#FIRSTLOOK: “LIFE IS MESSY” AND “RENOVATION RESORT” SEASON THREE PREMIERE THIS SPRING

Corus unveils a star-studded ensemble lineup this spring with two highly anticipated original series led by longstanding powerhouse talent. Legendary duos Scott McGillivray and Bryan Baeumler return with Season 3 of Renovation Resort (8×60 – MEM), and Kortney Wilson and Kenny Brain are back with the all-new series Life is Messy (8×60 – Scott Brothers Entertainment). Both series offer inspiring stories, practical ideas, and memorable renovations that Canadians from all walks of life can appreciate. Rounding out the programming lineup are new and returning international acquisition series, including Rachael Ray’s Rebuild, and George Clarke’s Flipping Fast. All series will be available to stream on STACKTV.

Home Network kicks off the return of its high-stakes renovation competition series just in time for cottage season. McGillivray and Baeumler are back with Season 3 of Renovation Resort—and this time, they’re headed to the lake! Premiering Sunday, April 5 at 9 p.m. ET/PT, four teams of talented builder-designers from across North America go head-to-head in the premier real estate renovation battle, transforming a long-neglected lakeside resort into the ultimate vacation destination. Over eight weeks, these duos battle to create breathtaking, one-of-a-kind vacation homes in the Kawarthas.

The competing teams include:
Tatianna and Thomas, Vancouver, B.C.
Marcy and Melissa, Niagara, Ont.
Chalon and Liz, Texas, U.S.A.
Taylor and Mehrdad, Vancouver, B.C.

Each team must push their creativity and skills to the limit, navigating unexpected twists and bigger, bolder challenges than ever before. With a lineup of special guest judges who will critique every daring design choice, the last team standing will take home a game-changing $100,000 prize and the coveted title of Renovation Resort champions. Viewers can catch up on previous seasons of Renovation Resort on STACKTV.

Helping families regain control from clutter and disorganization, design expert Wilson and builder Brain are ready to step in with the series premiere of Life Is Messy on Thursday, April 9 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Home Network. When homes get buried under excessive mess and spaces shrink from too much stuff, life can feel overwhelming. The unstoppable pair utilize small budgets to create big ideas and greater spaces, guiding families through the physical and emotional evolution that comes with letting go.

Each week, audiences will watch Wilson and Brain save families from their chaos, including homes taken over by active toddlers, tired parents playing musical bedrooms with dogs and children, and a single mother feeling boxed-in back in her childhood home. These hijacked spaces will be reimagined with smart designs and clever storage solutions, turning dysfunction into comfort, and helping families reclaim their space so they can breathe again.

This spring, Home Network also brings viewers an exciting lineup of new and returning series. Starting things off is George Clarke’s Flipping Fast, premiering Monday, March 2, at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Following is the launch of culinary icon and TV personality Rachael Ray’s new show, Rachael Ray’s Rebuild, premiering on Thursday, March 5, at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Additional Spring programming includes new episodes of:

Million Dollar Dream Home, Mondays at 10p.m. ET/PT
Sun, Sea and Selling Houses, Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT
The Block, Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT
Help! We Bought a Village, Fridays at 9 p.m. ET/PT
The Bidding Room, Saturdays at 10 p.m. ET/PT
Viewers can stream Home Network programming, including past seasons of Renovation Resort and Making It Home with Kortney & Kenny anytime on STACKTV.

About Corus Entertainment Inc.
Corus Entertainment Inc. (TSX: CJR.B) is a leading media and content company that develops, delivers and distributes high quality brands and content across platforms for audiences around the world. Engaging audiences since 1999, the company’s portfolio of multimedia offerings encompass 25 specialty television services, 36 radio stations, 15 conventional television stations, digital and streaming platforms, and social digital agency and media services. Corus’ roster of premium brands includes Global Television, W Network, Flavour Network, Home Network, The HISTORY® Channel, Showcase, Slice, Adult Swim, National Geographic and Global News, along with streaming platforms STACKTV, TELETOON+, the Global TV App and Curiouscast. For more information visit www.corusent.com.

