue tomorrow.
Cheryl Hassen was the former head of CBC Kids morning initiative who greenlit Poko. Linar Jim, Animal Mechanics etc. Which are DHX productions.
I was shocked that after all the fuss over Canadian content and simul-casting, CTV has stepped up to the plate in announcing that their new fall schedule will be completely 100% Canadian developed and produced to show our Canadianish-ness (sic) to the world.
Their fall line-up was introduced by that Canadian of Canadians Jon Stwewart (ed. from the Duddy Kravitz part of Montreal, I think).
Gray's Anatomy - (Grey south of the border)- Wilfred Brimley (his nephew married a girl from Barrie) plays Gray Owl (Grey Owl) a native Canadian who performs autopsies by studying the entrails of the victims. (Thursday at 9:00)
Private Practice - Actually a spinoff of Gray's (Grey's) Anatomy, Kate Walsh (her great-grandfather landed in Halifax before emigrating to Pittsburgh). A naive American educated doctor tries to set up a practice in Toronto and runs into a bureaucratic nightmare of paperwork before she is able to see patient one, never mind Patient Zero. (Sunday, up against America Funniest Home Videos)
Criminal Minds - Something about the Conservative government. (ed. now you're not even trying). Sue me, I'm tired.
Desperate Housewives - Belinda Stronach stretches her acting by doing household chores. (Wednesdays - 100 A.M.)
Dirty Sexy Money - Donald Sutherland! Canadian! Sucessful Canadian south of the border! You got some sort of problem with this, whatever it is, being Canadian?!
There's more but time for me.
As most of you know (ed. Unless they're just skimming for their name) I inheirited 1000 shares of DHX (Halifax Film Company) and because of all the confusion around the apartment I have neglected to check their performance lately. So just hang on a minute.
Symbol Last Trade $ Change % Change
DHX 1.370 +0.010 +0.74 10,000
Okay. I'm taking a deep breath. The initial price was $1.40. And I have 1000 shares. So $.03 X 1000 shares = $30. I'm down. Crap.
Now, most of you can sit through this plunge but I am concerned. In the news today, DHX granted Cheryl Haseen 100.000 options. Just like that. Gave them to her.
They also granted David Regan (ed. a job well done, now move along.), 175,000 options.
Way to dilute my portfoilo with the wave of a pen! Did I miss a meeting?
Are we just willy-nilly throwing shares around like they're not worth the paper they're printed on?
I'm tired now but I'll continue tomorrow.
Cheryl Hassen was the former head of CBC Kids morning initiative who greenlit Poko. Linar Jim, Animal Mechanics etc. Which are DHX productions.
Please Kick Me in the Balls
The following is an exact word for word quote of a news story from the Daily News Page 16 (Halifax), from last Thursday, May 31st. I am not making this up.
"Guelph, Ontario by the Canadian Press - A Guelph man accused of asking women to kick him in the groin as they jogged through a city park is free on bail today.
Court heard that in the span of one month, a man approached six women and asked them to "kick me in the balls", even telling one that his Doctor had recommended kicks as a way to cure a chemical imbalance.
Five of the women refused his request, but one kicked him four times.
The Crown told the Court the man thanked the woman and drove away on his bicycle after being kicked.
Guelph police compared the requests to indecent exposure and laid six mischief charges against 27-year-old Jarrett Loft."
Okay, I'll type it, the guy's got a lot of balls.
But I totally admire the woman who kicked him four times!
"Guelph, Ontario by the Canadian Press - A Guelph man accused of asking women to kick him in the groin as they jogged through a city park is free on bail today.
Court heard that in the span of one month, a man approached six women and asked them to "kick me in the balls", even telling one that his Doctor had recommended kicks as a way to cure a chemical imbalance.
Five of the women refused his request, but one kicked him four times.
The Crown told the Court the man thanked the woman and drove away on his bicycle after being kicked.
Guelph police compared the requests to indecent exposure and laid six mischief charges against 27-year-old Jarrett Loft."
Okay, I'll type it, the guy's got a lot of balls.
But I totally admire the woman who kicked him four times!
Friday 1 June 2007
I'm Not Sensitive About My Regions
Sorry it's been a while since I blogged but things have not been well here. My sister Stella's boyfriend, Brazillian Bushman/noveau riche, Carl stormed out of the apartment earlier this week taking all his stuff with him. And I missed his stuff too, especially the big screen tv.
