It's been a long time a'bloggin' (ed. isn't that one of the twelve days of xmas?) so let's get to all the relevant (ed. and irrelevant ) stuff. My editor, as usual is my pal Lunchmeat Hearald (ed. Howdy citizens!)
So what's new in Canadian Tvslashfilm?
CTF has been renewed for 2 more years. (ed. Yes! We eat. Maybe. Big Brother can you spare a dime for a documentary filmmaker? Nationally, culturally important. But no, sorry, it's not about hockey.)
"Treevenge" a nova scotia short film has been going great guns on the internet and scored a top five amongst film fans at Sundance. Good suff. I'm guessing it didn't cost anything. Go you young tyros!
Closer to home (ed. God! he's going to talk about himself.) things have been okay. My sister Karlie and her Brazillian boyfriend/fiancee/husband (though not recognized by any legal entity whatsoever) have moved out of the apartment with their "newborn". Worried me a bit but Prince kama a maya or whatever his name is, has continued paying rent and other bills for me, so I'm cool with the whole thing. And he's even arranged for groceries to be delivered here on a regular basis which is a boon to me since I can't leave the apartment. But I digress.
Luckily I don't have to rely on my investment earnings (ed. Gad! Here we go.) Since my Father left me with nothing but a muddied name and 1000 shares of DHX stock, I thought I'd be able to rely on one or the other to provide me with some retirement...cash on hand...pocket money...?
Not that I can complain, but when I got these shares they were like $1.60 each. Against my better judgement I resisted trading them for Nortel stock (ed. who?) and held them for the long term.
And then I watched them fall. And fall. And...why the hell are they falling?!!?11
(ed. cartooney, all those exclamation points and stuff.!!!????)
But you know, it's the world economy so I can't blame the good folks at DHX. Their trying their darn tootinest (ed. Hold on. Is that a word?) to turn a profit for their shareholders. And even though the stock has fallen to a third of it's value (ed. snicker. when you said that out loud it sounded like "turd".) we're looking at the longterm and these folks, in for the long haul have turned to the shareholders who agree that they deserve more recognition (ed. ie. "compensation") than would be normal in the circumstances.
With AIG and Lehman Brothers execs giving themselves huge performance budgets, though now in desperate need of government bailouts, the good folks at DHX feel dfferent, although in the same way.
Just because they were going to "cash in their chips" which in my mind means receive the recognition they deserve, financially speaking, (ed. What? There's a run at the bank?)and sell out to E1, it doesn't mean they shouldn't be compensated for their previous hard work and the hard work yet to come.
DHX's Court and Demune "earned" (ed. quotation marks mine)a 51% and 42% raise last year. Sounds like a lot until you realize that it ends up as a yearly salary of $354,808 and $454,000 respectively. Which still, sounds like a lot until you realize that includes a bonus of $100,000 amd $50,000 respectively. (ed. Note to Demune, seems like your ass is dragging.)
Closer to home Charles "the Green Arrow" Bishop, received a 27% raise with a $50,000 bonus (ed. what? Did they happen to have bonus currency made up in $50,000 increments?) Our industrious leader Michael Donovan received the same as did Financial guru Dana Landry (ed. he takes all the numbers and adds them up good. Couldn't a student intern do that?)
But bottom line, some might say, it seems like a lot to pay the executives of DHX, especially in light that the stock is at a third of what it was (ed. or a "turd") but it all has to be taken into context. (ed. Lets not even talk about the $2.2M loss from Shake Hands With the Devil. Which is the number they say publicaly, which may be a different number internally, but that's how it goes.)
The provincial funding agency, last year "invested" (ed. like it will ever see a "return". Free money everybody!), $165,000 in The Mighty Jungle 2. An animated or puppetated kids show for CBC. So that pays for a chunk of those bonus'es.
Secondly, being a democratic organization, the most votes gets to say whether all these bonuses are deserved or not.
And, although my 1000 vote voice is hopefully heard, the majority shareholder, Michael, outvotes and outlives them all.
Tomorrow: YTV series for Halifax, (ed. not really Halifax) and whatever happened to that spelling bee show? And that John Wing Pilot?
Friday, 30 January 2009
Tuesday, 27 January 2009
Somebody's Frozen My Assets
Can't blog. Some...force...making..it...difficult. So much to type...ugh
Monday, 29 September 2008
Halifax Film, Nooooooooo!
Well, breaking news this morning chums. My editor today is my friend Lunchmeat Harold. Try and keep up Lunchmeat, this is immense. (Ed. Check!) Halifax Film aka DHX has been sold to a company out west called Entertainment 1 which is the latest monster distributor to emerge from the goo since Aliance Atlantis.
What does this mean to you dear reader? No offence but I don't know and don't care. I care about me,(ed. and me?)
Allnovascotia.com reports the deal will pay $1.59 a share (ed. Full disclosure, the author owns 1000 shares.), which is fine, especially considering the stocks were at .80 something last week. But I was holding on to my shares for my retirement (ed. from what?), I was going to ride the wave to comfort in my old age, soft food to eat, cosmos by the carton and disposible Depends. But alas, although DHX will continue to run, the ship will have to do without a captain.
Michael Donovan is not staying on.
I'm shattered, I'm numb (ed. Could be the breakfast cosmopolitans).
Where will the guidence come from? Will Charles (The Green Arrow) Bishop and Cheryl Hasson continue to pilot the ship to financial and creative apexes, quarter after quarter?
As they say in television, stay tuned.
What does this mean to you dear reader? No offence but I don't know and don't care. I care about me,(ed. and me?)
Allnovascotia.com reports the deal will pay $1.59 a share (ed. Full disclosure, the author owns 1000 shares.), which is fine, especially considering the stocks were at .80 something last week. But I was holding on to my shares for my retirement (ed. from what?), I was going to ride the wave to comfort in my old age, soft food to eat, cosmos by the carton and disposible Depends. But alas, although DHX will continue to run, the ship will have to do without a captain.
Michael Donovan is not staying on.
I'm shattered, I'm numb (ed. Could be the breakfast cosmopolitans).
Where will the guidence come from? Will Charles (The Green Arrow) Bishop and Cheryl Hasson continue to pilot the ship to financial and creative apexes, quarter after quarter?
As they say in television, stay tuned.
Tuesday, 23 September 2008
A Little Dis, A Little Dat
Still have not heard anything but rumours about Jeff Rosen leaving Halifax Film. Hopefully they're still friends and promise to call each other every second week to "catch up." and say "I miss you too." Plus, it would open the door for me to step in, with my background in children's television. (Ed. Nobody even remembers who The Littlest Hobo was.)
But I worry it's another sign that Halifax Film is diversifying, which would leave me out in the cold. (Ed. Maybe they'll rent you a sweater.)
That's my editor Lunchmeat Harold who's not quite the fan of the good folks at Halifax Film as I am. (Ed. Don't suck up just because you have a thousand shares of stock!)
