Press Releases

Liz Fish to Receive David Suzuki Green Producer Award at BANFF 2011

South African investigative journalist to receive top environmental honour at Festival

Toronto, Canada (June 1, 2011) – The Banff World Media Festival announced today that South African investigative journalist Liz Fish will be the inaugural recipient of the David Suzuki Green Producer Award.

Renamed this year in honour of Dr. David Suzuki – the long-time host of CBC's The Nature of Things and preeminent advocate for global environmental issues – the award recognizes an individual whose extraordinary professional and/or personal achievements have raised public awareness and understanding of scientific and environmental issues through the use of visual media.

"Liz Fish's incisive environmental journalism has made an outstanding impact in South Africa and around the world," said Georges Leclere, Director of the Banff World Media Awards. "Her work has educated the public on critical issues and been a major influence on a new generation of environmentally-conscious filmmakers. She is an ideal recipient of this award, and we a delighted to be honouring her in this way."

Fish began making social activism documentaries during apartheid in the 1980's. The Long Journey of Clement Zulu, one of her best-known works, has been acclaimed as a landmark development in South African documentary filmmaking. In recent years, Fish's focus has shifted from social justice to environmental justice, producing work regularly for Carte Blanche – the flagship magazine program of Southern Africa's M-Net – as well as documentaries screening on African television and worldwide. Apart from doing Carte Blanche inserts Fish is currently producing and directing promotional material for Working on Fire, a South African NGO that helps to prevent and control wildfires by training fire fighters and running education programs.

The David Suzuki Green Producer Award is selected by an international Green Jury comprised of broadcast and environmental leaders from around the world. This year, the President of the Green Jury is Ms. Sun Jianying of the Sichuan Television Festival, who will present Ms. Fish with her award at the Rockies Industry Awards Lunch, presented by Alberta Film and the Government of Alberta.

WEB THERAPY'S LISA KUDROW TO RECEIVE AWARD OF EXCELLENCE IN DIGITAL MEDIA AT BANFF 2011

Co-producer, co-writer and star of hit web series to also give feature interview at Festival

Toronto, Canada (May 30, 2011) – The Banff World Media Festival announced today that celebrated actress and comedian Lisa Kudrow will be the inaugural recipient of the Award of Excellence in Digital Media at the Interactive Rockies at this year's Festival. Kudrow will be honoured for her work as co-producer, co-writer and star of Web Therapy, the innovative web series on lstudio.com that has been a huge success with audiences and critics alike.

In addition to accepting her award, Kudrow will also give a feature interview during the Festival exploring her transition from film and television to the web, the finer points of putting together a successful branded entertainment collaboration, and her take on the direction of digital.
"Web Therapy is one of those few online series that is truly of the web, and not just on it," said Ferne Cohen, Executive Director of the Festival. "Lisa Kudrow's work represents a big step forward for online entertainment, and we are delighted to honour her with this award."
Prior to Web Therapy, Kudrow was best known for her Emmy and SAG Award winning role as Phoebe Buffay on NBC's hit sitcom Friends. Her feature film credits include her debut role in Mother (1996); Clockwatchers (1997); Romy & Michele's High School Reunion (1997); The Opposite Sex (1998), for which she received the Best Supporting Actress Award from the New York Film Critics, an Independent Spirit Award nomination and a Chicago Film Critics Award nomination; Analyze This (1999), for which she received a Blockbuster Award and an American Comedy Award nomination; Analyze That (2002); Lucky Numbers (2000); Hanging Up (2000); Wonderland (2004); Happy Endings (2005); P.S. I Love You (2007); Hotel for Dogs (2008); Easy A (2010); and Paper Man (2010).

In the fall of 2003 Lisa formed the production company, Is or Isn’t Entertainment with actor/writer Dan Bucatinsky. Is or Isn’t Entertainment has garnered great success since its inception, producing the Emmy-winning The Comeback (2005) for HBO and Who Do You Think You Are for NBC. Is or Isn’t also produces Web Therapy, which will make the move from Web to TV on Showtime beginning July 19, 2011. Web Therapy has been a critical favourite since premiering in 2008, most recently winning Best Comedy: Long Form or Series and Best Individual Performance for Kudrow at the 2011 Webby Awards.

