Latest news with #AnneOfGreenGables
CBC
2 days ago
- Business
- CBC
Is your favourite show CanCon enough? Here's why the definition of Canadian content may get a reboot
What's your favourite bit of CanCon? Maybe Schitt's Creek, which aired on CBC but also streamed on Netflix, comes to mind. Perhaps some iteration of Anne of Green Gables. Or maybe a classic David Cronenberg flick like Dead Ringers? These are all considered to be CanCon — shorthand for Canadian content, it refers to film and television productions made in Canada by Canadians. But maybe you have a favourite show like CBS's Tracker, which airs on Global TV in Canada. It's one of the most watched shows on broadcast and streaming according to the Nielsen ratings, a U.S.-based audience measurement system. It's filmed in British Columbia and employs Canadians, but it's not considered CanCon. That matters because broadcasters in this country have obligations to ensure that a minimum percentage of the content they distribute to viewers meets government CanCon requirements to ensure Canadian stories are available on Canadian TV screens or streaming devices. On-demand streaming changed the game, with global companies like Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney+ dominating the market. But they haven't been held to the same CanCon standards as traditional Canadian broadcasters, and the streaming companies say it's not realistic to expect them to do so. That's not necessarily something that's on the minds of viewers when they settle into the couch and reach for the remote or the laptop. So here's what you need to know about CanCon and the challenge of getting Canadian eyes on it. I just want to watch my shows. What do I care? Canada's broadcasting regulator, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), is at a bit of a fork in the road when it comes to CanCon. The reason there are CanCon requirements is to ensure that Canadian stories and points of view don't get drowned out by the flood of content flowing in from the U.S. "We are a small market in a big world and we sit next to a very experienced, prolific producer of content," said Dave Forget, executive director of the Directors Guild of Canada. "There should be some shelf space for the Canadian stories so that Canadians can also see themselves in their own experience." In 2023, Canada's Online Streaming Act came into effect, updating broadcasting laws to include content streaming services. It meant that foreign streaming companies would not only have to promote or recommend Canadian programming on their platforms, but streamers making $25 million or more in Canada will have to start paying five per cent of their domestic revenue to support the production of Canadian media content. The CRTC estimates that the levy would raise around $200 million a year and said the funding would be used to boost local and Indigenous broadcasting. But now the CRTC is also looking into updating what it considers to be Canadian content. "Our goal is clear: to modernize the definition of Canadian content to reflect today's reality," said Vicky Eatrides, the CRTC's CEO and chairperson, during the start of public consultations last month aimed at reviewing what exactly constitutes CanCon, and to determine whether foreign streamers should be held to the same standards as traditional broadcasters in Canada. The public hearings in Gatineau, Que., spanned two weeks and wrapped up on May 27. WATCH | Breaking down the existing definition of CanCon and how it might change: Why the definition of CanCon might get a reboot 3 days ago Duration 3:57 So, how Canadian do series and movies have to be? While many south-of-the-border movies and shows may have been filmed in Canada, with Canadian crews and talent, it's not enough to be considered CanCon in the eyes of the CRTC. First, the film or show's producer has to be Canadian. Then, there's a 10-point system for key creative roles, and six out of 10 points are needed to meet the bar to be considered CanCon. For example, if the director or writer is Canadian, that gets you two points. But, between the director and the writer, at least one must be Canadian. That also goes for the top performers; one of the two leads must be Canadian. That counts for one point each. Other crew roles such as production designer, director of photography, editor and music composer count for one point each. Other rules apply for animated productions. On top of the point system, Cancon rules state that 75 per cent of production and post-production expenses have to go to Canadians or Canadian companies. The requirements have been loosened before. The CRTC reduced the minimum number of points needed from eight to six in 2016, something the commission said would allow more films to become eligible for certain funding programs. At last month's hearings, there was talk of actually increasing the number of points needed to 15, as well as whether a requirement to reflect Canadian cultural elements should be introduced. WATCH | Why Canadian films struggle at the box office despite international acclaim: Canadian films win awards but struggle at the box office 1 year ago Duration 2:03 So, what do Netflix, Disney+ and other streamers want? Canadian broadcasters, producers — and even artists — want the foreign streaming services, primarily the big U.S. ones many Canadians