Boat Rocker strikes first-look deal with Jay Baruchel

August 16, 2022 Greg David

From a media release:

Boat Rocker, an independent, integrated global entertainment company, has struck a first-look deal with actor, writer, director, and producer Jay Baruchel. Under the deal, Baruchel will develop and produce original television, film and digital projects for the company.

“Proudly wearing the Canadian maple leaf tattooed over his heart, Jay Baruchel is a national treasure. Jay has brought his unique talent, charm and humour to a multitude of rewatchable films and series, whether it be as actor, writer, producer or host,” said David Fortier and Ivan Schneeberg, Co-Executive Chairmen, Boat Rocker Media and Co-Chairmen, Boat Rocker Studios. “Everyone at Boat Rocker is excited to be working with Jay to help him bring his ideas and stories to global audiences.”

Baruchel starred as Josh Greenberg on all three seasons of Simon Rich-created Man Seeking Woman on FXX. He is also known for voicing Hiccup in the How to Train Your Dragon franchise, co-writing and starring in the Goon movie franchise, and his roles in blockbuster feature comedies Tropic Thunder, Knocked Up, and This is the End. Baruchel recently hosted the hit series LOL: Last One Laughing Canada from Boat Rocker’s Insight Productions for Amazon Prime Video. He will also be a series regular in Arnold Schwarzenegger’s upcoming untitled spy adventure series for Netflix.

Jay Baruchel said: “I loved working with the Boat Rocker and Insight Productions family on LOL: Last One Laughing Canada and have been and continue to be a big fan of what they’re doing and the projects they are developing. I couldn’t be more excited about this partnership or more honoured to be working with Boat Rocker in finding wonderful Canadian stories to entertain the world with. Stay tuned!!”

Baruchel joins other first-look deals recently struck by Boat Rocker, including Dr. Ibram X. Kendi’s Maroon Visions, Dakota Johnson and Ro Donnelly’s TeaTime Pictures, and Shamier Anderson and Stephan James’ Bay Mills Studios.

Boat Rocker is behind a growing number of premium content productions, including Amber Brown, for Apple TV+, the upcoming Slip for The Roku Channel, and Orphan Black: Echoes for AMC.

Baruchel is repped by CAA, Thruline Entertainment, and Lichter, Grossman, Nichols, Adler, Feldman & Clark, Inc.

Industry News

AMI-tv announces its fall 2022 programming schedule

August 16, 2022 Greg David

From a media release:

Today, Accessible Media Inc. (AMI) unveiled its AMI-tv schedule for the 2022 fall broadcast season, with a lineup of exciting new and returning AMI originals available in described video for the blind and partially sighted community in Canada.

AMI original productions are the centrepiece of AMI-tv’s schedule, broadcast in the coveted 8 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. timeslots from Monday to Friday.

Double Tap TV is back for Season 5! Returning on Tuesday, September 13, at 8 p.m. Eastern, Double Tap TV brings viewers discussions on everything tech—all with an eye on accessibility—to television. Each week, join hosts Steven Scott, Marc Aflalo and a range of contributors as they help viewers better understand how technology can assist in everyday life.

Debuting on Wednesday, September 14, at 8 p.m. Eastern is the new series Healthy at Home. Produced by Honey Cut Studios (#IGotThis), fitness instructor Bobbi Janzen guides viewers through a home workout that tones and strengthens for everyday living. As someone who is a member of the blind and partially sighted community, Bobbi gives step-by-step detailed instruction and often focuses on the muscle groups overused when using a white cane or guide dog. This quick workout is the best way to start or end your day and can even be done on the go!

In addition to Double Tap TV and Healthy at Home, viewers can catch up on previous seasons of AMI originals Dish with Mary, Beyond the Field, #IGotThis, Our Community, Mind Your Own Business and the award-winning Employable Me.

Complementing AMI’s original programs are a slate of acquired series offered in described video.

Weekday afternoons boast family drama with Seasons 1-6 of When Calls the Heart—which follows the adventures of a young teacher who swaps big-city life for a small coal-mining town in 1910 Canada—at noon Eastern, followed by Seasons 9-15 of Heartland—the multi-generational drama set in Alberta and starring Amber Marshall, Michelle Morgan, Shaun Johnston and Chris Potter—at 1 p.m. Eastern.

