Halifax Film and Television Industry Trudges On

Okay, so, like, I'm posting again, because people say I don't post enough but then no one tells me stuff that's like, going on so I'm all like, dude, whateveeerrrrr. (ed. This would have been satiric like 25 years ago.)

My editor tonight is Lunchmeat Harold (ed. howdy)

The rumble out of CBC T.O. Headquarters is that This Hour has 22 Minutes may not return for next year. For a while now, some naysayers in the Broadcast Centre of the Universe is that the money they pay for the show is not worth the ratings. Sure the show may be a little top heavy with salaries, but $175,000 a year is nothing for the talent we're talking about. (ed. actualy that's per week)

Irregardless, Michael Donovan has come up with a clever strategy, and really does the man do any other kind. He's decided to press the press (ed. groan) with his case that 22 Minutes should go on for another year.

The article in The Metro-News (ed. Did that get nominated for a Pulitzer for it's reprinting of Hollywood gossip?) mentioned that the show has suffered a dip in ratings this year but since then Mark Farel has regained the reins of the runaway stagecoach from showrunner Ed MacDonald and things have improved and will continue to improve (ed. We promise, just give us another year? Or 2? Or 6 because then it will have run 22 years. Get it? (ed. Got it.)

Michael, (if I dare be so bold), mentions that the low ratings are actually the CBC's fault for not publizising the show enough. (ed. er, that's usually a result of a decision, rather than a cause).

BTW, I'm not sure I like this new regieme at CBC. They seem more concerned with ratings and advertising and all that baloney, rather than personal relationships, expensive italian restaurants and how business is done on a handshake and a fart regardless of the production. (ed. God, I do remember The Itch) If it was good enough 18 years ago, why are we trading canoes in mid-stream now?

But I digess. (ed. back to you.)

Now with very little other production going on for Halifax Film, the cancelling of 22Minutes could be serious for my bottom line. (ed. the author owns 1000 shares of DHX aka Halifax Film). Because the budget allows for a small stipend to contribute to Halifax Films rising costs, we may have to actually dip into our own cash. Yes, you read that right. In a business where it;s expected we can live off the drainage of OPM, (ed. Other People's Money) we may have to use our IPO capital to pay the rent. (Not for another few years so don't get all paniky on me)

I'm hoping that the reorganization of the CTF into the CMF will confuse enough people long enough to shore up our dykes (ed. as in Holland and the sea, people, please.) There's already a 22 minutes on-line whsich should justify (ed.barely) all the new rules and regulations of our multi-platform universe. (ed. and before the friggen unions get wind.)

In the meantime DHX announced today (ed. wow, busy day publicity wise. It's like someone said we should be in the news more.) Animal Mechanicals, I'm not sure what this show is about but if the kddies buy the toys, bring it on!
(ed. a show about fixing pets with robotic pieces), has been sold to an American Network! A major broadcaster! So yeah!!!!! They've already sold in the cool parts of the world and to Al-Gezara

But how does the rest of the industry fare in Nova Scotia? (ed. We care, we really do.)

Cheryl Hassen, where are you?

What's happening with The Corridor? Done?

Also, likewise, similarly Whirlygig?

Mike Clatenburg starts directing Afghan Luke tomorrow? What be that?

Cashed the old HST cheque today so now it's time to settle back with a few cosmopolitans and quarter pounders and relax.

Goodbye Big O

I'm soooooo glad those O games are over. Really, I've never been a fan of any sports that make you wet and cold. Even watching them was too much to bear especially when the heat conked out about a week ago. (ed. you have to pay the oil bill every time they deliver oil. That's the law!)

Tonight my editor is Lunchmeat Harold (ed. Howdy!)

I've had criticism that my blog is too wordy, goes on and on, and takes forever to get to the point (ed. Irony. Got it. Move on.)

My blog last time, or maybe the time before (ed. Don't know. Don't read them) expressed concern about a rumour that the tax credit for film and television in Nova Scotia was going the way of fiscal restraint by politicians in this province (ed. Nice foreshadowing).

