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.

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

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.

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!

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.

CBC Ditches Headquarters for a Little Mosque

Not really,

But the CBC came out with their fall programming today to nobody's surprise but them! They seemed especially exuberant.

"In a glitzy afternoon ceremony presided over by host George Stroumboulopoulos (can this guy be any better spokesperson for exuberance!) and peppered with the broadcaster's most famous faces,

(Mr. Dress-up, Bruno Gerussi, the Air Farce and other dead celebs?) the CBC unveiled a raft of programming — both brand new and returning shows — scheduled to hit the airwaves beginning this fall.

Little Mosque on the Prairie, (CBC has ordered 212 episodes, not really, they ordered 20 which is a huge commitment, not seen since the King of Kensington. Good or bad, discuss. They usually order six-packs so this is unusual).

The high-energy presentation (Really? This is CBC remember!) kicked off with a nod to the CBC's recent runaway hit, (eh, okay "runaway." remember we're all shareholders, happy thoughts, happy thoughts). Little Mosque on the Prairie, which was given the heady title of "saviour of the CBC" and is one of next season's highlights. (okay......)

Other programs set for sophomore seasons include crime drama Intelligence, (surprise! Oh what the hell more exclamation marks, !!!) the entrepreneur-based reality show Dragon's Den (it is cute) and a language-related edition of the quiz show Test the Nation. (and this is fun. But a lot of that is Wendy Mesley, ummmm)

Though many criticized the public broadcaster's entrance into the world of reality programming, the audience has warmed to it, said Kirstine Layfield, CBC-TV's executive director of network programming.

'Audiences saw that we weren't going to this kind of weird, Extreme Makeover plastic-surgery place (um, unless Peter Mansbridge counts) … they understand we're doing this with a purpose.'

—Kirstine Layfield, CBC-TV "It was hard for people to understand what reality TV was in the world of CBC," she said Tuesday afternoon. ('cept she said she didn't want to see any more proposals from east coast, those dark comedy people. Redundancy alert! (but that's were where Rick Mercer and 22 Minutes come from.) East coast is more to the right on the big pink map than Quebec))

Current affairs and entertainment show The Hour, hosted by Stroumboulopoulos, comedy hits like Rick Mercer Report, (lifer) long-running drama Coronation Street (money maker; if only CBC could come up with something like this. Oh, right they tried but failed cause they didn't understand that story and characters were important. But that was the previous administration. Where is Fred Nickoloidous? Hopefully off doing nothing which, I know...) and David Suzuki's venerable The Nature of Things (does Suzuki have pictures of someone with a german shepard or does he just rip his clothes off everytime they have a meeting to cancel him?) are among other returning favourites.

Flagship newscast The National will be added to CBC-TV's expanding slate of high-definition programming, joining documentary specials and hockey broadcasts. (Um, outside of Toronto and Alberta, nobody cares)

The upcoming talent search Triple Sensation will see competitors who must excel at acting, singing and dancing.

"We didn't follow any of those judging gimmicks," said actress Cynthia Dale, who joins Garth Drabinsky as one of the show's five judges.

(okay, anything with Cynthia Dale; I'm in. She is an accomplished actress, stage screen etc; but I still hope to stumble across that movie she made where she was the fitness instructor in competition back in the eigthies. Nobody, and I mean NOBODY, can sweat and maintain her poise like this lady!)

"We have to try things that are different. We can't just make Canadian versions of American shows. (And we shouldn't. Because we can't do it! And we actually have our own identity. sigh, I stop now.)

We have to make things that are truly our own." (But as Barrie Dunn, one of the maestros behind Trailer Park Boys said, "You should take a risk")(sic)"

So that's all I have to say about the CBC.

Time to check the stock price of DHX, the masterminds behind 22 MInutes, Lunar Jim, Poko etc. If you're into Canadian TV for anything but profit, move along. I have to check and see how my 1000 shares are doing. Excuse me for a minute. (I really am minimizing to check the stock price, so hold on)

(Elevator Music)

We're aT $1.48 which isn't so bad considering my cost, nothing. (inheiretence) But I do feel bad for the board of directors who were granted:

Sir Graham Day, Director 100,000 $2.25
Granted to J. William Ritchie, Director 100,000 $2.25
Granted to Joe Medjuck, Director 100,000 $2.25
Granted to Donald Wright, Director 100,000 $2.25
Granted to Dana Landry, CFO 322,500 $2.25
Granted to Employees 24,047 $2.25
Well, they didn't actually "buy in" like they used their own money.

