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SWEEPS DAY THREE!! NBC To Import Scripted Drama From Canada!!
I am – Hercules!!
The writers’ strike is starting to shape up into a goldmine for Canada’s CTV. CBS announced this week it would broadcast CTV’s “SWAT”-ish “Flashpoint” and now comes word that NBC is picking up CTV’s “The Listener,” about a youngster who can do what Matt can do on “Heroes.”
(Wouldn’t it be weird if “The Listener” turned out to be better than “Heroes”?)
Look! Press release!
NBC PICKS UP 'THE LISTENER' -- CTV's ORIGINAL DRAMA SERIES FROM SHAFTESBURY FILMS
BURBANK -- February 1, 2008 -- NBC has picked up "The Listener" (working title), a new CTV original drama from Shaftesbury Films, it was announced today by Teri Weinberg, Executive Vice President, NBC Entertainment.
Produced by Toronto's Shaftesbury Films, "The Listener" tells the story of a young man who can read people's thoughts, and act on them. NBC has ordered 13 episodes of the one-hour drama series, which was green-lit by CTV, Canada's largest private broadcaster, last December. Set in Toronto, "The Listener" is currently in pre-production with shooting scheduled to begin this spring.
"This deal is another example of us reaching out to the international community to find innovative and interesting programming. We are thrilled to have partners like CTV and Shaftesbury Films," said Teri Weinberg, Executive Vice President, NBC Entertainment. "'The Listener' is an intriguing series that fits squarely in our brand and we're excited NBC can bring it to the American audience."
"CTV has a long tradition of developing hit original programming in Canada," said Susanne Boyce, President, Creative, Content and Channels, CTV Inc. "Today's announcement is the next step in the evolution of our development program. We are thrilled to partner with NBC and Shaftesbury in sharing this compelling Canadian drama with an American audience."
"We're delighted that 'The Listener' will broadcast on NBC in the U.S. and on CTV in Canada. Shaftesbury has built strong relationships with U.S. networks over the years. This opportunity to partner with CTV and NBC on a prime time series is the next logical step" said Christina Jennings, Chairman and CEO of Shaftesbury Films. "There seems to be a new pattern emerging at American TV networks, which have lately become more open to working with production companies outside the U.S."
In "The Listener," Toby Logan (Craig Olejnik, "In God's Country") is a young, big-city paramedic with the power to listen to people's thoughts. With his paramedic partner Osman Bey (Ennis Esmer, host of "The Toronto Show") as his sidekick, Toby juggles life as a telepathic sleuth with that of an urban twenty-something.
Created by Michael Amo ("Blessed Stranger: After Flight 111"), "The Listener" was developed by CTV with Shaftesbury Films beginning in 2006 with a pilot directed by Clement Virgo ("The Wire," "Poor Boys Game") produced last summer. "The Listener" was part of CTV's first venture into pilot production in 2007. It was the first time CTV had ordered pilots as part of its development of new Canadian television series.
"The Listener" is produced by Shaftesbury Films in association with CTV and NBC. Executive producers are Emmy and Gemini award-winning Christina Jennings (ReGenesis, The Murdoch Mysteries), Scott Garvie for Shaftesbury Films, Russ Cochrane (Whistler) and Michael Amo. The Listener is distributed in the United States by Program Partners.
Founded in 1987, Shaftesbury Films has established a reputation as one of Canada's leading producers of high quality film and television programming. Recent productions include the new one-hour drama series Murdoch Mysteries for Citytv, the fourth season of the TV series ReGenesis for The Movie Network, Movie Central and Showcase; the TV movies In God's Country and Eight Days to Live, both featuring Kelly Rowan and both delivering record breaking ratings for CTV; and The Robber Bride, the Emmy-nominated TV movie starring Gemini award-winner Mary-Louise Parker for CBC. Shaftesbury Films also produces a variety of kids' programming, including the highly successful kids' series Life with Derek, currently airing on Family Channel and Disney Channel, and broadcast in over 100 countries worldwide. Visit the Shaftesbury website at www.shaftesbury.ca.
CTV, Canada's largest private broadcaster, offers a wide range of quality news, sports, information, and entertainment programming. It has the number-one national newscast, CTV National News With Lloyd Robertson, and is the number-one choice for prime-time viewing. CTVglobemedia Inc. is Canada's premier multi-media company, which owns CTV Inc. and The Globe and Mail. CTV Inc. also owns radio stations across the country, and leading national specialty channels. Other CTVglobemedia investments include an interest in Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, and in Dome Productions, a North American leader in the provision of mobile high definition production facilities. More information about CTV may be found on the company website at www.ctv.ca.
NBC Entertainment develops and schedules programming for the network's primetime, late night, and daytime schedules. NBC's quality programs and balanced lineup have earned the network critical acclaim, ratings success, particularly among young, upscale viewers, and numerous awards, including more Emmy Awards than any network in television history.
