All posts by Greg David

Prior to becoming a television critic and owner of TV, Eh?, Greg David was a critic for TV Guide Canada, the country's most trusted source for TV news. He has interviewed television actors, actresses and behind-the-scenes folks from hundreds of television series from Canada, the U.S. and internationally. He is a podcaster, public speaker, weekly radio guest and educator, and past member of the Television Critics Association.
Awards

Banff World Media Festival unveils 2022 Rockie Ward Gala recipients

From a media release:

The Banff World Media Festival (BANFF) is proud to reveal this year’s exciting lineup of the Rockie Award Gala recipients. The in-person ceremony will take place at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel in Banff, Alberta, Canada on Tuesday, June 14th at 6:30pm MT.

Hosting the Festival’s flagship awards program is Jully Black, Canada’s Queen of R&B/Soul and a true Canadian icon. She has been named as one of ‘The 25 Greatest Canadian Singers Ever’ (CBC Music) and she is a platinum selling artist and performer; a Juno, Gemini, Toronto Theatre Critics Association and Dora Mavor Moore Award recipient, a celebrated morning television host, a Canada’s Walk of Fame inductee and a television and musical stage actress of resolute faith and conviction.

Rockies Gala Awards to be bestowed include:

SIR PETER USTINOV COMEDY AWARD: Ana Gasteyer (American Auto, Saturday Night Live)
The award recognizes a creative talent who has made an outstanding comedic contribution to the media industry. Past honorees include: Kenan Thompson, Sean Hayes, John Cleese, Tracey Ullman, Bob Newhart, Tantoo Cardinal, John Candy and Bill Hader.

INCLUSION AWARD: Vivica A. Fox (Kill Bill: Vol. 1 & 2, Empire)
Presented by A+E, the Inclusion Award recognizes an individual whose efforts and vision in media champion and reflect the diversity of the world in which we live. Past Honorees include: Danielle Brooks, LeVar Burton, Jonathan Murray and Elizabeth Vargas.

Jean-Marc Vallée will be posthumously awarded the CANADIAN AWARD OF DISTINCTION
Presented by the Canada Media Fund (CMF/FMC) and MadeNous, the award is given to a Canadian whose body of work exemplifies outstanding achievement in the entertainment industry. Past Honorees include: Simu Liu, Eric McCormack, Kim Cattrall and Sheila Hockin.

INNOVATIVE PRODUCER AWARD: Eagle Vision
Presented by Lionsgate, the Innovative Producer Award recognizes the entrepreneurial excellence and achievements of an independent producer in TV/digital media. Past honorees include: Sinking Ship Entertainment, Wattpad Studios, Scott Brothers Entertainment, New Metric Media, Wolf + Rabbit, Don Carmody and marblemedia.

CREATIVE VOICE AWARD: Rose Matafeo (Starstruck, Funny Girls)
The creative voice award is bestowed on an executive or creative talent that has created outstanding work that breaks through, inspiring and connecting global audiences.

SHOWRUNNER OF THE YEAR: Ashley Lyle, Bart Nickerson and Jonathan Lisco (Yellowjackets)
Presented by Variety, Showrunner of the Year recognizes exceptional achievement of a showrunner or writer/producer for their creative vision, overseeing from development, through pre- to post-production, and as the driving force of a series. Past honorees include: Jed Mercurio, Moira Walley-Beckett, John Ridley, Damon Lindelof, Joey Soloway and Clyde Phillips.

“We are delighted to shine a spotlight on these incredibly deserving Rockies Gala honourees who have made such a strong impact and meaningful contributions to the entertainment industry,” said Jenn Kuzmyk, Executive Director of the Banff World Media Festival. “We can’t wait to welcome these great talents to the Festival in-person to celebrate together.”

Additional awards to be presented at the ceremony include:

IMPACT AWARD: Presented by The Hollywood Reporter, this award is bestowed annually to an individual or group that has made a significant and impactful contribution to screen-based entertainment. Past honorees include: Julia Louis-Dreyfus, David Shore, accepting on behalf of The Good Doctor; Anthony Anderson, accepting on behalf of black-ish; and Justin Simien accepting on behalf of Dear White People.

PROGRAM OF THE YEAR: The Program of the Year award is presented to an outstanding, critically acclaimed, ground-breaking, and/or highly rated program from within the last calendar year. Past recipients include: It’s a Sin, This is Us, Handmaid’s Tale, Making a Murderer and Surviving R. Kelly.

