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WATERLOO REGION CELEBRATES CANADA’S BELOVED DRAMA MURDOCH MYSTERIES

Toronto and Kitchener ON | Thursday, October 6 – Shaftesbury, the production company behind Murdoch Mysteries, and THEMUSEUM are excited to announce Murdoch Mysteries: The Experience beginning Friday, November 11, 2022, and running through mid February 2023.

From Cambridge to Kitchener’s Walper Hotel, Waterloo Region has been a favourite spot to film the hit television show, now in its 16th season. The three-month long event will give fans a behind the scenes glimpse of the hit Canadian-made show.

Festivities kick off at Centre in the Square on Friday, November 11 with host, Detective William Murdoch himself, Yannick Bisson for an evening of Murdoch Music presented by the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony. Breakfast with Murdoch on Saturday November 12 and Sunday November 13 will feature Christina Jennings, Chairman and President of Shaftesbury, along with Yannick Bisson, Thomas Craig, Arwen Humphreys, Daniel Maslany, and several other cast members. Guests who attend the breakfast panel will be among the first to see the Murdoch Mysteries themed exhibition.

“These events provide a rare opportunity for devoted fans of one of Canada’s longest running drama series to experience the music, costumes, inventions, props and set recreations that have been essential elements of the Murdoch universe,” said Christina Jennings.

David Marskell, CEO of THEMUSEUM said: “I personally am a fan of the show and of the wonderful partnership we have developed with everyone at Shaftesbury. We are so pleased to bring this attraction to our community first as it will draw visitors to our hotels, restaurants and bars helping to reboot the local economy.”

This exhibition represents the second event in a schedule of upcoming Murdoch Mysteries brand extensions that began with two sold-out 7-day tours where fans from as far away as Australia visited locations including Kingston, Dundas, Niagara-on-the-Lake, and Peterborough, along with an on-set visit to watch the series being filmed. Other brand extensions include an augmented reality game Crime Nights set to launch in mid-October, and a live orchestral performance with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra in March 2023.

Tickets and details are available online at THEMUSEUM.ca/murdoch-mysteries-the-experience.

Murdoch Mysteries: In Concert – Tickets available at kwsymphony.ca

Friday, November 11 at 8:00 p.m.

Canada’s #1 drama comes to musical life! See Detective Murdoch, Dr. Julia Ogden, Inspector Brackenreid, Constable George Crabtree, and the entire cast on the big screen accompanied by Robert Carli’s score performed live by the KWS in sync to ‘Murdoch Ahoy’, one of the most beloved and musically rich episodes of the series. Hosted by Yannick Bisson, you’ll also get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the making of the episode.

Breakfast with Murdoch: A Morning Panel with a Q&A Session – at THEMUSEUM.

Saturday, November 12 & Sunday, November 13 at 9:00 a.m.

Join the cast of Murdoch Mysteries for two unique panels on Saturday and Sunday morning. Grab breakfast and settle in for an intimate conversation with various cast and crew. Learn about how the show is made, what to expect from the upcoming season and have your questions answered live.

Investigating Murdoch Mysteries: The Exhibition

Opens November 12 at THEMUSEUM at 10:00 a.m.

Murdoch Mysteries: The Exhibition, transports you behind the scenes of this internationally acclaimed show. Step behind the camera and immerse yourself in the series’ fascinating history, science, and fashion. Explore what it takes to bring the world of Murdoch Mysteries to life through beautiful costumes, steampunk-style inventions, authentic set recreations, and entertaining interactive experiences.

Season 16 of Murdoch Mysteries is now airing in Canada, Mondays at 8:00 p.m. (8:30 NT) on CBC and CBC Gem.

For additional information, please contact: 

David Marskell – CEO, THEMUSEUM 

[email protected]  

Brendan O’Brien – Marketing & Communications Coordinator, Shaftesbury

[email protected]

 

ABOUT THEMUSEUM

We are THEMUSEUM – ONEWORDUPPERCASE. We are a new kind of experiential museum – one of maverick ideas and unexpected intersections. No dusty objects and no velvet ropes. We are a premier cultural destination dedicated to presenting fresh, inspired content from around the globe in unique and immersive ways designed to showcase art & technology at play.

Website: www.THEMUSEUM.ca 
Instagram: @THEMUSEUMkitchener
Facebook: THEMUSEUMkitchener
Twitter: @THEMUSEUM
YouTube: THEMUSEUMtv

ABOUT SHAFTESBURY
Shaftesbury is an award-winning creator and producer of original content for television, film, and digital, established in 1987 by Christina Jennings, Chairman and President. Shaftesbury’s current primetime slate includes 16 seasons of the international hit series Murdoch Mysteries for CBC, ITV Studios and UKTV, and five seasons of Hudson & Rex for Citytv, both are available in over 120 countries worldwide. Other projects include: the acclaimed horror anthology series Slasher on Shudder and Hollywood Suite, with Emmy® Award-winner Eric McCormack starring in the upcoming fifth season; three seasons of the acclaimed six-part event series Departure for Global starring Emmy® Award-winner Archie Panjabi and the late Academy® Award-winner Christopher Plummer; and SisterS, a new Irish Canadian co-production by and starring Sarah Goldberg (Barry) and Susan Stanley, for Crave, RTÉ and IFC.
shaftesbury.ca.

ABOUT KITCHENER-WATERLOO SYMPHONY
Innovative, inspiring, and ever-evolving: this is the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony. As one of Waterloo Region’s largest arts and cultural organizations, we continue to push boundaries, build community, and welcome and cultivate world-class talent in our community. Who we are and how we approach our work is a reflection of the innovative and entrepreneurial culture which abounds in this Region. Today, the KWS is one of Canada’s outstanding orchestras, presenting a diverse and rich concert season and garnering national and international attention for its artistry, musicianship and innovative programming. Its education and outreach programs serve its evolving community and a continuum of ages. The KWS continues to be the largest employer of artists and cultural workers and the most significant cultural asset for Waterloo Region.

 

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Liz Levine
SHAFTESBURY APPOINTS LIZ LEVINE SENIOR PRODUCER AND VICE PRESIDENT, TELEVISION

TORONTO (June 23, 2022) – Shaftesbury has named award-winning producer Liz Levine, Senior Producer and Vice President, Television.

Reporting to Christina Jennings, Chairman and President of Shaftesbury, Levine will oversee all aspects of Shaftesbury’s scripted slate as properties leave development and move into production.

“It’s wonderful to have a producer with Liz’s breadth of experience on our team to take stories from the page to the screen,” says Jennings, Chairman and President. “Her writing and journalism career combined with her years as an independent producer means that she thoroughly understands the entire process of storytelling for the screen.”

“The team at Shaftesbury has supported me throughout my career and taking on this job feels a lot like coming home,” says Levine, Senior Producer and Vice President, Television. “It’s an exciting time to be at Shaftesbury and I look forward to helping shepherd a new generation of stories through production and to audiences both in Canada and abroad.”