Sundays on AMI-tv include a comedy block consisting of Season 1 of Son of a Critch—the heartfelt family sitcom based on the life of comedian Mark Critch—at 6 p.m. Eastern followed by Seasons 5-8 of Mr. D, starring stand-up comedian Gerry D as a hapless elementary school gym teacher, at 6:30 p.m. Eastern.

Past seasons of award-winners Murdoch Mysteries, Coroner, Burden of Truth, Schitt’s Creek and Kim’s Convenience continue on AMI-tv. Other returning favourites include American Greed, Attitude and Frankie Drake Mysteries. Saturday and Sunday nights on AMI-tv boast the biggest feature films out of Hollywood, featuring described video.

“I’m very excited about AMI’s upcoming broadcast season,” says John Melville, Vice-President, Content Development & Programming, AMI-audio/AMI-tv. “We’re honoured to bring a wide range of programming to the blind and partially sighted community in Canada.”

AMI programming features Integrated Described Video (IDV), making it accessible to individuals who are blind or partially sighted.

All dates subject to change. Additional fall programming will be announced in the coming weeks. Stream past episodes of AMI original programming on demand post-broadcast on AMI.ca or via the AMI-tv App.

AMI-tv’s fall returns and debuts (all times Eastern)

Mondays
9 a.m. – NOW with Dave Brown (Mon.-Fri.)
Noon – When Calls the Heart (Mon.-Thur.)
1 p.m. – Heartland (Mon.-Fri.)
4 p.m. – Schitt’s Creek (Mon.-Thur.)
4:30 p.m. – Kim’s Convenience (Mon.-Wed.)
8 p.m. – Beyond the Field
8:30 p.m. – #IGotThis
9 p.m. – Murdoch Mysteries (Mon.-Fri.)

Tuesdays
8 p.m. – Double Tap TV (Season 5 debuts Sept. 13)
8:30 p.m. – Mind Your Own Business

Wednesdays
8 p.m. – Healthy at Home (Debuts Sept. 14)
8:30 p.m. – AMI originals

Thursdays
8 p.m. – Our Community
8:30 p.m. – Dish with Mary

Fridays
Noon – Frankie Drake Mysteries
8 p.m. – AMI originals

Saturdays
3 p.m. – Coroner
4 p.m. – Burden of Truth
8 p.m. – Employable Me
9 p.m. – Saturday Night Movie

Sundays
6 p.m. – Son of a Critch
6:30 p.m. – Mr. D
7 p.m. – Murdoch Mysteries
8 p.m. – Attitude
9 p.m. – Sunday Night Movie

Industry News

Omar Sachedina named chief news anchor and senior editor of CTV National News

August 15, 2022 Greg David 1 Comment

From a media release:

CTV announced today that Omar Sachedina has been named Chief News Anchor and Senior Editor of CTV NATIONAL NEWS, effective Monday, September 5. A veteran journalist with more than 15 years’ experience covering many of the world’s most significant breaking news stories, Sachedina is currently National Affairs Correspondent for CTV News. He first joined CTV NATIONAL NEWS as a correspondent in Toronto in 2009.

As National Affairs Correspondent for CTV News, Sachedina has been on the ground, reporting in English and French, for many international news stories, including multiple assignments in Ukraine during the ongoing war; reporting from the Colombia-Venezuela border during Venezuela’s political power struggle between Nicolas Maduro and Juan Guaido; delivering Canadian Screen Award-winning coverage of D-Day’s 75^th Anniversary in Normandy, France; covering the Pro-Democracy Protest in Hong Kong; reporting on natural disasters in Haiti and Indonesia; and covering Brexit. For Canada’s 150^th anniversary, he reported from aboard an icebreaker as he journeyed through the Northwest Passage.