About STACKTV
STACKTV is Corus Entertainment’s premium multi-channel television streaming service that offers thousands of hours of exclusive hit content from the top Canadian TV networks, all on one platform. Stream series, movies and specials from Global Television, Flavour Network, Home Network, W Network, The HISTORY® Channel, Adult Swim, Slice, Showcase, National Geographic, Lifetime, DTOUR, Cartoon Network, Treehouse, YTV, and Disney Channel with new content added daily. STACKTV is available via Amazon Prime Video, Bell Fibe TV app, Fubo, Rogers Xfinity TV and Rogers Xfinity Streaming. For more information, visit stacktv.ca.

#FIRSTLOOK: 2023 TORONTO FALL HOME SHOW

With over 250+ Vendors and Experts on-site, the 2023 Toronto Fall Home Show is here at Enercare Centre September 29 – October 1, 2023! This is the perfect place to get some inspiration, ask questions, pick-up some hard-to-find items for your home… and more importantly, have a little fun! Did we mention there’s Pumpkin Painting?

The Show takes place at Hall A and is expected to draw a crowd this weekend, so ensure you get your tickets here.

We were so lucky to enjoy a Media Preview of the festivities which included:

Personalized coffee art from internationally celebrated Coffee Artist, Barista Brian, just in time for National Coffee Day. Has always been a dream to have a latte painted by Brian!

–Speakers Lounge, sponsored by Enbridge, where our experts will be appearing all weekend. Scott McGillivray will be speaking here.

-Pop-up Plant Sale with Urban Gardener with Co-owner Erin Klassen – the perfect spot to get a beautiful planter, some plant food and items to help your greenery grow

-The DIY Centre features a variety of home renovation and interior design experts who can speak about simple at-home DIY projects. Experts Desta Ostapyk, Jordan Spear, Mark Rason will be on hand to show you how to handle power tools safely, answer questions and more.

–DeAnne of AirWays Creative Painted Finishes will show attendees how to transform the walls of their homes with faux marble, tile, and more.

–Chairman-Mills will have displays set-up by Designer Nicholas Rosaci, who will be hosting interactive festive tablescape demonstrations during the show and will teach you how to fold napkins into turkeys so you can “wow” your dinner guests. There is Barbie-themed display!

The Home Efficiency Rebate Plus “Hidden House” booth, an immersive A/R experience that will show you how upgrades can transform your space and deliver lasting benefits. Presented by Enbridge.

Paint Your Own Pumpkin Workshop. Hosted by Leanne Dowdall of Crafty Creatures, you can design gourd-geous pumpkins to take home.

See a reel of highlights:

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(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

#SPOTTED: SCOTT MCGILLIVRAY & BRYAN BAUEMLER IN “RENOVATION RESORT”

Real Estate Expert Scott McGillivray and Renovation Guru Bryan Baeumler team-up on HGTV series RENOVATION RESORT. The Series sets the two in a friendly rivalry as we meet four Contractor-Designer Duos competing for a chance to win $100k. It isn’t quite easy though, each week they’re tasked when renovating their own respective waterfront cabins on a time crunch. The results are jaw-dropping!

A celebration was held for friends, family and media tonight at Little Italy‘s Track & Field, with McGillivray in-attendance. We got a sneak peek at the fourth episode of the Series, just as things are beginning to heat-up among the contestants who hail from north and south of the Border. Bauemler currently is in Vancouver and recorded a greeting from the West Coast. The Series is comprised of seven episodes.

A reel of highlights from the night:

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RENOVATION RESORT airs Sunday nights on HGTV at 10 PM ET and also is available on STACKTV.

Also, it was just announced that Nelvana and Baeumler Productions are joining forces to launch a new merchandise line, 43°N By Bryan Baeumler, for fans globally. The first wave of products featuring branded apparel and accessories is now available exclusively online at 43northbybryan.com. The goods will be founded on quality, integrity, function, and passion to life, inspired by Bryan’s hometown and lifestyle.

In addition, a brand-new season of SCOTT’S VACATION HOUSE RULES (14 episodes x 60 minutes) also is on the way, pairing McGillivray with his Design Partner, Debra Salmoni. The Series explores the uncovering rental potential of promising properties, helping homeowners make smart investment decisions and transform their vacation properties into properties that are competitive in the rental market. The first half of the season arrives Sunday, April 23, 2023 at 10 PM ET on HGTV and STACKTV and the remaining episodes air this Fall.