BANFF WORLD MEDIA FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES CAROLINE RHEA AS 2011 ROCKIES GALA HOST

Toronto, Canada (May 25, 2011) – The Banff World Media Festival announced today that star comedian and actress Caroline Rhea will be the host of this year's prestigious Rockies Gala. The culmination of the Banff World Media Awards program, the 2011 Rockies Gala will honour a star-studded list of Grand Prize and Special Achievement Award Winners, including James Burrows for the Sir Peter Ustinov Comedy Award, Howie Mandel for the Award of Distinction, Eugene Levy for the Award of Excellence, Edward Asner for the Lifetime Achievement Award, Nick News' Linda Ellerbee for the Lifetime Achievement Award in Kids & Animation, and Witness – the organization founded by Peter Gabriel – for the inaugural Socially Responsible Media Award.

"The Rockies Gala is a much-anticipated highlight of the Festival," said Ferne Cohen, Executive Director of BANFF. "We are delighted to have Caroline Rhea join us to make this glamorous evening even more memorable."

After establishing herself as a fixture of the New York stand-up scene, Caroline Rhea's television career took off with her starring role as Aunt Hilda on The WB's sitcom, Sabrina, The Teenage Witch. She has since starred in Lifetime's made for television movie Fat Like Me, was the host of NBC's The Biggest Loser and The Caroline Rhea Show, and appeared in a number of hit shows, including Hollywood Squares, The Drew Carey Show, Curb Your Enthusiasm as well as Comedy Central series and specials like Pulp Comic, Comic Relief 8 and One Night Stand 2005.

BANFF 2011 TO HOST UNPRECEDENTED PANEL ON THE FUTURE OF TV IN THE DIGITAL AGE
Leading representatives from TELUS, Rogers Communications, Corus Entertainment, CMPA, Google TV and Boxee and to participate

Toronto, Canada (May 11, 2011) – The Banff World Media Festival announced today that this year's Festival will feature a hard-hitting panel discussion on the future of television in a time of unprecedented change in the way audiences interact with and consume media.
With participants representing leading voices in broadcasting, telecommunications, media production and digital video technology and services, the panel will discuss what role traditional television infrastructure and new digital technologies will play in the living room of the future, as well as what is at stake for the Canadian and international media ecosystem in these changes.

The panel will be moderated by Michael Hennessey, Chair of the Banff World Media Festival Foundation and SVP Regulatory & Government Affairs, TELUS, with participants including:

• David Purdy, Vice-President and General Manager, Television, Rogers Communications
• Donagh O’Malley, Global Head of Content, Google TV
• Gary Maavara, Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Corus Entertainment
• Avner Ronen, Co-Founder and CEO, Boxee
• Norm Bolen, President and CEO, Canadian Media Production Association (CMPA)

"For over thirty years, BANFF has remained committed to exploring the high-impact, high-stakes issues shaping the media landscape," said Ferne Cohen, Executive Director of the Festival. "Interest in the evolution of over-the-top video services is definitely top-of-mind for many in the industry right now. As debates around the future of TV and digital video make front-page headlines around the world, we are certain that our delegates will be eager to hear this panel of industry leaders cut through the spin and have a frank conversation about these complex issues."

STAR SHOWRUNNER GREG DANIELS TO GIVE MASTER CLASS AT BANFF 2011
Award-winning executive producer behind The Office, Parks and Recreation to be featured in Showrunner Series at Festival

Toronto, Canada (May 4th, 2011) – The Banff World Media Festival announced today that Greg Daniels – the writer, producer and director who developed The Office (US version) and co-created King of the Hill and Parks and Recreation – will be participating in this year's Showrunner Series. The acclaimed showrunner will give a special Master Class exploring the multifaceted challenge of developing, launching and managing a hit series in today's television marketplace.

"Greg Daniels has been responsible for some of the biggest hits and funniest moments of the last two decades of television," said Ferne Cohen, Executive Director of the Festival. "He is an absolutely outstanding showrunner, and we are excited to have him participating in this year's Festival."

Daniels started his career on HBO's Not Necessarily the News, then went on to write for Saturday Night Live, receiving an Emmy award in 1990. He wrote the hit Seinfeld episode "The Parking Space," then joined The Simpsons, writing three of TV Guide's top-ten most popular episodes of that series. He received an Emmy in 1995 for his episode, "Lisa's Wedding". In 1997, Daniels created the animated hit King of the Hill with Mike Judge. King of the Hill earned him another Emmy in 1999 for Outstanding Animated Series.

Daniels currently executive produces two series on NBC: The Office, which he adapted from the British series in 2005; and Parks and Recreation, which he co-created with Michael Schur. The Office has garnered him multiple awards, including a Peabody, PGA, and Emmys for Outstanding Comedy Series and Outstanding Writing for the episode “Gay Witch Hunt.” Parks and Recreation was on the top ten lists of Time magazine, Entertainment Weekly, TV Guide and many other publications.

