2008 ANNUAL REPORT
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
In 2008 we invested a record $12.3 Since its inception, the Shaw Rocket Fund has nurtured Canadian producers to million in diverse projects connecting a position of strength and confidence, supporting programming that inspires and unites Canadians, in particular Canadian youth who comprise 25% of our audiences across Canada and around overall population. the world. During these times of The viewers of today are the leaders of tomorrow. The Shaw Rocket Fund is economic uncertainty, the Shaw proud to be a voice for Canadian children’s production, fostering programming Rocket Fund believes more than that speaks our languages, celebrates the rich fabric of our communities, and ever in the necessity of our funding motivates our youth. initiatives. Coast to coast, we are united through our children and through our combined response to the challenges and possibilities facing our industry today. Together, we will continue working to secure a bright future for children’s programming across Canada.
Annabel Slaight, Chair
Mission The Shaw Rocket Fund is dedicated to investing in the Canadian children’s independent production industry as funder and as a champion of the best in children’s programming. 9% WEST COAST OF OVERALL FUNDING Canada’s rich first nation’s heritage plays a key role in our cultural identity. When the traditions of Aboriginal storytelling are applied to children’s and youth programming, wonderful things can happen, as witnessed by many of the projects coming out of Canada’s West Coast. The Shaw Rocket Fund has supported a wide range of productions in this region, including such innovative Aboriginal productions as MYTV, Nehiyawetan and Tiga Talk!.
Production Production Company Broadcaster A Shine of Rainbows Smudge Ventures Inc. Movie Central MYTV Season 2 WoneWomanWorks Productions Ltd. APTN Nehiyawetan Season 2 Nehiyawetan Productions Inc. APTN See the Sea Season 2 See the Sea Productions II Ltd CBC Tiga Talk! Hummingbird Take Two Productions Ltd. APTN Zeke's Pad Season 1 My Pad Productions Inc. / Bardel Entertainment Inc. YTV
ZEKE’S PAD In this half-hour animated comedy series, artist extraordinaire and no-holds- barred skateboarder, Zeke Palmer, repurposes a mysteriously wired electronic drawing pad to wickedly transform the world around him from fun but ordinary humdrum to wacky and extraordinary wonderfulness! As interactive offscreen as it is onscreen, Zeke’s Pad will soon feature a friends-2-friends gamespace, a multi-model skateboarding game, and mobile downloadable, episodic tie-ins that let viewers “create, challenge and share” FAMILY BIZ 14% ZEKE’S PAD 14% with friends online any time! (FRANCE) (AUSTRALIA)
A SHINE OF RAINBOWS WIBBLY PIG 11% 17% (IRELAND) (UK)
ROB THE ROBOT 9% (FRANCE/AUSTRALIA)
SARILA 9% (FRANCE/UK)
BUSYTOWN MYSTERIES 18% DOGGY DAY CARE 8% (SINGAPORE) (BRAZIL) 9% OF OVERALL FUNDING
A SHINE OF RAINBOWS The universally transforming power of the imagination illuminates this magical feature film in which the orphan Tomas’s friendship with the nature-loving and imaginative Mairi empowers Tomas to guide Mairi’s grieving husband to a re- engagement with himself and the amazing island world in which he lives. Based on the novel by Lillian Beckwith, A Shine of Rainbows demonstrates the rewards of translating compelling material into different media, and, as a co-production between Canada and Ireland, the benefits of diversifying and expanding communities internationally as well as nationally.
2008 FUND FACT INVESTMENT BY CO-PRODUCTION
FAMILY BIZ 14% ZEKE’S PAD 14% (FRANCE) (AUSTRALIA)
A SHINE OF RAINBOWS WIBBLY PIG 11% 17% (IRELAND) (UK)
ROB THE ROBOT 9% (FRANCE/AUSTRALIA)
SARILA 9% (FRANCE/UK)
BUSYTOWN MYSTERIES 18% DOGGY DAY CARE 8% (SINGAPORE) (BRAZIL)
This year the Rocket Fund celebrated the connecting power of media through investment in a number of outstanding co- productions between Canada and various other countries. 7% PRAIRIES OF OVERALL FUNDING Perhaps it is Canada’s often harsh, physical landscape that explains our penchant for dramatic storytelling. Dramas that explore such themes as community, conflict and personal development have helped put Canadian family and youth programming on the map internationally. In the prairies, this tradition has continued through such Rocket funded programs as Heartland and Drug Class.