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BURBANK -- February 1, 2008 -- NBC has picked up "The Listener" (working title), a new CTV original drama from Shaftesbury Films, it was announced today by Teri Weinberg, Executive Vice President, NBC Entertainment.
Produced by Toronto's Shaftesbury Films, "The Listener" tells the story of a young man who can read people's thoughts, and act on them. NBC has ordered 13 episodes of the one-hour drama series, which was green-lit by CTV, Canada's largest private broadcaster, last December. Set in Toronto, "The Listener" is currently in pre-production with shooting scheduled to begin this spring.
"This deal is another example of us reaching out to the international community to find innovative and interesting programming. We are thrilled to have partners like CTV and Shaftesbury Films," said Teri Weinberg, Executive Vice President, NBC Entertainment. "'The Listener' is an intriguing series that fits squarely in our brand and we're excited NBC can bring it to the American audience."
"CTV has a long tradition of developing hit original programming in Canada," said Susanne Boyce, President, Creative, Content and Channels, CTV Inc. "Today's announcement is the next step in the evolution of our development program. We are thrilled to partner with NBC and Shaftesbury in sharing this compelling Canadian drama with an American audience."
"We're delighted that 'The Listener' will broadcast on NBC in the U.S. and on CTV in Canada. Shaftesbury has built strong relationships with U.S. networks over the years. This opportunity to partner with CTV and NBC on a prime time series is the next logical step" said Christina Jennings, Chairman and CEO of Shaftesbury Films. "There seems to be a new pattern emerging at American TV networks, which have lately become more open to working with production companies outside the U.S."
In "The Listener," Toby Logan (Craig Olejnik, "In God's Country") is a young, big-city paramedic with the power to listen to people's thoughts. With his paramedic partner Osman Bey (Ennis Esmer, host of "The Toronto Show") as his sidekick, Toby juggles life as a telepathic sleuth with that of an urban twenty-something.
Created by Michael Amo ("Blessed Stranger: After Flight 111"), "The Listener" was developed by CTV with Shaftesbury Films beginning in 2006 with a pilot directed by Clement Virgo ("The Wire," "Poor Boys Game") produced last summer. "The Listener" was part of CTV's first venture into pilot production in 2007. It was the first time CTV had ordered pilots as part of its development of new Canadian television series.
"The Listener" is produced by Shaftesbury Films in association with CTV and NBC. Executive producers are Emmy and Gemini award-winning Christina Jennings (ReGenesis, The Murdoch Mysteries), Scott Garvie for Shaftesbury Films, Russ Cochrane (Whistler) and Michael Amo. The Listener is distributed in the United States by Program Partners.
Founded in 1987, Shaftesbury Films has established a reputation as one of Canada's leading producers of high quality film and television programming. Recent productions include the new one-hour drama series Murdoch Mysteries for Citytv, the fourth season of the TV series ReGenesis for The Movie Network, Movie Central and Showcase; the TV movies In God's Country and Eight Days to Live, both featuring Kelly Rowan and both delivering record breaking ratings for CTV; and The Robber Bride, the Emmy-nominated TV movie starring Gemini award-winner Mary-Louise Parker for CBC. Shaftesbury Films also produces a variety of kids' programming, including the highly successful kids' series Life with Derek, currently airing on Family Channel and Disney Channel, and broadcast in over 100 countries worldwide. Visit the Shaftesbury website at www.shaftesbury.ca.
CTV, Canada's largest private broadcaster, offers a wide range of quality news, sports, information, and entertainment programming. It has the number-one national newscast, CTV National News With Lloyd Robertson, and is the number-one choice for prime-time viewing. CTVglobemedia Inc. is Canada's premier multi-media company, which owns CTV Inc. and The Globe and Mail. CTV Inc. also owns radio stations across the country, and leading national specialty channels. Other CTVglobemedia investments include an interest in Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, and in Dome Productions, a North American leader in the provision of mobile high definition production facilities. More information about CTV may be found on the company website at www.ctv.ca.
NBC Entertainment develops and schedules programming for the network's primetime, late night, and daytime schedules. NBC's quality programs and balanced lineup have earned the network critical acclaim, ratings success, particularly among young, upscale viewers, and numerous awards, including more Emmy Awards than any network in television history.
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maybe
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Feb 01, 2008 6:36:03 PM CST
I was wondering when they were going to start hiring scabs
by aphex twin
It's the way all strikes work ya know...
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Just an amazing show on CBC
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"..and act on them"? It be pretty weird if he could read them but couldn't act on them.
I'm picking nits, I guess. -
they're Canadians working on a Canadian show for a Canadian network. They're not writing it for NBC, they're writing it for CTV.