But seriously, Halifax Film has focused on children's entertainment and been so sucessful at it that well, they just can't sell any more. Cheap broadcasters just wait for the kids to grow up, the next generation's on the assembly line and they just start the series over again.
So what to do? Well, they did just hire Chris Zimmer as Head of Development though all he's done is feature films. We have dipped our toes in that pool before with Shake Hands with the Devil.
Halifax Film is currently producing a mini-series entitled Sould for Vision. (ed. who knew).
Then there's that Spelling Bee show. Sure it's got kids in it but its got to have the parents in mind.
They've hired Gary Vermeer away from ACTRA. He knows every actor in the tri-state area.
What these means folks is that Halifax Film is about to explode with richy goodness. Sell your children and buy some stock because we're going to take over all the demographics fairly soon.
But I worry it's another sign that Halifax Film is diversifying, which would leave me out in the cold. (Ed. Maybe they'll rent you a sweater.)
That's my editor Lunchmeat Harold who's not quite the fan of the good folks at Halifax Film as I am. (Ed. Don't suck up just because you have a thousand shares of stock!)
But seriously, Halifax Film has focused on children's entertainment and been so sucessful at it that well, they just can't sell any more. Cheap broadcasters just wait for the kids to grow up, the next generation's on the assembly line and they just start the series over again.
So what to do? Well, they did just hire Chris Zimmer as Head of Development though all he's done is feature films. We have dipped our toes in that pool before with Shake Hands with the Devil.
Halifax Film is currently producing a mini-series entitled Sould for Vision. (ed. who knew).
Then there's that Spelling Bee show. Sure it's got kids in it but its got to have the parents in mind.
They've hired Gary Vermeer away from ACTRA. He knows every actor in the tri-state area.
What these means folks is that Halifax Film is about to explode with richy goodness. Sell your children and buy some stock because we're going to take over all the demographics fairly soon.
Sunday, 21 September 2008
Breaking News! Jeff Rosen Leaving Halifax Film?
The man behind all of Halifax Films kid's shows, essentially CBC mornings is rumoured to leaving. But why? Fired? Quiting? Buddist Monestary?
Must do more snoping.
Must do more snoping.
Friday, 19 September 2008
...And Now ......The Rest of The Story. The story of Halifax Film and Television
Hi Folks,
Don't have much time to blog tonight, just fifteen minutes, "MAX! And you won't get on tomorrow night if it's one minute over!". As you all know I haven't blogged in a while, I've been "away" and sort of missed out on a lot that's been happening. But once I got caught up, Boy! I missed a lot this summer. (Ed. And how!) WTF does that even mean "And How", ? That's my editor logged in miles away, Lunchmeat Harold.
But most of what's happened is good news for the industry in the province and by the industry I mean Halifax Film and by the province I mean Eastern Canada. And just so I'm not accused of bias I will volunteer that I am a shareholder. (ed. He holds 1000shares)
So point by point, here we go:
Point I - I am somewhat disappointed in NSFDC (ed. you mean Film Nova Scotia) in that they only gave Halifax Film $165,000 for the whole year ending 2008. That was for The Mighty Jungle II (Ed. Missed Mighty Jungle I but apparently there needed to be a sequel). Luckily we got $165,000 last year for the same show. (Ed. ?) And $135,000 for Mighty Jungle I. Plus $150,000 for Animal Mechanicals (ED. I, II ???). But again that was last year. 2008, all we got was less than barely a percentage of a million.
Is that why they took the word "Development" out of the agency? Really, though $25M then $17M was raised through the markets and NSBI chipped in $2M to attract asia cartoonists to the province, there is still a need to develop the company into a viable entity. Just some cash until we're on a stable footing. At least we can count on the tax credit for a few million and then we don't have to give any of the profits (ed. no such thing in this business!) back to the government (Ed. and the people, don't forget the people) from all the overseas sales, because they own a stake in the show.
It wouldn't be so hard to swallow if Ocean Entertainment (ed. Who?) hadn't received $500,000! for two cooking shows! Cooking shows? How much Dilled Salmon is that, Michael Smith? (Ed. Whay are you bringing that up? I've never dilled a salmon, and I resent the implication.)
Point II - Chris Zimmer has abandoned his business (Ed. Man overboard!). Actually he sold it to yours truly (Ed. Actually, Halifax Film), for like $1M. Which seems like a lot when you consider the jewel in the crown is a 20 year old Rita McNeil in Japan Special. Really, what's the shelf life on that? But in addition Zimmer is joining the crew at Halifax Film (ed. Yeah! Jump on in the water's fine!) as the head of development. (ed. Doesn't that make like seventeen people in cahrge of development? What are we running here an orphanage?)
The news release stated that Chris (Ed. Mr. Zimmer!), would develop more kids shows. But he's never produced a kid's show. His expertise iis in feature films. (ed. What are you suggesting?)
Point III - Gary Vermer has been the face and voice of ACTRA in Nova Scotia for the past ten? years and has decided to chuck that nonsense in. He has joined the team at Halifax Film! Yeah! (ed. - Am I detecting a trend here?
Point IV - Collideascope closes up its doors. The youngish team of M.A. Kuttner and Steven Comeau is calling it quits. These were the young turks of the industry (ed. That was years ago and nobody likes an Old Turk.). They're cartoon machine churned out a lot of service work and original productions so I'm curious as to why they're stopping and what they're going to do. (ed. Hmmm, wonder where, I wonder?)
Anyway, it's almost lights out so I'm signing off. ttfn. (ed. Try the Fussilli, Ned?
Don't have much time to blog tonight, just fifteen minutes, "MAX! And you won't get on tomorrow night if it's one minute over!". As you all know I haven't blogged in a while, I've been "away" and sort of missed out on a lot that's been happening. But once I got caught up, Boy! I missed a lot this summer. (Ed. And how!) WTF does that even mean "And How", ? That's my editor logged in miles away, Lunchmeat Harold.
But most of what's happened is good news for the industry in the province and by the industry I mean Halifax Film and by the province I mean Eastern Canada. And just so I'm not accused of bias I will volunteer that I am a shareholder. (ed. He holds 1000shares)
So point by point, here we go:
Point I - I am somewhat disappointed in NSFDC (ed. you mean Film Nova Scotia) in that they only gave Halifax Film $165,000 for the whole year ending 2008. That was for The Mighty Jungle II (Ed. Missed Mighty Jungle I but apparently there needed to be a sequel). Luckily we got $165,000 last year for the same show. (Ed. ?) And $135,000 for Mighty Jungle I. Plus $150,000 for Animal Mechanicals (ED. I, II ???). But again that was last year. 2008, all we got was less than barely a percentage of a million.
Is that why they took the word "Development" out of the agency? Really, though $25M then $17M was raised through the markets and NSBI chipped in $2M to attract asia cartoonists to the province, there is still a need to develop the company into a viable entity. Just some cash until we're on a stable footing. At least we can count on the tax credit for a few million and then we don't have to give any of the profits (ed. no such thing in this business!) back to the government (Ed. and the people, don't forget the people) from all the overseas sales, because they own a stake in the show.