Levine has over two decades of experience in film and television, spanning a myriad of platforms and genres. She started in the business in Toronto with Moses Znaimer’s CITY-TV. Since that time, she has worked as a writer and journalist, and as a development executive and producer in Canada and the US. She has developed and produced films such as Kyra Sedgwick’s directorial debut Story of a Girl, starring Kevin Bacon (DGA Nomination) and Across My Land (Palme D’or nominated, Cannes). She has developed and/or produced television for CBS, CW, Disney Channel, Sony Pictures Entertainment and TBS. Recently, she executive produced seasons 2 and 3 of the multi-award-winning anthology series Two Sentence Horror Stories for CW/Netflix. Levine holds a Master of Journalism degree from the University of British Columbia and has written for the National Post, The Walrus, Playback, and The Vancouver Sun. Her memoir Nobody Ever Talks About Anything But the End (Simon & Schuster 2020) received critical acclaim, made the must-read lists of The Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, Quill and Quire and CBC, and was shortlisted for the 2021 Hubert Evans Nonfiction Prize.

About Shaftesbury

Shaftesbury is an award-winning creator and producer of original content for television, film, and digital, established in 1987 by Christina Jennings, Chairman and President. Shaftesbury’s current primetime slate includes 16 seasons of the international hit series Murdoch Mysteries for CBC, ITV Studios and UKTV, and five seasons of Hudson & Rex for Citytv, both are available in over 120 countries worldwide. Other projects include: the acclaimed horror anthology series Slasher on Shudder and Hollywood Suite, with Emmy® Award-winner Eric McCormack starring in the upcoming fifth season; three seasons of the acclaimed six-part event series Departure for Global starring Emmy® Award-winner Archie Panjabi and the late Academy® Award-winner Christopher Plummer; and SisterS, a new Irish Canadian co-production by and starring Sarah Goldberg (Barry) and Susan Stanley, for Crave, RTÉ and IFC.

Shaftesbury has a growing roster of Kids & Family programming, bringing fresh content to a new generation of children, tweens, and young adult viewers. With over 150 hours of award-winning content, Shaftesbury’s current slate includes: Ruby and the Well, a popular series heading into its second season on BYUtv and WildBrain/Family Channel; What the Stink?, based on the Stinky Science books by Edward Kay; Mary & Flo on the Go!, based on the period drama Frankie Drake Mysteries; The Infinite Worlds of Ella Jane, a scripted podcast in partnership with Wattpad; and Life with Luca, based on the long-running, global hit series Life with Derek.

Current digital projects include two seasons of Slo Pitch, an award-winning, mockumentary series about a queer, underachieving beer league softball team for IFC and OUTtv, and Topline for CBC Gem, an acclaimed musical dramedy about growing up, that follows 16-year-old Tala, a reclusive singer/songwriter who is discovered online. For more information, go to shaftesbury.ca.

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SEASON 2 OF CRITICALLY-ACCLAIMED GLOBAL ORIGINAL DEPARTURE PREMIERES WEDNESDAY, JULY 13

Emmy® Winner Archie Panjabi and Oscar® Winner Christopher Plummer Return for an Action-Packed Season 2

Praised by Variety as “a drama that will hook those who seek from their viewing a charge of adrenaline,” Season 1 of Departure is available to watch now with STACKTV and the Global TV App.

TORONTO, June 16, 2022 – All aboard! Global is set to launch Season 2 of event thriller Departure on Wednesday, July 13 at 9 p.m. ET, with an encore presentation Friday, July 15 at 8 p.m. ET on Global and Monday, July 18 at 9 p.m. ET on Showcase. Departure stars Emmy Award® winner Archie Panjabi and the late Academy Award® winner Christopher Plummer, in his last onscreen role. The intense conspiracy series follows the ensuing investigation into a mysterious crash of a controversial new high-speed train travelling between Toronto and Chicago. Back for an action-packed all-new six-episode season, Departure was a Top 20 hit with total viewers and the #1 Canadian series across all key demos when it premiered in 2020.

Alongside Panjabi (The Good Wife) and Plummer (Knives Out), Season 2 features an all-star ensemble cast including Kris Holden-Ried (The Umbrella Academy), Jason O’Mara (The Man in the High Castle), Karen LeBlanc (The Kings of Napa), Donal Logue (Gotham), Mark Rendall (Versailles), Etienne Kellici (Murdoch Mysteries), Kelly McCormack (A League of Their Own), Wendy Crewson (Frankie Drake Mysteries), Charlie Carrick (Reign), Dion Johnstone (Sweet Magnolias), David Hewlett (The Shape of Water), Greg Bryk (Mary Kills People) and Florence Ordesh (Dublin Murders). The gripping drama is directed by Canadian Screen Award winner T.J. Scott (Orphan Black, Star Trek: Discovery) and created by Vincent Shiao (Ransom).

“Departure is a proven hit with international audiences, and we are thrilled it is back this summer to take Canadians on an all-new adventure like no other,” said Lisa Godfrey, Senior Vice President of Original Content and Corus Studios. “Archie Panjabi returns as expert investigator Kendra Malley, and while it will be bittersweet for audiences to bid farewell to the late Christopher Plummer, we look forward to celebrating the internationally-renowned Canadian acting legend in his final television performance as Malley’s mentor Howard Lawson.”

Departure Season 2 is a six-part event series that follows the investigation into the derailment of high-speed train The Apollo. Brilliant investigator, Kendra Malley (Archie Panjabi), heads to the U.S. to find the cause of the devastation in rural Michigan. With the eyes of the entire world on her, Kendra and her team unravel a series of interconnected threads, which lead to a number of mysterious motives. Was it the tech mogul inventor of the train’s automation software? Was it a mysterious member of a Mexican drug cartel? Was it a disgruntled employee resisting new technology? Working in conjunction with the FBI, Kendra must race to uncover the truth behind the crash and help to heal the damage caused by the terrible tragedy.

Departure Season 2 is a Canada/Ireland Co-Production from Shaftesbury (Canada) and Deadpan Pictures (Ireland), in Association with Corus Entertainment, Starlings Television and Red Arrow Studios International. Christina Jennings, Scott Garvie, Malcolm MacRury, Jackie May, T.J. Scott, Paul Donovan, Ailish McElmeel, and Archie Panjabi are Executive Producers. Vincent Shiao and Chris Moreton are Co-Executive Producers. Patrick Cassavetti is Producer. For Corus, Kathleen Meek is Production Executive; Rachel Nelson is Vice President, Original Content, Drama, Kids and Factual; Lisa Godfrey is Vice President of Original Content, Corus Entertainment. Chris Philip and Karine Martin are Executive Producers for Starlings Television, along with Propagate Content’s Ben Silverman. Carlo Dusi and Rodrigo Herrera Ibarguengoytia are Executive Producers for Red Arrow Studios International. David A. Stern and Matt Geller are Executive Producers for Sleeping Giant.