The BANFF Showrunner Series features a number of interviews and Master Classes with some of Hollywood's hottest writers, producers and directors. This year's participants include Veena Sud (AMC's The Killing, CBS's Cold Case), Arnold Shapiro (Scared Straight!, CBS's Rescure 911 and Big Brother, ABC's Brat Camp), Dan Signer (YTV's Mr. Young, Disney Channel's ANT Farm) and legendary television director James Burrows (The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Cheers, Frasier, Will & Grace, Friends, Two and a Half Men, Big Bang Theory, Mike and Molly and many more).

ACCLAIMED REALITY PRODUCTION COMPANY MAGICAL ELVES TO GIVE NON-FICTION KEYNOTE AT BANFF 2011
The celebrated duo behind Emmy-winning Top Chef will headline Non-Fiction stream at 2011 Festival

Toronto, Canada (April 29, 2011) – The Banff World Media Festival announced today that Dan Cutforth and Jane Lipsitz – founders of Magical Elves Productions – will deliver the Non-Fiction Keynote at this year's Festival. Dubbed the producers of "reality shows for thinking people," the acclaimed pair will speak to the state of the reality phenomenon on television and the philosophy behind their stunning success.

"In the last decade, reality programming has literally exploded, with an incredible variety of shows dominating primetime line ups around the world," said Ferne Cohen, Executive Director of the Festival. "Despite the tremendous number of series out there, Magical Elves has consistently set itself apart, wowing critics and audiences alike with unique, intelligent, and compelling shows that are redefining the genre. We could not be more pleased to welcome Dan and Jane as our Non-Fiction Keynotes."

Magical Elves is the production team behind some of the highest quality reality programming on television. Since the company was founded in 2001, Dan Cutforth and Jane Lipsitz have been nominated for 12 Emmys, culminating in a win in 2010 for Outstanding Reality Competition for Top Chef. The Elves were also honored with a Peabody Award for Project Runway, which is one of four Magical Elves shows named by Entertainment Weekly in their list of the “20 Best Reality Shows of All Time” along with Top Chef, Bands on the Run and Project Greenlight. In 2011, the Magical Elves released their first major motion picture, Justin Bieber: Never Say Never. The film garnered critical acclaim and was a box office success.

Current and upcoming projects for 2011 include: America’s Next Great Restaurant and Fashion Star (working title) for NBC; new seasons of the Top Chef, Top Chef Masters, Top Chef: Just Desserts and Work of Art: The Next Great Artist for Bravo; Braxton Family Values for WeTV; and a sophomore season of The Real L Word for Showtime.

BLOCKBUSTER REALITY PRODUCER THOM BEERS TO RECEIVE EXCELLENCE IN NON-FICTION AWARD AT BANFF 2011Executive Producer of Emmy® and PGA Winning Deadliest Catch also to give a feature interview at Festival

Toronto, Canada (April 28, 2011) – The Banff World Media Festival announced today that Thom Beers–dubbed the "unchallenged king" of high-octane reality television by the New York Times–will be honoured with the Excellence in Non-Fiction Award at this year's Festival.
Beers is CEO and Executive Producer of Original Productions, a FremantleMedia Company, where he has developed more than 40 series for cable powerhouses like HISTORY, Discovery, Spike TV, The National Geographic Channel, truTV and A&E. His top rated signature series include the Emmy® and PGA Winning Deadliest Catch, Emmy® nominated Ice Road Truckers, IRT: Deadliest Roads, Ax Men, Monster Garage, Black Gold, and Storage Wars.

"Since founding Original Productions, Thom Beers has continually reinvented reality television with one international hit after another," said Ferne Cohen, Executive Director of the Festival. "His unique take on unscripted programming has made him truly one-of-a-kind, and we are proud to be able to recognize his achievement with this award."

In addition to accepting his award, Beers will give a feature interview as part of the BANFF Non-Fiction stream. The interview will take place during a special lunch during the Festival on June 13th, 2011, from 12:30 - 1:30 pm.

