or


[02/01/08 - 11:52 AM]
NBC Picks Up 'The Listener' -- CTV's Original Drama Series from Shaftesbury Films
"The Listener" tells the story of a young man who can read people's thoughts, and act on them.

[via press release from NBC]

NBC PICKS UP 'THE LISTENER' -- CTV's ORIGINAL DRAMA SERIES FROM SHAFTESBURY FILMS

BURBANK, Calif. - February 1, 2008 - NBC has picked up "The Listener" (working title), a new CTV original drama from Shaftesbury Films, it was announced today by Teri Weinberg, Executive Vice President, NBC Entertainment.

Produced by Toronto's Shaftesbury Films, "The Listener" tells the story of a young man who can read people's thoughts, and act on them. NBC has ordered 13 episodes of the one-hour drama series, which was green-lit by CTV, Canada's largest private broadcaster, last December. Set in Toronto, "The Listener" is currently in pre-production with shooting scheduled to begin this spring.

"This deal is another example of us reaching out to the international community to find innovative and interesting programming. We are thrilled to have partners like CTV and Shaftesbury Films," said Teri Weinberg, Executive Vice President, NBC Entertainment. "'The Listener' is an intriguing series that fits squarely in our brand and we're excited NBC can bring it to the American audience."

"CTV has a long tradition of developing hit original programming in Canada," said Susanne Boyce, President, Creative, Content and Channels, CTV Inc. "Today's announcement is the next step in the evolution of our development program. We are thrilled to partner with NBC and Shaftesbury in sharing this compelling Canadian drama with an American audience."

"We're delighted that 'The Listener' will broadcast on NBC in the U.S. and on CTV in Canada. Shaftesbury has built strong relationships with U.S. networks over the years. This opportunity to partner with CTV and NBC on a prime time series is the next logical step" said Christina Jennings, Chairman and CEO of Shaftesbury Films. "There seems to be a new pattern emerging at American TV networks, which have lately become more open to working with production companies outside the U.S."

In "The Listener," Toby Logan (Craig Olejnik, "In God's Country") is a young, big-city paramedic with the power to listen to people's thoughts. With his paramedic partner Osman Bey (Ennis Esmer, host of "The Toronto Show") as his sidekick, Toby juggles life as a telepathic sleuth with that of an urban twenty-something.

Created by Michael Amo ("Blessed Stranger: After Flight 111"), "The Listener" was developed by CTV with Shaftesbury Films beginning in 2006 with a pilot directed by Clement Virgo ("The Wire," "Poor Boys Game") produced last summer. "The Listener" was part of CTV's first venture into pilot production in 2007. It was the first time CTV had ordered pilots as part of its development of new Canadian television series.

"The Listener" is produced by Shaftesbury Films in association with CTV and NBC. Executive producers are Emmy and Gemini award-winning Christina Jennings (ReGenesis, The Murdoch Mysteries), Scott Garvie for Shaftesbury Films, Russ Cochrane (Whistler) and Michael Amo. The Listener is distributed in the United States by Program Partners.

Founded in 1987, Shaftesbury Films has established a reputation as one of Canada's leading producers of high quality film and television programming. Recent productions include the new one-hour drama series Murdoch Mysteries for Citytv, the fourth season of the TV series ReGenesis for The Movie Network, Movie Central and Showcase; the TV movies In God's Country and Eight Days to Live, both featuring Kelly Rowan and both delivering record breaking ratings for CTV; and The Robber Bride, the Emmy-nominated TV movie starring Gemini award-winner Mary-Louise Parker for CBC. Shaftesbury Films also produces a variety of kids' programming, including the highly successful kids' series Life with Derek, currently airing on Family Channel and Disney Channel, and broadcast in over 100 countries worldwide. Visit the Shaftesbury website at www.shaftesbury.ca.

CTV, Canada's largest private broadcaster, offers a wide range of quality news, sports, information, and entertainment programming. It has the number-one national newscast, CTV National News With Lloyd Robertson, and is the number-one choice for prime-time viewing. CTVglobemedia Inc. is Canada's premier multi-media company, which owns CTV Inc. and The Globe and Mail. CTV Inc. also owns radio stations across the country, and leading national specialty channels. Other CTVglobemedia investments include an interest in Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, and in Dome Productions, a North American leader in the provision of mobile high definition production facilities. More information about CTV may be found on the company website at www.ctv.ca.

NBC Entertainment develops and schedules programming for the network's primetime, late night, and daytime schedules. NBC's quality programs and balanced lineup have earned the network critical acclaim, ratings success, particularly among young, upscale viewers, and numerous awards, including more Emmy Awards than any network in television history.





