andPOP » ctv

Fred Ewanuick’s Canadian Rise to Stardom

Graham Slaughter — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 22:28:39 +0000

Fred Ewanuick is just happy to have his own TV.

The Canadian actor, best known for his role as Hank Yarbo in Corner Gas, has been spending the past few weeks in his own private, fully-equipped chalet in Whistler.

“I’m like in heaven. I don’t have cable at home.”

Ewanuick, 42, scored his Rocky Mountain pad when he was selected by the Vancouver Olympic Committee (VANOC) to host the Olympic Victory Ceremonies in Whistler: a set of live performances each evening starring some of the world’s top acts.

“It’s such a blast. I think they said that the capacity is 8000, and we’ve been at capacity every night.”

Ewanuick has introduced artists such as Feist, The All-American Rejects, K’naan, Estelle, Usher, and The Fray. However, Ewanuick argues that some of the best music comes from the Olympic fans.

“You walk through the Olympic village at night and people just break out into ‘O Canada.’ It’s just crazy up here, the atmosphere is awesome.”

Raised in Port Moody, B.C., the actor has spent most of his career working on Canadian films and television shows. He doesn’t plan on migrating south to Hollywood as is common for many Canadian performers.

“I suppose I made a decision that I wanted to make a living here in Canada. Doing that, you don’t have much of a name for yourself anywhere else, so you take whatever you can to pay the bills. Then, Corner Gas came along and now I can pick and choose a bit.”

In Corner Gas, Ewanuick co-starred as Brent Butt’s best friend, Hank Yarbo. He built up his acting cred during the smash hit’s 106-episode run. Corner Gas confidently hung its hat in April, 2007, on the sixth season’s finale.

This was not the end for Ewanuick. The actor finally scored the opportunity to play the lead in his own television series.

The show, Dan for Mayor, is about a thirty-something man whose greatest achievement in life was graduating high school. In a spur-of-the-moment attempt to impress his ex-girlfriend Claire, played by Mary Ashton, Dan announces that he will run for mayor in the fictional town of Wessex, Ontario.

In a unique mash-up of politics and performance, the show took three actual mayors out of office and threw them into the world of acting. Viewers can expect a cameo by Toronto Mayor David Miller.

“It’s funny, I guess politicians don’t get shy in front of the camera. They loved it, and we had a lot of fun.”

Dan for Mayor is set to premiere March 1, 2010, on CTV at 8:30 p.m. ET.

In a show where actors are mayors and mayors are actors, Ewanuick brings his small town charm to televisions across Canada.

Russell Peters Searching for a BFF

Sara Harowitz — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:57:43 +0000

It looks like Paris Hilton isn’t the only one on a nation-wide search for a new BFF. But this time, don’t count on any input from Tinkerbell.

SIRIUS Canada announced in a press release yesterday that Canadian comic Russell Peters was in partnership with the satellite radio company to find Canada’s next big stand-up comedian. SIRIUS Satellite Radio and Russell Peters’ Search for Canada’s BFF (“BFF,” in this case standing for, ”Best Funny Five”), is a national talent search to find the Canadian amateur stand-up comedian with the best five-minute set.

The winner will receive the opportunity to open with their five-minute act for Peters on his upcoming North American tour. The winning comedian will also receive a $2,500 “appearance fee,” travel and accommodation for two, VIP backstage treatment, and the chance to hang out with Peters before the show.

“The SIRIUS Best Funny Five contest is a great opportunity for someone to experience what it’s like to step into the spotlight and perform in front of thousands of people,” said Peters. ”I’m looking forward to reviewing the top ten entries and sharing the spotlight with Canada’s next comedy star.”

The contest will be promoted at sirius.ca and on CTV’s The Comedy Network.

“The Russell Peters’ BFF contest is a great fit for SIRIUS,” said Paul Cunningham, Vice President of Marketing and Sales for SIRIUS Canada Inc. “We’re excited to give an up-and-coming Canadian comic a shot at the big-time by performing with Russell.”

Starting October 5, Canadians can upload a video of their best five-minute comedy set to www.sirius.ca. The video can be of anything from jokes, to impressions, to physical comedy. After the upload is complete, entrants will be able to invite people to view and rate their video.

Then, beginning November 1, online voting will open and Canadians will be able to vote for their overall favourite comedian.