About Original Productions, a FremantleMedia Company
Founded by Thom Beers, Original Productions produces authentic non-fiction programming featuring everyday heroes in extraordinary situations including the Emmy® Award Winning Deadliest Catch, Ice Road Truckers, IRT: Deadliest Roads, Ax Men, Wild Justice and Black Gold. Beers’ steadfast focus on top-notch storytelling with engaging personalities in high risk circumstances has produced more than 1,200 hours of original programming. In February 2009, a majority stake in the 12 year-old-company was purchased by FremantleMedia, one of the leading creators and producers of world-wide entertainment brands. www.originalproductions.com/ www.fremantlemedia.com

LINDA ELLERBEE – EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, WRITER AND ANCHOR OF NICK NEWS WITH LINDA ELLERBEE – TO RECEIVE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD IN KIDS & ANIMATION AT BANFF 2011
Nickelodeon's Marjorie Cohn to present award at Rockies Gala and participate in special session helmed by Ellerbee

Toronto, ON (April 26, 2011) – The Banff World Media Festival announced today that Linda Ellerbee – Executive Producer, writer and anchor of Nick News with Linda Ellerbee – will be the recipient of the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award in Kids & Animation. The award will be presented to Ellerbee by Marjorie Cohn, President, Original Programming & Development, Nickelodeon/MTVN Kids and Family Group, at the 2011 Rockies Gala.

The pair will also take the stage at the Festival for a Feature Interview, in which Cohn will answer Ellerbee's questions on the current climate in kids’ television and Nickelodeon’s role in kids' media as the space continues to grow and evolve.

"This year, Kids & Animation, hosted by TELETOON Canada inc., will really be taking centre stage at BANFF," said Ferne Cohen, Executive Director of the Festival. "For the first time, kids' programming will be having its star turn at the Rockies Gala, and we are so pleased to have such a deserving recipient as the winner of this inaugural award. Linda Ellerbee's work in engaging children in issues and ideas that matter is both totally unprecedented and incredibly valuable. We are very proud to have her at the Festival and to be recognizing her accomplishments in this way."

"As a leader in Canada’s animation industry, and with our continued commitment to developing high-quality original productions and bringing the best of animation to kids audiences across the country, TELETOON is proud to once again return to BANFF this year as a key sponsor and host of BANFF Kids & Animation," said Len Cochrane, President, TELETOON Canada inc. "This year's Kids & Animation program promises to be very informative, and we look forward to another successful Festival."

After an award-winning career in network news, Ellerbee and her partner, Rolfe Tessem, started boutique news and documentary production company Lucky Duck Productions in 1987. In 1991, Lucky Duck began producing Nick News with Linda Ellerbee for Nickelodeon. Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, Nick News is the longest-running children's news program in television history, and is watched by more children than all other television news shows combined.

Nick News has collected three Peabody Awards (including one personal Peabody given to Ellerbee for her coverage of the Clinton investigation), a DuPont Columbia Award and eight national Emmys for Outstanding Children's Program. In 2009, Nick News received the Edward R. Murrow Award for best Network News Documentary, making history as the first children's television program ever to receive this prestigious award.

Marjorie Cohn, a 24-year veteran at Nickelodeon, is responsible for supervising the development and production of all live-action programming on Nickelodeon. She oversees Nickelodeon’s creative executive teams on both the East and West Coasts, as well as all original programming for Nick at Nite and TeenNick, as well as all original television movies for Nickelodeon.
During her time at Nickelodeon, Cohn has produced or overseen the production and development of a wide range of hit series and network events, including: Rugrats; The Wild Thornberrys; Hey Arnold!; SpongeBob SquarePants; Avatar: The Last Airbender; The Fairly OddParents; All That; The Amanda Show; The Nick Cannon Show; Drake and Josh; Zoey 101; BrainSurge; Victorious; iCarly; Big Time Rush; Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards; Nick News with Linda Ellerbee; and many more.

JAMES BURROWS TO BE HONOURED WITH SIR PETER USTINOV COMEDY AWARD AT BANFF 2011
Legendary television director will also be featured in a special Master Class

Toronto, ON (April 19, 2011) – The Banff World Media Festival announced today that James Burrows, veteran television director, will be the 2011 recipient of the Sir Peter Ustinov Comedy Award. Presented during the glamorous Rockies Gala, the Ustinov recognizes a creative talent that has made an outstanding comedic contribution to the media industry, with past honourees including John Cleese, Martin Short, Kelsey Grammar, Rick Mercer, and 2010 winner Ricky Gervais.

Burrows will also be featured in a special Master Class, in which the renowned director will reflect on his numerous successes, and share some insights gained during his many years at the top of the industry.

