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.
Industry News

Nova Scotia film budget increased in 2016-17 to meet demand

From a media release:

An additional $1.5 million will be provided for projects completed this fiscal year, bringing the total budget for the program to $11.5 million for 2016-17.

“We value our film industry and we want it to be successful and stable,” said Mark Furey, Minister of Business. “We’ve been working closely with Screen Nova Scotia to monitor activity and requirements under the fund and we’re pleased to see more productions applying. This will benefit the economy with more jobs and increased spending in Nova Scotia.”

Government and industry have been monitoring all approved, pending, and anticipated applications, as well as the year each production is expected to be completed and paid out, to forecast capacity in the fund.

The Nova Scotia Film and Television Production Incentive Fund, introduced in July 2015, provides between 25-32 per cent of eligible costs such as labour and goods and services purchased from a Nova Scotia-based supplier.

To date, Nova Scotia Business Inc., the program administrator, has announced 17 productions representing $4.9 million in funding commitments. Those approved productions, which span several fiscal years, can be found at www.nsbi.ca/filmfunding. Continue reading.

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Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary

New original Canadian series Made by Destruction debuts Monday, July 4 on Discovery

From a media release:

As the saying goes: “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” This old adage rings true for Discovery’s newest original Canadian series MADE BY DESTRUCTION, airing back-to-back episodes on Mondays at 7 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. ET beginning July 4. Produced for Discovery Canada by yap films, and in association with Science U.S., the unique series gives viewers the inside scoop on how everyday objects are pulled from the trash, destroyed, transformed by technology, and reborn into new and useable items, exclusively on Discovery.

MADE BY DESTRCUTION reveals the step-by-step process of how commonplace and often dismissed objects are used to create new, useable products in factories all around the world by using innovative technology and inventive design. The series showcases how everyday objects are destroyed and re-manufactured, proving a product’s origin can be just as exciting and interesting as the item itself.

In the first episode, discarded photocopiers are shredded, their copper combined with a dash of zinc, before they are sent to a nearby foundry to be melted into brass. The brass is then heated, melted, and shaped into one of the most iconic musical instruments in the world: the trumpet.

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19-2, Featured

Season 3 of 19-2 returns with questions and power struggles

1 Comment

I go into every episode of 19-2 with an uneasy feeling. Over the last two seasons, showrunner Bruce M. Smith has proven that the next tragedy to befall the squad is mere moments away.

No story is one-note. There is always a chain reaction to an incident, and that’s the case with Monday’s return when what seems to be a simple blown van tire turns into multiple life or death situations. Here’s what we can tell you about “Burn Pile”—written by Smith—without giving everything away.

The squad makes changes
Bear is still the acting Sergeant, Dickie the rookie has been paired with Tyler—leading to some very funny scenes—and J.M. is on indefinite leave with pay after assaulting Justine. Also, as part of an initiative to regain the community’s trust, every officer must do foot patrol and bike patrol.

Let the backstabbing begin
Maxim Roy told us Episode 1 would feature masks coming off and huge betrayals, and she was right. With the task force—investigating why Houle’s crimes weren’t discovered sooner—looking for someone to blame, Isabelle and Gendron begin an intricate game of chess neither wants to lose.

New players join the fray
The investigation into Houle’s case and what happened to Kaz gives 19-2 the opportunity to introduce new characters. Among them: Insp. Elise Roberge, from Internal Affairs; and Charlie Figo, a local baker with ties to the mob. Both use manipulation to their advantage.

Ben comes up with a whole new meaning for the term “table it”
And Amelie is a big help.

19-2 airs Mondays at 10 p.m. ET on Bravo.

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Bachelorette Canada, Featured, Murdoch Mysteries

Comments and queries for the week of June 17

marble media and Omnifilm Entertainment partner to remake 90s favourite The Odyssey

While I’m usually against remakes (Anne of Green Gables comes to mind) enough time has passed and the memory of the show has faded so much so I welcome a new The Odyssey. I really liked this show when I was younger and the premise works well for a remake. —Alicia

Jasmine Lorimer announced as Canada’s first Bachelorette

A small-town “girl” is no way to describe a 27-year-old woman. To find a man of her dreams? Women dream of more than a man. As far as a search for a soul mate and a groom, Ms. Lorimer should look at the odds … the success rate of lasting matches from this franchise, including the Canadian version is dismal—he’d do better at speed dating night at the local Kelsey’s.

That in the 21st century we have this kind of brainless TV is embarrassing. To call it “Reality” or “Factual” TV is an insult to all that is real and a fact. For a Canadian network to buy this format to satisfy their Canadian content is the worst violation of all. —Gary

Murdoch Mysteries‘ Season 9 end and what’s to come in Season 10

The last episode of Season 9 was shocking and scary. However, I was glad that Dr. Ogden’s character survived. I did not like the Eva Pierce’s character. She was a psycho and mentally ill. But after all this is just television, not real. I look forward to seeing Season 10. It will probably show in the U.S. next year. I love all the actors that portray the characters. —Jean

I just watched the finale and I liked it enough—it certainly had its fair share of excitement, and it was nice to see Julia saving the day, especially after things seemed to cool down once she found herself back in the morgue. Obviously, we need a reminder now and then that Julia is epic, and the bow and arrow certainly did that! Eva is not my favourite villain—I never really liked her plotline or character, so I am glad that in this episode she is gone for good >:) I think it was very fitting for Julia to end Eva’s life, given their history.

I thought this season was fantastic and I am so excited for Season 10. I was sad to see Emily Grace go, as I loved her sense of humour and wonder, however I am really liking Rebecca James a lot! The actress who plays her is fantastic and it’s so nice to have a fresh character who brings a different dynamic and experience to the show. Emily Grace was great on her own, so I am glad Rebecca James doesn’t feel like just a “replacement” as some shows tend to do, and more of her own unique character that has so much to bring to Murdoch Mysteries!

Also, I can’t say I agree with the people who disliked this episode mainly because of it not being “realistic.” If Murdoch was 100 percent realistic we wouldn’t have fun historical cameos, Murdoch’s inventions or any of the other great historical events that Murdoch gets wound up in. It is fictional after all! I’ve accepted long ago that ridiculous things happen in Murdoch Mysteries, and I am quite happy that they do as it adds to the charm of this show. —Misty

Got a question or comment about the Canadian TV industry? greg@tv-eh.com or on Twitter @tv_eh.

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Wynonna Earp

Link: Wynonna Earp’s Tim Rozon on Doc’s whereabouts and true feelings for Wynonna

From Bridget Liszewski of The TV Junkies:

Link: Wynonna Earp’s Tim Rozon on Doc’s whereabouts and true feelings for Wynonna
“Doc is in trouble, like always. I think the important thing to take away is that he was left with that choice from Juan Carlo (Shaun Johnston) to go down two different roads, and one would be going back to Wynonna. The important takeaway is that he made that choice.” Continue reading.

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