During his tenure in CTV’s Parliamentary Bureau, Sachedina travelled with the Prime Minister to cover international summits and conferences. He also served as a fill-in host on CTV News Channel’s daily marquee political program POWER PLAY. Part of CTV News’ 2015, 2019, and 2021 Federal Election team, Sachedina reported from the campaign trail from coast-to-coast-to-coast and interviewed federal party leaders. Prior to joining CTV NATIONAL NEWS, he served as a reporter and anchor at CP24.

For his outstanding coverage, Sachedina has been recognized with multiple nominations for Best National News Reporter at the Canadian Screen Awards, and has received multiple RTDNA Awards, most recently for a feature from Nunavik, Que., where he explored the roots of Mary Simon: Canada’s first Indigenous Governor General. Sachedina was also recognized by the Canadian Association of Journalists with a nomination for a Daily Excellence award.

Born in Vancouver to parents of Indian descent from Uganda, Sachedina holds a degree in Political Science from McGill University, a Masters in Journalism from Columbia University, and is a graduate of The Poynter Institute.

Industry News

Lisa LaFlamme departs CTV News

August 15, 2022 Greg David 4 Comments

From a media release:

CTV announced today that Chief News Anchor and Senior Editor Lisa LaFlamme is departing the network. Since 2011, LaFlamme has anchored CTV NATIONAL NEWS, and before that spent more than a decade as CTV News’ National Affairs Correspondent.

Recognizing changing viewer habits, CTV recently advised LaFlamme that it had made the business decision to move its acclaimed news show, CTV NATIONAL NEWS, and the role of its Chief News Anchor in a different direction.

“A trusted broadcaster and distinguished voice in Canadian news, Lisa has been on the front line of the world’s biggest headlines,” said Karine Moses, Senior Vice President, Content Development & News, Bell Media and Vice Chair, Québec, Bell. “With an unfailing commitment to delivering the stories that matter most to Canadians as part of Canada’s leading news team, Lisa has deftly guided viewers through both turbulent times and celebration, and we wish her nothing but the best as she begins a new chapter.”

As part of the multi-award-winning CTV News team, staffed with the country’s best writers, producers, and editors, LaFlamme covered some of the most important stories during her 35 years with CTV News. CTV News prides itself on covering those stories that matter, no matter where they take place in the world, so that Canadians everywhere can stay informed on the key developments, both domestically and globally, that impact their lives.

LaFlamme issued the following statement following CTV’s release:

“Today, with profound gratitude and a range of other emotions, I am sharing with you some news about me and my career with CTV News. For 35 years, I have had the privilege of being welcomed into your homes to deliver the news on a nightly basis, so I felt you should hear this from me directly.

On June 29th, I was informed that Bell Media made a “business decision” to end my contract, bringing to a close my long career with CTV News.

35 years of service – of journalism – of work that I have dedicated my life to – over.

I was, and still am, shocked and saddened by Bell Media’s decision. I was also asked to keep this confidential from my colleagues and the public until the specifics of my exit could be resolved. That has now happened, so please allow me to reflect on the last 35 years.

Reporting on the darkest days of war – from Iraq, Afghanistan and this year, Ukraine – to covering natural disasters, this pandemic, federal elections and so many other consequential events, including this summer’s papal apology tour to residential school survivors and their families, is a trust I have never taken for granted. Whether it is reporting from the field or, for the last 12 years, from the anchor desk, I am forever grateful to you, such loyal viewers, for sharing in the belief that news delivered with integrity and truth strengthens our democracy.

At 58, I thought I would have more time to tell more of the stories that impact our daily lives as I have done for so many decades.

I leave humbled by the people who put their faith in me to tell their story.

As I sign off from CTV, I want to express my deepest gratitude to all of you who call Canada home who have shared in this journey with me, and for the unwavering support of colleagues, friends and family.

While it is crushing to be leaving CTV National News and a team that is more like family in a manner that is not my choice, please know these last 35 years of bringing to you every major national and international event has been the greatest honour of my life.”