It wouldn't be so hard to swallow if Ocean Entertainment (ed. Who?) hadn't received $500,000! for two cooking shows! Cooking shows? How much Dilled Salmon is that, Michael Smith? (Ed. Whay are you bringing that up? I've never dilled a salmon, and I resent the implication.)
Point II - Chris Zimmer has abandoned his business (Ed. Man overboard!). Actually he sold it to yours truly (Ed. Actually, Halifax Film), for like $1M. Which seems like a lot when you consider the jewel in the crown is a 20 year old Rita McNeil in Japan Special. Really, what's the shelf life on that? But in addition Zimmer is joining the crew at Halifax Film (ed. Yeah! Jump on in the water's fine!) as the head of development. (ed. Doesn't that make like seventeen people in cahrge of development? What are we running here an orphanage?)
The news release stated that Chris (Ed. Mr. Zimmer!), would develop more kids shows. But he's never produced a kid's show. His expertise iis in feature films. (ed. What are you suggesting?)
Point III - Gary Vermer has been the face and voice of ACTRA in Nova Scotia for the past ten? years and has decided to chuck that nonsense in. He has joined the team at Halifax Film! Yeah! (ed. - Am I detecting a trend here?
Point IV - Collideascope closes up its doors. The youngish team of M.A. Kuttner and Steven Comeau is calling it quits. These were the young turks of the industry (ed. That was years ago and nobody likes an Old Turk.). They're cartoon machine churned out a lot of service work and original productions so I'm curious as to why they're stopping and what they're going to do. (ed. Hmmm, wonder where, I wonder?)
Anyway, it's almost lights out so I'm signing off. ttfn. (ed. Try the Fussilli, Ned?
Tuesday, 9 September 2008
...And We're Back!
Took a little vacation but now we're back and just in time! Been a lot happening in the film and TV game in Halifax/Nova Scotia and we'll be commenting on all of it over the next few days.
Wednesday, 7 May 2008
Big Things in Store for CBC!
My sister's boyfriend Carlo has returned and cause he's rich and feeling guilty about walking out on Stella, he brought all kinds-o-gifts! For Stella, he's brought flowers, chocolates, and enough Bling that he must have denudded East-side L.A. of gold chains.
For my editor, Lunchmeat Harold, (ed. Howdy!) he had a "Red" camera delivered. Lunchmeat is an amatuer moviemaker (ed. Filmmaker!)and thought he was doing the world of art a service by making a 300 part documentary on how a bright red shirt gradually devolves and loses its colour after continuous washings. Each part, he's filmed 125 so far, doesn't show the whole washing machine cycle, he fast motions them down to 5 minutes each. (ed. the whole cycle would be kind of silly, don'tcha think?). And for even more artistic integrity he shot them on a Fisher-Price Camcorder from the seventies. But now he has this professional "Red" video camera and he's ecstatic. I have no idea what's so special about it, but there's a button on it that says Time Shift, which I'm hoping allows him to see the future. (ed. and it is mine!)
Carlo brought a gift for Karlie too, a bag of white powder, which is unfortunate because Karlie has (ed. Had) gone eight weeks without a sniff, injection, inhallation, or insertion of any kind of narcotic. Carlo meant well, but she immediately retreated to her room (ed. which is actually just a pantry with tufts of grass in it for bedding.) and now all we can hear is the sound of snorting followed by some religious exclamations.
(ed. she's praying at the Church of the Holy Jesus Look at the Colours!)
And Carlo boght me a huge flat screen tv/computer monitor, to replace the one we had to give the super in exchange for a months rent. It's fantastic and the first thing I did was go to the CBC on-line store and order the complete Air-Farce boxed DVD collection before they all sell out. (ed. that's the set with the mini chicken canon). And believe me on this humongus set, all the items in the store look big. Hence the title of this entry. (ed. oh, man, a long way and too much exposition for that bit.)
And for his son/daughter, Carlo brought a $1M worth of toys. And I'm not being unliteral.
And just because he's an inbred royal, Carlo also brought a small mammal-like critter, not unlike a tiny elephant with a half-trunk, if you will. Apparently they are endangered and illegal to catch and send outside the country but Carlo has access to some sort of diplomatic pouches. Hence another endangered species gets closer to the brink of extinction. I was going to protest but the thing just smelled so good while it was roasting.
But now back to what this blog is really supposed to be about. TV!
Corner Gas is calling it quits and Trailer Park Boys is done. Strange, in the past the networks would just put a lock on the door at the end of the shooting but now people seem interested in what's happening.
My CTF bulliten collector sent me a message that the Fund had "found" $12M. WTF? Did it fall out of Jim Shaw's pocket when he was sitting on the couch there while he was waiting to see the A Team?
More stuff soon as the baby is trying to sleep and is startled by keystrokes.
Quarter pounders
For my editor, Lunchmeat Harold, (ed. Howdy!) he had a "Red" camera delivered. Lunchmeat is an amatuer moviemaker (ed. Filmmaker!)and thought he was doing the world of art a service by making a 300 part documentary on how a bright red shirt gradually devolves and loses its colour after continuous washings. Each part, he's filmed 125 so far, doesn't show the whole washing machine cycle, he fast motions them down to 5 minutes each. (ed. the whole cycle would be kind of silly, don'tcha think?). And for even more artistic integrity he shot them on a Fisher-Price Camcorder from the seventies. But now he has this professional "Red" video camera and he's ecstatic. I have no idea what's so special about it, but there's a button on it that says Time Shift, which I'm hoping allows him to see the future. (ed. and it is mine!)
Carlo brought a gift for Karlie too, a bag of white powder, which is unfortunate because Karlie has (ed. Had) gone eight weeks without a sniff, injection, inhallation, or insertion of any kind of narcotic. Carlo meant well, but she immediately retreated to her room (ed. which is actually just a pantry with tufts of grass in it for bedding.) and now all we can hear is the sound of snorting followed by some religious exclamations.
(ed. she's praying at the Church of the Holy Jesus Look at the Colours!)
And Carlo boght me a huge flat screen tv/computer monitor, to replace the one we had to give the super in exchange for a months rent. It's fantastic and the first thing I did was go to the CBC on-line store and order the complete Air-Farce boxed DVD collection before they all sell out. (ed. that's the set with the mini chicken canon). And believe me on this humongus set, all the items in the store look big. Hence the title of this entry. (ed. oh, man, a long way and too much exposition for that bit.)
And for his son/daughter, Carlo brought a $1M worth of toys. And I'm not being unliteral.
And just because he's an inbred royal, Carlo also brought a small mammal-like critter, not unlike a tiny elephant with a half-trunk, if you will. Apparently they are endangered and illegal to catch and send outside the country but Carlo has access to some sort of diplomatic pouches. Hence another endangered species gets closer to the brink of extinction. I was going to protest but the thing just smelled so good while it was roasting.