But from what I understand from Lenore Zann, the gov't was looking at money spent on TV and Film but not the tax credit. And Percy Paris just came back from the Berlin Film Festival (ed. Now which Nova Scotia film was playing there?) so I'm sure he's now been indoctrinated (ed. "he now appreciates" might be a better) how the industry works in this province. Nothing like a German Goody Basket to appreciate the possibilities (ed. and if I remember my school trip to West Berlin all those years ago, there really is nothing like a German Goodie).

So that's better. Now about those greedy N.S. politicians who've been in the news over the last month, just using taxpayer dollars for their own personal -(ed. okay stop there. We're all tired of hearing about them.)

Okay. Back to the TV and film business.

The CTF results are finalized for the year, and although I'm dismayed by the dirth of NS productions in receipt of dollars, at least they did go to the right ones.

(ed. Note: the writer owns 1000 shares of DHX Inc.)

This Hour welcomed $2,181,503 in CTF money. (ed. They must have produced 40 - 50 episodes with that.)

And I really have to mention my concern here for DHX. I've copied the following and I'm about to paste it below but I need a moment. (ed. you know this isn't in real time and no one will be pausing here?)

"DHX revenues (are) down 56% in the last quarter"

And again. (ed. breathe)

DHX "Distribution revenues to be flat"

And...no, I can't - (ed. I will)

"Net loss of $209,000." (ed. How can you lose money when you don't use your own?)

Okay, okay but let's not panic. Despite this, the company is in solid shape, okay. Although they haven't done much producing lately (ed. Damn you Osama Bin Laden!), the company is fiscally flush. There are millions and millions of dollars owed to the company, 69% of it owed by the gov't, and you know they're good for it. (ed. we know where you live.)

So although CFO (Sharkey) Dana Landry (ed. $223K per) addressed analysts (ed. have you ever seen an undressed analyst?) "Based on history, that's how we're judging our optimism to get back to those levels and even larger amounts".

Um, I think I feel better. (ed. It makes perfect sense. We made money before, and we'll do what we did then with all those parameters and circumstances exactly the same and we'll make money again. Trussssstttt in meeeeee. Whoa, I feel woozy.)

But I worry when Allnovascotia reports that "Michael Donovan spoke with Measured Reticence" (ed. Why, because he's such an upbeat life of the party?)

But then Dana Landry reported there was a "deal with U.S. Broadcaster for Animal Mechanicals which is the "Magic Bullet" for DHX successful in the U.K. and Latin America" (ed. translated into Latin?). "Licensing is where the money is (ed. I still have my original Scooby Doo pajamas though they're a bit snug now)".

But enough for that. I still struggle with the decision to keep my shares or sell them. I'd feel like such a traitor if I sold them to feed my heinous keeping warm and eating monkeys on my back. Damn you heinous keeping warm and eating monkeys on my back.

In other news: Phil Phitz with Jason Priestly (ed. Not a real priest)has wrapped up.

Whirleygig a Chaz Thorne "joint" is currently in production. (ed. Did he write too, or just direct?) as well as "The Corridor" written by someone called Josh MacDonald and directed by someone called Evan Kelly. These are features which are not for children and don't feature puppets or animation so...the Genie nominations are out. Canadian films. Didn't see them and neither did you.

Oh, Glen Mathews did a day to day log on shooting of The corridor but he doesn't report anything about anyone sleeping with anyone else, so there you go. but here's a linky http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/notes/glen-matthews/the-corridor-day-14-15/355129183071.

oh, and a Gerri Dee pilot for CBC was shot and "word on the street" says it's not that funny. (ed. $350K from CTF)

I guess that's all the news that's phit to print (ed. see you should have left that Phil Phitz thing for here for continuity.)

Chow

...and back.

Okay, so I joined the 21st Century and started a Facebook page and quite a lot of "friends" jumped aboard. However, no one really talked to me or gave me any info on the state of the industry in Nova Scotia. I hope this doesn't turn out the last time when I went to bed one night and everybody un-friended me. I couldn't take that pain again. After all, I'm here because of you all!

Irregardless, I will share some tidbits I've picked up but first I'll introduce my editor, the irrascable Lunchmeat Herold. (ed. howdy!)

LOL, that gets me everytime.