Global is a Corus Entertainment Network and is available through all major TV distributors, including: Shaw, Shaw Direct, Rogers, Bell, Videotron, Telus, Cogeco, Eastlink, SaskTel and STACKTV, available via Amazon Prime Video Channels, Rogers Ignite TV and Ignite SmartStream. The Global TV App is available on iOS, Android, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Samsung Smart TVs, Roku streaming players, Roku TV™ models, and at watch.globaltv.com.

Source: Numeris PPM Data, Total Canada, FL’20 (Sep 14 – Dec 20/20), 3+ airings, AMA(000), CDN CONV COM ENG National Networks, Total Viewers = Ind. 2+, Key Demos = Ind. 2+ A25-54, F25-54

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

Twitter:

@GlobalTV

@GlobalTV_PR

@CorusPR

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/GlobalTV

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/globaltv/

About Corus Entertainment Inc.

Corus Entertainment Inc. (TSX: CJR.B) is a leading media and content company that develops and delivers high quality brands and content across platforms for audiences around the world.  Engaging audiences since 1999, the company’s portfolio of multimedia offerings encompass 33 specialty television services, 39 radio stations, 15 conventional television stations, a suite of digital and streaming assets, animation software, technology and media services. Corus is an internationally-renowned content creator and distributor through Nelvana, a world class animation studio expert in all formats and Corus Studios, a globally recognized producer of hit scripted and unscripted content. The company also owns innovative full-service social digital agency so.da, lifestyle entertainment company Kin Canada, leading 2D animation software supplier Toon Boom and children’s book publishing house, Kids Can Press. Corus’ roster of premium brands includes Global Television, W Network, HGTV Canada, Food Network Canada, Magnolia Network Canada, The HISTORY® Channel, Showcase, Adult Swim, National Geographic, Disney Channel Canada, YTV, Global News, Globalnews.ca, Q107, Country 105, and CFOX, along with broadly distributed Canadian streaming platforms STACKTV, Nick+, the Global TV App and Curiouscast. For more information visit www.corusent.com.

About Shaftesbury

Shaftesbury is an award-winning creator and producer of original content for television, film, and digital, established in 1987 by Christina Jennings, Chairman and President. Shaftesbury’s current primetime slate includes 16 seasons of the international hit series Murdoch Mysteries for CBC, ITV Studios and UKTV, and five seasons of Hudson & Rex for Citytv, both are available in over 120 countries worldwide. Other projects include: the acclaimed horror anthology series Slasher on Shudder and Hollywood Suite, with Emmy® Award-winner Eric McCormack starring in the upcoming fifth season; three seasons of the acclaimed event series Departure for Global starring Emmy® Award-winner Archie Panjabi and the late Academy® Award-winner Christopher Plummer; and SisterS, a new Irish-Canadian co-production by and starring Sarah Goldberg (Barry) and Susan Stanley, for Crave, RTÉ and IFC. For more information, go to shaftesbury.ca.

About Starlings Television

Starlings Television is a division of Starlings Entertainment, a global group of companies that develops and produces award-winning film and television. Starlings’ expanding TV slate includes the award-winning drama series Departure, now in post-production for its third season. The first two seasons had a successful launch on Peacock in the U.S. and strong sales worldwide.

Other Starlings Television offerings include the YA sci-fi action series Pandora, with two seasons on The CW and now headed into its third season worldwide; Sherlock’s Daughter, offering a new take on the classic sleuth from EP/Showrunner James Duff (The Closer, Major Crimes) and creator/writer Brendan Foley (Cold Courage, The Man Who Died); and, with Athena Pictures, Shadowland from Creator Jacqui Barcos, Director Darnell Martin (American Rust, The Good Lord Bird, Cadillac Records) and Executive Producer Peter Elkoff (Sons of Anarchy, Chance, The Resident), with global streamer Viaplay nabbing pre-sales for multi-territory rights.

About Red Arrow Studios International

Red Arrow Studios International is a world-leading TV distributor of scripted, formats and factual shows from a global network of in-house production companies, outstanding third-party producers and digital-content partners. With offices in Munich, London and Los Angeles, Red Arrow Studios International co-produces and finances global entertainment, and distributes acclaimed content to over 200 territories worldwide. Red Arrow Studios International is part of Red Arrow Studios, which is comprised of an acclaimed network of international production companies and labels in seven territories, as well as digital studio, Studio71. Red Arrow Studios is a ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE company, one of Europe’s leading media groups. For more information, please visit: redarrowstudios.com/international

For media inquiries, please contact:

Nick Seliwoniuk
Senior Publicist, Global Television
647.461.1178
[email protected]

Jacqui VanSickle
Publicity Manager, Global Television
416.860.4224
[email protected]

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CRAVE, AMC NETWORKS’ IFC AND RTÉ GREENLIGHT SisterS NEW ORIGINAL DARK COMEDY-DRAMA SERIES FROM AND STARRING SARAH GOLDBERG AND SUSAN STANLEY

Irish-Canadian Co-Production Produced by Peer Pressure and Shaftesbury, in Association with Mermade and Gaze Pictures

TORONTO, ON (June 9, 2022) – Crave, AMC Networks’ IFC and RTÉ today announced the greenlight of the new original comedy-drama series, SisterS, created by, written by and starring Emmy Award-nominee Sarah Goldberg (Barry) and Susan Stanley (Hotel Amenities). The series has been in development with Peer Pressure, Shaftesbury, RTÉ and Emmy Award-nominee Declan Lowney (Ted Lasso, Alan Partridge). Lowney is the establishing director and is set to direct the first three episodes of the six-episode, half-hour series.

SisterS is a dark comedy-drama about two women, born continents apart, in Canada and in Ireland, who discover they are half-sisters and embark on a road trip to find their alcoholic father. Real-life best friends Goldberg and Stanley make their writing debuts and star.

An Irish-Canadian co-production, the Crave, IFC and RTÉ original series is produced by Peer Pressure and Shaftesbury, in association with Mermade and Gaze Pictures. Crave holds the Canadian rights to the series, AMC Networks’ IFC and streaming service Sundance Now hold the US rights, with RTÉ in Ireland. Fremantle will distribute the series in all other territories. Filming is currently underway on location in Ireland, continuing through June 28, 2022, with the support of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland.

“We are thrilled to be making SisterS, a character-driven comedic drama about how the absence of a parent in childhood can affect life in your thirties, and the macabre humour that can come with trauma,” said co-creators and co-stars, Sarah Goldberg and Susan Stanley.

“I am beyond myself with excitement at the thought of spending time with Susan and Sarah,” said director Declan Lowney. “I look forward to the thrilling balancing act required to bring the drama and comedy of these beautiful scripts to life. SisterS is a gift of a show for any director, and I’m so thrilled to be part of their family.”

