#GIVEAWAY: ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN PASSES TO AN ADVANCE SCREENING OF “THE FLASH”

Warner Bros. Pictures Canada x Mr. Will are thrilled to give Readers a chance to win Advance Screening passes to see THE FLASH!

SCREENING DETAILS:

Toronto	06/14	7:00 PM	Scotiabank Toronto
Vancouver	06/14	7:00 PM	Scotiabank Vancouver
Montreal	06/14	7:30 PM	Scotiabank Montreal
Calgary	06/14	7:30 PM	Scotiabank Chinook
Halifax	06/14	7:00 PM	Scotiabank Halifax

SYNOPSIS

Warner Bros. Pictures presents “The Flash,” directed by Andy Muschietti (the “IT” films, “Mama”). Ezra Miller reprises their role as Barry Allen in the DC Super Hero’s first-ever standalone feature film.

Worlds collide in “The Flash” when Barry uses his superpowers to travel back in time in order to change the events of the past. But when his attempt to save his family inadvertently alters the future, Barry becomes trapped in a reality in which General Zod has returned, threatening annihilation, and there are no Super Heroes to turn to. That is, unless Barry can coax a very different Batman out of retirement and rescue an imprisoned Kryptonian… albeit not the one he’s looking for. Ultimately, to save the world that he is in and return to the future that he knows, Barry’s only hope is to race for his life. But will making the ultimate sacrifice be enough to reset the universe?

“The Flash” ensemble also includes rising star Sasha Calle, Michael Shannon (“Bullet Train,” “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice”), Ron Livingston (“Loudermilk,” “The Conjuring”), Maribel Verdú (“Elite,” “Y tu mamá también”), Kiersey Clemons (“Zack Snyder’s Justice League,” “Sweetheart”), Antje Traue (“King of Ravens,” “Man of Steel”) and Michael Keaton (“Spider-Man: Homecoming,” “Batman”).

“The Flash” is produced by Barbara Muschietti (the “IT” films, “Mama”) and Michael Disco (“Rampage,” “San Andreas”). The screenplay is by Christina Hodson (“Birds of Prey,” “Bumblebee”), with a screen story by John Francis Daley & Jonathan Goldstein (“Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves,” “Spider-Man: Homecoming”) and Joby Harold (“Transformers: Rise of the Beasts,” “Army of the Dead”), based on characters from DC. The executive producers are Toby Emmerich, Walter Hamada, Galen Vaisman and Marianne Jenkins.

Joining director Muschietti behind the camera are director of photography Henry Braham (“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,” “The Suicide Squad”), production designer Paul Denham Austerberry (“IT Chapter Two,” “The Shape of Water”), editors Jason Ballantine (the “IT” films, “The Great Gatsby”) and Paul Machliss (“The Gentlemen,” “Baby Driver”), and costume designer Alexandra Byrne (“Doctor Strange,” “Guardians of the Galaxy”); the score is by Benjamin Wallfisch (“The Invisible Man,” the “IT” films).

Warner Bros. Pictures presents a Double Dream/a Disco Factory production of an Andy Muschietti film, “The Flash.” It will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures and is set to open in theatres in North America on June 16, 2023 and internationally beginning 14 June 2023.

To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK and in the comments there, indicate your City. You can RT the below Tweet also for an extra chance!

#Giveaway: Enter for a chance to #win Passes to an Advance Screening to see THE FLASH.https://t.co/IHmM4d1fTR pic.twitter.com/zXkepVWnT7

— MR. WILL WONG 📸 (@mrwillw) June 6, 2023

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(Photo/video credit: Warner Bros. Pictures Canada)

#FIRSTLOOK: TELEFILM CANADA TO FUND 32 FEATURE-LENGTH FILMS

Telefilm Canada is announcing its commitment to 32 feature-length films, with 25 projects in the English market and seven projects in the French market, under the lower budget stream of the Production Program for fiscal year 2023-2024, with a funding total of $19.4 million.

Previously, Telefilm announced the selection of eight French-language feature film titles and 12 feature-length films in the English market under the big budget stream.

Projects in the English market:

A Tribe Called Love (drama)

Director and Screenwriter: Mohamed Ahmed

Production: Mahaica Point Media Inc.

Distributor: Mongrel Media

Province: Ontario

Anglophone (comedy)

Director and Screenwriter: Chandler Levack

Production: Banner House Productions Inc. and Zapruder Films Inc.

Distributor: Elevation Pictures and XYZ

Province: Quebec and Ontario

APPARATUS (drama)

Director: Sofia Banzhaf

Screenwriters: Sofia Banzhaf and Grayson Moore

Production: Younger Daughter Films Inc

Province: Ontario

Cat’s Cry (drama)

Director: Sanja Zivkovic

Screenwriter: Goran Paskaljevic

Production: YN Films Inc. (Canada), Artizana Film (Croatia) and Nova Film (Yugoslavia)

Province: Ontario

Chopping Boy (historical drama)

Directors and Screenwriters: Adam Belanger and David Lafontaine

Production: Gearshift Films Inc. and Armenta Films Inc.

Province: Ontario

HAL & CHARLIE, 1963 (drama)

Director and Screenwriter: Nick Citton

Production: Resonance Films Inc.

Province: British Columbia

Hangashore (Ainniseoir) (thriller)

Director and Screenwriter: Justin Oakey

Production: Black River Pictures Inc.