(Photo/video credit: HGTV/Mr. Will Wong)

#SPOTTED: DISNEY’S “THE LION KING” CANADIAN PREMIERE

The Red Carpet was rolled-out in Toronto tonight for this Summer’s most-awaited cinematic event, the arrival of Disney’s THE LION KING. An enthusiastic and diverse crowd celebrated the event at Scotiabank Theatre, one night before it’s release including the likes of Jaleel White, Meg Donnelly, Nia Holloway, Jared Dixon, Simu Liu, Scott McGillivray, Kardinal Offishall, Damon Allen and more!

This Remake of the 1994 Animated Classic is directed by Jon Favreau, and while it remains very faithful to the original, you will be wowed by the advancements visually this story is treated with. Its jaw-dropping realism is sure to please fans of the Film’s predecessor. The Film centers on Simba (Donald Glover) who is the chosen successor to the throne to his father Mufasa (James Earl Jones). He must contend however with the betrayal of his uncle Scar (Chiwetel Ejiofor) which leads him to a life of guilt and exile. Will Simba claim back what rightfully is his?

Disney’s The Lion King also showcases some fantastic performances by the likes of Chiwetel Ejiofor (Scar), Billy Eichner (Timon) and Seth Rogen (Pumbaa) which won’t soon be forgotten. And how can we forget how adorable little Simba is!

 

See this latest Featurette on the Film here to whet your appetites:

 

Some Snaps from tonight’s lively Red Carpet Premiere which saw a performance by Powerhouse Fellowship Soul, face-painting and installations to keep Instagram followers in envy like Scar!

Jaleel White (Family Matters)
 
Meg Donnelly (American Housewife)
 
Nia Holloway + Jared Dixon (Nala and Simba in Disney’s The Lion King Musical)
 
Jenalyn Saraza-Pacheco + Luka Milacic Perusina (World of Dance)
Damon Allen (CFL)
 
Scott McGillivray (Income Property)
 
Simu Liu (Kim’s Convenience)
 
Marci Ien (The Social)
 
Kardinal Offishall (Rapper) 

See a Highlight Reel:

 

Check-out our chat with Billy Eichner who plays Timon here.

 

Walt Disney Studios Canada release Disney’s THE LION KING Thursday, July 18, 2019.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

#INTERVIEW: DANNY DEVITO ON “DUMBO”

The legacy of Disney’s DUMBO continues to last for generations beyond its original 1941 release. Visionary Filmmaker Tim Burton takes the reins in the upcoming 2019 live-action remake of the animated classic. In-town for a rare visit to promote its release was Golden Globe and EMMY Award-winning Actor, Author, Producer and Filmmaker, Danny Devito. Known for a large expansive body of work despite his diminutive frame, Devito has starred in several classics like Big Fish, Tin Men, Throw Momma from the Train, Matlida, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Terms of Endearment, Romancing the Stone, Twins and Batman Returns.

We hear Devito endured quite the wait arriving in the City the other night, which we had a chance to ask him about. There was a reported fire at Toronto Pearson International Airport, but being the true professional he is, he was ready to go bright and early for a day of Press, starting with an exclusive at CITY’s Breakfast Television.

Devito stars as Max Medici, whose circus is revived when he learns that his baby elephant born with oversized ears can actually fly. V.A. Vandevere (Michael Keaton) is a flashy entrepreneur with big plans, expressing interest in incorporating Dumbo into his new grand venture, Dreamland propelling the baby elephant to stardom and potential riches. That is until, it is learned Dreamland actually harbours some unsettling, dark secrets. It is up to amputee war veteran Holt Farrier (Colin Farrell) along with his children Milly (Nico Parker)  and Joe (Finley Hobbins) to protect Dumbo’s best interests after he is separated from his mother, Jumbo.

 

See the Trailer:

 

There were jugglers, popcorn, cotton candy, face-painters and a even a man on stilts at the festive affair. A Snapchat filter even was deployed for the occasion. Walking the Red Carpet at the Film’s Canadian Premiere at Scotiabank Theatre were the likes of Alexandra Porat (The Launch), Kyla Young (The Marijuana Chronicles), Luke Bilyk (The Marijuana Chronicles), Dalmar Abuzeid (Anne with an E), Cindy Sampson (Private Eyes), Scott McGillivray (Income Property), Amanda Brugel (The Handmaid’s Tale) and Danielle Graham (eTalk).