Although I've theoretically lost money since my inheiritence, these millionaires have lost...well nothing. Prices are down and their shares were essentially free so basically they're just losing ...gravy they never had before.

And Dana Landry borrowed money to buy his shares so... is it just me or do rich people risk nothing to gain more money?

Guess it's just me.

Ouch, too bad the stocks at $1.48 but I think this shows confidence!

But I know my fellow potential shareholedrs will appreciate the following Kinks!

WTF?

The last week has been a series of up's and downs here in the apartment. My sister's exchange student tenant/boyfriend, Carl, has vanished. Into thin air. I know the word "literally" is overused by the media but in this case...

Now I know Carl grew up in the jungles of Brazil and probably knows how to vanish into the underbrush at the first sign of danger from a McCaw or whatever, but he was living here with us in southend Halifax (ed. some would say that's jungle like).

Okay, but when you're fleeing for your life you don't grab the the big screen HD tv and DVD/VCR player with you when you scurry into the underbrush! Crap, I even suspected this was going to happen and put windchimes on the suckers. Not a tinkle.

Sigh.

So here I sit with my sister Stella, who's constantly complaining about the infarction in her leg, whatever that is, watching basic cable on a puny 27" screen that I'm sure even the natives in Borneo would scoff at, especially during world cup!

Anyhoo, I was happy to see that my stock in DHX (Halifax Film Company) has gone up.
My 1000 shares are now worth $1.65 each! But, then I found this little notice hidden away after all the 3rd quarter "parade of happiness".


"Wednesday May 16, 11:33 am ET


In press release c9498 sent today at 2:00e, errors occurred in the column headings of the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Deficit and the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, as well as in Notes (number sign) 6, 13, 14 and 15 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. They all reference "three-months ended", but the last two columns on the far right should read "nine-months ended". Corrected copy follows:"

Oh, that's okay. Mistakes will happen. I once put a quarter in the parking meter next to mine. So for 25 cents, a neighbourfriend (ed. friend you don't know) gets a freebie. Good for him.

But really, this is like, sorry officer, I thought I was doing 100 kms but apparently I was doing 200 million!

Do the people putting these figures together for the Toronto and London stock exchange realize that this is important?

Now I don't know much about the number crunching but if anyone were to stay awake while reading the financial statements (I haven't slept well in a long time, anyway), they would notice that the income/revenue that were trumpeted so highly for three months were actually for nine months. Sorta like your girlfriend, saying "that was Fantastic!!!", but she meant "wow, that was okay, considering the time involved, you know ....." The ....'s are her's, you know how they trail off. ...

I'll Buy You Pearls, Now Please!

Well, it's been a busy couple of days. Eloise is here trying to comfort my sister Stella. She's been crying ever since her Brazilian boyfriend stormed out of here last night.

I was in the other room so I don't know what happened but apparently she wasn't all that fond of a present he gave her. Since my divorce, I've realized it's a mug's game trying to figure out women. Actually, it was before that but that's when I gave up trying.

But why she would be upset because he gave her a pearl necklace? I guess she was sleeping at the time but I'm seeing the only breach of etiquete was his timing.

Anyway, we haven't seen him since and the apartment is full of crying women.

But my stock is down $ .03. I have a thousand shares so I'm losing...some cash. Should I be worried? Maybe I should cash in and buy that Daredevil #1 they have at Strange Adventures. That can't be worse than gambling my future on this stupid stock market.

Symbol Last Trade $ Change % Change Volume Exchange*
DHX 1.450 +0.000 +0.00 6,800 T

And sorry DHX, not DMX as in my previous blogs. My mistake and I hope not a lot of you bought shares in Demi-Morbid Xcruciating Films. Probably, you might want to sell them before the authorities show up at your door.

I Own Halifax Film Company!

Well, not quite but I am a shareholder. For once in my life I own something of value. (ed. apparently Pez dispensers are not considered currency in many places.)

After extensive research I've discovered that not only were my previous blogs unobjective and unfair they were just plain mean.

Halifax Film Company has created hundreds of jobs for animators who toil away like asian tailors doing what they love to do; animate. Why if it wasn't for this company these kids would be out creating grafetti and making things move excrutiatingly slow.

And as far as me, criticizing the company for not donating to charity or providing scholarships to people who can't afford to go to "stop-motion school" or whatever the hell they call it; remember people it's called SHOW BUSINESS! If you can't play by the rules, maybe you shouldn't be playing the game.