“From the moment we read the script, met Sarah and Susan and saw the chemistry between them, we knew this project was very special and that we wanted to collaborate with them, to bring their story to the screen,” said Richard Cook and Angela Squire, Directors of Peer Pressure. “It is an accolade to their fresh and completely authentic writing that Declan Lowney joined us in the development of SisterS. We are excited for Peer Pressure to debut in the scripted space as emerging creative writing duo, Sarah and Susan, make their TV writing debut.”

“I am thrilled to be partnering with Peer Pressure to support the impressive writing debuts of creators and stars, Sarah Goldberg and Susan Stanley,” said Shaftesbury Chairman and President Christina Jennings. “SisterS is as darkly hilarious as it is personal, featuring exceptional Canadian and international talent and a tour de force creative team.”

“Sarah and Susan have captured a brilliantly honest and darkly comedic take on family relationships, both estranged and present. We are excited to take viewers on a wildly funny and entertaining ride,” said Kira Carstensen, Global Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Mermade.

“I am thrilled to join the team to realise the debut of Susan and Sarah’s SisterS,” said Ruth Coady, Film & Television Producer and Founder of Gaze Pictures. Their bold exploration of a complicated, passionate and extremely funny ‘sister’s’ dynamic is magnificent. I am excited for the audience to be introduced to these two superb female characters.”

About Sarah Goldberg and Susan Stanley
Goldberg, born and raised in Vancouver, was nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her work as “Sally Reed” in HBO’s award-winning dark comedy series Barry, which recently returned for its long-awaited third season. Goldberg is also known for her stage work, having earned an Olivier Award nomination for her portrayal of “Betsy/Lindsey” in The Royal Court’s production of the Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Clybourne Park. She went on to play the role in both the West End and on Broadway. She is represented by UTA, Mosaic, B-Side Management and Hansen, Jacobson, Teller, Hoberman, Newman, Warren, Richman, Rush, Kaller, Gellman, Meigs & Fox.

Stanley was born in Dublin, moving to London to train at LAMDA. It is here that she and Goldberg first met. She is an award-winning actress playing leading roles in plays such as Portia Coughlan and The Beauty Queen of Leenane. She has also worked with new writers in acclaimed London theatres (Hampstead, Bush). She has appeared in a number of short films, including Hotel Amenities, winning Best Actress at the Malaga Film Festival in 2013. Along with Goldberg, she has written a screenplay for Focus Features. SisterS is her first piece of writing for TV. She is represented by The Lisa Richards Agency.

About Peer Pressure

Peer Pressure has a strong track record in the area of entertainment and has produced many award-winning documentaries and comedy programmes. These include IFTA award-winning In the Name of the Fada, Joy in the Hood, Hanging with Hector, The State of Us, Chasing the Lions and Des Bishop: Breaking China. DirectorsRichard Cook and Angela Squire have a long history working with comedy performers and writers as well as developing and nurturing talent from an early stage. SisterS marks the company’s move into scripted comedy drama. For more information: www.peerpressure.ie

About Shaftesbury

Shaftesbury is an award-winning creator and producer of original content for television, film, and digital, established in 1987 by Christina Jennings, Chairman and President. Shaftesbury’s current Primetime slate includes 16 seasons of the international hit series Murdoch Mysteries and five seasons of Hudson & Rex, which are both available in over 120 countries worldwide. Other projects include five seasons of the critically acclaimed horror anthology series Slasher, starring Eric McCormack and David Cronenberg, and three seasons of Departure, starring Emmy® Award-winner Archie Panjabi and the late Academy Award-winner Christopher Plummer. For more information: www.shaftesbury.ca

About Mermade

Mermade is the digitally-focused sister company of award-winning production company Merman (Catastrophe, This Way Up, There She Goes), specializing in the creation of content of all shapes and sizes for social and streaming platforms, brands and publishers. It combines the best elements of storytelling, creative excellence and groundbreaking content you would expect from Sharon Horgan and Clelia Mountford’s Merman, with a focus on fostering and developing emerging talent from across the globe. Recent projects include Down From London for Topic, Chloe Combi’s podcast You Don’t Know Me, and social comedy sketch show Big Juice for Channel 4. Kira Carstensen, Global Managing Partner of Merman leads all efforts for Mermade in the US and UK, Joshua Buckingham is UK Managing Director, and Melanie Donkers runs development for Mermade USA. For more information:  www.hellomermade.com

About Gaze Pictures

Founded in 2021 by Producer Ruth Coady, Gaze Pictures is a production house discovering, developing and producing bold scripted content. In her previous 20 years in independent production, Coady was an executive producer on Studio Canal’s Last Letter from your Lover, starring Shalene Woodley and Felicity Jones, directed by Augustine Frizzelle. She executive produced Darklands for Virgin Media UK & Ireland and co-produced My Salinger Year starring Sigourney Weaver and Margaret Qualley, directed by Oscar-nominated Director Philippe Falardeau. Alongside Amy Baer and Alan Moloney, Coady produced Mary Shelley starring Elle Fanning, directed by Haifaa Al Mansour, she also produced The Delinquent Seasonstarring Cillian Murphy and Andrew Scott, written and directed by Mark O’Rowe and co-produced The Siege of Jadotville for Netflix starring Jamie Dornan.

About Crave

Delivering more Oscar®-nominated and Emmy® Award-winning programming than any other service, Crave is Canada’s prestige entertainment offering, with HBO, SHOWTIME®, Starz, Hollywood-hit movies, a superior collection of kid’s movies and programs, and thousands of hours of acclaimed television series, specials, factual programming, and originals that can’t be found anywhere else. Crave is the exclusive home of HBO in Canada, delivering HBO’s current slate of signature dramatic and comedic programs, documentaries, films, and live specials, as well as titles from HBO’s extensive off-air library. Crave is also home to current SHOWTIME series and specials, and past SHOWTIME hits. Crave Original hit series include comedies Letterkenny and New Eden; Cravings: The Aftershow with Lainey Lui; Healthy is Hotwith Chloe Wilde; candid interview series Much Studios Presents: Mike on Much in Conversation With…; a series of original stand-up specials; the upcoming competition series Canada’s Drag Race; and the upcoming apocalyptic original comedic documentary series We’re All Gonna Die.

 

About IFC

IFC is the home of offbeat, unexpected comedies. Acclaimed series Documentary Now!, Brockmire, Sherman’s Showcase and Baroness von Sketch Show air alongside fan-favorite movies and comedic cult TV shows. IFC is owned and operated by AMC Networks Inc., and available across multiple platforms. IFC is Always On, Slightly Off.