We ask these notable Canadians what the legacy of Dumbo means to them:

Alexandra Porat

The Mississauga native featured on CTV‘s The Launch recently, attended the Premiere and tells us, “I think there’s a beauty in these Remakes. I’m a huge fan of something animated coming into live-action.”.

“And I think it’s also important for children to be introduced this kind of storyline. Sometimes it’s harder to watch older films. When they see the live-action, it might inspire them to watch the original. I think they’re both going to be very different and special in their own ways.”.

Luke Bilyk

The Toronto Actor known best for his work on Degrassi, just wrapped on locally-filmed The Marijuna Chronicles, based on a true story of a group of women who partook in an outlandish experiment where they were tested rigorously after marijuana use. He says, “I think one of the greatest things about these live-action Remakes of all these classics is that people born in 2001 didn’t get to experience the cartoon itself and everything it meant to us.  The young kid who’s nine or ten years old getting to watch The Lion King or Dumbo and real people get to see real actors.”.

“Not only does it spark imagination, but for little actors out there, young people who wanna start getting into this industry. They see it’s not a cartoon, you can really see that that magic can be real in real life.”.

Kyla Young

Young also stars in The Marijuana Chronicles and reveals, “I saw Dumbo for the first time when I was eight and I was so sad. I’m a crier and I was a crier when I was eight.”.

“I think it’s so awesome that someone like Tim Burton who has such a unique and twisted mind can bring this fantasy to life again in hopefully a totally new and different way.”.

Cindy Sampson

The Private Eyes Actress who stars alongside Jason Priestley, tells us “I was obsessed with Disney movies as  a kid, I loved them obviously. I’ve cried over this Movie over a hundred times already and I’m kinda hoping that I’ll make it through as an adult – strong.”.

Dalmar Abuzeid

This Anne with an E star is a fan of remaking stories. He tells us, “Well, I think there’s always something to be learned from re-telling stories especially because there’s new angles and perspectives, new things to consider when you’re telling a story.” .

“I’m part of a show, Anne with an E, re-telling a story that’s been around a really long time.  There’s something about people we recognize, figures and characters we’re familiar with, because then we’re more likely to wanna listen and take something away from their story that we’re so familiar with.”.

Scott McGillivray 

The Real Estate guru arrived at the Premiere with his family.  He states, “With everything going on in the world, it’s a very relevant topic about inclusion, people’s differences and all the things the Circus represented in the Movie.”.

“I think it’s appropriate and fun and maybe something for the kids and all of us to learn.”.

Amanda Brugel

The Actress who has been hard at work on The Handmaid’s Tale and promoting the Made Nous campaign in advance of Canadian Screen Week,  arrived also with her family. “Dumbo resonated with so many children. It was devastating to watch as a child. As a mother of two beautiful young boys, I love the story. I love how it goes into the relationship between a mother and son.”.

“Also, I like the idea to embrace who you are and what you are and the special qualities that seem odd and translate that into your real life and make it work for you.”.

Danny Devito

The icon dishes on his troubled landing in Toronto Sunday night. He says, “We were stuck in the airport for three hours last night because of a grease fire in a restaurant that was in the International Arrivals terminal of the airport. It was a comfortable and nice time, everyone was really nice. There was no alcohol. When you park at the gate, you can’t have any alcohol. I slept a bit, I read, I went on my phone and went on Twitter. I love Twitter, I love Social Media.”.

“The thing is in the original 1941 movie, there were so many great values. Talking about the others, Xenophobia, acceptance and the thing inside you that you can contribute to the world and yourself. We kept all those things.  The Animal Rights thing, we made sure to address that because we feel animals should not be imprisoned”, he adds.

We ask him also about reuniting with Tim Burton and Michael Keaton once again. “They’re like our family. Tim and I have done five movies together. Michael and I have done three. It’s really good to work with your friends.”.

 

See our Chats:

 

See some more Snaps from the Red Carpet:

 

Danny Devito

 

Amanda Brugel

 

Scott McGillivray + Family

 

Luke Bilyk x Kyla Young

 

Cindy Sampson

 

Alexandra Porat

 

Dalmar Abuzeid

 

Danielle Graham

 

 

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada release DUMBO Friday, March 29, 2019.

 

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/David Baldwin/Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada)

 

All photos taken on the Nikon D3400.