And I'm not saying this just because I own 1000 shares in DMX (Halifax Film Company). Call me a selfish hypocrite if you want.

Go ahead, I'll wait.

So now, let's talk about me. I've been reading up on investments, via internet research (ed. Is there any other kind?) and I've pieced together my net worth, projections and, um, integrated cash/value ratio. Okay, so, I'm not really a numbers guy.

But I went to the DMX quarterly report and found this:

"- Revenues for the third quarter ended March 31, 2007 increased over 216%
from the same period of 2006;
- The number of delivered half-hours of production increased 97% to 33.
from 17 in the same period of 2006.

Michael Donovan, Chairman and CEO, commented,

"We continue to deliver on our strategy. During the quarter, we were pleased to have launched several new series and closed two significant merchandising and licensing deals. We anticipate continued growth across our four strategic drivers, being increasing merchandising & licensing revenue, expanding the television and film library, leveraging our international distribution capabilities and exploiting new content platforms." "

I'm not sure what my fellow shareholder Michael Donovan said but it all sounds upbeat. He could be talking about widgets but really people, is enteratinment in this country no better than quantity per dollar anyway? I think that's what God would want.

And note to Michael: The number of hours of programming generated; can we pump that production out a bit faster people!

Here's some more financials:

"The growth in revenue included a 66% organic increase to $2.510 million in proprietary production... "

I don't get most of this financial mumbo jumbo but look; we're a money maker and we're organic! So shut up.

And as my grandfather always said "invest in land, cause they ain't making it any more" !

"Acquisitions

During the nine-month period ended March 31, 2007, the following
acquisitions occurred:

(a) On July 1, 2006 (the "Effective Date"), the Company completed a
business acquisition and acquired all of the issued and
outstanding shares of Electropolis Studios Incorporated for cash
consideration of $31,852."

Does this mean I own part of a soundstage? On the Halifax waterfront? This has got to be worth millions! Smart shopping!

And we own something else:

"(e) On April 7, 2006 (the "Effective Date"), the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of Funny Farm Productions Limited, a film production company for cash consideration of $90,073."

I'll have to google that; never heard of it. But I'm sure its valuable! (ed. culturally speaking, you mean?"

And we own this:

"$0.245 million-1 half-hour for the pilot of The Truth About"

Um, never heard of it. But, we own this:

"On April 7, 2006 (the Effective Date), The Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of Boy Girl Productions Canada Limited ("Boy Girl"), a film production company for cash consideration of $128,719."

Um, I did google this but I'm hoping it has nothing to do with the website that turned up. Freaks!


And we own this:

"On May 19, 2006, the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of Decode Entertainment Inc. ("Decode"), a television production company, for the total consideration of $17,961,095."

Yeah! Shake your money maker!

But here's more:

"Along with further penetration of the Decode library, (ed. this sounds naughty!) the distribution team has been able to successfully place more than 20 titles from the Company's current production slate and library in multiple territories throughout the world."

Dollars, pesos, rubles, bring it on!

"the Company has over 55 half-hours of contracted proprietary programs,
made up of 9 different episodic television series, which are scheduled for
delivery. "

Oh yeah, talk to papa! You know when they talk about television in these terms it just sounds more entertaining. And isn't that what we're all after folks!

Are we liquid? I feel liquid!

"4 Amounts receivable

Trade 12,079,642
Income taxes receivable 135,606
Goods and services taxes recoverable 388,569
Federal and provincial film tax credits
and other government assistance 22,115,876
Due from an officer and director 250,000

Check out that Gov't "assistance". Assist me Stephen! Ahhahahahahahaaa! But, excuse me, who the hell owes us $250,000? Can we not get our ducks in a row?!

And here are my fellow shareholders (actually onlt potential shareholders are listed here but I'm sure they have the sense God gave them and already own shares):

"c. Summary of options and warrants

Options


Granted to Sir Graham Day, Director 100,000 $2.25
Granted to J. William Ritchie, Director 100,000 $2.25
Granted to Joe Medjuck, Director 100,000 $2.25
Granted to Donald Wright, Director 100,000 $2.25
Granted to Dana Landry, CFO 322,500 $2.25
Granted to Employees 24,047 $2.25

Ouch, too bad the stocks at $1.48 but I think this show confidence!


Gosh, I can't wait till the next shareholder's meeting. I'm sure there will be the usual official meeting with the proles, but afterwards some of the more prominant shareholders will retire to the Halifax Club for cognac, cosmopolitans and cigars.