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Sorry folks but there's a reason American networks have never broadcast Canadian TV before. They just hire the good writers and move them to LA.
Don't hold your breath that a single one of these will be worth a damn. -
Shaddup... this series is not written by scabs in any meaning of the word. Stop being a moron for the sake of being a moron. Canadian writers have no affiliation with the WGA and not interest in joining it - which defeats the 'scab' reference. Scabs are non-union workers brought into the existing work place with a possible long term future if they a quality workers. This show is MADE IN CANADA, IN CANADIAN FACILITIES, BY CANADIAN PRODUCERS.
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...hell, CANADIANS don't watch Canadian TV. We need Paul fucking Gross again!
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Fuck you. Thanks for coming out, tho. Canadian shows haven't skewed well with American audiences 'cuz Canadian viewers aren't wrapped up in Old Glory - despite what you Yanks think of us as being America Junior. We have our own culture that simply doesn't appeal to Americans - we're not letigious; we're not God spouting; we believe in ACTUAL civil rights and civility; we're NOT a gun culture; and we are not obsessed with GREED, or more aptly, the AMERICAN DREAM.
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I hear that. I can't remember the last time I watched a Canadian drama series on purpose. Yes, we all tune into CTV for the American imports - and we sometimes like certain American shows more than the Americans: Studio 60 On The Sunset Strip being a case in point - which I think is because the show's characters were generally good people all around and appealed to our sensibilities, where as Americans wanted more greed/filth/sex/backstabbing.
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They should import The Degrassi!! That is Canadian television at its best. And i'm sure Americans would gobble it up like Gossip Girl and the OC.
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Canadian television is awful! There may be one or two okayish ones but for the most part:pure drivel. I hope this isn't the begining of a trend because it can only end badly.
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These are both good shows although with Intelligence you really need to pay attention and follow from the start.
I'm just powering through Season 1 of ReGenesis and it would work just fine. -
Awesome show, watch it if you can.
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In Canada we have a different culture and different values then americans. Our television shows would not work in the states because american arrogance would smother them before they even got a shot. And calling our writers scabs for working on canadain shows when they are members of the WGC, is just fucking stupid
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Mostly sucks due to a lack of proper production funding, post production short cuts and a limited reach into a good talent pool. Canadian networks and production companies take little to no risks and the product always ends up staler and washed out.
Canadian Film is a different story. We've had a great resurgence there. And some great films come out of Canada recently.
Canadian Televison... well, be skeptical.
For good measure... I am Canadian, and aside from the CBC's original documentary programming there really isn't much for Canada to brag about. -
I'm Canadian you asshat.
Where do you live? Motherfucking Goose Bay? Pull your neo hippie delusional head out of your over taxed ass and wake up. Canadian TV sucks. Ever watched Little Mosque on the Prairie? Is that your high brow enlightened Canadian TV? Oh I know...Cold case! Or fucking Falcon Beach!
Canadian TV is some of the worst out there. Air Farce. Air Farce is enough to prove my point. The best show ever to come out of Canada was Beach Combers and that is saying a lot.
Maxthrust, you are beyond stupid. You're pathetic and you should really keep your ill informed cultural bias to yourself.
Thank you and God bless America. -
produces crap imitations of crap US series.
"The Listener" ha ha ha ha. Oooh, I bet they wanted to go with "Ghost Listener."
"Intelligence" was great for two seasons on CBC. Supposedly its independent producer is moving it to Fox because the CBC hates its own successes.
If you like "The Shield" you'd probably like "Intelligence." -
Feb 01, 2008 10:14:43 PM CST
On a whole it IS shit, but there are a few gems occasionally.
by azmodien
I don't watch much on Canadian TV stations, but Trailer Park Boys is frequently brilliant and better than the majority of US sitcoms. Showcase is the only exception in a the comedy wasteland that is Canada.
Intelligence and Regenesis also seem fairly good from what I have seen. They are certainly no worse than bullshit like Shark, Bones, Las Vegas, etc -
please don't joke about that. I'll have nightmares about Ann Coulter coming to get me in my igloo.
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glad they are remaking it on FOX next year!
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On average, top five networks... this was in the news on Wednesday. I've been wondering when they'd realize that only imported Canadian programming will stop the bleeding.
The rest of us need to realize that this is a slippery slope -- I call for substantial tariffs on these shows to prevent the complete loss of the American TV production industry to these creative and witty but viciously competitive Canadian bastards. Sure, you might like being able to run down to Walmart and pick up a whole season of Intelligence for $19.95, but what are you going to do in 2009 when you hit the sofa expecting to enjoy the 8th season premier of 24, and all they're playing are last year's episodes of "The Guard"? Friggin' NAFTA, it's screwing us all, I'm telling you.
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and even I think this is a bad idea. There's absolutely nothing worse than mandatory Canadian content.