 

About Sundance Now

AMC Networks’ Sundance Now offers cross-genre escapism for insightful viewers seeking fresh perspectives, thought-provoking experiences and transportive journeys to far-off places. With a rich selection of engrossing dramas and romance, imaginative fantasy, gripping mysteries, to riveting true crime and intelligent thrillers, Sundance Now programming features empowered characters telling one-of-a-kind of stories from around the world – all streaming commercial-free. Sundance Now houses critically-acclaimed and award-winning original and streaming exclusive series including popular supernatural thriller A Discovery of Witches (Matthew Goode, Teresa Palmer), highly anticipated UK adaptation of the French hit Call My Agent!, Ten Percent, (Jack Davenport, Jim Broadbent), multi-Emmy winner State of the Union (Rosamund Pike, Chris O’Dowd; Patricia Clarkson, Brendan Gleeson), glamourous coastal drama Riviera (Julia Stiles), incomparably clever comedy Back (David Mitchell, Robert Webb), British true crime thriller Des (David Tennant), hit mystery The Drowning (Jill Halfpenny), French spy drama The Bureau, Australian psychological thriller The Secrets She Keeps (Laura Carmichael), acclaimed Swedish drama The Restaurant, British thriller The Cry (Jenna Coleman), Liar (Joanne Froggatt, Ioan Gruffudd), Motherland (Anna Maxwell Martin, Lucy Punch, Joanna Lumley), Next of Kin (Archie Panjabi, Jack Davenport), and Total Control (Rachel Griffiths, Deborah Mailman), to name a few; alongside riveting true crime series including The Night Caller, Secrets of a Psychopath, The Suspect, The Dakota Entrapment Tapes, The Preppy Murder: Death in Central Park, No One Saw a Thing and Killing for Love featuring the Amanda Knox podcast.

Sundance Now can be enjoyed for $6.99/month or $4.99/month with an annual membership. No cable subscription is needed. Facebook: @SundanceNow – Twitter: @sundance_now

About RTÉ
RTÉ (Raidió Teilifís Éireann) is Ireland’s national public-service media organisation. RTÉ commissions a broad range of high-quality programming and content to meet the needs of multiple audiences. Further information can be found here: https://www.rte.ie/about/en/how-rte-is-run/2014/0310/601244-about-rte/

About Fremantle

Fremantle is one of the world’s largest and most successful creators, producers and distributors of Entertainment, Drama & Film and Documentaries. Operating in 26 territories we are a proudly independent group of content creators. We produce and deliver high-quality multi-genre IP including some of the biggest entertainment formats, most watched international dramas, award winning films and hard-hitting documentaries, amplifying local stories on a global scale. From Too Hot to Handle toMosquito Coast, Game of Talents to The Hand of God, Farmer Wants A Wife to ‘Got Talent’, Family Feud to My Brilliant Friend and The Investigation to Arctic Drift, our focus is simple – we create and deliver irresistible entertainment. We are also a world leader in digital and branded entertainment with more than 480 million fans across 1,600 social channels and over 40 billion views per year across all platforms. Fremantle is part of RTL Group, a global leader across broadcast, content and digital, itself a division of the international media giant Bertelsmann. For more information, please visit Fremantle.com, follow us @FremantleHQ or  visit our LinkedIn and Facebook pages.

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HUDSON & REX LAUNCHES INTRODUCTORY TECHNICAL TRAINING BOOT CAMP IN NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR

TORONTO, June 8, 2021 – Hit Canadian television series Hudson & Rex in partnership with Access Reelworld has launched a new initiative to increase diversity in its crew hiring for season four, which starts shooting in St. John’s in mid-June. To this end, our first initiative is an introductory TECHNICAL TRAINING BOOT CAMP for residents of Newfoundland and Labrador who identify as Black, Indigenous or as a People of Colour.

Successful applicants will spend three days on the set of Hudson & Rex shadowing several technical departments. The goal is to help potential crew members find departments that complement their skill set as well as develop and identify additional training needs. Successful participants in the introductory technical bootcamp will be added to our “daily call up list” and be eligible for entry level employment.

This unique opportunity to be part of the TECHNICAL TRAINING BOOT CAMP pays a $500 honorarium and Pope Productions will cover transportation for successful candidates who live outside of St. John’s. Previous experience is not a requirement.

All applicants are required to register through ‘Access Reelworld’: https://www.reelworld.ca/access-reelworld-page

This database is the largest searchable hiring and job posting platform in Canada for racially diverse talent in over 100 job categories (above-the-line and below-the-line), and is a valuable tool for all production companies, broadcasters and streaming platforms looking to hire racially diverse talent for their projects.

Once you have registered at Reel World go to www.popeproductions.com
For more information and application forms, questions may be directed to [email protected] No telephone calls please.

This initiative is through a partnership with Access Reelworld and Rogers Sports & Media that provides on-the-ground experience to emerging crew members, directors and writers who identify as Canadian Black, Indigenous or People of Colour. Program sponsors for this year are Shaftesbury and Pope Productions, producers of the hit Citytv series Hudson & Rex. Stay tuned for more details about upcoming opportunities via Reelworld.ca and allinforequity.ca

“We applaud Hudson & Rex, Shaftesbury and Rogers Sports & Media for not only recognizing, but doing something tangible, to create more opportunity and access for racially diverse crew, creatives, and production staff through our Access Reelworld recruiting platform.”

“We are excited to connect our dynamic partners, Reelworld and producers of Hudson & Rex – Shaftsbury and Pope Productions, to further support the growth and development of diverse Canadians in the production industry, said Nataline Rodrigues, Director of Original Programming, Rogers Sports & Media.

About Access Reelworld

Launched in July 2020, Access Reelworld is a fully transparent and searchable recruiting platform for Canadian Black, Indigenous, Asian, South Asian, Middle Eastern and Latin American creatives in the screen industry.

We believe that creating a space for authentic voices at all levels of the film and television industries is crucial to building a better and more respectful world. Hiring diverse talent helps to tell well-rounded and informed stories and attract additional audiences.

Find racially diverse crew, creatives and production staff.

Our database is the largest searchable hiring and job posting platform in Canada for racially diverse talent in over 100 job categories (above-the-line and below-the-line), and is a valuable tool for all production companies, broadcasters and streaming platforms looking to hire racially diverse talent for their projects.

ABOUT REELWORLD.

Founded by Tonya Williams in 2000, the Reelworld Film Festival (non-profit) and Reelworld Screen Institute (charity) are groundbreaking initiatives in Canada that draw attention to the lack of racially diverse and indigenous talent in mainstream media – both in front of and behind the screen. Reelworld is the largest national platform dedicated to changing the face of the media landscape by empowering and showcasing Canadians identifying as Black, Indigenous, Asian, South Asian, Middle Eastern, and Latin American talent in the screen-based industries.

About Pope Productions:

“Pope Productions has always been an inclusive and diverse company, advocating for rights of marginalized groups, including the LGBT+ community and supporting gender parity initiatives,” says Paul Pope, President of Pope Productions Ltd. “In light of recent events, we are reminded that there is much more that we can do. We are directly reaching out to Black and Indigenous Persons of Colour (BIPOC) who have an interest in working in the television production industry.”