Province: Newfoundland/Labrador

Lakeview (drama)

Director and Screenwriter: Tara Thorne

Production: Paw Paw Pictures Incorporated

Province: Nova Scotia

Levels (science fiction/fantasy/tale)

Director and Screenwriter: Adam Stern

Production: Levels Productions MB Inc. and 1373039 BC Ltd.

Distributor: Vortex Media

Province: Manitoba and British Columbia

Lupe Q and the Galactic Earworms (science fiction/fantasy/tale)

Director: Javier Badillo

Screenwriters: Natalie Marshik and Javier Badillo

Production: 1207405 B.C. Ltd. dba Spitshine Flicks

Province: British Columbia

Mother (science fiction/fantasy/tale)

Director and Screenwriter: Jen Walden

Production: Iylond Entertainment Inc. and WaldenPaint Studio Inc.

Province: Alberta and Northwest Territories

Permanent Damage (thriller)

Director: Seth A. Smith

Screenwriters: Seth A. Smith and Darcy Spidle

Production: CUT/OFF/TAIL Pictures Inc.

Province: Nova Scotia

Racewalkers (comedy)

Directors: Kevin Claydon and Phil Moniz

Screenwriters: Kevin Claydon, Evan Landry and Phil Moniz

Production: Collective Pictures Inc. and Bobby F Productions Inc.

Distributor: Level Film Inc.

Province: Ontario

Really Happy Someday (drama)

Director: J. Stevens

Screenwriter: Breton Lalama

Production: Spindle Films Inc.

Province: Ontario

Riding Shotgun (drama)

Director and Screenwriter: Dionne Copland

Production: CyberCraft Video Productions, Inc.

Province: British Columbia

Send the Rain (drama)

Directors: Kaayla Whachell and Hayley Gray

Screenwriters: Kiki Nakasone and Kaayla Whachell

Production: 1375849 B.C. LTD.

Province: British Columbia

Someone’s Daughter (thriller)

Director and Screenwriter: Wiebke Von Carolsfeld

Production: 6909060 Canada Inc.

Distributor: Mongrel Media

Province: Quebec

Sweetness (thriller)

Director and Screenwriter: Emma Higgins

Production: Fela Ocu Inc and Level Film Inc.

Distributor: LevelFILM

Province: Ontario

The Apartment (horror)

Director: Audrey Cummings

Screenwriter: Sarah Gignac

Production: No Fear Films Inc. and Picture Plant Limited

Province: Nova Scotia

The Banquet (comedy)

Director and Screenwriter: Gloria Ui Young Kim

Production: Hawkeye Pictures Inc.

Province: Ontario

The Dismantled (drama)

Director: Jason DaSilva

Screenwriters: Jason DaSilva and Dean Lewis

Production: 11528777 Canada Inc.

Distributor: Filmoption International Inc.

Province: Quebec

The Fallers (drama)

Director: Will Bowes

Screenwriter: Daccia Bloomfield

Production: Night Market Films Inc.

Province: Ontario

The Legacy of Cloudy Falls (comedy)

Director and Screenwriter: Nick Butler

Production: Cloudy Falls Pictures Inc.

Province: Ontario

Unseen (drama)

Director and Screenwriter: Taylor Olson

Production: Hemmings Films Ltd. and Brass Door Productions Inc.

Distributor: Vortex Media Ltd.

Provinces: New Brunswick and Nova Scotia

Witches X (horror)

Directors and Screenwriters: Lowell Boland and Wendy Hill-Tout

Production: Voice Pictures Inc. and Hanger 18 Media Inc.

Distributor: Raven Banner

Province: Alberta and Ontario

Projects in the French market:

Et maintenant ? (drama)

Director and Screenwriter: Jocelyn Forgues

Production: ATO Media Inc.

Distributor: ATO Media Inc.

Province: Ontario

Kaïros (drama)

Director and Screenwriter: Jennifer Alleyn

Production: Les Films de Jennie Inc. (Québec) and Sanosi Productions (France)

Distributor: Les films de Jennie inc.

Province: Québec

Lost Baby (drama)

Directors: Myriam Charles and Myriam De Verger

Screenwriter: Myriam De Verger

Production: Cheminée Deux Inc.

Distributor: Cheminée Deux Inc.

Province: Québec

Montréal, ma belle (drama)

Director and Screenwriter: Xiaodan He

Production: 9047-4767 Québec Inc. (Québec) and Red Dawn Productions Inc. (Québec) and House on Fire Productions (France)

Distributor: Filmoption International

Province: Québec

Phénix (drama)

Director and Screenwriter: Johnathan Beaulieu- Cyr

Production: Les Films Rôdeurs Inc.

Distributor: Studio H264

Province: Québec

Un goût amer d’éternité (drama)

Directors and Screenwriters: Samer Najari and Dominique Chila

Production: Productions l’unité centrale Inc.

Distributor: Maison 4:3

Province: Québec

Vous n’êtes pas seuls (romantic comedy)

Directors: Philippe Lupien and Marie-Hélène Viens

Screenwriter: Marie-Hélène Viens

Production: La Boîte à Fanny inc.

Distributor: La Boîte à Fanny inc.

Province: Québec

More production funding decisions will be announced in the coming weeks. Statistics on all films funded in this fiscal year will be released once all funding decisions have been made.