Burrows is best known as co-creator, executive producer and director of the award-winning and critically-acclaimed series Cheers. The hit show, which aired for eleven seasons, is the most nominated series in the Television Academy's history and is in third place for most Emmys received. Burrows also received numerous awards for his work on Will & Grace, Frasier, Friends, Wings, Night Court, Taxi, and Dear John. Throughout his distinguished career, Burrows has been the recipient of ten Emmy Awards, four Directors Guild of America Awards, and the 1996 American Comedy Awards' Creative Achievement Award. At 21 nominations, he is the most-nominated director in the history of television at the Guild, and was nominated for an Emmy Award every year between 1980 and 2005, excluding 1997.
Burrows continues to be a major force in primetime television, now at the helm of the new CBS hit comedy Mike and Molly. The current primetime schedule features four shows – Better With You, Mike and Molly, $#*! My Dad Says, and Big Bang Theory – with pilot episodes directed by Burrows, a testament to his legendary success as a director of television pilots.

"James Burrows is a giant in the industry, and we are honoured to welcome him to BANFF 2011," said Ferne Cohen, Executive Director of the Festival. "For decades, Mr. Burrows has quite literally shaped popular culture on television, and has been an inspiration and role model for countless emerging and established talents in the business. He is an incredibly deserving recipient of the Ustinov Award, and we are all looking forward to seeing a more intimate side of this colossal figure in his Master Class."

Burrows will join other Special Achievement Awards winners at the 2011 Rockies Gala, including Award of Distinction Winner Howie Mandel, Award of Excellence Winner Eugene Levy, and Lifetime Achievement Award Winner Edward Asner, whom Burrows directed on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Lou Grant.

EDWARD ASNER TO BE HONOURED WITH LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD AT BANFF 2011

Legendary film and television actor will also be featured in special Master Class

Toronto, Canada (April 7, 2011) – The Banff World Media Festival announced today that Edward Asner, legendary film and television actor, will receive the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at this year's Festival. The Award recognizes an individual who has significantly enriched the world of entertainment with their lifetime contribution to the industry. Past honourees of the Award include Sir David Attenborough, Jeremy Isaacs, Sheila Nevin, Trina McQueen, and 2010 recipient William Shatner.
Asner will also be featured in a special Master Class at the Festival, in which he will reflect on his illustrious career, which includes dozens of feature films and over 100 television credits.

"Edward Asner is an iconic figure of both the big and small screen," said Ferne Cohen, Executive Director of the Festival. "His range and versatility as an actor have allowed him to continually push boundaries throughout his career, leaving an indelible stamp on the industry as a whole. We are so excited to have him with us at BANFF, and I'm sure his Master Class will be compelling."

Asner is best known for his comedic and dramatic crossover as the gruff but soft-hearted journalist Lou Grant, the role he originated on the landmark TV news room comedy The Mary Tyler Moore Show and continued in the newspaper-set drama Lou Grant, which earned him five Emmys and three Golden Globe Awards. In total, Asner has received 7 Emmy Awards, more than any other living actor.

Asner is currently touring America in a one man show FDR, and stars in the CMT primetime sitcom series Working Class. He has also been cast in a supporting role as Warren Buffet in the HBO telefilm drama Too Big to Fail, which will star William Hurt, Paul Giammati, Frank Langella, James Woods, Topher Grace and Tony Shalhoub and will be directed by Curtis Hanson. Asner recently starred as Carl Fredricksen in Pixar's 2009 box-office-hit UP!, which won Best Animated Feature at the 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards, as well as receiving The Best Animated Film at the 82nd Oscars.

CANADIAN MEDIA LEADERS TO GIVE FEATURE PANEL AT BANFF 2011

Head executives from Rogers Communications, Shaw Media, CTVglobemedia, CBC, and Astral Television will also field questions submitted online at the 2011 Festival

Toronto, Canada (March 22nd, 2011) – The Banff World Media Festival announced today that principal executives from Canada's major broadcast media companies will come together for an unprecedented panel to launch the conference this June. Confirmed participants include Phil Lind, Vice Chairman, Rogers Communications; Paul Robertson, Group Vice President, Broadcasting and President, Shaw Media; Kevin Crull, COO, CTVglobemedia; Kirstine Stewart, Executive Vice President, English Services, CBC; and John Riley, President, Astral Television Networks.

The panel will be moderated by Gordon Pitts, Senior Reporter for The Globe and Mail’s Report on Business. The participating executives will speak to the issues they find most pressing for today's media ecosystem in addition to fielding questions submitted online. BANFF has invited interested delegates to submit questions for the Media Leaders panel via Twitter (@BanffMedia) or on the Banff World Media Festival Facebook page. Selected questions will be posed to the executives during the panel.

“This is a unique opportunity for Banff delegates to hear Canada's top decision makers in conversation about the issues that matter most in media today," said Ferne Cohen, Executive Director of the Festival. "We are both honoured and elated to welcome these esteemed leaders of our industry to share their insight at BANFF.”