The first funding deadline has elapsed for the FilmNS money slots. It'll be interesting to see who all is out there looking to leverage the taxpayer's money. Last year the highest benificiary was Halifax Film (ed. Full disclosure, the blogger owns 1000 shares in HFX/DHX/Studio B/tbd) and in 2nd place was Ocean Entertainment. Though I can't see how cooking shows will return an investment better than a one shot spelling bee. (ed. Yeah, I can't see one beating the other over cash sales, either).

So we'll see how the funding shakes out in the next month or so. I hope Halifax Film gets some provincial funding. That with money from a broadcaster, CTF and tax credits will keep our cash flow, flowing and hopefully we won't have to touch our cash (ed. $70-ish million). Last year the Hfx Film principals forewent (ed. past present of forego) any bonus's. Luckily the province stepped up with overhead and and producer fees to cover the basic, down to the floor, no bonus's (ed. said that.) salaries of the executives. Michael Donovan, Charles "The Green Arrow" Bishop, Dana Landry and David Reagan. Reagan (ed. Ragan, Regan, Rogan?) had to even sell his house, for the love of god! Oh, and there's some other guy in Toronto who makes more but that's because he's from Toronto. But a Million + is small potaoes compared to , um, someone else who makes more money.

So hopefully the province will "do the right thang" as Spike Jones would say and cough up. And I'm sure something will be made for CBC.

Anyways, the only projects I've heard on the go are:

- "Whirlygig", another Chaz Thorne joint. (ed. How about a variety headline "Chaz's Latest Gig a Whirly!" I have no idea what this is about. Sounds like it could be a circus movie or hookers at a boy scout jambouree.

- "The Corridor", written bu Josh MacDonald, directed by Evan Kelly and produced by Beverly Bliss. I have no idea who these people are bt a movie about a hallway doesn't sound that exciting.

- "The Berzerkers: Men of Dignity", Something from the mind of Michael Clattenberg (ed. but, but...what happens to Bubbles?). I have no idea if this is a feature, a series, video game or Michael's neighbours on acid (ed. Should you really be writing a column?)

- "Hobo With a Shotgun" - Jason Eisener made a trailer that Quinton Terrantino liked. So now it's a movie?

From the "Where are they Now" Column; Jay Dahl's scary thing; Paul Donovan's "The Conclave", Paul Kimball's Eternal Kiss"? Waiting gentlemen. I think you could learn from Michael Donovan about how to say he's going to make a movie, go out and make a movie and then...do some other stuff after the movie doesn't do as good as it should have with the stupid public who needed a Rwanda movie after the otehr ones. their loss. Loosers.

Goodnight.

Halifax Film Tax Credit Safe

A non-story scare. I was worried the government was going to do away with the provincial film/tv tax credit before I sold my show idea to Halifax Film, but Lenore Zann reports that Graham Steel is not contemplating doing away with the Tax Credit That would be a disaster for the industry in Nova Scotia and yours truly who holds 1000 shares of DHX which is THE industry in Nova Scotia.

As always my editor tonight is Lunchmeat Harold (ed. Howdy)

When you think about the $22 Million spent on the film/tv tax credit last year it's a drop in the bucket (ed. compared to the hunt for wmd. Sorry NS, about there not being enough hospital beds.)

Ahem! Still there are naysayers, (I'm looking at you Harold) and the gov't of the day says "In a perfect world we would find a way to make this industry grow so its not totally dependant on the tax credit."

Okay, scary stuff I know but he's talking about a perfect world, not Nova Scotia.

In other news DHX aka Halifax Films announced that they received $1.5M from a hedge fund firm as an investment (ed. aren't those the companies in the states that caused - )

Anyway, according to David Regan at Halifax Film this will add to their already liquid position (ed. should I be getting turned on?) and they will start looking for other kids TV production companies to take over. (ed. Does this sound like someone's putting a big fat carrot into a wabbit trap? Didn't Michael Donovan want to quit last year?)

I'm glad to hear they are looking to grow because I don't hear a lot of producing going on. Since they raised $70M in an IPO, another million from Nova Scotia Business Inc (ed. gov't money to hire N.S. i.e. Ontario kids) and used FilmNS and tax Credits to fund everyday expenses and salaries, I was worried they were not going to "make" money. But the fact that a hedge fund firm invests money with you when you don't have a clear forecast of a profit happening soon, causes share prices to go up. (ed. didn't it make them money too? Do they have to announce when they sell shares?)