Production Production Company Broadcaster Heartland Series II Rescued Horse Season Two Inc. / Dynamo Films Inc. CBC Promise Burning Bridge Entertainment Inc. CBC Drug Class Season 2 101093537 Saskatchewan Ltd. SCN Wapos Bay Eps 20 – 26 Wapos Bay Productions Episodes 20 – 26 Inc. APTN, SCN
HEARTLAND Love, family and life connect, collide and reconcile in this dynamic family drama, in which fifteen-year-old Amy Fleming uses her gift of healing horses to negotiate the turmoil and exuberance of adolescent life on Heartland, the busy Alberta horse farm run by her grandfather Jack with the help of Amy and her sister, Lou. Complementing the life-changing twists and turns that occur at Heartland Ranch are its downloadable shows and music, blog, behind-the-scenes diary, and Facebook fan page.
VARIETY 2% DRAMA 81%
MAGAZINE 5%
DOCUMENTARY 12% 7% OF OVERALL FUNDING
DRUG CLASS The freedom to tell their stories without criticism or judgment gives the Drug Class kids and their audience the tools to imaginatively reinvent themselves physically, mentally and spiritually. In teacher Randy Teed’s drug class, it isn’t drugs or alcohol but trusting conversation with supportive friends that creates strong individuals and stronger communities. An online site with information links and a Facebook page provide further excellent resources for kids wishing to learn more about addiction and how to confidently reach out to others, both peers and adults, for guidance, support and positive connection.
2008 FUND FACT INVESTMENT BY GENRE
VARIETY 2% DRAMA 81%
MAGAZINE 5%
DOCUMENTARY 12%
Committed to productions that enhance our individual and community awareness, the Rocket Fund supplied a record $10,012,526 to 35 drama projects, 81% of its overall funding for 2008. 45% ONTARIO OF OVERALL FUNDING Given Canada’s cultural diversity, multiculturalism is one of the hallmarks of our creative identity. In Ontario, the sheer diversity of the productions funded by the Shaw Rocket Fund is a testament to the many different perspectives and experiences that contribute to our industry.
BUSYTOWN MYSTERIES Helping the under-5’s imaginatively connect in new and interesting ways with their immediate environment and with the larger world beyond are the colourful characters of Busytown Mysteries, a cartoon series based on Richard Scarry’s popular Busytown books. Huckle Cat, Lowly Worm, Sally Cat, Hilda Hippo, Pig Will and Pig Won’t use an innovative blend of humour and learning, along with some unique transportation, to solve each episode’s intriguing mystery from everyday life! Of course, solving a mystery is only half the fun. Asking questions, finding clues and piecing all those clues together to find the ultimate answer – and all from the unique perspective of the preschooler – is where the real fun and the real imaginative journey begins!