EUGENE LEVY TO BE HONOURED WITH AWARD OF EXCELLENCE AT BANFF 2011

Veteran actor and comedian will also participate in special Master class

Toronto, ON (March 2, 2011) – The Banff World Media Festival announced today that Eugene Levy, veteran actor and comedian, will receive the prestigious Award of Excellence at this year's Festival. The award is presented to an industry figure whose body of work has profoundly touched the lives of audiences around the world and achieved a level of excellence by which new standards are set. Previous winners include David Chase, Victor Garber, David Shore, Carol Mendelsohn, Dick Wolf, and the 2010 recipient, Nigel Lythgoe.

Levy will also participate in a Master class in which he will talk about his career, from his early years as part of Toronto's Second City comedy troop to his emergence as a staple of Hollywood comedies.

"Eugene Levy’s career has garnered him international acclaim and we are proud to be honouring him with this year's Award of Excellence,” said Ferne Cohen, Executive Director of the Festival. “We are also delighted that he will be sharing his experiences with us in a special Master class.”

Levy has appeared in over forty films, seven of which have topped the one hundred million dollar mark. His box office hits include Bringing Down the House, Cheaper by the Dozen 2, Father of the Bride 2, Over the Hedge, and the American Pie franchise, in which Levy shone in his iconic role as Jim's dad.

Teaming up with Christopher Guest, Levy earned critical acclaim for co-writing and co-starring in Best in Show, Waiting for Guffman, For Your Consideration, and A Mighty Wind. His work in A Mighty Wind garnered him a Grammy Award and a New York Film Critics Circle Award, along with a Golden Globe nomination for Best in Show. Levy started his career on the popular Canadian late night comedy series SCTV, where he won two Emmy Awards for writing.
Recent projects include Ang Lee’s Taking Woodstock, his work as the voice of Albert Einstein in Night at the Museum 2: Battle of the Smithsonian, and alongside Nicolas Cage and Samuel L. Jackson in the animated feature Astro Boy. Next up is the hockey comedy Goon opposite Jay Baruchel, Sean William Scott, and Liev Schreiber.

THE KILLING EXECUTIVE PRODUCER VEENA SUD TO GIVE MASTER CLASS AT BANFF 2011

Former executive producer of CBS's hit police procedural Cold Case to profile her upcoming original series for blockbuster cable channel AMC

Toronto, ON (February 24, 2011) – The Banff World Media Festival announced today that Veena Sud, former Executive Producer of CBS's hit police procedural Cold Case, will be giving a special master class at this year's Festival. Sud will profile the development of her new crime drama The Killing, set to premier this April on AMC as the latest addition to their blockbuster roster of original programs, including Breaking Bad, Mad Men and The Walking Dead.

"Halfway through shooting season one of The Killing, it is obvious to AMC what has clearly been obvious to fans and everyone associated with Cold Case – Veena Sud is a consummate showrunner," said Joe Stillerman, AMC Commissioner.

"She has the vision and passion for the material combined with the extraordinary managerial skills and laser focus needed to run a show. She writes great characters, weaves plot brilliantly, knows how to create emotional intensity, and really understands story."

"We are excited to be spotlighting the tremendous talent of Veena Sud in our in Banff Master Classes,” said Ferne Cohen, Executive Director of the Festival. "With the success of Cold Case and a new project with AMC on the way, we look forward to Ms. Sud sharing her insights.”

About The Killing
Based on the hugely successful Danish television series Forbrydelsen, The Killing weaves together three distinct stories around a single murder, including the detectives assigned to the case and their suspects, the victim’s grieving family, and the local politicians connected to the case. Produced by Fox Television Studios in association with AMC, The Killing is anchored by a breakout cast, including Mireille Enos (Big Love), Billy Campbell (Once and Again), Joel Kinnaman (Snabba Cash), Michelle Forbes (True Blood), and Brent Sexton (W., In the Valley of Elah). The Killing will air in a two-hour premier on AMC on Sunday, April 3 at 9pm ET/PT.

THE GUILD'S FELICIA DAY TO RECEIVE nextMEDIA OUTSTANDING ONLINE PERFORMANCE AWARD AT BANFF 2011

Toronto, ON (February 16th, 2011) – The Banff World Media Festival announced today that Felicia Day, writer, producer and star of the hit online series The Guild, will be the recipient of the 2011 nextMEDIA Outstanding Online Performance Award. Launched as a fan-financed project in 2007, The Guild has since garnered over 100 million views online and expanded its reach and funding through partnerships with Xbox Live, Microsoft and Sprint.

