"Copper" Shines @ MIP

The Toronto-lensed, police TV series, "Copper", created by Tassie Cameron, will be presented at MIPTV, April 12 to 16 in Cannes, France, with series actors Missy Peregrym and Gregory Smith in attendance.

Premise of "Copper" follows five young rookie cops out of police academy who fight, drink, sleep and work together.

"...Now they’re on the job together. They’re kids with guns, experiencing firsthand the hardest kind of policing there is. They are first responders, and they are about to learn that no amount of training prepares you for life..."

Peregrym portrays 'Andy McNally', Smith is 'Dov Epstein', Enuka Okuma is 'Traci Nash', Travis Milne is 'Chris Diaz' and Charlotte Sullivan plays 'Gail Peck'.

Click the poster to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Copper"...

Wizard World Toronto Comic Con - March 26, 27, 28

"Ghostbusters" co-star Ernie Hudson will join other celebrities in Toronto @ the inaugural Wizard World Toronto Comic Con, organized by publisher Wizard Entertainment.

The Toronto event @ the Direct Energy Centre, runs March 26, 27 and 28, kicking off Wizard's 2010 Comic Con tour that includes US cities Chicago, New York and Anaheim.

Hundreds of vendors covering comic books, science fiction, horror, gaming and anime will be on hand, as well as a costume contest, autograph sessions and panel discussions.

More than 110 celebrity and comic book guests, spanning all areas of pop culture, are now scheduled to attend, including cast members from the Toronto-lensed "Saw" films, actress Magda Apanowicz (“Caprica”), actor David Richmond-Peck (“V”), actress Jewel Staite ("Firefly), actress Luciana Carro ("Battlestar Galactica"), actress Magda Apanowicz ("Bionic Woman") and actress Gena Lee Nolan ("Baywatch").

Also attending is Toronto-born actress Kate Hewlett ("Stargate Atlantis").

In addition Maple Pictures will present an exclusive panel on the UK/Toronto-lensed comic book adaptation "Kick-Ass", moderated by Wizard magazine's Mike Cotton, including trailers and sneak peek footage from the movie.

Click the images to enlarge...

"People Of The Comic Book: The Creators Of Superheroes, Graphic Novels & Toons"

The 18th Annual Toronto Jewish Film Festival, running April 18-25 will feature the 'sidebar series', "People Of The Comic Book: The Creators Of Superheroes, Graphic Novels & Toons", based on the premise that North American Jews were the creative force behind the US comic book industry.

Comic book titles include "Superman" (Siegel and Shuster), "Captain America (Simon and Kirby), "Batman (Bob Kane), "Lil' Abner" (Al Capp), "The Spirit" (Will Eisner), "Mad Magazine" (Harvey Kurtzman, Will Elder), "Daredevil" (Gene Colan), "Green Lantern" (Gil Kane), "Sgt. Rock" (Joe Kubert), "Spider-Man, "Iron Man", "The Hulk" (Stan Lee) and a whole lot more.

The program will feature panels with special guests including Harvey Pekar, author of "American Splendor" and a work-in-progress screening of the upcoming Will Elder doc, "The Mad Playboy Of Art".

This year's Festival will screen films from 18 countries, including the North American premiere of the restored 1948 doc "Nuremberg: Its Lesson For Today", commissioned by the US war department, before being pulled from distribution on the eve of its original US release.

All films will be screened @ Toronto's Bloor Cinema, the Cineplex Odeon Sheppard Center Cinema, SilverCity Richmond Hill and the Al Green Theatre...

2010 Argos Football Cheerleading Competition

Finals for the 2010 Toronto Argonauts Football Cheerleading competition, took place March 20, 2010 @ Toronto's Cardinal Carter Academy of the Arts, sponsored by the Toronto Sun, with Sneak Peek's Michael Stevens in attendance to shoot all the action:

CRTC Reveals New Framework For TV Broadcasters

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) reports that a 'new framework' will give English-language private television broadcasters greater flexibility to offer high-quality programs that are of interest to Canadians.

"The new approach to licensing on the basis of ownership groups reflects the trend of media convergence," said Konrad von Finckenstein, Q.C., Chairman of the CRTC. "Our framework will enable the large groups to attract viewers to their different television services while encouraging the creation of original Canadian programs. In doing so, we are providing the industry with flexibility to adapt to the new reality of increased consumer choice in a digital world."

Consolidation in the industry has resulted in large groups controlling both conventional television stations and specialty services. The CRTC’s approach will take into account a group’s total revenues when setting obligations related to the objectives of the Broadcasting Act.