– Lisa LaFlamme

Children Ruin Everything

Season 2 of CTV original comedy Children Ruin Everything Premieres Sept. 19

August 11, 2022 Greg David

From a media release:

Following a successful first season, CTV Original comedy CHILDREN RUIN EVERYTHING returns for its second season, Mondays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CTV, CTV.ca, and the CTV app, beginning Sept. 19. Created and executive produced by Emmy^® and Golden Globe^® Award-winner Kurt Smeaton (SCHITT’S CREEK), and set and filmed in Toronto and Hamilton, Ont., CHILDREN RUIN EVERYTHING stars Meaghan Rath (BEING HUMAN) and Aaron Abrams (BLINDSPOT) as parents Astrid and James, who are still trying to do it all as they discover all of the little ways that raising kids has reshaped their world.

In Season 2, a new baby enters Astrid and James’ already hectic lives, leaving the family feeling even more strapped for time, sleep, and space. It feels like at every turn, from the new baby needing their own bedroom, to an aging home that needs fixing up, the Berney family may have outgrown city living. In a moment of exhaustion, James considers the once unthinkable: it might be time to move away from the city to find a home with a little more space. But for Astrid, the idea of moving away from her family, and the job she only just returned to, does not land well.

Returning cast starring alongside Rath and Abrams are Logan Nicholson (BLUES CLUES AND YOU) and Mikayla SwamiNathan as Felix and Viv, James and Astrid’s adorable eight-year-old son, and five-year-old daughter who continue to suck the life out of their parents, one tantrum at a time; Ennis Esmer (BLINDSPOT, SCHITT’S CREEK) as James’ best friend and colleague Ennis, who is always happy to remind James that having kids was a huge mistake; Nazneen Contractor (RANSOM, HEROES REBORN) as Astrid’s close-to-perfect sister Dawn; Dmitry Chepovetsky (KILLJOYS, DEPARTURE) as Bo, Dawn’s eccentric husband; Darius Rota as Dawn and Bo’s brazen 10-year-old son Corey; Veena Sood (CORNER GAS ANIMATED, THE INDIAN DETECTIVE) as Astrid and Dawn’s over-sharing mother Nisha, who has been enlisted to help with childcare as Astrid returns to work; and Lisa Codrington (LETTERKENNY, THE LAKE) as James’ ambitious boss who is plotting to take over the corporate office of the mid-sized grocery chain where they work.

Confirmed to guest star on the series’ second season are Kim Coates (BAD BLOOD, SONS OF ANARCHY) and Aaron Ashmore (GINNY & GEORGIA, KILLJOYS); with Anna Hopkins (THE EXPANSE, SHADOWHUNTERS) reprising her role as “Disaster Mom”.

On the Season 2 premiere of CHILDREN RUIN EVERYTHING, titled “Sleep” (Monday, Sept. 19 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CTV, CTV.ca, and the CTV app), after a bout of sleepless nights with their new baby, Astrid and James are at their wits’ end. With a transfer to a different department at work looming, Astrid is feeling the pressure to stay sharp, and keep up with her younger colleagues. To get more sleep, Astrid and James have to brave sleep training or the even more daunting challenge – finding the space to give the baby his own room in a house full of family and stuff, with not a square inch to spare. The episode is written by Kurt Smeaton and directed by Melanie Orr.

Season 1 of the CTV Original series was the biggest debut for a Canadian comedy among the A25-54 demo since 2019 (CTV’s JANN). The series also ranks as CTV’s #1 new comedy of the 2021-22 broadcast season. Season 1 is currently available for streaming with no subscription or sign-in required on CTV.ca and the CTV app, and is also available on Crave. Season 1 of CHILDREN RUIN EVERYTHING also airs on The Roku Channel in the U.S.

CHILDREN RUIN EVERYTHING is from award-winning New Metric Media and is created and executive produced by Kurt Smeaton (SCHITT’S CREEK, KIM’S CONVENIENCE), and executive produced by one of television’s premier comedy writers Chuck Tatham (MODERN FAMILY, ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT), multiple Canadian Screen Award-winner Mark Montefiore (LETTERKENNY, WHAT WOULD SAL DO?), and Meaghan Rath, with Alyson Richards (The Retreat) serving as producer. Melanie Orr (THE PARKER ANDERSONS, THE HARDY BOYS), Peter Huang (WORKIN’ MOMS), and Peter Wellington (KIM’S CONVENIENCE, SAVING HOPE) direct this season.