PRIMARY (6–9) 7% ELEMENTARY (9–12) 35%
FAMILY 13%
YOUTH 14% PRESCHOOL 31% Production Production Company Broadcaster 45% The Adrenaline Project Season 2 marblemedia Adrenaline 2 Inc. YTV OF OVERALL Booky's Crush Booky III Inc. CBC FUNDING Busytown Mysteries Season 2 Cookie Jar Entertainment CBC, SRC Carl Squared IV (53 – 65) Carl Squared Productions IV Inc. Teletoon Canada Connor Undercover Connor Undercover I Inc. Family Channel Degrassi: The Next Generation Cycle 8 Epitome Pictures Inc. CTV Dino Dan Season 2 Sinking Ship (Dino Dan) Productions Inc. TVO, Knowledge Network Franny's Feet Series 3 Decode / Franny Productions 3 Inc. Family Channel How To Be Indie Indie 1 Inc. YTV The Latest Buzz Season 3 Decode / Buzz Productions 3 Inc. Family Channel Listen to This Proximity Films RP Inc. TVO / Bravo Majority Rules Go Girl Television Productions Inc. Teletoon Canada Inc. Mighty Machines Series 3 Mighty Machines Series 3 TVO, TFO, SCN, Knowledge, Access Overruled Shaftesbury High Court I Inc. Family Channel Overruled Season 2 Shaftesbury Overruled II Inc. Family Channel Rob the Robot Amberwood Productions (Rob the Robot) Inc. TVO, SRC, Knowledge This is Turtle Island Summerhill Productions Nine Inc. / Media Rendezvous Inc. APTN Wibbly Pig WP Productions Inc. TV Ontario, Knowledge
THE ADRENALINE PROJECT This weekly prime-time reality competition series dares thrill-seeking teens to compete in a range of intense physical and mental challenges. Fear Factor meets Survivor as participants fight their fears and phobias, testing their mettle as they go head to head in and around Boomer’s Basecamp! A strong online presence keeps The Adrenaline Project’s challenges and rewards front and centre 2008 FUND FACT of real teens’ lives, connecting them through their INVESTMENT BY AUDIENCE computers with the exciting world of the great outdoors where anything is possible!
PRIMARY (6–9) 7% ELEMENTARY (9–12) 35%
FAMILY 13%
YOUTH 14% PRESCHOOL 31%
Out of 357 hours of Rocket-fuelled programming, 243 hours spoke directly to the needs to children under 12 for quality programming, equalling an overall investment of more than $9 million. 18% QUEBEC OF OVERALL FUNDING Quebec’s production industry not only contributes to French Canadian culture, it contributes to Canada’s linguistic and cultural diversity through programming that speaks to a wide range of audiences and experiences – and with programs like La Cache, this year was no exception.
LA CACHE Twelve recruits (6 girls and 6 boys) compete to join La Cache Agency using new navigational technologies like Global Positioning to go on an old-fashioned outdoor treasure hunt. The treasure troves in question are “geocaches” or “caches,” and, like The Apprentice or The Amazing Race, individual problem-solving skills along with lots of enthusiastic teamwork are a must for participants and their viewers. Technology in La Cache connects youth with one another and with the outdoors world beyond the screen. Participants not only engage with their immediate environments; they also creatively connect with a multicultural, age-diverse global community.
OTHER 2%
ENGLISH, FRENCH & ABORIGINAL 4%
ENGLISH & ABORIGINAL 6%
ENGLISH & FRENCH 8%
FRENCH 12% ENGLISH 68% DOGGY DAY CARE 18% The dogs at Doggy Day Care are a motley crew of rambunctious, exuberant, fun- OF OVERALL loving characters who make every day action packed for themselves and their FUNDING two caretakers. These gender-neutral canines make approachable role models and lovable furry friends for a young audience. Dynamic flash animation enhances the interactive nature of this series, which is broadcast in both French and English and celebrates the values of tolerance, mutual respect and understanding across different cultures and language groups.
Production Production Company Broadcaster Active-Toi! 6845550 Canada Inc. TFO CineMission Season 2 Productions La Fete (Cineastes) Inc. TFO Doggy Day Care 4469101 Canada Inc. SRC, TVO, APTN, Knowledge, SCN Family Biz DITA Productions (Muse) Inc. / DITA Productions (Summit) Inc. YTV Subsequence Entertainment (Dinosaur) Inc. I'm a Dinosaur TFO, TVO, Knowledge, SCN 3206674 Nova Scotia Limited In the Real World Florence Productions Inc. YTV La Cache NOVEM Television Inc. VRAK TV Leon II 9161-0345 Quebec Inc. SRC Mystery Hunters Season 4 9117-3112 Quebec Inc. YTV Sarila CarpeDiem Film & TV / 9129-4181 Quebec Inc. SRC Sont ou tes Elephants?! Productions La Fete (Tocade) Inc. The Movie Network, Movie Central, Super Ecran Toc Toc Toc Season 3 Telefiction Productions Inc. Societe Radio-Canada, Tele-Quebec Une grenade avec ca? (Cycle VII) Zone3 – XXIII Inc. VRAK TV W Season 3 9145-8083 Quebec Inc. Teletoon Canada
2008 FUND FACT PROJECTS BY LANGUAGE
OTHER 2%
ENGLISH, FRENCH & ABORIGINAL 4%
ENGLISH & ABORIGINAL 6%
ENGLISH & FRENCH 8%
FRENCH 12% ENGLISH 68%
The Fund is proud to note its extensive support of programming in French, Aboriginal languages, and many other languages reflective of the immense scope of linguistic and cultural experience in Canada. 21% ATLANTIC OF OVERALL FUNDING As interactive media continue to blur the boundaries between traditional television and online content, Canadian productions have been quick to adapt and even lead the way. In Atlantic Canada, the Shaw Rocket Fund helped fuel the development of programs such as Bo On the Go, which encourage kids to participate physically but also in a variety of interactive platforms such as games and online videos.