In 2011, the CRTC will hold licence-renewal hearings for the largest English-language private ownership groups, CTVglobemedia Inc., Canwest Television Limited Partnership and Rogers Communications Inc.

This approach will permit the CRTC to introduce new requirements to encourage and support the creation of Canadian programs, proposing that the three largest ownership groups spend at least 30 per cent of their gross revenues on Canadian programming. They will also be able to shift resources among their English-language conventional television stations and specialty services to meet this obligation.

As part of its framework, the Commission has set out a market-based solution to allow private local television stations to negotiate with cable and satellite companies. Each television station would have the option of entering into negotiations to establish a fair value for the distribution of their programs.

"The current dispute between conventional broadcasters and distributors threatens the overall integrity of the broadcasting system," said von Finckenstein.

"Broadcasters and distributors have a symbiotic relationship. The time has come for them to put their differences aside and work together to ensure the continuation of conventional television, which Canadians clearly value."

During its proceeding, the CRTC received conflicting legal opinions as to whether it has the authority to implement a negotiation regime. Given that this issue is vital to the future of conventional television, the Commission has initiated a reference to the Federal Court of Appeal seeking clarification on its jurisdiction under the Broadcasting Act. The CRTC has asked the Court to consider its request on an expedited basis.

The Commission also launched a proceeding to ensure an orderly transition to digital television for consumers. Local television stations in major markets, as well as provincial and territorial capital cities, must complete the switchover by August 31, 2011.

The Commission will allow video-on-demand services to insert commercial advertising in programs acquired from Canadian English- and French-language broadcasters. This will provide the broadcasting system, and conventional broadcasters in particular, with an important new source of revenues. However, the CRTC will keep its current policy restricting the sale of advertising in the local availabilities of programs broadcast by foreign pay and specialty services. This time, usually two minutes per hour, will continue to be used primarily for the promotion of Canadian programs.

In addition, the 'Local Programming Improvement Fund' will be maintained in its current form. As a result, cable and satellite companies will continue to contribute 1.5 per cent of their gross broadcasting revenues to support local television programming in markets with a population of less than one million. The CRTC will conduct a comprehensive review of the Fund during the 2011–2012 broadcast year...

Sneak Peek "Scott Pilgrim vs The World"

Sneak Peek the new teaser poster supporting the Toronto-lensed comic book adaptation, "Scott Pilgrim vs The World", described as "...an epic of epic epicness..."

"...Meet charming and jobless 'Scott Pilgrim' (Michael Cera). A bass guitarist for totally average garage band 'Sex Bob-omb', the 22-year-old has just met the girl of his dreams…literally. The only catch to winning 'Ramona Flowers' (Mary Elizabeth Winstead)? Her seven evil exes are coming to kill him.

Scott has never had a problem getting a girlfriend. It’s getting rid of them that proves difficult. From the girl who kicked his heart’s ass—and now is back in town—to the teenage distraction he’s trying to shake when Ramona rollerblades into his world, love hasn’t been easy.
He soon discovers, however, his new crush has the most unusual baggage of all: a nefarious league of exes control her love life and will do whatever it takes to eliminate him as a suitor. As Scott gets closer to Ramona, he must face an increasingly vicious rogues’ gallery from her past—from infamous skateboarders to vegan rock stars and fearsome identical twins. And if he hopes to win his true love, he must vanquish them all before it really is game over..."

"Scott Pilgrim" is directed by Edgar Wright, written by Michael Bacall and Edgar Wright, based on the Oni Press Comic Book Series by Bryan Lee O’Malley.

Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Scott Pilgrim"...

Canwest Broadcasting Launches MovieTime HD

Canwest Broadcasting reports the launch of MovieTime HD, Friday, March 12, 2010, as part of the Rogers Digital Cable VIP line-up on channel 562.

"...The launch continues to reinforce Canwest as a leader in HD programming with History Television, Showcase, National Geographic Channel and four Global Television stations – Toronto , Vancouver , Calgary and Edmonton – currently broadcasting in High Definition. The ultimate destination for big-ticket movies, MovieTime launched over a year ago and has been a huge success with viewers. It is now a top 10 digital channel in Canada for all key demos..."
"With the immense popularity of MovieTime, we’re delighted to announce the launch of MovieTime HD - Canada ’s only HD specialty destination for recent blockbusters”, said Daniel Eves, VP Strategic Programming, Specialty, Canwest Broadcasting. "The channel will offer viewers an incomparable movie viewing experience, combining superior resolution and sound with big-ticket movie titles.”