THE GRAND JURY PRIZE: The Grand Jury Prize is awarded to the highest scoring project in the Rockies Program Competition by the festival’s specially appointed Grand Jury of industry executives. Past recipients include: I May Destroy You, Fleabag, Big Little Lies, Planet Earth II and Sharp Objects.

The Banff World Media Festival is the international conference and marketplace where new business partnerships are forged and new TV, film and digital media projects are ignited. With delegates from 50+ countries, the Festival attracts the world’s top creators, producers, showrunners, talent, networks, studios, streamers, press and media companies. In addition, BANFF continues to deliver important fellowships and initiatives including The BANFF Spark Accelerator for Women in the Business of Media, supported by the Government of Canada which empowers and trains Canadian women entrepreneurs to launch and grow their own sustainable businesses within the screen-based industries as well as the Netflix-BANFF Diversity of Voices Initiative, a program that jumpstarts and accelerates the careers of up to 100 Black, Indigenous and People of Colour producers and creators.

About the Rockie Awards
With a 43-year legacy, the Rockie Awards consist of the International Program Competition and Gala Awards. The International Program Competition is open to all genres and platforms including drama, non-fiction, digital, kids, youth and podcasts. Timed in the heart of awards voting season, the prestigious Banff World Media Festival competition recognizes excellence in global television and digital content. Entries from more than 40 countries compete each year, and winners are selected by an international industry jury of 150+ senior entertainment and media professionals. The Rockie Awards Gala honours outstanding talent and executives from the industry. Over the years, the prestigious Gala event has attracted some of the industry’s biggest names including Sir Laurence Olivier, Gregory Peck, Dinah Shore, Ricky Gervais, Chuck Lorre, Martin Short, James Burrows, John Cleese, Dick Wolf, Will Arnett, Christine Baranski, Sir David Attenborough, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus, to name a few.

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Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary

Bruce Cook tackles his biggest project yet in Season two of By Hook or By Cook, debuting June 16 on AMI-tv

From a media release:

Bruce Cook is back, and taking on his biggest project ever. Accessible Media Inc. (AMI) announced today that Season two of By Hook or By Cook, starring freestyle motocross rider Bruce Cook, returns Thursday, June 16, at 10 p.m. Eastern on AMI.

In Season two, Bruce Cook, a stunt motocross rider who is disabled, wants to help others with disabilities enjoy life’s possibilities with unique innovations that he and his friend, Christian Bagg, create. Bruce has been depressed since COVID-19 shut down most activities which, in turn, has given him a lot of time to think about the reality of the injuries he sustained eight years ago. When given an opportunity to make a remote lake lodge more accessible for those with disabilities he jumps at the chance.

Working with Christian, who has been in a wheelchair for 25 years, Bruce learns about perseverance. He also learns valuable lessons from people who are also adapting to life with a disability which—over the course of the season—will allow Bruce to gain more insight into who he is at his core and what his abilities really are. He learns more about himself, his spirit and his tenacity than he’s ever imagined.

In the premiere episode of By Hook or By Cook on Thursday, June 16, at 10 p.m. Eastern on AMI-tv, family friends enlist Bruce’s help making a 100-year-old lodge deep in the mountains accessible, and it’s up to the adrenaline junkie and accessibility advocate to bring his imagination and innovation to the test.

Watch an exclusive preview of Season two.

“Bruce’s story, honesty and sense of humour really connected with our audience in Season one,” said John Melville, Vice-President, Content Development & Programming, AMI-audio/AMI-tv. “Viewers are in for the ride of their lives in Season two.”

Season one of By Hook or By Cook received a 2022 Canadian Screen Award nomination for Best Writing, Factual.

A series of digital exclusives—which can be streamed on AMI.ca and the AMI-tv App for iOS and Android—give fans a behind-the-scenes look at production on Season two of By Hook or By Cook, including updates by Bruce and Christian, and a sneak preview of what’s to come. By Hook or By Cook is produced by Render Digital Media.

Season two of By Hook or By Cook features Integrated Described Video (IDV) making it accessible to individuals who are blind or partially sighted. 

AMI and Render Digital Media are excited to announce that casting is now open for Season three of By Hook or By Cook.