And starting November 15, Peters and SIRIUS will review the top 10 videos based on viewer votes, and will select the grand prize winner from there.

However, those who may not necessarily be the next Peters, but still feel they have something to offer, should not be discouraged. Full five-minute video uploads are not mandatory, because the highest rated videos of jokes and other comic relief have a great chance of winning runner-up prizes from SIRIUS.

These secondary prizes include SIRIUS Satellite Radios, accessories, subscriptions, and merchandise.

Peters, who has been a world-wide comic favourite for two decades, reminds those who are serious about being the BFF that it’s no Paris Hilton charade.

“There’s nowhere to hide when you’re on-stage doing stand-up,” he said. ”You’ve got to deliver.”

MTV’s ‘Over The Bolts’ Brings The Country’s Top Snowboarders Into Your Home

Ilan Mester — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 04:43:17 +0000

If you mixed “The Hills” with TSN, you’d get “Over the Bolts,” MTV Canada’s brand new reality show that documents the country’s national snowboard team as they vie for 18 Olympic spots.

The show premieres this Sunday at 10 p.m. on MTV, but we got to see the first two episodes before its debut. And let’s just say you can already set the Tivo because “Over the Bolts” is as addictive as they come!

Michael Lambert, one of the country’s top snowboarders who stars in the show, admits there’s just something about reality TV that gets you hooked. “One of my friends was on the show ‘The City,’ Duncan Davies, so I enjoyed watching it and watching him interact with his girlfriend and stuff like that,” shares the athlete. “I think the dangerous thing about any of those TV shows is you can say ‘even though I may not watch them, every one of them is addictive.’ I could just watch two episodes and I could be hooked on any of them,” he laughs.

So when Lambert was asked to be a part of one, it was almost a no brainer. “I think right off the bat I was all over it,” he says. “As an athlete, this kind of opportunity is so rare, you know what I mean…if you’re my age or your age or in your early twenties, nothing is bigger than being part of a reality show.”

However, everything comes at a price. “I gave everything I had and that’s why it’s so hard for me to watch something like that…it takes you back to a place eight, 10 months ago, to a person that I hated and a person that didn’t have a chance at succeeding, a person that nobody respected. That’s the toughest part,” says a candid Lambert. Rest assured he has since changed.

Lambert was so open throughout our interview that he even talked about what it was like having a relationship while filming the show. “I find it really awkward,” he admits. “I think the worst part is that you’re basically asking something of somebody that doesn’t have anything to gain…it makes for something that’s very strange.”

After seeing the show, you’ll understand that Lambert and his confidence play a key part in “Over the Bolts” and making it interesting. But the confidence in the first few episodes is fake according to the alpine snowboarder. “I think that the confidence that I was displaying in the show there, I think it’s fake,” he reveals to andPOP. “I think it’s me just saying the word ‘confident’ and thinking that that’s what’s gonna get me the end result. Whereas now, it’s a completely different confidence that I have beginning in the next episodes… where I got my best results in my life,” Lambert shares. “That confidence was from me being humbled by these types of things and starting to be respectful with myself and just preparing the best that I can which is obviously the most boring athlete story ever, but unfortunately it’s actually what works.”

And for any aspiring snowboarders out there who want to practice the sport professionally, Lambert’s advice is quite simple: go out and compete. “You wanna take it, it’s not some sort of crazy dream. You just go and you do it. I think that’s my advice; compete.”

As for the 2010 Olympic games, it’ safe to say Lambert is more than excited, in fact he’s “very very excited”. “It’s something I’ve always dreamed about doing, and it sounds stupid but you know, I’ve really always wanted it and I think it’s just really really cool to be there and I want it. I’m doing everything in my power to get it this time but if I don’t, I’m going again you know what I mean? I’ve wanted that and I’m not going to die without it.”

“Over the Bolts” airs Sundays at 10 p.m. ET/PT on MTV with encore presentations every Saturday at 5:30 p.m. ET on CTV.

Degrassi: The Next Generation, Makes The Trek From Toronto To Tinseltown

Jeremy Singer — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 00:55:09 +0000

Eight seasons running. A cult in Canadian pop culture. Winners of the Gemini, Teen Choice and Directors Guild of Canada Awards.

And now Degrassi: The Next Generation finally boasts its first red-carpet TV movie.