Viewers can expect to find HD titles including "Batman Begins", "The School of Rock", "Scorpion King", "The Wedding Planner", "Stuart Little 2", "The Bucket List", "Bourne Identity", "Sahara", "Catch Me If You Can", "Matilda" and "Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Cradle of Life", with more new titles to be added in the coming months. MovieTime HD will also be launching with other TV providers later this spring.

Canwest Broadcasting, a division of Canwest Media Inc., operates Global Television and 18 of the country’s most popular specialty channels, including HGTV, Mystery TV, National Geographic Channel, Showcase, History Television, Food Network and TVtropolis...

Toronto Sees "Red"

Sneak Peek exclusive footage of Summit Entertainment's Toronto-lensed comic book adaptation "Red", starring Bruce Willis and John Malkovich, shooting nighttime police car sequences approaching the Toronto Parking Authority parking garage, @ 2 Church Street, south of Front Street along Church, on March 3, accompanied by 'loud simulated gunfire'.

"Red" is an adaptation of DC Comics graphic novel of the same name by author Warren Ellis.

Cast also includes Mary-Louise Parker, Academy Award-winners Helen Mirren and Morgan Freeman, Karl Urban, Brian Cox, Richard Dreyfuss, Ernest Borgnine, Julian McMahon, James Remar and Rebecca Pidgeon.

"...Red is the story of 'Frank Moses' (Willis), a former black-ops CIA agent, who is now living a quiet life. That is, until the day a hi-tech assassin shows up intent on killing him. With his identity compromised and the life of the woman he cares for, Sarah (Parker), endangered, Frank reassembles his old team (Freeman, Malkovich and Mirren) in a last ditch effort to survive..."

Directed by Robert Schwentke ("The Time Traveler's Wife") from a screenplay by Jon Hoeber and Erich Hoeber ("Whiteout"), the film is produced by di Bonaventura Pictures' Lorenzo di Bonaventura and Mark Vahradian ("Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen"). Executive producers are Jake Myers ("Hollywoodland"") and Gregory Noveck ("Jonah Hex"). Di Bonaventura Pictures' production exec David Ready is co-producer.

Red reunites Schwentke with DP Florian Ballhaus ("Marley & Me") and Oscar-winning film editor Thom Noble ("Thelma & Louise") .

"Red" will continue shooting in and around the metro Toronto area before moving to New Orleans, late March for the final two weeks of principal photography.

The film is scheduled for worldwide release, October 22, 2010.

Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Red"...

Toronto's "Copper" Shines @ MIPTV

The Toronto-lensed, police TV series, "Copper", created by Tassie Cameron, will be presented at MIPTV, April 12 to 16 in Cannes, France, with series actors Missy Peregrym and Gregory Smith in attendance.

Premise of "Copper" follows five young rookie cops out of police academy who fight, drink, sleep and work together.

"...Now they’re on the job together. They’re kids with guns, experiencing firsthand the hardest kind of policing there is. They are first responders, and they are about to learn that no amount of training prepares you for life..."

Peregrym portrays 'Andy McNally', Smith is 'Dov Epstein', Enuka Okuma is 'Traci Nash', Travis Milne is 'Chris Diaz' and Charlotte Sullivan plays 'Gail Peck'.

Click the poster to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Copper"...

"KISS" Plays With Children's Series

The rock band KISS, controlled by Gene Simmons, has finalized a production and development deal for a new children's TV series with Canadian studio, E1 Entertainment.

Founding KISS members, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley will collaborate with the company to create a 'comedic half-hour' series.

"We’re honored to be involved in carrying on the KISS legacy,” comments Frank Saperstein, Senior VP, Kids and Animation, E1.

"It’s wonderful to collaborate with the creative forces behind one of the greatest rock bands of all time and unquestionably one of the most recognized worldwide."

The KISS brand has been active as the new face of soft drink Dr. Pepper, their significant presence during Super Bowl XLIV and their appearance on the 2009 "American Idol" Finale, reaching over thirty million viewers.

"KISS continues to be the juggernaut of licensing and merchandising, from KISS M&M's to KISS Dr. Pepper,” said Simmons.

"KISS is a band, but also the only music BRAND. Continuing in our 35 year history of going where no band has gone before, we are proud to partner with E1. Like all things KISS, we intend to make this a very special show for our fans."