But now back to what this blog is really supposed to be about. TV!
Corner Gas is calling it quits and Trailer Park Boys is done. Strange, in the past the networks would just put a lock on the door at the end of the shooting but now people seem interested in what's happening.
My CTF bulliten collector sent me a message that the Fund had "found" $12M. WTF? Did it fall out of Jim Shaw's pocket when he was sitting on the couch there while he was waiting to see the A Team?
More stuff soon as the baby is trying to sleep and is startled by keystrokes.
Quarter pounders
Monday, 5 May 2008
Halifax Film? Who Needs Ya? Not me!
As I blogged last night, things have careened into an entirely new direction. First let me intro my editor tonight Lunchmeat Harold (ed. Howdy!).
Things had gotten a bit desperate around here after I lost my job, my sister Stella got pregnant and couldn't work and my roommate Karly, couldn't quit cold turkey the Jones', if you know what I mean.
I had tried to restart my writing career and sent numerous show ideas to Halifax Film, the world's most important animated children's content provider. (ed. they make cartoons, and your host owns 1000 shares so he's a bit biased.)
Nevertheless, although I sent numerous pitches to the company, they have been apparently too busy ignoring them to reply. And although Karlie could get out of bed to pay the rent (ed. actually, no. That's where she made the rent.) other expenses like food, electricity, the latest House DVD box set. (ed. thank God for Showcase) suffered. But now I don't need them.
Things are looking up, up, up! Last Thursday, Stella went into convultions, (ed. contractions) and fearing an "Alien" type explosion of a fetus from her chest and skuteling across the floor, (ed. that would have been so cool!) I called 911. Minutes later, the ambulance jockies appeared and soon had my sister's half-Brazillian in their grasp. (ed. the father is Brazillian.)
They took my sister and her baby to the hospital for a few days, and when they came back, Carlo was with them! He's the Father and I never thought I would be so happy to see him. Apparently the tribe he comes from in Brazil has such fine tuned homing instincts that he knew Stella was going to birth his prodegy. And he tracked her down. And coming from Royalty and money, (ed. his family were hill people who squatted over a mound of earth holding a Quintillion gallons of oil), he brought gifts.
Sorry but I have to log-off and help with the baby. S/he's so cool. More tomorrow. Oh, and stuff about TV, too.
Things had gotten a bit desperate around here after I lost my job, my sister Stella got pregnant and couldn't work and my roommate Karly, couldn't quit cold turkey the Jones', if you know what I mean.
I had tried to restart my writing career and sent numerous show ideas to Halifax Film, the world's most important animated children's content provider. (ed. they make cartoons, and your host owns 1000 shares so he's a bit biased.)
Nevertheless, although I sent numerous pitches to the company, they have been apparently too busy ignoring them to reply. And although Karlie could get out of bed to pay the rent (ed. actually, no. That's where she made the rent.) other expenses like food, electricity, the latest House DVD box set. (ed. thank God for Showcase) suffered. But now I don't need them.
Things are looking up, up, up! Last Thursday, Stella went into convultions, (ed. contractions) and fearing an "Alien" type explosion of a fetus from her chest and skuteling across the floor, (ed. that would have been so cool!) I called 911. Minutes later, the ambulance jockies appeared and soon had my sister's half-Brazillian in their grasp. (ed. the father is Brazillian.)
They took my sister and her baby to the hospital for a few days, and when they came back, Carlo was with them! He's the Father and I never thought I would be so happy to see him. Apparently the tribe he comes from in Brazil has such fine tuned homing instincts that he knew Stella was going to birth his prodegy. And he tracked her down. And coming from Royalty and money, (ed. his family were hill people who squatted over a mound of earth holding a Quintillion gallons of oil), he brought gifts.
Sorry but I have to log-off and help with the baby. S/he's so cool. More tomorrow. Oh, and stuff about TV, too.
Saturday, 3 May 2008
Halifax Film? More Important Stuff, I suppose. (?)
God, I love question marks in brackets as if, it may be a question or it may mean I know more than you. Or do I?
Hi Folks,
I know its been a while since I blogged but thing have been popping around here, and I mean that literally. My sister Stella has reproduced! And her Brazillian has reappeared. I'll be back to update tomorrow especially for the guy who keeps e-mailing about my dog Biscuitface. He's fine! Okay? There's humans in peril here too, ya know!
Hi Folks,
I know its been a while since I blogged but thing have been popping around here, and I mean that literally. My sister Stella has reproduced! And her Brazillian has reappeared. I'll be back to update tomorrow especially for the guy who keeps e-mailing about my dog Biscuitface. He's fine! Okay? There's humans in peril here too, ya know!
Thursday, 3 April 2008
Can It Get Any Bigger Than This?
Well folks, after a brief hiatus (ed. thats TV talk for a break), I'm back. A lot of things have been happening since the last time I posted so before my afternoon siesta, let's start with the good news. My friend Lunchmeat Harold will be editing for me tonight. (Ed. Howdy)
Why is my friend and mentor Michael Donovan smiling whilst grasping his little man? For good reason. His company (ed. and yours. Full disclosure, the author owns 1000 shares of DHX/Halifax Film/Decode etc. etc. mega-monopoly), has been signing deals here there and everywhere including Spain! They've partnered up with a Spanish production company to produce "Poppets Town" which is apparently a 2D animated series for children and not a show about a drug inhalers in a gay spa!
It's been sold around the world and assuming it's being made with Nova Scotia taxpayer dollars through the Film Tax Credit I guess we're all going to be part-owners. (Ed. sorry, those tax credits are just producer money.) Oh, right. Well at least it will make for a healthy bottom line which is what the entertainment industry is all about.
DHX/Halifax Film/Decode (Ed. Just type DHX before you snap your wrists) also bought a chain of fitness centres for kids called Bulldog Interactive. Imagine with me, a scaled down NuBody's where toddlers and up, enjoy a good workout of their lats and pecs and whathaveyous on the stairmaster or that crazy bicycle where you peddle and peddle but don't go anywhere! Little Jimmy chatting up little Janie as they complain that you just can't get workout togs in sizes 6 to 8 that don't have a cartoon character on them. Except of course for Lunar Jim, Poco which just happen to be on all the flat screened TV's in an endless loop! Why the gym shoppes (ed. oh, with a "pe", classy.) will be forced to carry all the toys and gadgets and clothes and zit creams with our shows logos on them. As a shareholder, this makes me moist. A captive audience with disposible income to spare. I'm assuming that their parents take them here to see and be seen rather than have the tykes get all dirty in their backyards like we had to do.
DHX (ed. thanks) also secured a deal with The Family Channel to produce a season of "The Latest Buzz", (ed. also not a show about the latest pharmachuticals). It's a show about teens who mock authority and rock their world while putting together a student newspaper. This is nothing like Radio Free Roscoe which a show about teens who mock authority and rock their world while putting together a student radio station. Radio - newspaper. Different, see.
