Blue Ant Studios announced Wednesday at the Banff World Media Festival it has sold the rights for Seasons 1-3 of investigative history series Mysteries from Above to A+E Global Media’s History channel in the U.S.
The studio said in a press release the deal demonstrates its commitment to exporting its Canadian productions to the U.S. market and globally.
“This sale is a true reflection of Blue Ant Studios’ commitment to showcasing premium Canadian content on a global scale,” Mark Bishop, co-president of Blue Ant Studios, said in a statement. “Our continued dedication to exporting homegrown…
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Telefilm Canada announced Wednesday at the Annecy International Animation Film Market it is launching a new initiative for the development and export of animated feature films.
Telefilm said it will establish a special funding envelope of $420,000 for animated features that will be integrated into the Development Program.
“This initiative aims to recognize the distinctive nature of animated films and to support their early creative stages, particularly storyboard development,” reads a Telefilm press release. “It is part of a broader effort to prioritize animation across Telefilm’s entire continuum — from development to marketing…
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By Ahmad Hathout
Cogeco representatives on Tuesday implored a panel of CRTC commissioners to carefully examine the cost-benefit analysis of implementing a broadband label that they say has been largely ineffective in the purchasing decisions of their American customers.
The regional cable company, which has a division called Breezeline in the United States, says such a proposed label – which would resemble a nutrition label on foods and include information beyond just download and upload speeds – would just serve to confuse customers.
“The reality is that we already provide consumers with the information they need to make informed purchasing decisions –…
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Federal ministers said Thursday they are pleased with the announcements by Bell and Telus to open up artificial intelligence facilities across the country, noting that they show a commitment to building a stronger Canadian economy.
“These forward-looking private sector investments will help create high-quality jobs in Canada, open up new opportunities for workers at home and strengthen Canada’s position as an AI leader. It also supports the responsible development and adoption of AI technologies that can improve prosperity for workers and businesses across Canada,” said the joint statement by Industry Minister Melanie Joly and AI and Digital Innovation Minister Evan Solomon.
“Notwithstanding unjustified tariffs imposed…
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SaskTel and Des Nedhe Group announced Wednesday the recent signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to develop secure, scalable, indigenous-led digital infrastructure solutions that support national security and long-term economic growth.
The announcement was made at CANSEC 2025, the Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries (CADSI)’s annual event, being held May 28-29 at the EY Centre in Ottawa.
Under the agreement, Des Nedhe Group will lead market engagement for SaskTel’s secure data storage services with the Department of National Defence and its supply chain, according to a press release. The partnership…
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By Howard Law, author of MediaPolicy.ca and Canada vs. California: How Ottawa took on Netflix and the streaming giants (Lorimer, 2024)
Last week, Quebec’s culture minister Mathieu Lacombe slid a wild card into Prime Minister Mark Carney’s deck by tabling Bill 109 in the National Assembly.
The bill contemplates doing for Quebec exactly what the federal Online Streaming Act, Bill C-11, mandated the CRTC to do two years ago for all of Canada: regulate streaming platforms so that original French-language content reaches more French-speaking Canadians.
The Lacombe bill claims a constitutional jurisdiction it doesn’t have (until the Supreme Court tells us…
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CBC on Wednesday announced applications are now being accepted for the third round of AccessCBC, a national program that provides pre-development training, mentorship and financing support to Deaf and disabled creators.
CBC is once again collaborating with the Disability Screen Office (DSO) for the third edition of the program, which is adding a new podcast stream alongside the returning scripted comedy/drama, unscripted and kids programming streams.
The podcast stream will offer one selected individual a chance to work on CBC Podcasts’ Sickboy, to hone their audio production skills and help create…
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Access Canada in partnership with The Hollywood Reporter announced Monday the advisory board for the inaugural Access Canada Summit, which is scheduled to take place Sept. 8-10 at the Omni King Edward Hotel in downtown Toronto, coinciding with the Toronto International Film Festival.
The advisory board members include:
Mark Bishop, co-president of Blue Ant Studios
Allison Brough, senior vice president of unscripted television at Blink49 Studios
Vanessa Case, vice president of content for Paramount+ and Pluto TV in Canada
Mike Cosentino, president and executive producer of CosMedia.Inc
Jocelyn Hamilton, president of television for…
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The National Film Board of Canada (NFB) announced Monday its 2025-2028 Strategic Plan is now available, along with a podcast featuring NFB Chairperson Suzanne Guèvremont providing an overview of the plan.
The plan lays out the NFB’s key priorities over the next three years in four strategic areas: shaping the NFB for next generations; fostering a culture of creativity and innovation; elevating awareness of the NFB and esteem for the organization; and expanding and understanding NFB audiences.
“These priorities are underpinned by the NFB’s ongoing commitments to gender parity, underrepresented communities, Indigenous…
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Quebecor Media subsidiary TVA Group announced Wednesday several layoffs, primarily in its television division, as the broadcaster faces an uncertain future due to ongoing financial challenges, the Montreal-based company said.
“TVA Group, like other private broadcasters, is operating in a steadily deteriorating business environment and continues to absorb substantial financial losses while competing on an uneven playing field,” Quebecor President and CEO Pierre Karl Péladeau, who is the acting president and CEO of TVA Group, said in a press release.
“In this alarming situation, TVA Group is forced to cut some 30 jobs,…
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