BO ON THE GO! Just try staying still while watching Bo on the Go! This animated TV series uses both high- and low- tech multimedia to get children up and moving in energetic and expressive interactions with their im- mediate environments and with the world at large.
A colourful, kid-friendly website lets viewers PUPPETS 3% become active participants in Bo’s world, with online games, activities, and videos designed
to keep both children and their parents actively COMBINATION 11% learning and growing as dynamic individuals and communities!
ANIMATION 35% LIVE ACTION 51% Production Production Company Broadcaster 21% Animal Mechanicals Season 2 Snapp II Productions Inc. CBC OF OVERALL Aquateam Aquateam Productions Inc. Discovery Kids Canada, YTV FUNDING Bo on the Go! Season 3 Bo Go III Productions Inc. CBC, SRC Bo on the Go! (Eps 17-40) Bo Go Productions II Inc. CBC, SRC Canada's Super Speller Egg Head Productions Inc. CBC The Mighty Jungle Season 3 Mighty Jungle 3 Productions Inc. CBC Pillars of Freedom Nexus Media Inc. / Smiley Guy Studios TVO Razzberry Jazzberry Jam Trapeze Animation Studios Ltd. / Razzberry Productions Inc. CBC
RAZZBERRY JAZZBERRY JAM Like any language, music connects you with yourself and with others. Music certainly brings the animated Razzberry Jazzberries together as they interact through stories and jam sessions to teach music fundamentals to older preschoolers. 2008 FUND FACT INVESTMENT BY MEDIUM The Razzberry Jazzberries invite active participation from their viewers, who can make their own music, jamming with the band and with each other through a special line of electronic instruments that interface with the program’s online space.
PUPPETS 3%
COMBINATION 11%
ANIMATION 35% LIVE ACTION 51%
Invested in connecting children with a positive range of experiences, the Rocket Fund contributed $12,306,202 to programming that utilizes a range of media to address young audiences’ need for energetic communication, interaction, and community. SHAW ROCKET PRIZE The Shaw Rocket Prize is a single, winner-take-all $50,000 award for the best independent Canadian children’s television program. One of the largest prizes of its kind in Canada, the Shaw Rocket Prize represents the pinnacle of children’s television production, helping to inspire creativity, generate excitement and maximize publicity for prize winners, finalists and Canadian children’s television in general. 2008 is the fourth year of this exciting award! From left to right: Agnes Augustin (President, Shaw Rocket Fund), Frank Dietz, Finn Arnesen, Adina Pitt, Marc Buhaj, Michael Carrington
INTERNATIONAL JURY This year’s international panel of jurors are acknowledged leaders in their field, bringing to their selection of this year’s finalists a breadth of Michael Carrington, Controller, CBeebies, BBC Children’s understanding of what constitutes the best value, entertainment and innovation in programming Under his leadership, CBeebies has enjoyed its highest ever ratings success thanks to Michael Carrington’s expertise targeted to children under 12 both in Canada and in creative content acquisition and delivery across multiple across the world. platforms.