An advisory committee of external and internal representatives assessed the projects and made recommendations to Telefilm. The decision-making process considered Telefilm’s goal of fostering a diversity of voices in the industry, ensuring that Telefilm funds a balanced portfolio of productions that reflect a variety of genres, budgets and company sizes, regions of the country and points of view. Names of selection committee members will be published on the Project Financing Advisory Committees webpage once all funding decisions have been made. 

#FIRSTLOOK: “LOVE IN TAIPEI” COMING TO PARAMOUNT+

Paramount+ today announced the acquisition of a new original film, LOVE IN TAIPEI, based on the New York Times’ best-selling novel Loveboat, Taipei by Abigail Hing Wen. In the novel, a young American woman is sent by her parents to a cultural immersion program in Taipei – inspired by an actual program attended by thousands of Chinese and Taiwanese diaspora youth – where she begins a new journey of self-discovery and romance. LOVE IN TAIPEI will premiere this summer exclusively on Paramount+ in the U.S. and Canada, and will also be coming to the service in the UK, Australia, Latin America, Brazil, Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria and South Korea. Paramount Global Content Distribution will distribute the film, with additional territories to be announced. 

LOVE IN TAIPEI will star Ashley Liao (Fresh Off The Boat, The Hunger Games: The Battle of Songbirds and Snakes) as Ever Wong, whose summer takes an unexpected turn when her parents surprise her with a trip to Taipei for a cultural immersion program. Ever is surprised to discover that she hasn’t signed up for homework and history lessons, but instead for a summer-long free-for-all the locals and other students call “Loveboat.” It quickly lives up to its name when Ever finds herself trying not to fall for two attractive but wildly different boys who are vying for her attention, while at the same time finding the courage to defy her parents’ high expectations and pursue her true passion: dancing. 

In addition to Ashley Liao, LOVE IN TAIPEI also stars Ross Butler (Shazam! Fury of the Gods, To All The Boys franchise) as Rick Woo, an infamous sports and scholastic prodigy; Nico Hiraga (Booksmart, Moxie) as Xavier Yeh, a free-spirited artist and heir to an international tech empire; Chelsea Zhang (Daybreak, Titans) as Ever’s friend Sophie, whom she meets at Loveboat; and Cindy Cheung (The Sinner, 13 Reasons Why) as Ever’s Aunt Shu.    

LOVE IN TAIPEI is directed by Arvin Chen (Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?) and produced by Matt Kaplan for Ace Entertainment. The film, shot on location in Taipei, is based on the bestselling book Loveboat, Taipei by Abigail Hing Wen, who also serves as executive producer, with the screenplay by Charlie Oh and Mackenzie Dohr. Christopher Foss, Matthew Janzen, Max Siemers, Aubrey Bendix, Cheng-Chung Chang and Ross Butler also serve as executive producers. The production was headed by Ace Entertainment, which purchased the film rights to the novel, financed and oversaw production with 1 Productions Film. Lionsgate handled the film’s sale globally to Paramount+.

HarperCollins published the book series, which continues the journey with Loveboat Reunion and the upcoming Loveboat Forever.

#INTERVIEW: THE CAST OF “GLITTER & DOOM” AT INSIDE OUT 2023

Touted as a film celebrating all types of Queerness, Tom Gustafson‘s GLITTER & DOOM closes-out the 2023 Inside Out 2SLGBTQ+ Film Festival – presented by RBC – after kicking-off May 25th in-person and online. The Jukebox Musical, set to the catalog of Indigo Girls, is a Rom-Com which centers on a musician and a carefree kid who fall in love and only have a small window to decide if they are right for one another. The Film stars Canadian-Filipino actor Alex Diaz and the UK’s Alan Cammish as Glitter and Doom, respectively. They are supported by a stellar and season Cast that includes the likes of Lea DeLaria, Tig Notaro, Ming-Na Wen and Missi Pyle.

We had the absolute honour of interviewing this talented Cast at the Film’s Premiere at TIFF Bell Lightbox. Our George Kozera and I ask the Cast about their characters, their experience working on GLITTER & DOOM, in addition to their affinity for Toronto and more.

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Don’t forget to follow the Film’s official Instagram account here for updates including when and where you can see it!

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

#FIRSTLOOK: “TUDUM 2” PREVIEW

Mark your calendars, the global fan event that is TUDUM streams live from Brazil June 17, 2023! Some of your favourite names will be partaking in fun and here’s a sneak peek what to expect!

Your favorite global stars reveal exclusive news and debut never-before-seen footage, trailers, and first looks of your favorite shows, movies and games!

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

#BOXOFFICE: “SPIDER-MAN: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE” LEAPS TO THE TOP IN DEBUT

An incredible opening weekend for SPIDER-MAN: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE debuting with $113.5 million 4,313 theatres for Sony Pictures. Its 2018 predecessor, Oscar-winning SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE, debuted with a much more modest $38 million. The love from fans and moviegoers really speaks to high expectaions from that last film. And critically it doesn’t disappoint with 95% on the Tomatometer.

In second is Disney‘s THE LITTLE MERMAID with $44 million from 4,320 theatres, a two week total of $189.7 million.

Third is GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 3 with $10.5 million, taking it to $322 million for Marvel/Disney domestically.