The as-yet untitled series will be produced/distributed worldwide by E1, from executive producers John Morayniss and Frank Saperstein for E1 and Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley for KISS. E1 and KISS will handle all licensing and merchandise for the series.

Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek KISS...

"Kick-Ass": Become A Superhero Today

"Kick-Ass", the upcoming superhero movie, based on the comic book series of the same name by Mark Millar and John Romita, Jr., directed by Matthew Vaughn and produced by actor Brad Pitt, premieres April 16, 2010 in North America and April 2, 2010 in the UK.

"Kick-Ass" filmed in the UK and in Toronto.

The soundtrack single to the film, will be released in the UK, April 12, 2010, performed by pop singer Mika and produced by RedOne.

Click the new poster to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Kick-Ass"...

Actor Corey Haim Is Dead

Toronto-born Corey Haim, the 38-year old actor best known for his teen role opposite Corey Feldman in the vampire feature "The Lost Boys", has died of a suspected drug overdose March 10, according to the Los Angeles Police Department...

"The Hurt Locker" Wins Best Picture/Director Oscars

The Oscars/Academy Awards winners, presented March 7, 2010 are:

Best Picture – "The Hurt Locker"
Best Director – Kathryn Bigelow ("The Hurt Locker")
Best Actress in a Lead Role – Sandra Bullock ("The Blind Side")
Best Actor in a Lead Role – Jeff Bridges ("Crazy Heart")
Best Actor in a Supporting Role – Christoph Waltz ("Inglorious Basterds")
Best Actress in a Supporting Role – Mo’Nique ("Precious")
Best Animated Feature Film – "Up"
Best Art Direction – "Avatar"
Best Cinematography – "Avatar"
Best Costume Design – "The Young Victoria"
Best Documentary Feature – "The Cove"
Best Documentary Short – "Music By Prudence"
Best Film Editing – "The Hurt Locker"
Best Foreign Language Film – "The Secret in their Eyes" (Argentina)
Best Makeup – "Star Trek"
Best Original Score – "Up"
Best Original Song – "Crazy Heart"
Best Sound Editing – "The Hurt Locker"
Best Sound Mixing – "The Hurt Locker"
Best Visual Effects – "Avatar"
Best Writing (Adapted Screenplay) – "Precious"
Best Writing (Original Screenplay) – "The Hurt Locker"

The World Bends Over For "Kick-Ass"- April 16

Sneak Peek the newest character posters for director Matthew Vaughn's upcoming comic book movie "Kick-Ass"', based on the graphic novels by Mark Millar and John Romita Jr.

January 2010, an international trailer of the film was slammed by family groups for its display of violence and use of the line "OK you cunts, let's see what you can do now" by actress Chloe Moretz, who was 12 at the time of filming.


Australian Family Association spokesman John Morrissey claimed "the language offensive and the values inappropriate - without the saving grace of the bloodless victory of traditional superheroes".

"Kick-Ass" is based on the 8-issue "Kick-Ass" comic book mini-series following a superhero fan who decides to become a costumed crime-fighting vigilante, meeting up with other vigilantes including 'Red Mist' and the father-daughter team of 'Big Daddy' and 'Hit Girl'.

Visually, Vaughn wanted to make a bright and glossy film', "...so what happens in the film is shocking, not the style...", he said. "I just let the characters do the dark stuff and let the lighting be... I just thought it would be interesting to juxtapose the look and the action... "

Vaughn acquired film rights to "Kick-Ass" for his Marv Films, when the KA comic book debuted February 2008. He then financed the film independently after "every studio turned it down".

"Kick-Ass" is co-produced by Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner for Plan B. Shooting locations included the UK and Toronto.

Premise of the "Kick-Ass" comics follows 'Dave Lizewski', a New York City high school student, who takes an interest in comic books as his cue to become a vigilante hero, assembling a suit and mask, worn under his normal clothing.

His first attempt at fighting crime results in Dave being overpowered, then hit by a car. But determined to retain his secret identity, he hides his costume before paramedics arrive.

Dave tells his father he was mugged, before undergoing four operations followed by intense physical rehabilitation. Weeks later, bruised but undaunted, Dave tosses his crutches, dons his costume and takes off again for 'patrol'.

After saving a man in need of assistance, an onlooker films the scene on a cellphone camera and uploads it to YouTube, turning Dave Lizewski into an instant media sensation called 'Kick-Ass'.


The $70 million comic book adaptation will be released by Lionsgate April 16, 2010.

Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Kick-Ass"...