I'm was worried because I don't hear a lot of producing going on. (ed. Why would they produce?)

I guess you're right there. Any producing going on will be like the spelling bee thing (ed. $250,000 from FilmNS? The kids got pens as prizes!) will cover
day to day expenses. Now we're just dealing and wheeling and speculating.

Of course I was a little put out by the fact that the NS taxpayer funded DHX had it's general meeting in toronto last fall (ed. you can't leave the apartment anyway) but still Michael Donovan says he likes living here and dagnabbit so do I!

(ed. why wouldn't he like living here? He earns his living from Nova Scotia.)

Halifax Film Industry - This Just In (ed. Like, a Month ago)

Well, where do I begin? There's just so much happening lately in the film and television business in Nova Scotia so I guess I'll just start by introducing my editor, Lunchmeat Harold. (ed. Howdy!)

Gerry Dee just shot a pilot in Nova scotia for the CBC; a sitcom where he's a teacher. "Amelia" staring Hilary Swank, partially shot in NS, opened to low numbers and kept them. TMN is shooting a sitcom on the south shore with that guy who used to be on the show, you know the one. (ed. Peyton Place? Hogan's Hero's? 90210?) Yes.

FilmNS (ed. or is it NSFilm) released their annual report and the winner in the $$$$ give away is - DHX Media Inc! Yeah! (ed. Note: the author owns 1000 shares of said company.) Ocean entertainment's self help shows took in $450,000 last year (ed. Help yourself!), but the clear winner was DHX Media aka Halifax Film with $700,000! (ed. that came in handy. what with the recession and only $69,000,000 in revenue last year. We are not touching the $70M in investor money. That's just for emergencies)

That's like almost a third of the money the FilmNS (ed. or NSFilm) put into equity last year for the whole province. Now I can hear the grumbling but this have-note province should be investing in these projects. Just look at these potential money makers:

- $300,000 in Soul a mini-series on Vision. Now that money went to pay the cost of producing it, but the real payback is when this gets sold...(ed. I hear crickets) maybe somewhere else.

- $150,000 Mighty Jungle III - who doesn't love kid's shows? Who doesn't like monkeys? So a kid's show about monkeys? Solid gold! Hopefully the distribution expenses and the selling costs and the applicable overhead don't take out too much of a chunk. (ed. Coming to America, anybody?)

- And $250,000 on SuperSpeller. Now I have to admit when I heard DHX was doing a spelling bee show, I was concerned (ed. hadn't we been there, done that, spelled it all?) but it was a very entertaining show. I was glued to the CBC for the entire time it ran. Which disappointedly was 4 nights. (ed. you don't get much for a quarter of a million of taxpayer's dollars anymore. That's like, what, couple thousand swine flu shots. Plus the show took like two years to get made. What the hell was that?) But I'm sure a limited mini-series featuring Canadian kids in a spelling competition will have world-wide appeal and potential sales. (ed. I hear more crickets)

Still I'm sure the taxpayers of this province will be proud as a peacock to claim ownership (ed. if not much of a financial return) in these DHX productions. (ed. This doesn't count the tax rebates on those Millions of dollars of production, either, does it?)

But don't think that the millions of dollars in provincial direct investment and tax credits will go right into the pockets of anybody at Halifax Film.

Allnovascotia.com has revealed that the executives of DHX, Michael Donovan, Charles Bishop, Steven Denure and Dana Landry will not be getting any bonuses's this year! Take that taxpayers! Bet not having a flu shot seems unimportant now, doesn't it?

But because $100 invested in 2006 in DHX is now only worth $37.62 by the end of June this year, these fine executives want you to know they will not be enjoying any extra bread on their butter this year (ed. shame the GG just finished giving out some baubles). No bonus's. I'll type it again in capital letters - NO BONUS'S. This is the dedication you are paying for (ed. or at least not seeing a return on your investment for.)

Luckily these self-sacrificing souls were able to wrench a raise last year from the tight fists of the company's shareholders. Thus they will get by with salaries only. Again, No Bonus's.

So they will get by on their salaries only; our courageous comrades (ed. let's call them the "No Bonus Amigos!) Michael Donovan $325,000, Charles "the Green Arrow" Bishop $325,000, Dana Laundry $327,000, Stephen Denure $679,345.