Taking fourth spot is THE BOOGEYMAN, debuting with $10 million from 3,205 theatres for 20th Century Studios. Critically it gets a passing 60% on the Tomatometer.

At the bottom of the Top Five is FAST X with $8.3 million for Universal Pictures, a total $127.5 million.

#SPOTTED: CRASH ADAMS IN TORONTO FOR “LUCKY” SINGLE LAUNCH

Rising Toronto Pop Outfit Crash Adams certainly know how to get noticed! Premiering their brand-new single “Lucky“, the Duo comprised of members Crash and Adams, quickly have built a following after forming in 2019 with impromptu on-the-street performances which went viral.

Signing with Warner Music, they now officially are in high gear after holdbacks during Covid, giving us a taste of their talent with tracks “California Girl”, “Give Me a Kiss” and “Destination”. Their new single is a cut from the cloth they have woven – sunny Pop Music.

The Duo were in town for a two day press blitz, hitting-up TV and Radio. Today, they did an impromptu experience at Yonge & Dundas Square handing-out ice cream to passers-by! Talk about lucky!

Crash Adams appeared on Breakfast Television, with a live performance as well! Have enjoyed everything I’ve heard and these two are certainly well on their way to being global sensations.

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Check out the new single:

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Warner Music)

#FIRSTLOOK: “BLACK MIRROR” SEASON SIX TRAILER

After a bit of a hiatus, BLACK MIRROR is back to give us the chills June 15, 2023.

The sixth season of Charlie Brooker’s Black Mirror returns with 5 ground-breaking new stories. The most unpredictable, unclassifiable and unexpected season yet – only on NETFLIX.

Expect a stacked Cast this season including the likes of Aaron Paul, Anjana Vasan, Annie Murphy, Auden Thornton, Ben Barnes, Clara Rugaard, Daniel Portman, Danny Ramirez, David Shields, Himesh Patel, John Hannah, Josh Hartnett, Kate Mara, Michael Cera, Monica Dolan, Myha’la Herrold, Paapa Essiedu, Rob Delaney, Rory Culkin, Salma Hayek Pinault, Samuel Blenkin and Zazie Beetz.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

#FIRSTLOOK: CBC 2023-2024 PROGRAMMING SLATE UNVEILED

CBC today announced its 2023-24 programming slate for CBC TV and CBC Gem, featuring over 40 new and returning original series from Canadian creators, producers and storytellers and more than 4000 hours of new programming spanning all genres.

“As we announce our new slate of remarkable storytelling, we remain focused on serving Canadians on the platform of their choice and offering what no other media company in this country can: the essential information audiences rely on each and every day, and authentic entertainment that reflects the changing face of Canada,” said Barbara Williams, Executive Vice-President, CBC. “We’re different. We stand apart from others, just as strong and just as significant. We want all Canadians to see CBC as their thing – as a Canada thing that makes everyone feel they belong, regardless of their age, background or location.”

NEW STREAMING CHANNELS

Building on the launch of CBC NEWS EXPLORE, CBC will launch new free 24/7 ad-supported streaming (FAST) channels this fall including CBC COMEDY and local news channels starting with CBC NEWS BC, offering even more content to digital and streaming audiences on connected TVs and CBC Gem. CBC COMEDY will feature hit CBC comedy series and the best in Canadian sketch comedy and stand up specials. Building on CBC’s strength in the genre, the channel will include current CBC shows including RUN THE BURBS, SON OF A CRITCH and SORT OF, as well as recent favourites like KIM’S CONVENIENCE and SCHITT’S CREEK, sketch comedy classics such as BARONESS VON SKETCH SHOW and TALLBOYZ, as well as extensive standup specials featuring favourite comedians. CBC NEWS BC will offer local news on the biggest stories of the day from the west coast of the country, and kicks off additional local CBC News streaming channels that will be available on connected TVs, the CBC News App and CBC Gem.

CBC NEWS & CURRENT AFFAIRS

From breaking stories to in-depth coverage, CBC News delivers trusted 24-hour news and information on CBC News Network, CBCNews.ca and the CBC News App. CBC News continues to bring audiences the latest news from across Canada and around the world, in addition to an award-winning slate of current affairs, investigative and primetime and weekend news programs.

Beginning this fall, the best of free streaming channel CBC NEWS EXPLORE will broadcast on CBC including ABOUT THAT, ADRIENNE ARSENAULT REPORTS, PLANET WONDER, and THIS WEEK IN CANADA, as well as BIG: CBC News Explore Original Documentary series. Also this fall, CANADA TONIGHT sees the return of host Ginella Massa in October, as she continues to highlight the stories beyond the headlines.

THE FIFTH ESTATE (Season 49 premieres Fall 2023; 15×60)

MARKETPLACE (Season 51 premieres Fall 2023; 17×30)

THE NATIONAL (Weeknights and Sundays on CBC TV and CBC News Network)

POWER & POLITICS (Weeknights on CBC News Network)

CANADA TONIGHT WITH DWIGHT DRUMMOND (Weeknights on CBC News Network)

ROSEMARY BARTON LIVE (Sundays on CBC TV and CBC News Network)

ENTERTAINMENT, FACTUAL AND SPORTS

ORIGINAL COMEDY SLATE

This upcoming broadcast and streaming year, CBC and CBC Gem will continue to be the home for fresh original Canadian comedy, with new workplace series ONE MORE TIME from comedian D.J. Demers joining the lineup alongside authentic comedies SORT OF, RUN THE BURBS and SON OF A CRITCH, and the best in Canadian sketch and standup comedy with THIS HOUR HAS 22 MINUTES and THE NEW WAVE OF STANDUP.