Finn Arnesen, Senior VP and GM for Original Series and Frank Dietz, Head of Acquisitions & Co-Productions, Deputy International Development, Turner Broadcasting Programme Director, Super RTL / RTL Disney Fernsehen GmbH & Co. A leader in developing programming for international markets, A long-standing Rocket Prize jury member, Frank Dietz is an Finn Arnesen promotes the development of impactful, popular acknowledged leader in strategic development and acquisitions and fully interactive new content, and has a particular interest in with extensive experience in dealing with major distributors and original animation. producers worldwide.
Marc Buhaj, Senior VP of Programming, Jetix Europe Adina Pitt, VP, Content Acquisitions and Co-Productions, Cartoon Network and Boomerang An expert in multiplatform initiatives, multimedia programming and administration, Marc Buhaj also has extensive experience in With an impressive background in overseeing internationally directing programming and acquisitions in the US and Asia. viable, competitive inventories, Adina Pitt coordinates global acquisition contracts and negotiates multiplatform exposure for major programming markets. SHAW ROCKET PRIZE FINALISTS JOHNNY TEST SEASON 2 Cookie Jar Entertainment, Teletoon Johnny Test – Season 2 chronicles the adventures of a fearless 11-year-old boy, Produced by Pamela Slavin, Scott Fellows, Loris his genetically engineered super dog Dukey and his 13-year-old super genius Kramer-Lunsford, Michael Hirsh, Leslie Taylor, and scientist twin sisters. When it comes to adventures, Johnny and his super mutt Toper Taylor. are a team obsessed with pushing the limits – speed limits, time limits, physical limits. Johnny is the ultimate test pilot where no mission is too insane.
Roll Play Sinking Ship Entertainment Inc., Treehouse, SRC Roll Play s a pre-school television series that gets kids up and moving in Produced by Blair Powers, JJ Johnson, Matthew Bishop, sync with the actions of original puppets from the Famous People Players as and Elizabeth Haines. stories unfold. Original music tracks are created by some of Canada’s greatest performers, and many prominent Canadian children’s book authors provide their writing talents.
LIFE WITH DEREK SEASON 3 Shaftesbury Films, Family Channel Life with Derek is a live-action comedy about a blended family of three girls Produced by Christina Jennings, Scott Garvie, Daphne and two boys thrown together in the same house when their parents marry. Ballon, Laurie McLarty, Jeff Biederman, and Battling for control is the achiever, Casey, and the schemer, Derek – two type-A Suzanne French. personalities who agree only to disagree. Student Jury
The international jury may get to pick the finalists, Selected from schools across Canada participating but it’s the student jurors, the shows’ regular in the Royal Conservatory of Music’s innovative viewing audience, that have the final say in who Learning Through the Arts (LTTA) Program, some 700 grade 4, 5 and 6 students screened the finalist takes home the prestigious Shaw Rocket trophy programs as part of their classroom curriculum, and prize money. and declared Life with Derek the hands-down 2008 Shaw Rocket Prize winner!