I believe the province has not even invested enough in equity and tax credits to pay even their base salary.

But enough about the past (ed. yes please.), what of the future. Kid's shows (ed. and Nova Scotia tax payers. Eck, I'm feeling kinda fluish) have been our bread and butter but have we saturated that market? CBC is full. Really can't squeeze any more kids shows into the lineup. Where do we go?

Something called Befriend and Betray? A movie or mini-series about bikers? Hmmm, not criticizing but it sounds like another vanity project of somebody's. (ed. As long as you don't use our money you can make whatever you want.)

There's another movie called Zebra something about an African football (ed. soccer) team, maybe a black and white, younger Rocky?

All I want to know is, when is the government going to step in with some cash stimulous, other than federal and provincial tax credits, and provincial equity and development dollars? It's only that and CTF money (ed. that's cable consumer's money, isn't it?) and licence fees from the broadcaster that are just barely keeping the true hero's of Canadian television in non-bonus liquidity.

(ed. I'm sorry, what is all that investor's money for?)

I'm Still Standing After All These Months, Blah, Blah, Blah.

Despite lawyers, doctors, and some non-fans (ed. really, are there people cruising teh internet all day calling everything and anything "gay") I'll be back to comment soon.

And look at all the stuff that's been going on in tv and film in nova scotia since I've been on hiatus.

Seriously, go ahead and look, I'll wait.



la,la, I'm still standing, la,la,la.....................

Halifax Film / DHX Shareholders - Shame!

Dear Readers, I've waited as long as I could before blogging but I cannot hold my tongue much more. (ed. especially since you've been biting on it for days now.)

As usual, my editor is my friend Lunchmeat Harold. ( ed. Howdy!)

I read in the newspaper a few days ago and in today's edition of Allnovascotia.com about the going's on at Halifax Film's Annual General Meeting (ed. at the Halifax Club! Any leftover shrimp skewers?)

I think the shareholders that were there are darn lucky that I'm unable to leave the apartment or I would have shown up and given them a piece of my mind. After all I am also a shareholder of DHX (ed. 1000 shares) and I was fully entitled to be there. Nevermind that I didn't get an invite, I'm sure that's just a mix-up. (ed. But you called them and e-mailed everyone in the place a million -)

"Pointed questions" is what allnovascotia.com calls these ungratefuls grilling of Michael Donovan, and the other Muskateer execs. (ed. easy, big fella).

They question raises of 27% to 51% of their salaries. Seems like a lot but it's a matter of perspectives, we're not talking millions here folks; its just double digit increases on six (ed. not seven!) figure salaries. And given the economic meltdown that we're going through, give these guys a break. Charles "the Green Arrow" Bishop in now earning only $356,250 and Dana Landry is earning less at $355,030. (ed. whip out your salaries boys and see who's is bigger.)

And when you take into consideration that it's not all salary (ed. $50K is in "bonus's"), they are not out of line with N.Y. investment bankers. And which of the two would you rather have in delicatly cradling your portfolios? I thought so!

Remember although DHX has 16 shows in production, most of them are being made with OPM. (ed. Other People's Money e.g. Tax Credits, Film NS, CTF) and "producer's Fees" come out of them. Why the investment in Jungle Jim alone is almost enough to pay the bonus's! (ed. is that a good thing or a bad thing?)

Besides, it's an INVESTMENT! The province has invested in a lot of the children's shows and they are going great guns worldwide. Nova Scotia is probably drowning in cash from all the sales they announce to asia, spain etc. (ed. Coincidentaly, Coming to America will turn a profit very soon.)

And like your junior high baseball team, this is a (re?)building year. DHX is pumping out as much children's content they can so they'll be ready "for the future." Not sure how but Mr. Donovan predicts that there's a "17-year-old walking to highschool now and he's just got an idea." (ed. God, careful around those snowbanks! Don't get run over by one of those Hybrids!@)

Wouldn't you have waited for Mr. Gates to exist, come up with great ideas and turn them into cash! I for one am waiting for this anonymous, acne riddled, barely-there-mustache wearing messiah to come forth! (ed. Which one is he?)