use, to meet minimum CanCon requirements like they do in order to maintain broadcasting licences and qualify for subsidies. Anthony Shim, a director whose credits include the critically-acclaimed 2022 independent film Riceboy Sleeps, admits it's a challenge to balance the freedom of creativity with the need to protect Canadian artists and storytelling — a goal he says should always be top of mind. Toronto-born writer, producer and director Anthony Q. Farrell, who has worked on series including The Office, the British series The Secret Life of Boys and CTV's Shelved, says the definition of CanCon is more important than ever. "Especially in a time where we're really focusing in on buying Canadian and taking care of our national voice, I think it's important that we … use our Canadian creatives to tell our stories," said Farrell, who provided recommendations at the CRTC consultations on behalf of the Writers Guild of Canada. He agrees that streaming companies "making money off Canadians" should be putting some of their profits back into distinctly Canadian film and television production. The streaming companies, however, don't see it quite the same way. They were collectively represented at the consultations by the Motion Picture Association of Canada, which argued that they're already an integral part of Canada's film and television production sector but that they shouldn't be held to the same content requirements as traditional broadcasters. Wendy Noss, the association's president, appeared at the hearings on May 16 and said the CRTC should make changes to its CanCon policies, including reassessing the number of points required in the 41-year-old CanCon points system, as well as re-evaluating which roles qualify for points. She said that before the CRTC imposes Canadian content requirements on foreign streamers, they need to "introduce meaningful flexibility in modernizing the definition of Canadian programs." "Broadcasting policies should be straightforward, sustainable and flexible to enable global producers to do what they do best: creating entertainment for audiences at home and worldwide," said Noss. The CRTC will hold further CanCon consultation hearings at a later date. But the big streaming companies are also set to battle the CRTC in court over the implementation of the Online Streaming Act. They filed an appeal last year, after the commission ordered global online streaming services to fork over five per cent of their domestic revenues to support the production of Canadian content. WATCH | Why some Canadian content creators are upset about the Online Streaming Act:
Globe and Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Globe and Mail
Kat Sandler's fresh take on Anne of Green Gables is a standout at the Stratford Festival
Title: Anne of Green Gables Written and directed by: Kat Sandler Performed by: Caroline Toal, Tim Campbell, Sarah Dodd, Maev Beaty, Helen Belay, Jordin Hall, Steven Hao, Josue Laboucane, Julie Lumsden, Jennifer Villaverde Company: Stratford Festival Venue: Avon Theatre City: Stratford Year: Until Oct. 25, 2025 Critic's Pick For perhaps the first time in the Stratford Festival's history, the show you absolutely, categorically cannot miss this summer was not written by William Shakespeare. It's not a musical, either, or even a restoration comedy. No – the play you'd be doing yourself an enormous disservice to skip is Anne of Green Gables, adapted and directed in a heartwarming, gut-wrenching, life-affirming production by Kat Sandler. The show, which opened on Saturday afternoon at the end of an unusually strong week of openings for the Stratford Festival, wasn't on my list of most anticipated productions in 2025. To be honest, it was barely on the list of my most anticipated productions last week. But Sandler's adaptation – some of her best writing in recent years – manages to have its cake and eat it, too, with a script that welcomes children and adults alike into its care from the very first line. It's both funny and achingly sad; straightforward yet nuanced and supple. Like Anne herself, Sandler's treatment of her is one of gripping contradictions that stretch the imagination and satisfy the soul. For the Anne purists in attendance, don't worry: The first act is a faithful adaptation of Lucy Maud Montgomery's classic tale about a gregarious young orphan living on Prince Edward Island in the 1890s. Anne is loquacious, adventurous and headstrong; she hates her red hair; she possesses a moral code comparable to that of a medieval knight. Behind the scenes with the Stratford Festival's artisans But Sandler's script is so much more than a one-to-one transcription of the classic stories. When she updates the story to a time that approximates now in the second act, the choice seems as obvious as a bottle of raspberry cordial on a hot summer day, the story as charming and timeless in modern dress as it is in bloomers and puffed sleeves. As if refurbishing those fabled gables by hand, Sandler builds a careful frame around Anne's story that lets the audience know what's what. When we meet the first-rate ensemble cast, they're not residents of Avonlea, but members of a book club eager to discuss the story's finer plot points. It's through this lens that Sandler is able to anticipate and reject the idea that Anne is untouchable – that she can't be