Render Digital Media is looking for participants with all ranges of disability and dreams. No matter how big or small, they want to hear your story. Interested applicants can apply now via the Render Digital Media website.

Host Bruce Cook

Bruce Cook began his professional motocross career in 2005, touring across Canada. In 2014, he joined Nitro Circus, which features world-class athletes and daredevils performing outrageous and risky stunts. His first show found him attempting the world’s first double front flip on a motorcycle and when the trick did not go as planned, Bruce suffered a broken vertebra and a damaged spinal cord, resulting in paralysis. After regaining his strength and confidence, Bruce was back on a modified bike and landed the world’s first backflip as a paraplegic, 10 months after his accident.

Bruce shares his experiences with friends, family and followers like an open book told in a stream of consciousness of hope, humour, and raw emotion. He cannot escape the enormity of daily life as it is faced by a paraplegic, but he is navigating his way through life with determination, enthusiasm and a lot of creativity.

Follow Bruce Cook on Instagram.

Christian Bagg

Before breaking his back on the slopes during a distance jump competition, Christian Bagg was an apprenticing machinist: a young tinkerer, adventurer, and outdoorsman.

In 1996, he found himself experiencing life from a chair that neither fit his impressive six-foot-five frame, or his expansive personality. Eager not just to participate, but to excel at outdoor adventures, Christian has spent the last 20 years designing and building adaptive equipment that aren’t merely functional, but transformative.

What started out as a way to solve his own problems grew into an outlet to help others experience the very outdoors that he loves so much. Christian lives in pursuit of greatness not only for himself, but for those around us. He builds a better future.

Follow Christian’s company, Bowhead Corp., on Instagram.

By Hook or By Cook debuts Thursday, June 16, at 10 p.m. Eastern on AMI-tv. Stream episodes on AMI.ca and the AMI-tv App.About Render Digital Media

Render Digital Media is an independent production house based in Kelowna, BC, specializing in authentic, original television programming for broadcast. Our team is passionate about character driven live-action documentaries and lifestyle series that make the viewer think, laugh and feel. Learn more at Render Digital Media.

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Family Law

Global greenlights Season 3 of original scripted series Family Law

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From a media release:

The verdict is in! Today, Global announced that Season 3 of hit Canadian legal drama Family Law has been greenlit for an all-new 10-episode season. Produced by SEVEN24 Films and Lark Productions, and created by Canadian award-winning author Susin Nielsen, Season 3 is set to begin filming in Vancouver on May 24. The principal cast including Jewel Staite, Victor Garber, Zach Smadu, Genelle Williams and Lauren Holly all return for the new season. This renewal comes ahead of the show’s Season 2 premiere, which will be announced at a later date.

Family Law is a witty, heartfelt look at the trials and tribulations of an imperfect family. The one-hour legal drama follows Abigail ‘Abby’ Bianchi (Jewel Staite) as she navigates her new life with her family including Abby’s father Harry Svensson (Victor Garber), her half-brother Daniel Svensson (Zach Smadu), and half-sister Lucy Svensson (Genelle Williams). Season 3 will follow Abby and her dysfunctional family as they help other dysfunctional families – all while navigating their own personal dramas. Guest stars for the new season will be announced soon.

Lauded as “the unexpected drama worth bingeing right now,” viewers can catch up on Season 1 of Family Law with STACKTV and the Global TV App.

Family Law is produced by SEVEN24 Films (Heartland, JANN) and Lark Productions (Motive, Fortunate Son). It was created by Susin Nielsen (Robson Arms, Cedar Cove), who also serves as executive producer and showrunner. The series is executive produced by Jordy Randall, Tom Cox, Erin Haskett and Andy Mikita. This season’s writers include Sarah Dodd, Ken Craw, Sonja Bennett, Corey Liu and Jordan Hall, and directors include Andy Mikita, Jordan Canning, David Frazee and Alysse Leite-Rogers.

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Awards

Screen Nova Scotia announces 2022 award nominees and return to in-person gala

From a media release:

Screen Nova Scotia is pleased to officially announce the nominees for the 8th annual Screen Nova Scotia Awards Gala, which will take place on Saturday, June 18th, in the Schooner Ballroom at Casino Nova Scotia. The awards recognize and celebrate the incredible talent, creativity, and passion that are the trademarks of Nova Scotia’s film, television and animation industry. This will be the first full capacity, in-person awards gala since 2019 when the COVID-19 pandemic moved the event to an online format for two years.