Being recognized not just as an ordinary shareholder but as a voice of television's cultural side (having offered several jokes to my friends at America's Funniest Videos), I will be invited to join them.

I can picture us in the main room: me, Michael Donovan, Charles "the Green Arrow" Bishop, Dana "money guy" Landry and Bill "whoever he is" Ritchie. We're all sharing bon mots back and forth. "Oh, no more reparte for me, thanks", I say, "I'm full". The others chuckle.

It's been a good day.

On to the the Golden Shower for God's Sake!

My sister Stella and her Brazillian exchange student boyfriend have been arguing all day. He wants to go out and buy things (Hey Carl, Different Strokes is on DVD.) but Stella wants to go to my Aunt's 50th anniversary shower, which I believe is the Golden one, I think.

It was fifty years ago today that her intended husband Ted, ran from the alter; literally he ran. Tragic at the time, my Aunt soon considered it a sign from God as Ted went on to rob a bank and spend most of the rest of his life on the lamb (ed. an odd thing to ride, especially if the authorities are chasing you.)

Anyway my Aunt Trisha never married and celebrates her close call every year with family and friends. And as I cannot leave the apartment, it's up to Stella to go and enjoy tiny sandwiches and cheese with flavourings in them.

I just want them both out of the apartment so I can read my book "Investing in Canada for Dummies."

I've come into 1000 shares of DMX (Halifax Film Company) and I want to be able to figure what to do with them

Should I keep the shares hoping that the returns will comfort me in my old age, or should I cash in now and buy that "The Hills Have Eyes" original movie poster (with lobby cards) that I've had my eye on?

Bits and Bites

Just have to toss off a few things here:

- CBC has cancelled the Gil Deacon Show. This was a feel-good chat show devoted to crafts and feelings aimed at women over the age of fifty on high dosages of anti-depressants. It will be replaced by Hinterland Who's Who's Greatest Hits.

- The local newspaper reported that Shaun Majumder will be one of the stars of a new show for Fox. (See my posting for April 6 for the long-winded details)

- People have commented that I seem to be picking on Halifax Film Company (aka DMX) and that will stop. Apparently they think I'm some sort of hippy who cares more about culture than money. I'd rather not blog if people think I'm being unfair.

- the CRTC is unleashing the advertising chains from broadcasters. Currently limited to 14 minutes per hour, by 2008, Canadian networks can have as much advertising as they sell. Can we get TIVO in Canada?

- I love horror films. Let me clarify that. I love scary films and not torturing humans with power tools, films. I just watched Hush, Hush, Sweet Charlotte,
Sure a fake decapitation but no close-ups of sharp things going into peoples eyes. If only there were more scary, entertaining films but I feel there are none coming soon. Scary Stuff.

- Oh, and I just found out that I've been left 1,000 shares of DMX (Halifax Film Company) stock in a will.

So that's all for now on the state of TV in Canada.

I Need a Little Break

This blog's been getting a bit too serious lately so I'll take a break for a video from The Syle Council.



And a little Stewie



Symbol Last Trade $ Change
DHX 1.460 +0.010 +0.69

DHX's 3rd Quarter report was released today. Looked through the stuff but couldn't see how much they contributed to charity or how many young filmmakers they've helped finance calling cards for. Must be there, somewhere.

The Office!!!!

Brilliant, brilliant brilliant!

I think I've seen most of The Office this year and I just watched the season finale. Steve Carrell of course is dynamite as is the rest of the cast. Favourite scenes:

- Jan and Michael on the drive away from the office after she's been led away by security from her job.

- Jim finds Pam's note.

- Jim and Pam on the beach immediately after.

- when Pam is talking to the camera in the conference room and Jim pops in to ask her to dinner, she says yes,and he leaves. The look on her face, the smile, the eyes...this is one brilliant actress. (ed. Get well soon!)

- but the absolute favourite is the ending when the head guy in New York is welcoming aboard the winner of the job that everyone's been applying for. I thought, he's on the phone to an unknown person and this is the cliffhanger until next year. But then they cut to the intern on the other end of the phone! he's getting the job! (ed. should we issue some sort of spoiler alert?)

The camera's close up on him and his "girlfriend" is sitting in the background. When he's done with the phone call she asks him "who was that?" He looks at us with a smile and says to her "we're done".

Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant!!!

The latest share prices for DHX, i.e. the company formed when Halifax Film Company acquired Decode:


Share Price:

Symbol Last Trade $ Change %Change Volume
DHX 1.450 -0.030 -2.03 5 1,308

Contributions to the tv film community:

DHX 0.00