New Original Comedy Series

ONE MORE TIME (Premieres Winter 2024; 13×30; Counterfeit Pictures)

From creator and standup comedian D.J. Demers (The Tonight Show, Conan) and showrunner Jessie Gabe (Workin’ Moms, Mr. D), ONE MORE TIME is a workplace comedy about a fictionalized and heightened version of D.J. (played by Demers) as the hearing-impaired manager of a second-hand sporting goods store, and the team of “hard-working” employees he leads. D.J.’s optimistic, community-oriented outlook on life is challenged at every turn, as he and his team struggle to keep the small independent shop alive.

Returning Original Comedies & Festivals

THE NEW WAVE OF STANDUP (Seasons 2 and 3 premiere Fall 2023; 8×30; Just For Laughs TV)

SORT OF (Season 3 premieres Fall 2023; 8×30; Sphere Media’s Sienna Films)

THIS HOUR HAS 22 MINUTES (Season 31 premieres Fall 2023; 24×30; IoM Media)

RUN THE BURBS (Season 3 premieres Winter 2024; 13×30; Pier 21 Films)

SON OF A CRITCH (Season 3 premieres Winter 2024; 13×30; Project 10 Productions)

ORIGINAL DRAMA SLATE

The east coast family drama continues this summer with a new season of MOONSHINE, while the fall sees the debut of Marie Clements’ multi-generational epic of Indigenous resilience, BONES OF CROWS, and an extended version of Matt Johnson’s slice of Canadian tech history, BLACKBERRY, as well as the return of audience favourites HEARTLAND, MURDOCH MYSTERIES and SKYMED. This winter, new thoughtful drama ALLEGIANCE explores the Canadian justice system from multiple perspectives, while the odd couple of a grizzled cop and a spirited con woman are forced to work together in new comedic procedural WILD CARDS.

New Original Drama Series

BLACKBERRY (Premieres Fall 2023, 3×60, Rhombus Media and Zapruder Films)

Directed by Matt Johnson (Nirvanna the Band the Show), BLACKBERRY follows the story of Mike Lazaridis and Jim Balsillie, the two men who charted the course of the spectacular rise and catastrophic demise of the world’s first smartphone. Seemingly overnight, the duo revolutionized the way people work, communicate and connect, with millions of people around the world addicted to their BlackBerrys and the company completely dominating the market. That is, until some shady business dealings, personal grievances, and, perhaps most dangerously, the iPhone, devastated the company’s incredible success. Co-written by Matt Johnson and Matthew Miller and adapted from the book Losing the Signal by Jacquie McNish and Sean Silcoff. BLACKBERRY originated at CBC, where Losing the Signal was optioned and developed over the course of four years as a feature film and extended three-part series that includes exclusive never-before-seen footage. The series stars Jay Baruchel (This Is The End, Knocked Up) as Mike, Glenn Howerton (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, A.P. Bio) as Jim, and Johnson as Mike’s friend and business partner Doug.

BONES OF CROWS (Premieres Fall 2023, 5×60, Marie Clements Media, Screen Siren Pictures and Grana Productions)

Removed from their family home and forced into Canada’s residential school system, Cree musical prodigy Aline Spears (played throughout her life by Summer Testawich; Grace Dove, Monkey Beach; and Carla Rae, Rutherford Falls) and her siblings are plunged into a struggle for survival. Written, directed and produced by Marie Clements (Red Snow), BONES OF CROWS is Aline’s journey from child to matriarch, a moving multi-generational epic of resilience, survival and the pursuit of justice.

ALLEGIANCE (Premieres Winter 2024, 10×60, Lark Productions)

Star rookie cop Sabrina Singh is proud to uphold her family’s tradition of serving in the police and military. But when her father, the Minister of Public Safety, is arrested on terror charges, Sabrina finds herself caught between her loyalties to her job, her family and her country. Gripping and smart, ALLEGIANCE is a character-driven police procedural about identity and belonging, policing and politics, and finding new paths to truth and justice. From creator Anar Ali (Transplant), showrunners Mark Ellis & Stephanie Morgenstern (Flashpoint, X Company), and Lark Productions (Family Law, Motive) and international distributor Universal International Studios.

WILD CARDS (Premieres Winter 2024, 10×60, piller/segan, Blink 49 and Front Street Pictures) is a crime-solving procedural with a comedic twist that follows the unlikely duo of a gruff, sardonic cop and a bubbly, clever con woman. Ellis, a demoted detective, has unfortunately spent the last year on Vancouver’s marine unit (i.e., he’s now a “water cop”), while Toni has been living a transient life elaborately scamming everyone she meets. But when Toni gets arrested and ends up helping Ellis solve a local crime, the two are offered the opportunity to redeem themselves, with Ellis going back to detective and Toni staying out of jail. The catch? They have to work together, with each using their unique skills to solve crimes. For Ellis, that means hard-boiled shoe leather police work; for Toni, it means accents, schemes, and generally befriending everyone in sight (while driving Ellis absolutely nuts). Against the backdrop of beautiful Vancouver — with all its unique, charming, and even contradictory neighbourhoods and subcultures — the two will have to learn what it means to trust another person and maybe actually become partners. The creative team includes Michael Konyves (Creator/Executive Producer), Shawn Piller (Executive Producer), Noelle Carbone (Head Writer/Executive Producer) and James Genn (Pilot Director/Executive Producer).