reimagined by anyone with a big enough heart and a sharp enough pen. When actor Maev Beaty, novel in hand, chortles, 'That's not in the book!,' the laughs come easily: Superfans, it turns out, transcend centuries. (Beaty, as ever, is a treasure of the Stratford Festival stage, a joy to watch as she shape-shifts from concerned Anne stan to next-door neighbour Rachel Lynde.) And what's an adaptation without a spitfire Anne leading the way? Caroline Toal is that and more, spunky and sprightly as Canada's favourite redhead, as convincing in the play's darker moments as in its more lighthearted tales of tweenage girlhood. Watching Anne become bosom friends with Diana (Julie Lumsden) feels like watching a home movie, their love for one another timeless and sweet. Diana is the one person in Avonlea for whom Anne never needs to shrink herself or her heart, and Lumsden ably captures the child's sense of good humour. Two other important performances make this Anne sing: Sarah Dodd as Marilla, the woman who, after some prodding, accepts Anne into her home, and Tim Campbell as Matthew, Marilla's brother. Dodd and Campbell both possess the emotional dexterity these parts demand, the ability to convey complicated feelings of justice, pride and anxiety in a way that's accessible to the kids in the audience while also being deeply relatable to the guardians who bought their tickets. Campbell, in particular, is astounding – I'm certain his sensitive, iridescent portrayal of Anne's de facto father figure will stay with me for years. There are no weak links in the rest of Sandler's cast: Steven Hao, Jordin Hall, Jennifer Villaverde, Josue Laboucane and Helen Belay are phenomenal chess pieces in Sandler's vision, relentlessly believable and sweet as they weave in and out of Anne's orbit. One of the most poignant aspects of this production is Joanna Yu's set, complete with a peeling, emerald-green roof. It's easy to see how Anne falls in love with her home, the mismatched furniture pieces in her bedroom and kitchen that accompany her first experiences of family. Yu's costumes, too, conjure a universal childhood unconstrained by era – give or take a bad wig or two, the clothes themselves are nostalgic and sleek. (Fret not: The most important wig, with its iconic red braids, looks just fine on Toal's head.) 'I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers,' Anne memorably quips as the seasons turn cool in Avonlea. As summer descends upon Southwestern Ontario, I'm right there with her – but I'm equally glad I live in a world where there exists this gorgeous piece of theatre, the irrefutable standout of this year's Stratford Festival. Go see it.
Forbes
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
How To Plan An ‘Anne Of Green Gables'-Inspired Trip To Prince Edward Island
House from Lucy Maud Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables located in P.E.I, Canada. Prince Edward Island has a lot to offer travelers—especially come summertime. The fresh seafood, the stunning red-sand beaches, and of course, the magic of Anne of Green Gables. If you're planning an escape to this Atlantic Canadian island and want to channel your inner whimsical ginger, these are some of the best things to see and do while following the path of L.M. Montgomery's Anne Shirley: There are a lot of hotels and inns on the island—but fans of Anne of Green Gables should consider checking into the Shining Waters Country Inn. The Hunter River property dates back to the 1850s and was owned by Pierce and Rachael MacNeill, L.M. Montgomery's grandfather's cousin and the couple who inspired the original novel. The Montgomery Inn at Ingleside is another great option for literature lovers. The property was originally the home of Senator Donald Montgomery, L.M. Montgomery's grandfather, and where she spent many of her summers in PEI. The Green Gables Heritage Place is a must-visit on your Anne of Green Gables tour. The home was originally owned by relatives of L.M. Montgomery and served as inspiration for Anne Shirley's home. There are even rooms stylized to look as they would have in the novel. The Anne of Green Gables Museum in Kensington is another must-visit—it's packed with artifacts from Montgomery herself as well as beautiful grounds and seasonal carriage rides. Moving on to the Lucy Maud Montgomery Lower Bedeque School, this schoolhouse has been carefully preserved since Montgomery taught here in 1897 and showcases her ties to the Bedeque area. It's also worth paying a visit to the Cavendish Community Cemetery. Located at the intersection of Highways 6 and 13, this cemetery is the final resting place of L.M. Montgomery. Cavendish, Canada: Buildings in Avonlea Village have been converted into restaurants. Walking around Avonlea Village—named for the fictional town in Anne of Green Gables—feels like being transported right into the pages of L.M. Montgomery's world. It boasts replications of houses and shops from the Anne of Green Gables era and has a variety of restaurants, from east coast seafood to burgers and pizza. Looking for something a little more formal? Dalvay by the Sea is believed to have served as inspiration for the White Sands Hotel in L.M. Montgomery's books. The MacMillan Dining Room has an excellent dinner menu with farm-to-table ingredients, including a variety of produce grown directly on-site.