About Shaftesbury

Shaftesbury is an award-winning creator and producer of original content for television, film, and digital. Shaftesbury’s current slate includes 2 seasons of ratings hit Departure for Global/Corus Entertainment,

Peacock and NBC Universal, 14 seasons of fan favourite Murdoch Mysteries for CBC, Acorn TV and UKTV, four seasons of detective drama Frankie Drake Mysteries for CBC and UKTV, four seasons of critically acclaimed horror series Slasher with the current season being produced for release on Shudder, three seasons of Hudson & Rex for Citytv/Rogers Sports & Media, Dead Still for RTÉ, Acorn TV, and Citytv/Rogers Sports & Media, and The Sounds for CBC, Acorn TV, and Sky NZ. www.shaftesbury.ca

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Shaftesbury Mourns the Death of Paul Pope, President of Pope Productions and Executive Producer of Hudson & Rex

TORONTO (April 14, 2022) – Shaftesbury extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Paul Pope, the beloved Executive Producer of Hudson & Rex and President of Pope Productions. Pope passed away suddenly the morning of April 14, 2022. He was 63 years old.

“The news is truly shocking,” says Christina Jennings, Chairman and President, Shaftesbury. “Canada has lost an amazing producer, a force in Newfoundland. Paul has been Shaftesbury’s partner on seven shows for over 15 years. Most recently, we teamed up on Hudson & Rex. Paul was a wonderful man. A spirited human. He loved life and knew how to live it. Paul will be sorely missed by his wife, Lisa, his two sons and all of us here at Shaftesbury.

Based in St. John’s, NFLD, Pope was a dynamic force in the Canadian film industry, having produced or worked on hundreds of films. A founding member of the Newfoundland Filmmakers Cooperative (NIFCO), where he served as president for over 20 years, he has been instrumental in the development of a vibrant production industry. A generous mentor, he was a passionate voice for independent production at a national level with a long-standing tradition of supporting Canadian artists and ensuring that Canadian stories were brought to the screen.

In addition to his numerous awards and nominations for his projects with Pope Productions, he also received the Arts Achievement Award from ArtsNL, the Douglas James Dales Industry Builder Award, and an honorary Doctorate from Memorial University. Pope served on the board of Resource Centre for the Arts and NIFCO and has previously served on the board of the Canadian Media Producers Association and was Vice-Chair of the Canadian Media Fund.

About Pope Productions

Pope Productions is a St. John’s based media production company, helmed by producer Paul Pope. The company’s most recent television projects are the fourth season of Hudson & Rex for Citytv, which is now seen in over 100 territories worldwide and Departure Season 3 for Global. The company’s features and MOWs include the CBC comedy A Christmas Fury and festival favourites Hunting Pignut, Beat Down and Grown Up Movie Star, which scored a Special Jury Prize at Sundance for Tatiana Maslany. Documentaries include It’s Mental, Heavy Weather Presents, the multi award winning My Left Breast, Legends and Lore of the North Atlantic, and Going the Distance. From the historical dramatic miniseries Above and Beyond, to the classic comedy Rare Birds, and the outrageous series Drunk and on Drugs: The Happy Funtime Hour, Pope’s rich repertoire reflects its deep commitment to a vibrant production industry both in Newfoundland and nationally.

About Shaftesbury

Shaftesbury is an award-winning creator and producer of original content for television, film, and digital. Shaftesbury’s current slate includes 15 seasons of Murdoch Mysteries for CBC, Acorn TV, and UKTV, five seasons of critically acclaimed horror series Slasher, four seasons of Hudson & Rex for Citytv/Rogers Sports & Media, and three seasons of Departure for Global/Corus Entertainment, starring Emmy® Award-winner Archie Panjabi. Shaftesbury also has an extensive slate of kids and family programming including the global hit Life With Derek, as well as the new series Ruby and the Well for BYUtv and WildBrain, currently in production on season two. Other kids programs include The Solutioneers, Miikshi, What the Stink?, and Emerald Code. Digital projects include the global phenomenon Carmilla (created through a branded partnership with U by Kotex/Kimberly-Clark) and the queer sports comedy Slo Pitch, recently acquired by IFC for a second season.

www.shaftesbury.ca

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SHAFTESBURY HONOURED WITH 19 CANADIAN SCREEN AWARD NOMINATIONS INCLUDING BEST LEAD ACTOR FOR YANNICK BISSON FOR MURDOCH MYSTERIES

TORONTO, February 15, 2022 – Leading Canadian producer Shaftesbury has received 19 nominations across three shows, as announced today by the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television. Nominated projects are Murdoch Mysteries, Frankie Drake Mysteries, and Hudson & Rex,

“We are thrilled that the Academy has recognized all of the hard work done by the cast and crew on Murdoch Mysteries, Franke Drake Mysteries, and Hudson & Rex,” said Christina Jennings, President and Chairman, Shaftesbury. “Their contribution to the success of our series is immeasurable, and we could not be more pleased that they are receiving this honour today.”


MURDOCH MYSTERIES – 9 nominations

Best Direction, Drama Series
Sharon Lewis

Best Direction, Drama Series
Warren Sonoda

Best Lead Actor, Drama Series
Yannick Bisson

Best Guest Performance, Drama Series
Peter Keleghan

Best Picture Editing, Drama
Kathy Weinkauf

Best Production Design or Art Direction, Fiction
Bob Sher

Best Costume Design
Joanna Syrokomla

Best Achievement in Makeup
Debi Drennan

Best Achievement in Hair
Shirley Bond

About MURDOCH MYSTERIES

One of Canada’s most successful and longest–running dramas, Murdoch Mysteries (15 seasons; 242 x one–hour episodes; 3 x two–hour specials) has become a staple for CBC and broadcasters around the world with its winning formula that brings together compelling mysteries, unique slices of turn–of–the–century history, ingenious inventions and personal moments for each character. The series is licensed to broadcasters in over 150 countries and territories including the U.S., U.K., France, Finland and China.
Starring Yannick Bisson, Hélène Joy, Jonny Harris, and Thomas Craig.

FRANKIE DRAKE MYSTERIES – 7 nominations

Best Supporting Actress, Drama Series
Rebecca Liddiard

Best Guest Performance, Drama Series
Wendy Crewson

Best Sound, Fiction
Janice Ierulli
Mark Shnuriwsky

Best Costume Design
Jenifur Jarvis

Best Achievement in Makeup
Catherine Davies

Best Achievement in Hair
Cindy Lou Tache

Best Original Music, Fiction
Robert Carli

About FRANKIE DRAKE MYSTERIES
Set in 1920s Toronto, Frankie Drake Mysteries follows the city’s only female private detectives as they take on the cases the police don’t want to touch. In a time of change and hopefulness, their gender is
their biggest advantage as they defy expectations and rebel against convention. Their cases take them through every cross–section of Toronto, meeting people of all backgrounds and means, as well as
historical characters, along the way. Frankie and Trudy’s fearless sense of adventure gets them into all kinds of trouble, but they always manage to find a way out. They are new detectives for a new world – but is the world ready for them? Starring Lauren Lee Smith, Chantel Riley, Rebecca Liddiard, Sharron Matthews, and Wendy Crewson.