In other DHX news (ed. Do you ever write about anything else?), they are producing or have produced a spelling bee show for kid's. Now some may say this was a fad that's come and gone (ed. yeah like two heartwarming movies, a documentary and already a bunch of reality shows like it!), but I like to think of it as a "re-magining, kinda like Battlestar Gallactica. (ed. If they were up against spelling cyborgs, that would be interesting.) But anyway it was done at the local CBC, so it didn't cost us anything. And it used up studio space, resources, crew that would just have gone to make some other pilot for a non-conglomorate producer. In fact it seems to be a right of passage that springtime brings another DHX pilot that will never see the light of day; "Rhymes With Canuck", (ed. another 're-magining of an improv show, years after "Whose Line"), "The Thing About" and others that are good practice.
Interesting to note that Cheryl Hasson, the COO of Halifax Film, was the one quoted in today's paper announcing the spelling show. There's been little of her in the public eye since she joined DHX. Her last job was head of development for CBC Kids where she green-lit such excellent shows as Poco, Lunar Jim and Bo on the Go. Now co-incidentily she's the COO of DHX who produce Poco, Lunar Jim and Bo on the Go.
But its'not all about DHX this week, though it should be. A German-Canadian co-production called Sea-Wolf is starting to shoot in May in Electropolois (Ed. watch out for the rats!)and another series called "G-Spot" will soon start shooting in Dartmouth. (Ed. I've been looking in the wrong place! The G-Spot's in Datmouth? Who'd a thunk it?) Both are being produced by Big Motion Picture company who also produced Trudeau. But The G-Spot's not a new show, it was a series on Showtime or Bravo and I believe it was produced by someone else. Curious.
Watched Sophie last night on CBC and it realy wasn't my cup of tea. Though I did read that it won a Peabody Award which I guess is good. I just had no idea that dog gave out awards. I wonder if his boy, Sherman was at the awards.
And the Air Farce was cancelled. Can't say I'm surprised, I think it's audience has been dying off over the last few years.
I guess that's it for now.
Why is my friend and mentor Michael Donovan smiling whilst grasping his little man? For good reason. His company (ed. and yours. Full disclosure, the author owns 1000 shares of DHX/Halifax Film/Decode etc. etc. mega-monopoly), has been signing deals here there and everywhere including Spain! They've partnered up with a Spanish production company to produce "Poppets Town" which is apparently a 2D animated series for children and not a show about a drug inhalers in a gay spa!
It's been sold around the world and assuming it's being made with Nova Scotia taxpayer dollars through the Film Tax Credit I guess we're all going to be part-owners. (Ed. sorry, those tax credits are just producer money.) Oh, right. Well at least it will make for a healthy bottom line which is what the entertainment industry is all about.
DHX/Halifax Film/Decode (Ed. Just type DHX before you snap your wrists) also bought a chain of fitness centres for kids called Bulldog Interactive. Imagine with me, a scaled down NuBody's where toddlers and up, enjoy a good workout of their lats and pecs and whathaveyous on the stairmaster or that crazy bicycle where you peddle and peddle but don't go anywhere! Little Jimmy chatting up little Janie as they complain that you just can't get workout togs in sizes 6 to 8 that don't have a cartoon character on them. Except of course for Lunar Jim, Poco which just happen to be on all the flat screened TV's in an endless loop! Why the gym shoppes (ed. oh, with a "pe", classy.) will be forced to carry all the toys and gadgets and clothes and zit creams with our shows logos on them. As a shareholder, this makes me moist. A captive audience with disposible income to spare. I'm assuming that their parents take them here to see and be seen rather than have the tykes get all dirty in their backyards like we had to do.
DHX (ed. thanks) also secured a deal with The Family Channel to produce a season of "The Latest Buzz", (ed. also not a show about the latest pharmachuticals). It's a show about teens who mock authority and rock their world while putting together a student newspaper. This is nothing like Radio Free Roscoe which a show about teens who mock authority and rock their world while putting together a student radio station. Radio - newspaper. Different, see.
In other DHX news (ed. Do you ever write about anything else?), they are producing or have produced a spelling bee show for kid's. Now some may say this was a fad that's come and gone (ed. yeah like two heartwarming movies, a documentary and already a bunch of reality shows like it!), but I like to think of it as a "re-magining, kinda like Battlestar Gallactica. (ed. If they were up against spelling cyborgs, that would be interesting.) But anyway it was done at the local CBC, so it didn't cost us anything. And it used up studio space, resources, crew that would just have gone to make some other pilot for a non-conglomorate producer. In fact it seems to be a right of passage that springtime brings another DHX pilot that will never see the light of day; "Rhymes With Canuck", (ed. another 're-magining of an improv show, years after "Whose Line"), "The Thing About" and others that are good practice.
Interesting to note that Cheryl Hasson, the COO of Halifax Film, was the one quoted in today's paper announcing the spelling show. There's been little of her in the public eye since she joined DHX. Her last job was head of development for CBC Kids where she green-lit such excellent shows as Poco, Lunar Jim and Bo on the Go. Now co-incidentily she's the COO of DHX who produce Poco, Lunar Jim and Bo on the Go.
But its'not all about DHX this week, though it should be. A German-Canadian co-production called Sea-Wolf is starting to shoot in May in Electropolois (Ed. watch out for the rats!)and another series called "G-Spot" will soon start shooting in Dartmouth. (Ed. I've been looking in the wrong place! The G-Spot's in Datmouth? Who'd a thunk it?) Both are being produced by Big Motion Picture company who also produced Trudeau. But The G-Spot's not a new show, it was a series on Showtime or Bravo and I believe it was produced by someone else. Curious.
Watched Sophie last night on CBC and it realy wasn't my cup of tea. Though I did read that it won a Peabody Award which I guess is good. I just had no idea that dog gave out awards. I wonder if his boy, Sherman was at the awards.
And the Air Farce was cancelled. Can't say I'm surprised, I think it's audience has been dying off over the last few years.
I guess that's it for now.
Wednesday, 12 March 2008
Halifax Film Stuff. Hast Thou Forsaken Me?
Yes, I know it's been a while since I blogged but, so what.
My friend Lunchmeat Herold is with me to edit (ed. Hello), not just for grammar and spelling but so I don't go off on a tangent or perhaps an angry tirade! (ed. calm down and have another cosmopolitan.)
Lunchmeat has been a real friend since I lost my job, bringing food and drink to myself, my sister Stella, and my roommate Carly. Neither of whom, I will say with restraint, has brought any money into the household for the past several months. I know I'm not one to talk, but a major limitation for me is my inability to leave the house. Makes putting a Happy Meal together a bit difficult if John, Jane and little Jimmy Average Citzen has to come to my apartment.
But at least Carly has been helping out rent - wise. Our super has been letting us glide on the rent, well my big screen TV helped pay for a few months, but a few minutes with Carly in her room seems to extend the inevitable kicking to the curb. What they do in there I don't want to know, I'm just picturing some sort of fully clothed massage for want of the grimy obvious.