CTV News
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Rolling out the red carpet for Stratford Festival's 2025 season opener
The red carpet has been rolled out at the Stratford Festival! CTV's Will Aiello has more from opening night. From plucky young orphans, to a Scottish tragedy and women taking centre stage in the Trojan War, the Stratford Festival is gearing up for another big season. The beloved theatre company in Stratford, Ont. rolled out the red carpet on Monday night for their official 2025 season opener. Previews for the festival's latest slate of shows started a month ago, with fans flocking to the Avon Theatre to get a glimpse of 'Anne of Green Gables.' The captivating story is just one of this season's offerings featuring strong girls and women. The 2025 roster also features the musical 'Annie' and plays by Shakespeare, including 'As You Like It,' 'Macbeth' and 'The Winter's Tale.' Fans of the classics can look forward to 'Sense and Sensibility,' based on Jane Austen's novel, and 'Dangerous Liaisons,' based on 'Les Liaisons Dangereuses' by Choderlos de Laclos. Meanwhile, the Trojan War will be told from a new perspective. Writer Erin Shields explores the tale through the eyes of women and girls in 'Ransacking Troy.' The 2025 season comes after the Stratford Festival reported a financial shortfall of around $1.1 million last season. Last season's shows included musicals 'Something Rotten' and 'La Cage aux Folles,' alongside Shakespeare plays 'Romeo and Juliet,' 'Twelfth Night' and 'Cymbeline,' as well as 'Hedda Gabler' and 'Wendy and Peter Pan.' Stars walk the red carpet CTV News Kitchener's Will Aiello was on the scene as Stratford Festival stars hit the red carpet for the big event. The cast of 'Annie' serenaded their fans as two of their four-legged co-stars stood at attention. 'I really like bringing the character of Annie to life because she's so optimistic,' Harper Rae Asch, the actor who plays the titular role, said. 'I think the show as a whole send a really powerful message to the audience that the sun will come out tomorrow.' Cast of Annie Stratford Festival 2025 The cast of 'Annie' sang to their fans during the 2025 official season opener at Stratford Festival on May 26, 2025. (Dan Lauckner/CTV News) The cast of 'Macbeth' made an unusual entrance, rolling in to the roar of motorcycles. 'It's been a fantastic experience,' Emilio Vieira, who plays Lennox in the show, said. 'Robert Lepage – incredible director, visionary, Canadian. We both had the great privilege of working with him in the past on 'Coriolanus' in 2018,' he said. 'Three out of four stages are thrust stages, so its an experience that you really can't get anywhere [else],' Macbeth's Assistant Director André Sills said when asked what makes Stratford Festival unique. 'Its confrontational in a sense where people can come and really be a part of the experience.' A thrust stage is designed to jut out into the audience, leaving performers surrounded on three sides and allowing theatre-goers to be closer to the action happening on the stage. 'I think with Macbeth we have an opportunity to show a spectacle with this stage here at the Festival and the [Tom] Patterson [Theatre] where the audience is part of the experience, living and breathing with it,' Sills added. Vieira promised audiences coming to see Macbeth will be treated to murder, mischief, mayhem and motorcycles. Macbeth Stratford Festival 2025 'Macbeth's' Assistant Director André Sills and actor Emilio Vieira arrived at the red carpet on motorcycles during the 2025 season opener at Stratford Festival in Stratford, Ont. on May 26, 2025. (Dan Lauckner/CTV News) The stars of 'Dirty Rotten Scoundrels' also came out to shine. 'Our show's a riot, it's silly, [there's] some crass humour – it's a good time,' Liam Tobin, who plays Freddy, said. 'We're all having a great time tonight. It's a great magical night out here tonight.' The cast of 'Dirty Rotten Scoundrels' popped the traditional champagne to mark the occasion.
CBC
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
Lights, camera, action: Prince Edward Island's film industry is growing
When people think of films on P.E.I., they might picture Anne of Green Gables or Emily of New Moon, but times are changing. More and more films are being shot on the Island, from dark comedies to unsettling horror stories. That trend doesn't appear to be dying off anytime soon. CBC's Tony Davis has more.