HUDSON & REX – 3 nominations

Best Direction, Drama Series
Tracey Deer

Best Supporting Actor, Drama Series
Kevin Hanchard

Best Original Music, Fiction
Gary Koftinoff & Phil Bennett


About HUDSON & REX
Detective Charlie Hudson, a cunning Major Crimes detective for the St. John’s Police Department, teams up with an unusual partner–Rex, a former–K9 German Shepherd, whose heightened senses keep Charlie
hot on the trail of his suspects. Together, they investigate puzzling crimes, from catching a would–be–killer before their victim succumbs to poisoning, to crossing international lines on the trail of a sinister
conspiracy. With Charlie’s deft detective work and Rex’s keen canine senses, this crime–fighting pair is unstoppable. Starring John Reardon and Diesel vom Burgimwald as Rex.


About Shaftesbury
Shaftesbury is an award–winning creator and producer of original content for television, film, and digital. Shaftesbury’s current slate includes 15 seasons of Murdoch Mysteries for CBC, Acorn TV, and UKTV, five seasons of critically acclaimed horror series Slasher, four seasons of Hudson & Rex for Citytv/Rogers Sports & Media, and three seasons of Departure for Global/Corus Entertainment, starring Emmy® Award–winner Archie Panjabi. Shaftesbury also has an extensive slate of kids and family programming including the global hit Life With Derek, as well as the upcoming series Ruby and the Well for BYUtv and WildBrain. Other kids
programs include The Solutioneers, Miikshi, What the Stink?, and Emerald Code. Digital projects include the global phenomenon Carmilla (created through a branded partnership with U by Kotex/Kimberly–Clark) and the queer sports comedy Slo Pitch, recently acquired by IFC for a second season.


Maude DeMarco
Manager, Marketing & Communications
Shaftesbury

[email protected]
416.363.1411. Ext. 137

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UNLTD Acquires Shaftesbury XR Technology Division Creating the Leading XR Content Production Group in Canada

MONTRÉAL and TORONTO, Dec. 16, 2021 – UNLTD Inc. today announced that it has acquired the XR Technology Division of entertainment industry leader Shaftesbury. Shaftesbury is an innovation leader in immersive therapeutics for both Virtual and Augmented Reality applications. The acquisition of this exceptional team of XR innovators will accelerate UNLTD’s plan to build out its expanding business into the digital health sector. 

“We’re very pleased to have the Shaftesbury XR team joining UNLTD. The use of immersive technologies in the digital health market, mental health in particular, is one of the fastest growing and most promising areas of digital therapeutics. The Shaftesbury team’s expertise in creating XR apps for positive distraction and immersive therapies is the perfect fit to UNLTD’s expertise in creating immersive experiences for the prevention of social stressors such as bullying as well as empathy and awareness apps for conditions such as autism,” said John Hamilton, CEO of UNLTD. “We are also very excited to have Shaftesbury as a significant new shareholder in UNLTD as well as Shaftesbury’s visionary President and Chairman Christina Jennings as a new board member.”

“I have always been impressed with John Hamilton and Sébastien Gros’ vision within the XR space, so I am delighted to be in business with UNLTD,” said Christina Jennings, President and Chairman, Shaftesbury. “I am very pleased to sit on the board and to see this homegrown partnership put Canada on the map in the XR realm of digital therapeutics.”

As part of the transaction Ted Biggs joins UNLTD as Chief Product Officer and Brianna Lowe as Director of Product Development and Production.

“Our joining forces with the Shaftesbury XR team will accelerate the development of our immersive digital therapeutics business which is proving to be one of the most viable and scalable market segments for immersive technology,” adds UNLTD CEO John Hamilton.

UNLTD CEO Hamilton believes that combining UNLTD and Shaftesbury’s equally impressive track records in the XR space, and both companies tremendous experience in entertainment, will contribute to building the leading Canadian XR content studio. The companies’ products are highly synergistic providing significant product scale in this market.

About UNLTD

UNLTD is a world leading XR content studio with expertise in immersive learning, cinematic VR and branded VR and AR content. We currently offer the broadest experience of any XR studio in Canada. Creativity, innovation and storytelling are the foundations of our work. In the cinematic entertainment sector we produced the ground breaking Trinity VR sci-fi experience. UNLTD has also produced a wide range of virtual and augmented reality experiences for many corporate and non-profit clients. In branded content we have delivered experiences to top brands such as A&E, Universal Studios, L’Oréal, Fairmont Hotels, Bell Media, and Intercontinental Hotels. In immersive learning we have worked with large enterprise clients such as Exxon and CN Corporation. In the non-profit space UNLTD has produced several experiences targeting anti-bullying as well as autism empathy experiences.

www.go-unlimited.co

About Shaftesbury

Shaftesbury is an award-winning creator and producer of original content for television, film, and digital. Shaftesbury’s current slate includes 15 seasons of Murdoch Mysteries for CBC, Acorn TV, and UKTV, four seasons of critically acclaimed horror series Slasher, four seasons of Hudson & Rex for Citytv/Rogers Sports & Media, and three seasons of Departure for Global/Corus Entertainment, starring Emmy® Award-winner Archie Panjabi. Shaftesbury also has an extensive slate of kids and family programming including the global hit Life With Derek, as well as the upcoming series Ruby and the Well for BYUtv and WildBrain. Other kids programs include The Solutioneers, Miikshi, What the Stink?, and Emerald Code. Digital projects include the global phenomenon Carmilla (created through a branded partnership with U by Kotex/Kimberly-Clark) and the queer sports comedy Slo Pitch, recently acquired by IFC for a second season.

www.shaftesbury.ca 

About Shaftesbury Technology

Shaftesbury Technology combines award-winning storytelling with emerging technology to create innovative and immersive experiences to engage audiences. Shaftesbury has harnessed this technology to improve the quality of life for children with innovative tools that teach, heal and transform. Partnering with broadcasters, brands and healthcare institutions, our content delivers dynamically adaptive and interactive experiences for all screens. Shaftesbury Technology has developed a Positive Distraction Entertainment Experience product that combines all the most effective positive distraction techniques with an innovative approach to adaptive gameplay that adjusts to an individual’s response. 