In addition to accepting the award, Day will be giving a special master class as part of nextMEDIA BANFF called Anatomy of a Successful Web Series, in which she will give delegates an intimate look at the production strategies behind The Guild's huge acclaim and viewership.
As an actor, Day has starred in a number of blockbuster online productions, most notably Joss Whedon's groundbreaking hit Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog. A major success with both critics and fans, Dr. Horrible won numerous awards, including four Streamy Awards and an Emmy Award for Outstanding Short-Format Live-Action Entertainment Programs. Day also recently announced the launch of a new web series, Dragon Age: Redemption, inspired by the Bioware game Dragon Age. Day will produce and star in the new series, set to premier this summer after the release of Dragon Age II.

“Felicia Day’s business achievements are one of the grassroots success stories that make the online space so exciting,” said Ferne Cohen, Executive Director of the Festival. “Not only is she a brilliant actor, she had the production savvy to turn a small, fan-financed project into a major hit with big name partnerships. We look forward to hearing Felicia’s insights in her nextMEDIA master class.”
A part of the Banff World Media Awards, the nextMEDIA Outstanding Online Performance Award recognizes an actor whose work for the web has had exceptional resonance with online audiences. Last year's recipient was Illeana Douglas for her performance on the hit web series, Easy to Assemble.

About The Guild

The Guild is an independent sitcom web series about a group of online gamers. The show started in the late summer of 2007, and for the first season was financed solely by Paypal donations from loyal fans. Since season 2, The Guild has been distributed by Xbox Live and Microsoft and sponsored by Sprint. Episodes vary from 3-8 minutes in length, and follow the Guild members’ lives online and offline. The Guild has won numerous awards, including the SXSW, YouTube and Yahoo Web Series Awards in 2008, and a total of 5 Streamy Awards in 2009 and 2010, including Best Comedy Web Series, Best Ensemble, Best Writing in a Comedy Web Series, Best Directing and Best Actress for Felicia Day. http://www.watchtheguild.com

BBC WORLDWIDE'S JANA BENNETT TO SPEAK AT THE 2011 BANFF WORLD MEDIA FESTIVAL

Toronto, ON (February 8th, 2011) – The Banff World Media Festival announced today that Jana Bennett, the newly-appointed President, Worldwide Networks and Global iPlayer at BBC Worldwide, will deliver a Headline Address as part of the nextMEDIA stream at BANFF 2011. In her new role, Bennett has responsibility for BBC Worldwide's wholly-owned BBC-branded channels as well as the Global iPlayer – part of BBC Worldwide's multi-platform distribution strategy for delivering British television content internationally – which is due to pilot in the first half of 2011.

"We are honoured to welcome Jana Bennett as a headlining speaker at BANFF 2011," said Ferne Cohen, Executive Director of the Festival. "Having shown herself again and again to be a world leader in production and development in both traditional broadcast and online spaces, we are delighted to have Ms. Bennett share her insights and experience as she moves on to the next stage of an already distinguished career."

Before taking on her new position at BBC Worldwide, Bennett was Director of BBC Vision, the largest multi-media production, commissioning and broadcast group of its kind in the world, with overall responsibility for BBC Television and its online services, BBC Films and BBC Productions. During her tenure, BBC Television was responsible for worldwide hits including Strictly Come Dancing, The Apprentice, and Top Gear; dramas ranging from period classics like Cranford to contemporary pieces such as Criminal Justice and Occupation; science fiction in the shape of Torchwood and Doctor Who; and detective series such as Life on Mars, Wallander, and Sherlock. She also placed online at the heart of BBC productions, with record numbers of people coming to Vision's sites and experiencing its short-form content online.

About BBC Worldwide

BBC Worldwide Limited is the main commercial arm and a wholly owned subsidiary of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). The company exists to maximise the value of the BBC’s assets for the benefit of the licence fee payer and invest in public service programming in return for rights. The company has six core businesses: Channels, Content & Production, Sales & Distribution, BBC Magazines, Home Entertainment (including DVD publisher 2 entertain) and Global Brands, with digital ventures incorporated into each business area. In 2009/10, BBC Worldwide generated profits of £145 million (operating profit before specific items) on sales of £1074 million (including Group revenue and the Group’s share of joint-ventures’ revenue).