But Mr. Donovan had a perfect comeback for those questioning the exec's salaries; the TV industry is all about relationships and these good ole boys have it in spades. That's where the value is. Not in scripts or concepts or ideas. Anyone can have those. (ed. actually I have a great idea for a show - )

I for one am proud to be a part of an industry where its who you know that gets you ahead. Doesn't it save so much time an energy for the broadcasters to sit down over dinner at a high end Toronto restaurant like..er....(ed. I don't know any either.) and make a deal. Broadcasters then don't have to beat the bushes dealing with scruffy little people "developing original" ideas from scratch. (ed, that does sound disgusting. Have you seen those squigee kids?)


More later. The fetal alcohol kid from down the hall is coming home and he has to bang the wall with his helmet all the way to his apartment, damn it!

And as for the $2.2M lost on Shake Hands With the Devil (ed. the last but not the least of the many movies on the topic that people shouldn't have gotten numbed to!), it will be forthcoming as a distributor has been found for the film in the states. Of America!

And then the's the E1 debacle which I believe we were so lucky to have gotten out of even if we dropped $1.1 M on that. (ed. How many Jungle Jim's are we up to now?)

Though I was saddened when the deal was called off as I was hoping to sell maybe a few of the shares that were worth $ .46/share at the time for the selling price offered of $1.59. Would have been nice to splurge on some quarter pounders and cheese and a few cosmopolitons. And maybe I did wonder, as one shareholder did at the AGM about where Mr. Donovan was going to go after the deal was done? But I'm sure all these plans and failed plans are only for the good of the shareholder and I am proud to declare myself one of them! (ed. My country tis of thee, sweet land of liberty - )

So that clears that up.

In other news -

- I hear that CTV's Eastern Development manager Anne-Marie Lapointe is no longer within the Eastern Region? Wasn't she just here a second ago, brand new to the job? How does CTV expect to mine the rich source of talent down here? Remember, some of us can't leave the apartment.

- Whatever happened to The Conclave? Just wondering.

- And the CRTC has announced that they only be giving out one year licenses coming into the next renewal round and they propose that the private broadcasters spend as much money on homegrown production as they do buying American shows. (ed. Teehee, Must be like early April Fools.) CRTC is not going to be pushed around anymore! Unless they get pushed really hard by the Aspers and the Rogers and the whoever owns CTV (ed. The KOC?) This is really cool grandstanding but I think it means that the CRTC just wrote its own execution order.

Halifax Film....and TV Stuff. I'm still standing! After all these Years...lalala

Okay, I'm a little concerned in what's happening lately. Before I start, let me introduce my editor tonight, the always reliable Lunchmeat Harold. (ed. Howdy!)

So over the last six months, maybe longer, don't know, the world economy has failed. Whatever. I don't really care as I retreated from the "world" a long time ago. I didn't care and apparently "the world" hasn't missed me either.

My only touch with the "real" world (ed. i.e. reality) is that outside of entertainment news, the only thing I keep on top of is my one and only investment; I own 1000 shares of DHX aka Halifax Film. It was great when it was trading at $1.60 a share when I first inherited it but now it's worth 46 ...cents!? (ed. for some reason there's no "cents" symbol on this computer. Probably Bill Gates didn't see the need.)

But,all the exec's at Halifax Film just gave themselves raises and bonus's which means things are good, right? Right?

But good news, they've shuttered that Bulldog whatever investment. Sure there's a couple hundred thousand $ loss involved (ed. Bob Barker Rules!), but no sense throwing good money after bad. Who thought it was a good idea to buy into a company that's premise is that children need to work out on a daily basis. (ed. We make TV shows. Let's by a gym!)

But like the difference between good sex and bad sex, it's all in the timing. The AGM is being held this week. Michael Donovan says that not only is it a general meeting of shareholders, it will be a "special" meeting. Should I be scared?

If only I had the ability to leave the apartment I'd be there! (ed. shrimp skewers notwithstanding)

Hopefully someone wiil share with sugarbear as to what's being said at the meeting.

Goodnight.

Halifax Film....and TV Stuff. I'm still standing! After all these Years...lalala

It's a New Year! And film in Halifax is...?

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?

Somebody's Frozen My Assets

Can't blog. Some...force...making..it...difficult. So much to type...ugh

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.

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.

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.