UNLTD Press Relations
Brianna Lowe
[email protected]

UNLTD Investor Relations
John Hamilton
CEO
[email protected]

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PLAY BALL! IFC PICKS UP SOFTBALL COMEDY SLO PITCH

First Season of LGBTQ+ Series Set to Debut on IFC.com Later this Year

NEW YORK – June 29, 2021 – IFC announced today the pickup of the first two seasons of the digital comedy short-form series Slo Pitch, with season one premiering on IFC later this year. Produced by Shaftsbury, Slo Pitch is a mockumentary-style series following the comedic misadventures of the overly invested Coach Joanne and her queer softball team, The Brovaries.  Season two will shoot this summer in the baseball fields and parks in and around Toronto. Heralded as “wonderfully whimsical” (The Globe and Mail) and “…a hit right off the bat” (Toronto Sun), Slo Pitch stars Kirsten Rasmussen (Band Ladies, Second City), Gwenlyn Cumyn (BARBELLE), Karen Knox (BARBELLE), Lane Webber (Gay Mean Girls), Kaitlin Alexander (Carmilla), Khadijah Roberts-Abdullah (Sugar Daddy), Amanda Cordner (Baroness Von Sketch), and Chelsea Muirhead (From The Vaults).

Each season consists of 10 10-minute episodes with season one following the underdog Brovaries team as they battle their way to the championship game in their highly competitive beer league.  Season two will see the team continue their fight towards the championship title, as Joanne and teammate Sasha also plan their upcoming wedding.

“Slo Pitch is an offbeat comedy that spotlights a memorable group of women with championships and beer on their mind. This women’s softball team embraces and celebrates every dimension of the LGBTQ+ experience except winning,” said Blake Callaway, GM of IFC. “It’s especially great timing for us to pick up this series during Pride month, as we continue to seek fresh, unexpected creative voices, to feature on IFC.”

Slo Pitch is executive produced by Christina Jennings, Scott Garvie, Karen Knox, Gwenlyn Cumyn and Michael Schram, and produced by Paige Haight. The series is directed by J Stevens, award-winning director of Soft Spot and cinematographer of the feature film, Hazy Little Thing, which made its world premiere at the 2020 Canadian Film Festival (in collaboration with SuperChannel), as well as the short film Pros & Cons (Official Selection of Telefilm’s Cannes 2020 Not Short on Talent program), and the forthcoming Body So Fluorescent, which won the OutACTRAto x Inside Out LGBT Film Festival “Queer Your Stories” Short Film Competition.

ABOUT IFC

IFC is the home of offbeat, unexpected comedies. Acclaimed series Documentary Now!, Brockmire, Sherman’s Showcase Baroness von Sketch Show, and Year of the Rabbit air alongside fan-favorite movies and comedic cult TV shows. IFC is owned and operated by AMC Networks Inc., and available across multiple platforms. IFC is Always On, Slightly Off.

ABOUT SHAFTESBURY              

Shaftesbury is an award-winning creator and producer of original content for television, film, and digital. Shaftesbury’s current slate includes 14 seasons of Murdoch Mysteries for CBC, Acorn TV, and UKTV, four seasons of critically acclaimed horror series Slasher, four seasons of Hudson & Rex for Citytv/Rogers Sports and Media, and two seasons of Departure for Global/Corus Entertainment, starring Emmy® Award-winner Archie Panjabi and the late Academy Award®-winner Christopher Plummer.

www.shaftesbury.ca

 

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AMC NETWORKS AND SHAFTESBURY ENTER INTO NEW STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP, FURTHER EXPANDING THE GLOBAL AUDIENCE FOR SHAFTESBURY’S CONTENT

New York, NY and Toronto, ON (February 2, 2021) – AMC Networks, the entertainment company behind some of the most popular and award-winning brands in television, streaming and film, and award-winning production company Shaftesbury, announced today they have entered into a new strategic partnership.  Through its investment in Shaftesbury, AMC Networks will gain access to Shaftesbury’s award-winning slate and expand its content and development capabilities in Canada. Shaftesbury CEO and Chairman Christina Jennings will continue to spearhead the creative focus of the company and lead the day-to-day operational control alongside Executive Vice President, Scott Garvie.  Jennings, Garvie and Shaftesbury board member Michael Levine will remain on Shaftesbury’s Board of Directors. They will be joined by  two new AMC Networks directors, Harold Gronenthal, EVP of Programming and Marketing for AMC Networks International, and Matt Graham, GM of the AMC Networks-owned Acorn TV streaming service. Shaftesbury and its shareholders were advised on this strategic investment by RBC Capital Markets.

The new partnership will create growth for Shaftesbury’s existing and future slate of content across all genres, creating more opportunities for Canadian creators in front of and behind the camera. The partnership also builds on AMC Networks and Shaftesbury’s existing production relationship. Shaftesbury is the studio behind some of the biggest titles on Acorn TV, including all 14 seasons of Murdoch Mysteries. In addition to Acorn TV, AMC Networks operates the entertainment brands AMC, SundanceTV, BBC America and the fast-growing streaming services AMC+, Shudder, Sundance Now and ALLBLK.

“This new partnership will leverage the broad expertise of AMC Networks and Shaftesbury to deliver significant growth opportunities for the development, production, distribution and reach of our content,” said Christina Jennings, CEO and Chairman, Shaftesbury. “Getting Canadian stories and creative talent in front of the international market has always been Shaftesbury’s mission – this relationship will give us a big leg up.”

“Christina has built a world class production company with a long track record and reputation for creating high quality content that resonates in markets around the world,” said Josh Sapan, AMC Networks President and CEO. “Shaftesbury is an ideal partner for AMC Networks as we expand our focus on sourcing premium content and IP for distribution across our own platforms as well as to third parties. In addition, this partnership will give AMC Networks enhanced capabilities to expand our productions in Canada.”

ABOUT AMC NETWORKS

AMC Networks is a global entertainment company known for its popular and critically-acclaimed content. Its portfolio of brands includes AMC, BBC AMERICA (operated through a joint venture with BBC Studios), IFC, SundanceTV, WE tv, IFC Films, and a number of fast-growing streaming services, including the AMC+ premium streaming bundle, Acorn TV, Shudder, Sundance Now and ALLBLK (formerly branded “UMC”). AMC Studios, the Company’s in-house studio, production and distribution operation, is behind award-winning owned series and franchises, including The Walking Dead, the highest-rated series in cable history. The Company also operates AMC Networks International, its international programming business, and Levity Entertainment Group, its production services and comedy venues business.

ABOUT SHAFTESBURY

Shaftesbury is an award-winning creator and producer of original content for television, film, and digital. Shaftesbury’s current slate includes 2 seasons of ratings hit Departure for Global/Corus Entertainment, Peacock and NBC Universal, 14 seasons of fan favourite Murdoch Mysteries for CBC, Acorn TV and UKTV, four seasons of detective drama Frankie Drake Mysteries for CBC and UKTV, four seasons of critically acclaimed horror series Slasher with season 4 being produced for release on Shudder, three seasons of Hudson & Rex for Citytv/Rogers Media,  Dead Still for RTÉ, Acorn TV, and Citytv/Rogers, and The Sounds for CBC, Acorn TV, and Sky NZ. www.shaftesbury.ca

For more information, please contact:

Jane Collins

Shaftesbury

[email protected]

647.323.8874

Georgia Juvelis

AMC Networks

[email protected]

917-542-6390

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