But worse than that, Stella and I have gotten low on supplies, important stuff like food and liquor. With Stella's leg infarction acting up and the fact I can't leave the apartment, we were living like hermits. Poor Biscuitface hasn't been walked in days and if you've never seen a dog hold it in that long, well it's not a pretty sight.
But then miraculously, Carl returned. And he's returned in style. Not only has he brought back the big screen tv and La-z-boy recliners, he's brought bags of groceries, DVD's (including Excalibur and Hello Dolly!), and enough cosmopolitan supplies to keep me drunk for a year.
After he took Biscuitface out for a walk, they were gone a long time, he and Stella went to "catch up" in the other room. And after a few cosmos, I've put on my headphones with ABBA's Greatest Hits and thought I'd catch up on the latest tv stuff. (ed. as the title suggests, finally!)
My agent finally called back; he wants me to work up a pitch for a new show; a 1/2 hour ensemble, character based, non-threatening, and funny so that the whole family can enjoy. Presumably not set in Montreal, Vancouver or Toronto (ed. does that include Hamilton, London?)
My agent told me one of the networks (ed. don't you mean all of the networks?) are looking for a show like this.
I've got a few ideas, I'm tossing around in my head; How does "Little Gas Bar on the Prarie" sound? Hmmm, maybe not something so transparent
So that's kinda good news, I haven't written in years. Well, other than this blog and this is just cheaper than therapy.
Could use some good news since my DHX (Halifax Film Company) stock has fallen back down to $1.40 a share. This is where my 1000 shares was when I first got it. Can someone give the exec's there a friendly reminder they should be pumping out more production on the kids shows, please! Romeo Daillaire isn't going to make me rich!
I just found out today that those "baby carrots" you buy in the store are not young carrots! They take regular grown-up carrots and shave them down somehow (ed. like in a carrot sharpener?) so that they look small, clean and more appetizing. There's something wrong with that and I'm going to contact Marketplace right after this.
(ed. Okay, you've strayed too far from the theme again.)
Well, the topic of regional production has come up and I thought I'd put my two cents worth in. (ed. with a 49% top-up.)
Regional production is when the CTF encourages (ed. forces) producers to produce outside the traditional hubs of Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. What the original intent was (ed. oh, oh, don't use the diversity card!) to make sure stories get told from other parts of the country instead of the big cities. Not too long ago most Canadian television came out of Toronto. Now, I come from Halifax and when I started working in television I went away to where it was happening. That's where the work was. So I went. And I was cool with that. I was really sick of the attitude that the government should financially back companies and industries with cash and tax credits to relocate here. A lot of them did and once the money was spent, they were gone. A lot of money went down the crapper.
(ed. back to the tv thing!)
So, the concept that CTF would fund productions in other areas has worked (ed. Oh crap. You don't want to say that.) Really, Halifax has two full professional crews that work practically year round. All the resources are available here; production equipment, props houses etc. Was it a good idea to force this on the business? That's debatable (ed. Don't start a debate or I'll close this blog down!)
But years ago, Canadian TV was Wayne and Shuster, Front Page Challange, Bizarre, Stars on Ice (ed. WTF?"), ENG, Traders, Street Legal, Hi Diddle Day etc. All out of Toronto. If it wasn't for the CTF policy, we wouldn't have Corner Gas, Trailer Park Boys, 22 Minutes, Little Mosque on the Prarie. Or would we have something better?
Are producers and writers being punished for living and working in the "centres"? Yes and no. They're missing out on one source of funding, but they have access to a the network of broadcasters; all the decisions are all still made in Toronto. Outside Toronto, we refer to the pitching exercise as the $1,000 cup of coffee.
But it may be time to loosen the reins; after all, relocating a production and crew 151 miles outside of Toronto really doesn't help anything. Also, a lot of "centre" productions become "regional" productions when a Toronto producer partners with a Nova Scotian ("Shattered City") or New Brunswick producer. This means the production gets shot here and the regional producer gets a fee and credit for sitting back and doing nothing. A crew gets hired but the industry hardly develops.