Anyway, I've been sending show concepts, what we used to call "pitches", to Halifax Film/DHX/Decode/Studio B for the past several months. As many of you know, I used to be a writer a while ago, (ed. wasn't it you who sent The Littlest Hobo on to another town, that time?) And since I am a shareholder in DHX, I thought they would at least set up a meeting, teleconference is fine, I can set up the CN Tower backdrop behind me, if need be. But not a word. Not a single PFO thank you'ish response to my e-mails. Maybe they're too busy backing some sort of charity event happening in town. Now as an owner, (ed. co) I'm not sure I like this sudden keenness with helping others. Especially if it hurts the bottom line. Halifax Film/DHX has never before shown this wimpy side where they help the "less fortunate". Damn, let them lobby the government for tax credits and funding. Why try and cut into our pie?
But you know what? Despite the fact that I haven't heard from my compadres is not going to me down. I'm fully back into the writing mode, and I've been working on a project to pitch to a major Canadian broadcaster; Global Television. Since they bought AA, they have a lot of channels to fill with Canadian content, besides the teressterial (ed. huh?). This is the network that brought you original content such as The Jane Show (ed. cancelled), Falcon Beach (ed. cancelled.), and , um, (ed. not much else Canadian is tehre?). Quiet Ed. Surely the CRTC will flex their muscles and my point will be proven that they will be looking for Canadian content soon. Sweet Jesus.
But enough about me, this blog is about Canadian television (ed. and film? right?)
Speaking of film, I was outraged when I learned (actually fell asleep during the E!cast) that the 12 Genie nominations that Shake Hands With the Devil earned, all it took home was best music? I didn't even notice there was music . Not that I want them to rescind the award but this is our Schindler's List people. At least best screenplay should have won. Omagine how hard it is to take a book and write a movie with it? Especially if you've never written two words together to make a sentence before in your life. Talk about a challanging movie!
Watched Billable Hours the other night. I like this show. Sometimes its over the top but they say the F word as if they are real people. It gives me a warm canadian feel while entertaining me. huh. Funny.
Meanwhile, CBC cancelled, Jpod, never saw it, and MVP, never saw that one either but the ads made it seem like plastic people screwing each other literally and figuratively. CBC cancelled both because of low ratings. Wow. Kudos for knowing when to cut and run. i must say, the new CBC, actually seems to have an agenda to put on entertaining programming that a lot of people like. I'm not sure what this new approach is called but I think other businesses may learn something from this new concept.
I saw a show called Good Morning World, actually I saw two episodes over the last few weeks. This does not renew my faith in The Comedy Network which was already severly crippled when The Butcher Brothers premiered. I googled the two stars and they seem to have a very good pedigree, comedy wise, Second City, where you still have to be good to stand out. But what would have made a really good 4 minute sketch seems to have been stretched into a 26 x 1/2 hour series. I watched it open mouthed.
I can understand The Comedy Network buying in because it looks reasonably inexpensive to shoot. Canadian? Done.
Dave Thomas is one of the producers and although he is a God to me, I'm thinking this may just have been a paycheck for him.
My friend Lunchmeat Herold is with me to edit (ed. Hello), not just for grammar and spelling but so I don't go off on a tangent or perhaps an angry tirade! (ed. calm down and have another cosmopolitan.)
Lunchmeat has been a real friend since I lost my job, bringing food and drink to myself, my sister Stella, and my roommate Carly. Neither of whom, I will say with restraint, has brought any money into the household for the past several months. I know I'm not one to talk, but a major limitation for me is my inability to leave the house. Makes putting a Happy Meal together a bit difficult if John, Jane and little Jimmy Average Citzen has to come to my apartment.
But at least Carly has been helping out rent - wise. Our super has been letting us glide on the rent, well my big screen TV helped pay for a few months, but a few minutes with Carly in her room seems to extend the inevitable kicking to the curb. What they do in there I don't want to know, I'm just picturing some sort of fully clothed massage for want of the grimy obvious.
Anyway, I've been sending show concepts, what we used to call "pitches", to Halifax Film/DHX/Decode/Studio B for the past several months. As many of you know, I used to be a writer a while ago, (ed. wasn't it you who sent The Littlest Hobo on to another town, that time?) And since I am a shareholder in DHX, I thought they would at least set up a meeting, teleconference is fine, I can set up the CN Tower backdrop behind me, if need be. But not a word. Not a single PFO thank you'ish response to my e-mails. Maybe they're too busy backing some sort of charity event happening in town. Now as an owner, (ed. co) I'm not sure I like this sudden keenness with helping others. Especially if it hurts the bottom line. Halifax Film/DHX has never before shown this wimpy side where they help the "less fortunate". Damn, let them lobby the government for tax credits and funding. Why try and cut into our pie?
But you know what? Despite the fact that I haven't heard from my compadres is not going to me down. I'm fully back into the writing mode, and I've been working on a project to pitch to a major Canadian broadcaster; Global Television. Since they bought AA, they have a lot of channels to fill with Canadian content, besides the teressterial (ed. huh?). This is the network that brought you original content such as The Jane Show (ed. cancelled), Falcon Beach (ed. cancelled.), and , um, (ed. not much else Canadian is tehre?). Quiet Ed. Surely the CRTC will flex their muscles and my point will be proven that they will be looking for Canadian content soon. Sweet Jesus.
But enough about me, this blog is about Canadian television (ed. and film? right?)
Speaking of film, I was outraged when I learned (actually fell asleep during the E!cast) that the 12 Genie nominations that Shake Hands With the Devil earned, all it took home was best music? I didn't even notice there was music . Not that I want them to rescind the award but this is our Schindler's List people. At least best screenplay should have won. Omagine how hard it is to take a book and write a movie with it? Especially if you've never written two words together to make a sentence before in your life. Talk about a challanging movie!
Watched Billable Hours the other night. I like this show. Sometimes its over the top but they say the F word as if they are real people. It gives me a warm canadian feel while entertaining me. huh. Funny.
Meanwhile, CBC cancelled, Jpod, never saw it, and MVP, never saw that one either but the ads made it seem like plastic people screwing each other literally and figuratively. CBC cancelled both because of low ratings. Wow. Kudos for knowing when to cut and run. i must say, the new CBC, actually seems to have an agenda to put on entertaining programming that a lot of people like. I'm not sure what this new approach is called but I think other businesses may learn something from this new concept.
I saw a show called Good Morning World, actually I saw two episodes over the last few weeks. This does not renew my faith in The Comedy Network which was already severly crippled when The Butcher Brothers premiered. I googled the two stars and they seem to have a very good pedigree, comedy wise, Second City, where you still have to be good to stand out. But what would have made a really good 4 minute sketch seems to have been stretched into a 26 x 1/2 hour series. I watched it open mouthed.