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and to the canadian writers i say, write something good! there are some good quality canadian programs but too often they are TOO canadian...like due south about a mountie...it's a good show, but it's about a MOUNTIE! come on...is there no good money in canada and all the good writers leave for the states? what gives? why is so much canadian TV crap? not to say that all US TV is great...but canadian productions feel so forced. the movie "foolproof" was supposed to be canada's big bid for the summer blockbuster several years back and it tanked..the movie poster looked like the cover for a children's adventure novel instead of a big budget action feature. why don't canadian companies do the proper legwork and get some quality products made instead of always settling for third-rate garbage? bah...hire me to give my thoughts and you won't release your crap until it's made into something that people will like, not just something that people will watch becasue it's the only thing on.
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Feb 02, 2008 12:00:58 AM CST
"This deal is another example of our asses being against the wal
by yotzvonfrelnik
They make it sound like they've reached out to foreign networks for their programming all the time in the past.
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it's not their fault that the american writers decided to go on strike, the canadian writers simply disagree with the WGA. you ARE allowed to disagree with other people, and act accordingly to your own convictions, you know.
I thought flash gordon was ok, but the last 2 episodes I saw (15 and 16) were pretty horrible.. I just assume the strike cought up to them, and they didn't have time to polish the writing.. -
One crack about scabs and it's like I kicked over an ant hill. Relax people! It was a joke. Plus the only good show in Canada is Hockey Night in Canada. Don Cherry is the man.
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For the love of God - did we not just go through this the other night? Who cares if American networks are desperate for content? As I said before, pick up from Canada or Britain if you don't like it - switch the dish. Do you really think that the vast majority of major network television is so bad? Than don't watch it. I have no doubt that Canadians hold their own in America and that Americans could care less as long as it's quality stuff. Living in America taught me one thing - America is built on competition; Canada was built on accomodation.
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Barry Melrose is such a douche. He ALWAYS has to say at least once every broadcast that he coached Wayne Gretzky. As if that's a hard thing to do. "Hey Gretz!" "Yeah coach?" "Go out and score." "Okay Coach!" *Goal horns sound* *Crowd goes apeshit* "Nice goal, eh coach?"
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I was asked to audition for Degrassi....
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Fuck, it's cold out west right now.
Anyway, Canadian television is bloody awful. We sure as hell don't watch it. I don't know why anyone else would. Even "Trailer Park Boys" has been terrible the last few seasons. This will just give Letterman some more monologue material. Anyone remember "Night Heat" on CBS? He beat that horse to death and back. -
yes, very weird. Although there's plenty of worse crap on US tv, mind.
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Is HBO material for the states so they'd have to cut some for buying in - and it is very intelligent drama seasons 1 and 2.
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It wasn't Heroes but it wasn't Bionic Woman, either
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Jason Bateman says perhaps: http://tinyurl.com/288cev.
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It was a better show than the New School version of "Degrassi". It was one of the few Canadian teen dramas that featured a strong cast who acted well with each other.
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As for the Listener? Haven't heard a thing about it - never a good sign.
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If they fail, the strength of the writers' strike will only increase.
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Ever try to watch an American channel call the game? It's as painful as our announcers for the BlueJay games.
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I'd love to see Torchwood, Dr. Who, and EastEnders on America's prime time-- Of course, it would also suck because American format for ad placement is stupid (every 10 minutes or so) while the BBC is nice and lets you watch a whole show before pelting you with adverts. So it would be weird to see these shows split up in American style. I've been watching shows commercial-free online so much lately that when I watched LOST the other day, I found myself positively annoyed at the adverts being placed in the middle of the show so frequently. Maybe it's time we switched our ad format to something a little less obtrusive and damaging to the shows' narrative?
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C'mon, it's great.
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I agree with the other poster. It should be a no brainer for Ben Silverman to take the three seasons of Battlestar, run it in HD. Then maybe this show can go another season on a real network!!!!
NBC, Come On!! -
I agree with the other poster. It should be a no brainer for Ben Silverman to take the three seasons of Battlestar, run it in HD. Then maybe this show can go another season on a real network!!!!
NBC, Come On!! -
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22968561/. Cross your fingers.
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Good call Pennsy. I also saw a version of this story in the New York Times (remove the space in business). I hope so. It's gone on too long. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/02/busi ness/media/02cnd-writers.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin
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Just sayin'
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fire all the writers and hire non-union employees. They would get a better product and allowing writers to negotiate their own value would allow the cream to rise to the top and the writers who were good would wind up getting paid more, while the writers who suck would starve. Its win/win.
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They are taking over "American" shows already being produced in Canada. They are writing episodes that WGA writers can't write BECAUSE of the strike. This is called SCABBING and the WGA will remember the names of these friendly SCABS to the North.
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