So that's all I'm going to type on the subject. Carl brought me a DVD of "The Incredible Mr. Limpit" so I'm going to watch that now. night.
But worse than that, Stella and I have gotten low on supplies, important stuff like food and liquor. With Stella's leg infarction acting up and the fact I can't leave the apartment, we were living like hermits. Poor Biscuitface hasn't been walked in days and if you've never seen a dog hold it in that long, well it's not a pretty sight.
But then miraculously, Carl returned. And he's returned in style. Not only has he brought back the big screen tv and La-z-boy recliners, he's brought bags of groceries, DVD's (including Excalibur and Hello Dolly!), and enough cosmopolitan supplies to keep me drunk for a year.
After he took Biscuitface out for a walk, they were gone a long time, he and Stella went to "catch up" in the other room. And after a few cosmos, I've put on my headphones with ABBA's Greatest Hits and thought I'd catch up on the latest tv stuff. (ed. as the title suggests, finally!)
My agent finally called back; he wants me to work up a pitch for a new show; a 1/2 hour ensemble, character based, non-threatening, and funny so that the whole family can enjoy. Presumably not set in Montreal, Vancouver or Toronto (ed. does that include Hamilton, London?)
My agent told me one of the networks (ed. don't you mean all of the networks?) are looking for a show like this.
I've got a few ideas, I'm tossing around in my head; How does "Little Gas Bar on the Prarie" sound? Hmmm, maybe not something so transparent
So that's kinda good news, I haven't written in years. Well, other than this blog and this is just cheaper than therapy.
Could use some good news since my DHX (Halifax Film Company) stock has fallen back down to $1.40 a share. This is where my 1000 shares was when I first got it. Can someone give the exec's there a friendly reminder they should be pumping out more production on the kids shows, please! Romeo Daillaire isn't going to make me rich!
I just found out today that those "baby carrots" you buy in the store are not young carrots! They take regular grown-up carrots and shave them down somehow (ed. like in a carrot sharpener?) so that they look small, clean and more appetizing. There's something wrong with that and I'm going to contact Marketplace right after this.
(ed. Okay, you've strayed too far from the theme again.)
Well, the topic of regional production has come up and I thought I'd put my two cents worth in. (ed. with a 49% top-up.)
Regional production is when the CTF encourages (ed. forces) producers to produce outside the traditional hubs of Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. What the original intent was (ed. oh, oh, don't use the diversity card!) to make sure stories get told from other parts of the country instead of the big cities. Not too long ago most Canadian television came out of Toronto. Now, I come from Halifax and when I started working in television I went away to where it was happening. That's where the work was. So I went. And I was cool with that. I was really sick of the attitude that the government should financially back companies and industries with cash and tax credits to relocate here. A lot of them did and once the money was spent, they were gone. A lot of money went down the crapper.
(ed. back to the tv thing!)
So, the concept that CTF would fund productions in other areas has worked (ed. Oh crap. You don't want to say that.) Really, Halifax has two full professional crews that work practically year round. All the resources are available here; production equipment, props houses etc. Was it a good idea to force this on the business? That's debatable (ed. Don't start a debate or I'll close this blog down!)
But years ago, Canadian TV was Wayne and Shuster, Front Page Challange, Bizarre, Stars on Ice (ed. WTF?"), ENG, Traders, Street Legal, Hi Diddle Day etc. All out of Toronto. If it wasn't for the CTF policy, we wouldn't have Corner Gas, Trailer Park Boys, 22 Minutes, Little Mosque on the Prarie. Or would we have something better?
Are producers and writers being punished for living and working in the "centres"? Yes and no. They're missing out on one source of funding, but they have access to a the network of broadcasters; all the decisions are all still made in Toronto. Outside Toronto, we refer to the pitching exercise as the $1,000 cup of coffee.
But it may be time to loosen the reins; after all, relocating a production and crew 151 miles outside of Toronto really doesn't help anything. Also, a lot of "centre" productions become "regional" productions when a Toronto producer partners with a Nova Scotian ("Shattered City") or New Brunswick producer. This means the production gets shot here and the regional producer gets a fee and credit for sitting back and doing nothing. A crew gets hired but the industry hardly develops.
So that's all I'm going to type on the subject. Carl brought me a DVD of "The Incredible Mr. Limpit" so I'm going to watch that now. night.
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