I can understand The Comedy Network buying in because it looks reasonably inexpensive to shoot. Canadian? Done.
Dave Thomas is one of the producers and although he is a God to me, I'm thinking this may just have been a paycheck for him.
Sunday, 24 February 2008
I'd Just Like to Hold It. Oscar Night!
Haven't blogged in a while but there's not much to report in the "biz" in Nova Scotia. Well except for the fact the oscars are touching the province because of the lovely and talented Ellen Page. We are of course tuned in and Ellen (ed. first name basis?) was just interviewed and I must say she held her own on the silly red carpet interview. Speaking of holding your own and touched by Oscar (c) let's not forget the past achievements the Academy has bestowed on Nova Scotians.
Michael Donovan Cradles His Little Oscar
And let me say it is robbery that Shake Hands With the Devil has not been nominated. A tragic compeling story, well made, well acted...I don't know. You think at least they would have had a special award for writing, seeing as Mr. Donovan wrote it all by himself! No small feat considering he's never written drama before! And hurrahs for the producer taking a chance on an unknown writer.
Speaking of which, I still have not heard anything back from Halifax Films concerning a number of pitches I've sent in over the past few weeks for new kids shows. Since I lost my job, and my extremely pregnant sister has been living here not bringing in any money and my roommate, Karly, still hasn't found a job (ed. hard to get a Timmy's job where the only thing on your resume is "crack dealer".) The references usually don't return phone calls.) things have been a bit dicey. Rent, food, electricity..., I thought if I was able to sell Halifax Film on a show concept...I'm sure they'll get back to me soon. I even came up with another pitch:
Hamma Montana - animated - a teen-age pig lives a double life an an ordinary teen pig and a superstar pig calling contestant. (ed. Does she solve crimes?)
But anyway, my pal Lunchmeat Herold, also my editor tonight (ed. Howdy) has shown up to watch the oscars tonight and he brought my favorite Quarter Pounder with Cheese and all the fixin's for cosmopolitans, my drink of choice since the Mooseheads came to town.
So far Jon Stewart has done his monologue and a few awards that no one cares about have been awarded (ed. Best Red Dress (female)?), so we're going to settle in and watch Ellen win. (ed. I hope she doesn't. She's too sweet, it'll ruin her)
May blog later depending on what happens and how fortified the cosmopoltans are.
So with that, we're settled in to watch the Oscars (s)
Michael Donovan Cradles His Little Oscar
And let me say it is robbery that Shake Hands With the Devil has not been nominated. A tragic compeling story, well made, well acted...I don't know. You think at least they would have had a special award for writing, seeing as Mr. Donovan wrote it all by himself! No small feat considering he's never written drama before! And hurrahs for the producer taking a chance on an unknown writer.
Speaking of which, I still have not heard anything back from Halifax Films concerning a number of pitches I've sent in over the past few weeks for new kids shows. Since I lost my job, and my extremely pregnant sister has been living here not bringing in any money and my roommate, Karly, still hasn't found a job (ed. hard to get a Timmy's job where the only thing on your resume is "crack dealer".) The references usually don't return phone calls.) things have been a bit dicey. Rent, food, electricity..., I thought if I was able to sell Halifax Film on a show concept...I'm sure they'll get back to me soon. I even came up with another pitch:
Hamma Montana - animated - a teen-age pig lives a double life an an ordinary teen pig and a superstar pig calling contestant. (ed. Does she solve crimes?)
But anyway, my pal Lunchmeat Herold, also my editor tonight (ed. Howdy) has shown up to watch the oscars tonight and he brought my favorite Quarter Pounder with Cheese and all the fixin's for cosmopolitans, my drink of choice since the Mooseheads came to town.
So far Jon Stewart has done his monologue and a few awards that no one cares about have been awarded (ed. Best Red Dress (female)?), so we're going to settle in and watch Ellen win. (ed. I hope she doesn't. She's too sweet, it'll ruin her)
May blog later depending on what happens and how fortified the cosmopoltans are.
So with that, we're settled in to watch the Oscars (s)
Thursday, 7 February 2008
Halifax Film and TV Stuff - Is February a Blue Month or a Red Month?
Warning: The following may be depressing.
I hate February. Always did. Especially now, even though I don't leave the apartment at any time of the year, knowing that I can't, in this dreariest of dreary months, makes time crawl by. And sharing the place with my increasingly pregnant and exponentially erratically behaving sister and roommate Carly, the detoxing crack wench, well, the sunshine ain't shining out of any orifice. I especially feel sorry for my dog Bicuitface, he should be out romping with bunnies instead of stuck in this godforsaken space.
But then, so should I.
Money grows increasingly tight since none of the UnBrady Bunch is bringing in any cash.
Anyway, enough of being a "downer". I have to keep a positive outlook. I'm hoping to hear back soon from the Halifax Film Company about several proposals I sent in for kids television shows. I e-mailed them off several weeks ago and haven't heard back yet but I'm sure they're working their way up the ladder.
I'll bet once they fall on the desk of Charles "the Green Arrow" Bishop, he'll be calling me up to negotiate the worldwide marketing and distribution rights. I won't play hardball, given this would be my first solo project but the one after that...
I'm not sure what kind of deal wunderkind Jeff Rosen has, but given the dolars he's put in the pockets of Halifax Film from a number of projects, I'm sure he's plugged in to a percentage of the gross.
Though I am positive Halifax Film and I will walk hand in hand down the garden path of a meaningful relationships, I don't want to risk being led into the bushes on the first date with the first "fella" with a good lookin' set of assets. Maybe I should pitch other companies like Decode or Studio B, just to cover all my bases. Nothing like a bidding war to make things interesting.
So interesting news that three CANADIAN TV series are being bought by American networks. This hasn't happened since, never, girlfriend. The Listener, Sophie, and The Border. Never saw Sophie, but I did see that Bailey's commercial, over and over sigh...
Saw The Border, and thought it was pretty good, especially the episode with the strippers. Haven't seen The Guard yet, mostly cause I keep thinking its the same show as The Border. Maybe they can just make one show, The Border Guard.
It will be interesting to see what the Americans think of these shows, especially since The Border is unapoligetically and refrshingly Canadian. It'll also be interesting to see what happens if the writers strike gets settled first. But then, the networks are still going to need content while their machine gets up and running. Unless they all call the darn thng off like the NHL season a while back.
On the other hand, if the strike continues, there will probably be more opportunities for Canadian shows south of the border and I'm talking digging into the library, where old shows will produce pure gravy (profit.) Who knows, Blackfly may finally get the attention it deserves. And cause its set in the past, its "evergreen."
That means its timeless, i.e. as good today as it ever was.
Hopefully it will go better than when the NFL went on strike and the Americans watched the CFL. For about 10 minutes.