Notable awards presented during the event include the ACTRA Maritimes Awards for Outstanding Performances, the Film Crew Excellence Award, the Women in Film & Television – Atlantic Award, the Community Recognition Award, and the Screen Nova Scotia awards for best television, film, and animation. New SNS award categories this year include the award for Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography and the Groundbreaking Performance Award, which includes a cash prize of $500 and will be awarded to a diverse performer who does not yet meet the eligibility criteria for the ACTRA awards for their work in a film or television/web series.

Additionally, ACTRA has updated their awards to remove categorization based on gender, type of role, and format. There are now four awards handed out from the list of twenty nominees for “Outstanding Performance,” determined by a jury of their peers.

The event will be co-hosted by a star-studded cast featuring some of Nova Scotia’s brightest talents from in front of and behind the camera. Individual tickets and group tables are on sale now via Screen Nova Scotia’s website: www.screennovascotia.com. Please note that tickets are limited and our last in-person show was a sold-out event.

The winners of the Community Recognition Award, the Film Crew Excellence Award, and the Groundbreaking Performance Award will be announced live during the event.

Best Feature Film
– 8:37 Rebirth (Rebirth Films Inc.)
– Dawn, Her Dad & the Tractor (Picture Plant Inc.)
– Night Blooms (Shut Up & Colour Pictures)
– Wildhood (Rebel Road Films)

Best Documentary Film
– A New World of Hurt (Auguste Content, Clothesline Media)
– Deserted (The Lunenburg Doc Fest, Picnic Studios)
– Freedom Swell (Mirror Image Media)
– The New Human (McLean Media Enterprises, Dreamsmith Entertainment)

Best Short Film
– The Artistic Accountant (Make Your Day Productions)
– Baduk (You First Productions)
– Breakout (Blurry Logo Productions)
– Dust Bath (CUT/OFF/TAIL Pictures)

Best Television Series
– Diggstown, S3 (Waterstar Entertainment, Circle Blue Entertainment)
– Moonshine, S1 (Six Eleven Media)
– Spirit Talker S2 (Rebel Road Films, Tell Tale Productions)
– This Hour Has 22 Minutes S29 (22M Hour Productions)

Best Animated Series
– The Casagrandes (Jam Filled Entertainment)
– Dennis & Me S2 (Cartoon Conrad)
– Teen Titans Go! S6 (Copernicus Entertainment)

Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography
– Kevin Fraser
– Halley Hellmich
– Paul McCurdy
– Jeff Wheaton

WIFT-AT — Best Nova Scotia Director Award:
– Stephanie Joline (Night Blooms)
– Induk Lee (Baduk)
– Christine McLean (The New Human)
– Juanita Peters (8:37 Rebirth)
– Shelley Thompson (Dawn, Her Dad & the Tractor)

ACTRA Maritimes Awards for Outstanding Performances:
– Beth Amiro (Second Wedding)
– Vinessa Antoine (Diggstown S3)
– Mary-Colin Chisholm (Wildhood)
– Francine Deschepper (Dawn, Her Dad & the Tractor)
– Pasha Ebrahim (8:37 Rebirth)
– Susan Kent (Diggstown S3)
– Celia Koughan (Moonshine)
– Koumbie (I Hate You)
– Calem MacDonald (Night Blooms)
– Bob Mann (Second Wedding)
– Alexandra McDonald (Night Blooms)
– Desna Michael Thomas (Wildhood)
– Taylor Olson (I Hate You)
– Reid Price (Dawn, Her Dad & the Tractor)
– Jennie Raymond (Night Blooms)
– Jacob Sampson (Diggstown S3)
– Amy Trefry (8:37 Rebirth)
– Rob Wells (Dawn, Her Dad & the Tractor)
– Samantha Wilson (Night Blooms)
– Avery Winters-Anthony (Wildhood)

Moonshine image courtesy of Sheri Elwood.

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Web series

Link: TV writer Zarqa Nawaz creates stories that challenge stereotypes about Muslim women

From Debra Yeo of the Toronto Star:

Link: TV writer Zarqa Nawaz creates stories that challenge stereotypes about Muslim women
Between 2012, when the sitcom “Little Mosque on the Prairie” went off the air, and today, as Zarqa Nawaz’s latest TV series is about to debut, our small screens haven’t exactly been awash in Muslim women. Continue reading.

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