Returning Original Dramas

MOONSHINE (Season 3 premieres Sunday, July 16 at 9 p.m. (9:30 NT) on CBC and CBC Gem; 8×60, Six Eleven Media and eOne)

HEARTLAND (Season 17 premieres Fall 2023; 10×60; Dynamo Films and SEVEN24 Films)

MURDOCH MYSTERIES (Season 17 premieres Fall 2023; 24×60; Shaftesbury)

SKYMED (Season 2 premieres Fall 2023; 9×60, Piazza Entertainment)

FACTUAL ENTERTAINMENT

CBC’s factual entertainment slate reflects people and communities from all regions of Canada with unique skills and interests who are in pursuit of their personal best, led by new series THE GREAT CANADIAN POTTERY THROW DOWN featuring ten of Canada’s top potters competing to be crowned best at the wheel. Returning series showcasing Canadians striving for excellence from coast to coast to coast include summer favourite RACE AGAINST THE TIDE. BEST IN MINIATURE, DRAGONS’ DEN, FAMILY FEUD CANADA, THE GREAT CANADIAN BAKING SHOW and STILL STANDING continue to bring the positive vibes this fall, while the winter brings the return of BOLLYWED and the Singh family in a celebration of the South Asian community, and PUSH’s Wheelie Peeps take on new personal challenges and successes. Later next year, STUFF THE BRITISH STOLE unearths more impolite history, and CANADA’S ULTIMATE CHALLENGE brings more thrills at Canada’s most picturesque locations.

New Original Factual Series

THE GREAT CANADIAN POTTERY THROW DOWN (Premieres Winter 2024; 8×60; Frantic Films)

Ten of Canada’s most talented potters compete to be crowned best at the wheel. THE GREAT CANADIAN POTTERY THROW DOWN is a naturally upbeat, open-hearted competition series that revels in the remarkable creativity of Canada’s top potters, featuring clever challenges, beautiful creations and personal stories between layers of humour and discovery. The Great Pottery Throw Down is an original British format created and owned by Love Productions, who also devised and produce the global smash-hit The Great British Baking Show. Five seasons of The Great Pottery Throw Down have aired in the UK on BBC and Channel 4, consistently performing above the timeslot average.

Returning Factual Formats & Series:

RACE AGAINST THE TIDE (Season 3 premieres Sunday, July 16 at 8:30 p.m. (9 NT) on CBC and CBC Gem; 10×30; marblemedia)

DRAGONS’ DEN (Season 18 premieres Fall 2023; 16×60)

FAMILY FEUD CANADA (Season 5 premieres Fall 2023; 102×30; Zone 3/Fremantle)

THE GREAT CANADIAN BAKING SHOW (Season 7 premieres Fall 2023; 9×60; Proper Television/Love Productions)

STILL STANDING (Season 9 premieres Fall 2023; 10×30; Frantic Films)

BEST IN MINIATURE (Season 3 premieres Fall 2023; 8×60; marblemedia)

BOLLYWED (Season 2 premieres Winter 2024; 10×30; HeartHat Entertainment)

PUSH (Season 2 premieres Winter 2024, 8×30, Fenix Film & Television and Small Army Entertainment)

CANADA’S ULTIMATE CHALLENGE (Season 2 premieres 2024; 7×60; Insight Productions (a Boat Rocker Company) and The Gurin Company)

STUFF THE BRITISH STOLE (Season 2 premieres 2024; 8×30; Wooden Horse, WildBear Entertainment and Cream Productions)

DOCUMENTARIES

CBC commissions an average of 80 documentaries each year for CBC, CBC Gem and documentary Channel, with CBC Gem now offering a library of over 800 documentaries, available to stream for free anytime. THE PASSIONATE EYE returns this fall with a new slate of original documentaries that drop audiences into a broad range of cultural conversations, from the nationwide battle being waged over our public statues and symbols, to a double take on the doppelgänger phenomenon, to an Inuit lawyer’s highly personal journey to bring her colonizers to justice.

New original doc series this upcoming year include:

BLACK LIFE: UNTOLD STORIES (Premieres Fall 2023, 8×60, Studio 112 in association with Northwood Entertainment, and Ugly Duck Productions) is an eight-part documentary series that reframes the rich and complex histories of Black experiences in Canada, dispelling commonly accepted myths and celebrating the many contributions of Black Canadians. The executive producers are the Emmy Award-winning Leslie Norville, P.K. Subban, Miranda de Pencier, and Nelson George; Sandy Hudson serves as co-executive producer. Consulting producers are the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Shadrach Kabango, Dr. Rinaldo Walcott, and Ravyn Wngz.

SWAN SONG (Premieres Fall 2023, 4×60, Visitor Media, Mercury Films Inc. and Quiet Ghost)

SWAN SONG is an immersive, character-driven series following Karen Kain’s final year with the National Ballet of Canada, as she steps into the role of director for the first time with a monumental new production of Swan Lake. Following Kain and a diverse group of dancers from the rehearsal room to intimate moments at home to the backstage chaos of the highest-stakes opening night in the company’s 70-year history, SWAN SONG cuts through the pristine images projected by the world of ballet to reveal the human stories, sacrifices, conflicts and triumphs that drive the dazzling artistry.