“ Great job! I really liked Life with Derek because the story was clear and balanced. The lighting and camera were perfect, I think the house they chose was perfect. The camera movement was awesome and the music was great!” – Grade 6 Student Juror “Lif e with Derek is one of those really well crafted funny live action shows that the market is looking for. It’s a well-written, well performed show that really makes you giggle.” The Winner: – International Juror, Michael Carrington Life with Derek BBC Children’s, UK
Life with Derek begins with the fateful decision by Nora MacDonald and George Venturi to marry and blend their families – definitely an eventful and dramatic decision considering that the blending involves two willful teenagers, Casey (Ashley Leggat) and Derek (Michael Seater), each used to being in charge and each determined to keep it that way! Derek and Casey don’t find their own genetic siblings a threat, but when forced to live together, they find themselves in a take-no-prisoners fight for control of their house, their school and their world. www.shaftesbury.org
“ This series is a really good example of a show that is well cast and well scripted. Life with Derek has a good sense of fun and narrative. The acting is really good and it’s got a tight script. Life with Derek is an entertaining show and it stood out as something that’s just easy to watch and makes you want to know the characters more.” – International Juror, Finn Arnesen Turner Broadcasting, UK OUR CONTRIBUTORS Every great organization needs great backers, and the Shaw Rocket Fund is no different in this respect. Our contributors truly share the Rocket Fund’s commitment to promoting and supporting programming that positively impacts children’s lives across Canada and around the world. In an environment where funding for kids’ TV is increasingly scarce and uncertain, the vital dedication of our contributors gives us the confidence and drive to keep working to secure a bright future for our industry and the audiences it serves. Shaw Communications CONNECTING AND STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES The Shaw Rocket Fund is fortunate to be backed by an organization that has made a sustained commitment to quality One of the outcomes of quality children’s programming is that Canadian children’s television and the development of a strong it connects children with their immediate communities and Canadian independent production industry. Shaw is the country’s with communities worldwide. Our contributors have a history largest private funder of independent children’s television of recognizing the value of community through a wide range production and has had a considerable impact on establishing of initiatives alongside their active support of local community Canada’s leadership position with respect to the development of programming. In addition to their dedication to children and programming that educates, entertains, and ultimately inspires media, our contributors support kids through charitable youth. Thank you, Shaw Communications! donations, educational partnerships and health initiatives, and are striving to make a difference in Canadians’ lives. Eastlink Cablesystems The Shaw Rocket Fund has benefited tremendously from the support of EastLink Cablesystems since 1998. This unwavering support has contributed directly to the production of programming that gives children the skills and the confidence, both as Canadians and as world citizens, to meet future challenges and opportunities. The Shaw Rocket Fund is proud to have the backing of an organization that has consistently recognized the importance of youth and education in the Atlantic region, through its financial contributions. Thank you EastLink! board & team
Annabel Slaight, Chair Founder of Owl Magazines, Books and Television, and now Chair of the Owl Children’s Trust, Annabel Slaight is the recipient of many awards including the Order of Ontario, Canadian Film and Television’s Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Royal Canadian Institute’s Sir Sanford Fleming Award. In addition to her dedication to the Shaw Rocket Fund and creative content for children, she is on a crusade to save and protect Lake Simcoe.
Gigi Boyd, Vice-Chair Former Manager of Business Affairs and Director of Telefilm’s Western Broadcast Unit, Gigi Boyd is a Gemini award nominated independent Producer (Cold Squad, Godiva’s). She is a graduate of the Canadian Film Centre Producer Program and sits on the CFTPA – BC Branch Industrial Relations Committee. She is also a member of the Directors Guild of Canada Production Manager Caucus.
Chandra Deedman, Business Analyst Chandra joined the Shaw Rocket Fund in 2006 as Business Analyst after working for five years at Seven24 Films, formerly Alberta Filmworks, in business affairs. Chandra brings hands-on experience with Canadian media funding and business practices. Prior to entering the television industry, Chandra was a property manager for Connelly & Company Management Ltd. Ken Stein, Board Member Ken Stein, Senior Vice President of Corporate and Regulatory Affairs for Shaw Communications Inc., has broad public and private experience. He served two Prime Ministers extensively involved in broadcast and communication policy issues. He is past President of the Canadian Cable Association from 1990 to 1994 and Chairman of the Cable Public Affairs Channel (CPAC).
Agnes Augustin, President and Board Treasurer Agnes Augustin proudly oversees the Shaw Rocket Fund in its championing of Canadian children’s programming through sound investments, through engagement with regulators and the production industry, and through the much celebrated Shaw Rocket Prize. Prior to joining the Shaw Rocket Fund, Agnes was Manager and Vice President of Business Affairs for various production and distribution companies, Head of Production for CMT as well as an independent producer.
Kim Morrison, Administrative Assistant Managing the day-to-day administrative flow, Kim comes to the Shaw Rocket Fund from various administrative positions. She was a manager at Crown Optical for many years before starting her work in the film and televisions business. CONTACT US 210, 2421 – 37th Avenue NE Calgary, Alberta T2E 6Y7 T 403 750 4517 F 403 750 4635 E [email protected]
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