But known as a “show of the people”, the season 8 finale Paradise City: Degrassi Goes Hollywood premiere last Wednesday night at Toronto’s Bloor Cinema, allowed tons of lucky special-bracelet-wearing fans bask in Degrassi glory. A free-for-all for snagging autographs and pictures from their favorite cast members, and what’s more- the opportunity to enjoy the movie side-by-side with them too.

And the word got out not only to lucky fans. Among a packed-to-the-brim theatre audience was Camp Rock 2 stars Jordan Francis and Matthew “Mdot” Finley, So You Think You Can Dance Canada winner Nico Archambault, MuchMusic VJ Devon Soltendieck and MTV Live’s Nicole Holness.

Fresh off of an SUV limo, former Degrassi mean-girl star Lauren Collins (Paige), 23, seemed ecstatic by the outcome.

“I’m so used to just walking around in the area, and just grabbing a pita or something,” a smiling Toronto native Collins tells andPOP. “But all of a sudden you’re just showing up in a limo with cameras and fans, it’s bizarre- not really used to it.”

“But I’m so happy everyone came out.”

Collins represents the previous generation of Degrassi members who have left the show to move on in their respected acting careers: Jake Epstein (Craig) is currently the lead in the touring Tony-Award winning musical Spring Awakening, Nina Dobrev (Mia) is set to star in the hyped fall CTV series The Vampire Diaries, Aubrey Graham (Jimmy) is gearing up for his Hip/Hop debut as Drake- signing with Lil’ Wayne’s record label, and Shenae Grimes (Darcy) is shooting her second season of 90210 in Los Angeles.

This time around in Paradise City, old meets the new, as the Degrassi alumnus share the screen with the show’s newest characters. The bunch make the cross-continent trek from Toronto to Tinseltown where they try their fare share at making it big in the industry.

Jason Mewes plays himself as a director, who’s holding auditions for his new movie “Mewesical High”- which causes a stir among the students at school. Paige, who’s been living in Hollywood to become a fashion designer, hasn’t had the best of luck- finding herself rather working as an assistant to a reality star. But when her sudden audition catches the eye of Robbie (Dan Levy), a studio producer, she lands the lead role and invites old friends Marco (Adamo Ruggiero) and Ellie (Stacey Farber) down to come along for the ride.

This also causes Manny (Cassie Steele) to carve out her own journey to L.A. -along with Jay Hogart (Mike Lobel) and Degrassi rock band Stüdz- to claim that lead role which she believes is rightfully hers.

“It was amazing,” says Steele, 19, “you know, hanging with Mike Lobel and all the crew, good times laughing.”

But now what would Degrassi be without a little bit of Drama, eh? Well from Paige letting the celebrity life get to her head, to Ellie running into Craig, a former flame who’s been living out west in Los Angeles, clean from his season six coke addiction- the four-part season 8 finale has a healthy balance of everything on the checklist.

Directed by the series’ very own alumni Stefan Brogren (Snake), the movie was shot both in Toronto and Los Angeles. And it’s obvious that “going Hollywood” requires a few celebrity cameos -which the film delivered, sprinkled throughout the story- including Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy, Mewes and Kevin Smith (Jay and Silent Bob), Vivica A. Fox, and celebrity blogger Perez Hilton.

“Obviously having Kevin and Jason was so exciting,” recalls Collins. “And also Dan levy and then the L.A. people, I can’t pick one, it was just such a fun experience.”

Known to be avid fans of the show, Smith and Mewes made appearances on seasons 4 and 5, and an on-the-carpet Mewes was in high-spirits about the latest experience.

“It was great,” says Mewes, 35, known for playing the drug dealer Jay, in Jay and Silent Bob. “Those guys were great to have called me, and shooting with all of the cast was awesome.”

Degrassi’s latest Queen-Bee Charlotte Arnold (Holly J.), who was featured only in a brief scene, had nothing but praise toward her fellow cast-mates.

“For me this was exciting,” says the 20-year-old former Naturally, Sadie star, “because I had never seen the movie before, and truthfully, I hadn’t even read the script. So this was brand new, and what they did was incredible, so proud of everyone.”