TELLING OUR STORY (Premieres Fall 2023 on CBC Gem; 4×60; Terre Innue)

The 11 First Peoples in Quebec, Canada—Abenaki, Anishnabe, Atikamekw, Cree of Eeyou Istchee, Innu, Inuit, Mi’gmaq, Kanyen’kehà:ka (Mohawk), Naskapi, Wendat, and Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet)—are telling us who they are, in their own way and from their point of view: their worldview, their connection to the Territory, their spirituality, their values, their history going back thousands of years, their wounds, their struggles, their victories, and their hopes. Their stories give depth to our great collective narrative, decolonize history and minds, and honour the Ancestors and Mother Earth. Commissioned by CBC/Radio-Canada, TELLING OUR STORY is a celebration of our resistance, resilience, and revival. From award-winning Abenaki director Kim O’Bomsawin (Call Me Human, Quiet Killing) and a production team primarily made up of members of the First Peoples in all key positions, and offering on-set mentorship opportunities for Indigenous individuals.

FOR THE CULTURE WITH AMANDA PARRIS (Premieres Winter 2024 on CBC Gem, 6×60)

In this documentary series, award-winning writer, executive producer and host Amanda Parris leaves the wars raging on social media to create space for urgent and provocative conversations that centre Blackness and Black folks. Travelling to where the stories are, she’ll talk with cultural leaders, activists, scholars and everyday people – including writer and producer Larry Wilmore, best-selling author Bolu Babalola, comedian Gina Yashere and the “Robin Hood of Restitution” Mwazulu Diyabanza – about topics such as reparations, Black maternal health, the business of Black hair and more. Each episode will make transnational connections and push the conversation beyond the hashtags. Mixing travel, in-depth interviews and abbreviated history lessons, For the Culture will bring the conversations that have been taking place in the margins, and centre them in an insightful and entertaining way.

Returning Documentary Formats & Series:

THE PASSIONATE EYE (Premieres Fall 2023; 9×60 (+1×120 premiere))

THE NATURE OF THINGS (Season 63 premieres Winter 2024; 14×60)

CBC GEM ORIGINALS

THE BANNOCKING (Premieres Fall 2023 on CBC Gem; 6×10, Bad Bannock Productions)

A journalism student, Ellen Bear, returns home to uncover the truth about the abandoned residential school, but chaos ensues when residents of Bent Creek First Nations begin to show bizarre and violent behaviour, leaving everyone to ask: “What’s in the bannock?”

HOW TO FAIL AS A POPSTAR (Premieres Fall 2023 on CBC Gem; 8×15, Sphere Media)

What happens when a star isn’t born? An adaptation of Vivek Shraya’s hit play and subsequent book, How To Fail as a Popstar answers this question with hilarity, vulnerability, a healthy dose of imagination, and of course, music. The series tracks the journey of Vivek, a young queer brown boy, growing up in Edmonton trying to achieve pop stardom and what went right and wrong along the way – from the perspective of the now 40-something trans feminine multidisciplinary artist that boy became. Starring Shraya, Adrian Pavone (Star Trek: Discovery), and Chris D’Silva (The Handmaid’s Tale). Written by Shraya and directed by Vanessa Matsui (Son of a Critch) with Shraya co-directing one episode.

I HATE PEOPLE, PEOPLE HATE ME (Premieres Fall 2023 on CBC Gem; 6×15, LoCo Motion Pictures)

Perpetually disturbed by the world around them, two friends navigate their lives as outliers in Toronto’s queer community. This offbeat comedy explores queer identity in a time when queerness has not only been mainstreamed, but commodified. Creator and writer Bobbi Summers poses the question – who wants to fit in with society anyway? The series stars Bobbi Summers and Lily Kazimiera.

ZARQA (Season 2 premieres Fall 2023 on CBC Gem; 6×11, FUNdamentalist Films)

FARM CRIME (Season 3 premieres 2024 on CBC Gem; 6×20; Big Cedar Films)

CBC KIDS

Building on CBC’s ongoing commitment to inspire, entertain and inform young audiences, CBC Kids will continue to share new programming for kids and tweens across all platforms this upcoming year, including over 500 hours of ad-free programming on CBC Gem. New live-action series for preschoolers include BESTEST DAY EVER WITH MY BEST FRIEND! (Monday, July 31 on CBC and CBC Gem; 20×7; Lopii Productions), celebrating the cherished relationships children have with their pets, and AUNTY B’S HOUSE (Fall 2023; 20×7; Headspinner Productions), about a foster home full of heart, humour, music and unconditional love. Cuteness overload MITTENS & PANTS (Monday, July 3 on CBC and CBC Gem; 42×7; Windy Isle Entertainment) returns for a second season this summer, continuing the adventures of the Mittens, the kitten, and Pants, the puppy, and their friends in Kibble Corners.