And speaking of Canadians on American TV, Fox is promoting the hell out of Unhitched the sitcom starring Sean Majumdar (and others). It's produced by the Farrelly brothers, one of whom just sold a house on the south shore of Nova Scotia. The trailers make it look interesting, but the appearance of a baboon makes me kind of go "yeeee." I mean monkeys are funny and all but a sophisticated comedy about the New York dating mileau? I'll give it a try but...
And then the CRTC hearings are under way. They're talking about changing the CTF. Jim Shaw doesn't like it. So the WGC, ACTRA and God knows who else has to sit and justify why Canada needs Canadian shows on Canadian television. Mr. Shaw oversees a large cable conglomerate and last year he held back the money he took in from cable subscribers and refused to give it to the CTF because he didn't like Trailer Park Boys.
BTW, I saw a documentary a few years ago on Ted Rogers another empire builder. As you all know, I'm tremendously interested in how rich people get rich, those guys who fight hard scrabble tooth and nail for what they believe in and work their asses off to succeed. So Ted Rogers explained that he got his first cable license (i.e. a license to print money) because he was a friend of certain politicians. Jesus wept. And he was proud of it.
Anyway, Mr. Shaw, another lottery winner, thinks the CTF should be split into two segments; one for commercial projects and one for "cultural" projects.
Ironically, Trailer Park Boys falls into both.
Like it or not, it is a success. And a huge one. It also reflects our culture. Maybe not Mr. Shaw's but the one thing I constantly read is that people from every walk of life "know someone just like that"!
Quebecor a Quebec company "appeared before the CRTC right after Shaw and again said it should be allowed to put its CTF contributions into a separate fund that it would control.
Company chief Pierre Karl Péladeau pledged to augment the current contributions made by its cable company Videotron from $19 million to $30 million and to spend $100 million over three years. Quebecor would retain copyright to much of the funded programming, and funds would also finance content for video-on-demand, the web and other new media initiatives."
So the cable giant would take the money it collects from subscribers, decide what gets made with it and own the properties.
Just a note, the money that comes in is a part of people's cable bill that is supposed to go to the CTF to develop and produce product for all Canadians.
Qubecor, IT'S NOT YOUR MONEY! It's mine! (If I lived in Quebec, and I would if I were allowed)
That's all for this week.
I hate February. Always did. Especially now, even though I don't leave the apartment at any time of the year, knowing that I can't, in this dreariest of dreary months, makes time crawl by. And sharing the place with my increasingly pregnant and exponentially erratically behaving sister and roommate Carly, the detoxing crack wench, well, the sunshine ain't shining out of any orifice. I especially feel sorry for my dog Bicuitface, he should be out romping with bunnies instead of stuck in this godforsaken space.
But then, so should I.
Money grows increasingly tight since none of the UnBrady Bunch is bringing in any cash.
Anyway, enough of being a "downer". I have to keep a positive outlook. I'm hoping to hear back soon from the Halifax Film Company about several proposals I sent in for kids television shows. I e-mailed them off several weeks ago and haven't heard back yet but I'm sure they're working their way up the ladder.
I'll bet once they fall on the desk of Charles "the Green Arrow" Bishop, he'll be calling me up to negotiate the worldwide marketing and distribution rights. I won't play hardball, given this would be my first solo project but the one after that...
I'm not sure what kind of deal wunderkind Jeff Rosen has, but given the dolars he's put in the pockets of Halifax Film from a number of projects, I'm sure he's plugged in to a percentage of the gross.
Though I am positive Halifax Film and I will walk hand in hand down the garden path of a meaningful relationships, I don't want to risk being led into the bushes on the first date with the first "fella" with a good lookin' set of assets. Maybe I should pitch other companies like Decode or Studio B, just to cover all my bases. Nothing like a bidding war to make things interesting.
So interesting news that three CANADIAN TV series are being bought by American networks. This hasn't happened since, never, girlfriend. The Listener, Sophie, and The Border. Never saw Sophie, but I did see that Bailey's commercial, over and over sigh...
Saw The Border, and thought it was pretty good, especially the episode with the strippers. Haven't seen The Guard yet, mostly cause I keep thinking its the same show as The Border. Maybe they can just make one show, The Border Guard.
It will be interesting to see what the Americans think of these shows, especially since The Border is unapoligetically and refrshingly Canadian. It'll also be interesting to see what happens if the writers strike gets settled first. But then, the networks are still going to need content while their machine gets up and running. Unless they all call the darn thng off like the NHL season a while back.
On the other hand, if the strike continues, there will probably be more opportunities for Canadian shows south of the border and I'm talking digging into the library, where old shows will produce pure gravy (profit.) Who knows, Blackfly may finally get the attention it deserves. And cause its set in the past, its "evergreen."
That means its timeless, i.e. as good today as it ever was.
Hopefully it will go better than when the NFL went on strike and the Americans watched the CFL. For about 10 minutes.
And speaking of Canadians on American TV, Fox is promoting the hell out of Unhitched the sitcom starring Sean Majumdar (and others). It's produced by the Farrelly brothers, one of whom just sold a house on the south shore of Nova Scotia. The trailers make it look interesting, but the appearance of a baboon makes me kind of go "yeeee." I mean monkeys are funny and all but a sophisticated comedy about the New York dating mileau? I'll give it a try but...
And then the CRTC hearings are under way. They're talking about changing the CTF. Jim Shaw doesn't like it. So the WGC, ACTRA and God knows who else has to sit and justify why Canada needs Canadian shows on Canadian television. Mr. Shaw oversees a large cable conglomerate and last year he held back the money he took in from cable subscribers and refused to give it to the CTF because he didn't like Trailer Park Boys.
BTW, I saw a documentary a few years ago on Ted Rogers another empire builder. As you all know, I'm tremendously interested in how rich people get rich, those guys who fight hard scrabble tooth and nail for what they believe in and work their asses off to succeed. So Ted Rogers explained that he got his first cable license (i.e. a license to print money) because he was a friend of certain politicians. Jesus wept. And he was proud of it.
Anyway, Mr. Shaw, another lottery winner, thinks the CTF should be split into two segments; one for commercial projects and one for "cultural" projects.
Ironically, Trailer Park Boys falls into both.
Like it or not, it is a success. And a huge one. It also reflects our culture. Maybe not Mr. Shaw's but the one thing I constantly read is that people from every walk of life "know someone just like that"!
Quebecor a Quebec company "appeared before the CRTC right after Shaw and again said it should be allowed to put its CTF contributions into a separate fund that it would control.
Company chief Pierre Karl Péladeau pledged to augment the current contributions made by its cable company Videotron from $19 million to $30 million and to spend $100 million over three years. Quebecor would retain copyright to much of the funded programming, and funds would also finance content for video-on-demand, the web and other new media initiatives."
So the cable giant would take the money it collects from subscribers, decide what gets made with it and own the properties.
Just a note, the money that comes in is a part of people's cable bill that is supposed to go to the CTF to develop and produce product for all Canadians.
Qubecor, IT'S NOT YOUR MONEY! It's mine! (If I lived in Quebec, and I would if I were allowed)
That's all for this week.
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