And for Arnold and the rest of the cast, the fall season is just around the corner, which means back to school at Degrassi Community School for the next two months for season 9 filming. A 22-year-old franchise known to just keep on teaching the lessons of life, but the latest advice now: to catch Paradise City: Degrassi Goes Hollywood, on CTV on Sunday, August 30 at 8 pm ET.

Defying Gravity – Even Sci-fi Can Be Sexy

Robert Ostfield — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 03:41:02 +0000

We are not generally into the whole sci-fi thing but this show looks pretty good. It should be considering it’s the same team who came up with Grey’s Anatomy. Defying Gravity follows a group of eight young astronauts on a six year space mission. There is comedy, politics and some romance (leave it to Jordan to focus on sex, even when it’s in outer space). We sat down with Laura Harris who is one of the stars of Defying Gravity. Check out the show airing on CTV and ABC sunday evenings.

The Listener Set Visit

andPOP Staff — Sat, 30 May 2009 04:18:43 +0000

It’s every man’s dream to be able to read minds (and we all know why for obvious reasons) but here at andPOP we haven’t developed that talent. However CTV/NBC have developed a show following paramedic Toby Logan who has this special skill. andPOP dropped by the set of The Listener for a behind the scene look at the show.

The ‘Snowy’ Hills

Ilan Mester — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 08:00:33 +0000

MTV Canada has recently announced a joint project with CTV and Free Form Productions Inc. called “Peak Season.” The supposedly unscripted show is currently in production in Whistler, B.C.

“Peak Season” is being filmed in a world-class ski resort and will focus on the lives, loves and “true-life drama” of a group of twenty-somethings.

“In the spirit of hit MTV real-life series, the production gives viewers a distinct, behind-the-scenes look into a group of real people living in a real community,” read a statement by CTV. “This time, it’s the high drama found in the unique geography of this world-renowned tourist town, where young people from across the globe congregate to work while the rich and famous come to frolic. A lot happens in this resort playground as Whistler’s youth struggle to find love, friendship and themselves.”

CTV and MTV Canada have ordered 10 half-hour episodes of the new series, which is set to premiere later this year once production wraps up in April.

And a lot of drama can be expected. As the famous whistler saying goes, “You don’t lose your girlfriend, you lose your turn”.

More U.S. Shows Become Available Online in Canada

andPOP Staff — Thu, 01 May 2008 12:06:30 +0000

CTV has struck a deal with ABC to webcast some of the top rated American programs including Lost, Desperate Housewives and Grey’s Anatomy.

The shows have been available online in the United States for years, but distributing laws have kept them off Canadian web browsers.

Viewers will be able to see the last three episodes of each series – right now that includes the two episodes broadcast before the shows finished because of the writers strike.

The episodes will be available for free streaming for 28 days after the original broadcast date.

Lost will also include web features – including the 13 webisodes that were distributed online in the U.S. already.

So You Think You Can Dance Canada Announces Host

andPOP Staff — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 23:32:08 +0000

Leah Miller will be the host of the new Canadian show, “So You Think You Can Dance Canada” airing on CTV later this year.

“Leah’s vibrant charm, previous hosting experience and knowledge of dance makes her an ideal host for this exciting new series. Fun, smart and quick on her feet, viewers and competitors will fall in love with her,” said Susanne Boyce, president, creative, content and Channels of CTV.

Miller is the current host of Muchmusic’s program Much on Demand.

“I cried my eyes out when I found out – I am ecstatic! I have such respect for what dancers are capable of and I am a huge fan of the format. Hosting the homegrown edition of So You Think You Can Dance is such a privilege for me,” Miller said.

Auditions for the show kick off Monday in Vancouver and continue across the country until June.

Another Canadian Show Goes South

Eva Lam — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 17:58:47 +0000

With no end in sight to the Hollywood writers’ strike, American TV networks have been looking to Canada for new content – and this time, it’s CTV’s “The Listener” that will be reaching south.

NBC has bought 13 episodes of the Canadian-made drama, which follows a young paramedic who has the power to hear people’s thoughts.

The show is being produced by Toronto’s Shaftesbury Films, and is also set in the city.

It is currently in pre-production and will begin shooting this spring.

Just this week, CBS announced it had bought 13 episodes of the CTV cop drama “Flashpoint.”

Other Canadians shows reportedly drawing interest from U.S. broadcasters are the CBC drama “The Border,” Global’s new series “The Guard” and CBC’s comedy series “Sophie.”