New animated series for preschoolers include CBC/Radio-Canada original MINI-JON AND MINI-MAPLE (Monday, July 31 on CBC and CBC Gem; 24×3.5; Happy Camper Media), based on the books by popular author and cartoonist Alex A. and a sibling series to Super Agent Jon Le Bon!, featuring a mini-clone of Jon Le Bon living in a top-secret spy agency and embarking on adventures with his best friend Mini-Maple, and DYLAN’S PLAYTIME ADVENTURES (Spring 2024; 52×11; 9 Story Media Group/Brown Bag Films), about a stripey dog who takes on a new pretend career in each episode and invites his friends and viewers to play along with him.

CBC SPORTS

Looking ahead to the Paris 2024 Olympic (July 26 – Aug. 11, 2024) and Paralympic (Aug. 28 – Sept. 8, 2024) Games, CBC SPORTS will continue to keep Canadians connected to the world of high-performance sport through coverage on CBC TV and CBC Gem, as well as live streams of key competitions and supporting digital content on cbcsports.ca and the CBC Sports app. Upcoming featured events include: World Aquatic Championships – Fukuoka 2023 (Japan, July 14 – 30); World Athletic Championships Budapest 2023 (Hungary, Aug. 19 – 27); 2023 Rugby Americas North Sevens – Olympic qualifier (Langford, B.C., Aug. 19 – 20); Artistic Gymnastics World Championships (Antwerp, Belgium, Oct. 1 – 8); and the Pan American Games (Santiago, Chile, Oct. 20 – Nov. 5). As Canada’s Olympic and Paralympic Network for the next decade, CBC will continue to offer high-quality storytelling that allows audiences to follow the journey of the athletes between Games, all the way to the podium.

INTERNATIONAL SERIES

CBC and CBC Gem will continue to offer audiences a curated selection of acclaimed series from around the world. Premium titles coming soon to CBC Gem include the exclusive Canadian premiere of highly anticipated comedy-drama series DREAMING WHILST BLACK from BAFTA Craft Award-winner Adjani Salmon, who also stars as an aspiring filmmaker trying to succeed, as well as the second season of adult animated comedy TEN YEAR OLD TOM from Steve Dildarian featuring Jennifer Coolidge, John Malkovich and David Duchovny, and the fourth season of award-winning war drama DAS BOOT.

VICTORIA (Season 3 premieres Fall 2023; Season 3; 8×60; indie Mammoth Screen)

ANIMAL CONTROL (Season 1 premieres Fall 2023; 12×30; Fox Entertainment)

CRIME SCENE KITCHEN (Season 1 premieres Fall 2023; 9×60; Fox Entertainment)

MISS SCARLET & THE DUKE (Season 2 premieres Winter 2024; 6×60; Element 8 Entertainment)

BELGRAVIA (Season 2 premieres Winter 2024; 8×60; Carnival Films)

#GIVEAWAY: ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN PASSES TO AN ADVANCE SCREENING OF DISNEY & PIXAR’S “ELEMENTAL”

Walt Disney Studios Canada x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win passes to an Advance Screening of Disney & Pixar’s ELEMENTAL.

Screening Details:

Toronto

Wednesday, June 14

7:00pm

Cineplex Cinemas Queensway

1025 The Queensway, Etobicoke, ON M8Z 6C7, Canada

Calgary

Wednesday, June 14

7:00pm

Scotiabank Theatre Chinook

6455 Macleod Trail SW, Calgary, AB T2H 0K4, Canada

Edmonton

Wednesday, June 14

7:00pm

Scotiabank Theatre Edmonton

8882 170 St NW #3030, Edmonton, AB T5T 4M2, Canada

Vancouver

Wednesday, June 14

7:00pm

Cineplex Cinemas Marine Gateway

452 SW Marine Dr, Vancouver, BC V5X 0C3, Canada

Ottawa

Wednesday, June 14

7:00pm

Scotiabank Theatre Ottawa

2385 City Park Dr, Gloucester, ON K1J 1G1, Canada

Winnipeg

Wednesday, June 14

7:00pm

Scotiabank Theatre Winnipeg

817 St James St, Winnipeg, MB R3G 3L3, Canada

Montreal

Wednesday, June 14

7:00pm

Cinéma Banque Scotia

977 Saint-Catherine St W, Montreal, Quebec H3B 4W3, Canada

Synopsis:

Disney and Pixar’s “Elemental” is an all-new, original feature film set in Element City, where fire-, water-, land- and air-residents live together. The story introduces Ember, a tough, quick-witted and fiery young woman, whose friendship with a fun, sappy, go-with-the-flow guy named Wade challenges her beliefs about the world they live in. The films is directed by Peter Sohn (“The Good Dinosaur,” “Partly Cloudy” short), produced by Denise Ream (“The Good Dinosaur,” “Cars 2”), and featuring the voices of Leah Lewis and Mamoudou Athie as Ember and Wade, respectively.

To enter for your chance to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK and indicate for us there, your city! Re-Tweet the Contest Tweet below as well for an extra chance!

#Giveaway: Canada! We've got passes in multiple cities to an Advance Screening of Disney & Pixar's ELEMENTAL! We're hearnig so much buzz about this one.

Details: https://t.co/rsqX56E8i2 pic.twitter.com/7vybmlW9dv

— MR. WILL WONG 📸 (@mrwillw) June 1, 2023

Rules and regulations here.

NOTE: Do not respond to third-party comments advising you’ve won and to click on links. We have never contacted our winners this way.

Disney & Pixar’s ELEMENTAL arrives in theatres June 16, 2023.

(Photo/video credit: Disney)