  [march 2024]  
S
M
T
W
T
F
S
     


· LISTENER, THE (ION)
· WIRE, THE (HBO)





[03/18/24 - 01:59 PM]
Chrissy Metz, Jaime Ray Newman, Katie Lowes, and George Ferrier Join as Series Regulars for Starz's New Drama "The Hunting Wives"
Production on the thrilling new series has started in Charlotte, North Carolina.

[03/18/24 - 11:30 AM]
Video: ALLBLK Releases Trailer for the World Premiere of New Thriller, "The Influencer" Premiering Thursday, April 4
The original film stars Christina Cooper as Niecy Fields, a social media influencer on the cusp of stardom.

[03/18/24 - 10:06 AM]
E! Announces Trendsetting Guest Judges and Pioneering Disruptors for New Cutting-Edge Design Competition Series "OMG Fashun" with Julia Fox
Handcrafted is the new haute couture on "OMG Fashun" as Julia inspires pioneering fashion disruptors to upend traditional style convention, break the rules and redefine cool.

[03/18/24 - 10:00 AM]
Video: Peacock Debuts Trailer For New Original Documentary "Bray Wyatt: Becoming Immortal" Premiering April 1
The documentary looks at the remarkable career of the late Windham Rotunda also known as Bray Wyatt, one of the most skillful, tenacious, and creative WWE Superstars of all-time.

[03/18/24 - 10:00 AM]
NBC Is the Official Home of Competition and Games This Summer with a Slate of Powerhouse Hit Series
NBC is the summer home for both the Paris Olympic Games and high-stakes competition with a robust lineup of returning powerhouse favorites, including "America's Got Talent," "American Ninja Warrior," "Password," "The Wall" and "Weakest Link."

[03/18/24 - 09:02 AM]
Netflix Announces News About 26 Upcoming Nordic Titles - Including 12 Brand New Titles
Plus: the streamer offers new looks at "Deliver Me," "The Helicopter Heist," "Ronja the Robber's Daughter," "Billionaire Island" and season two of "Baby Fever."

[03/18/24 - 09:01 AM]
Video: "Rebel Moon - Part Two: The Scargiver" - Official Trailer - Netflix
The rebels gear up for battle against the ruthless forces of the Motherworld as unbreakable bonds are forged, heroes emerge - and legends are made.

[03/18/24 - 09:01 AM]
Video: Disney's "Wish" - Streaming April 3rd - Disney+
Walt Disney Animation Studios' "Wish" is an all-new musical-comedy welcoming audiences to the magical kingdom of Rosas, where Asha, a sharp-witted idealist, makes a wish so powerful that it is answered by a cosmic force - a little ball of boundless energy called Star.

[03/18/24 - 08:01 AM]
Video: "Our Living World" - Cate Blanchett - Official Trailer - Netflix
This stunning nature series narrated by Cate Blanchett explores the intelligence, resourcefulness and interconnectedness of life on our planet.

[03/18/24 - 08:00 AM]
Acorn TV Fan-Favorite "Harry Wild" Returns Monday, May 13
Season three consists of six episodes and will be available on Acorn TV in the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

[03/18/24 - 08:00 AM]
Prime Video Orders "Beast Games" from MrBeast and Amazon MGM Studios
Based on his already successful YouTube show, "Beast Games" is set to become the biggest reality competition series ever with 1000 contestants competing for a $5 million dollar cash prize which will be the biggest single prize in the history of television and streaming.

[03/18/24 - 07:14 AM]
ESPN+ Original Series "Full Court Press" Presented by State Farm Featuring Caitlin Clark, Kamilla Cardoso and Kiki Rice to Premiere May 11 & 12 on ABC and ESPN+
From Iowa's historic preseason game that broke attendance records all the way through the WNBA draft in April, the series uses unparalleled access, exclusive interviews, and unique game footage, to transport audiences into the lives of these exceptional athletes.

[03/18/24 - 06:01 AM]
Video: "Scoop" - Official Trailer - Netflix
Inspired by real events, this fictional dramatization gives an insider account of how the women of Newsnight secured Prince Andrew's infamous interview.

[03/18/24 - 06:01 AM]
Video: Apple TV+ Debuts Trailer for Season Two of Iconic Emmy Award-Winning Series "Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock," Premiering Globally March 29
Award-winning season two cast includes the return of Daveed Diggs alongside Ariana DeBose, Brett Goldstein, Catherine O'Hara, Adam Lambert and K-pop group aespa in guest star roles.

[03/18/24 - 04:01 AM]
Video: "Joy" - First Look Teaser - Netflix
Starring Thomasin McKenzie, James Norton and Bill Nighy, the new film based on the story of the birth of IVF.