BBC Worldwide was awarded with the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in April 2009. This prestigious award for International Trade recognised the company’s substantial growth in overseas earnings and its commercial success at outstanding levels, based on three years’ trading results, which benefit the UK creative industries and ultimately the licence fee payer. www.bbcworldwide.com

FUNNY OR DIE'S MIKE FARAH TO LEAD FEATURE PANEL AT THE 2011 BANFF WORLD MEDIA FESTIVAL

Toronto, ON (February 3rd, 2011) – The Banff World Media Festival (BANFF) announced today that Mike Farah, President of Production at comedy website Funny Or Die, and key members of his creative team will deliver a Feature Panel on the future of online comedy at BANFF 2011. Farah and his team will offer an in-depth look at the production strategy behind the phenomenal success of the site, which averages 8 million unique users and over 30 million video views per month.

"In only three years, Funny Or Die has become the destination for comedy fans online, with some of the best content out there," said Ferne Cohen, Executive Director of the Festival. "We are all looking forward to what I'm sure will be a compelling and entertaining panel."

As President of Production, Mike Farah oversees the creative day-to-day operations of the premier comedy site, along with Funny or Die's television and feature projects. With Funny Or Die for over two years, Farah has produced the award-winning video "Prop 8: The Musical," the Ron Howard-directed "Presidential Reunion," and Marion Cotillard's "Forehead Tittaes," among many others. Under Farah's leadership, Funny Or Die's creative team produces over 25 original videos each month. In November 2010, The Hollywood Reporter named Farah one of the top 35 Hollywood executives under 35.

About Funny or Die

Since its inception, three years ago, Funny Or Die has emerged as an award-winning, top destination for comedy on the web. With hundreds of exclusive celebrity videos and a steady stream of huge viral hits, Funny Or Die has become the “place to be seen” for comedic celebrities, and the obvious destination for a daily comedy fix. Funny Or Die’s founders are Will Ferrell, Adam McKay and Chris Henchy. Judd Apatow is also a principal partner in Funny or Die. www.funnyordie.com

BANFF WORLD MEDIA AWARDS ANNOUNCE THE LAUNCH OF THE DAVID SUZUKI GREEN PRODUCER AWARD

Toronto, ON (January 18th, 2010) – The Banff World Media Awards (the Rockies) announced today that the prestigious Green Grand Prize recognizing individual achievement in environmentally-minded production has been renamed the David Suzuki Green Producer Award. A key part of the Banff World Media Awards Green Initiative, the award has been renamed in honour of Dr. David Suzuki, the long-time host of CBC's The Nature of Things and preeminent advocate for global environmental issues.

"Dr. Suzuki's name is synonymous with conscientious environmental activism around the world," said Georges Leclere, Director of the Banff World Media Awards. "And as David was the recipient of the inaugural Green Grand Prize, I cannot think of an individual more suited to symbolize what this award is all about."

Dr. Suzuki expressed his pleasure at participating in the Rockies Green Initiative, stressing the importance of visual media in promoting awareness around environmental issues:

"I did not know I was beginning a career in television in 1962 when I did my first series," Dr. Suzuki began. "It has always been my belief that television is a powerful medium of education on a broad basis. Nothing can be more important today than the state of the planet and the future for all of humanity within the biosphere. Television and the electronic media will play a key role in informing people about the issues that confront them and we must celebrate those programs that best perform that role."

The David Suzuki Green Producer Award will recognize an individual whose extraordinary professional and/or personal achievements have raised public awareness and understanding of scientific and environmental issues through the use of visual media. The winner of the award will be selected by an international Green Jury comprised of broadcast and environmental leaders from around the world. This year, the President of the Green Jury is the Sichuan Television Festival.

THE HUB PRESIDENT AND CEO MARGARET LOESCH TO DELIVER KIDS & ANIMATION KEYNOTE AT BANFF WORLD MEDIA FESTIVAL

Toronto, Canada (January 11, 2011) – The Banff World Media Festival announced today that Margaret Loesch – President and CEO of The Hub television network – will deliver the Kids & Animation Keynote at this year's Festival in June 2011. Ms. Loesch oversees all business and creative areas of the popular family entertainment network, a joint venture between Discovery Communications and Hasbro, Inc. which reaches approximately 61 million U.S. cable and satellite households.

"We are thrilled that Margaret Loesch will be keynoting Kids & Animation at BANFF this year," said Ferne Cohen, Executive Director of the Banff World Media Festival. “Ms. Loesch has spent her impressive career at the forefront of kids’ entertainment and is a key force in shaping the children's television industry. She will undoubtedly bring an invaluable perspective to our delegates at BANFF this June."

The winner of multiple Emmy® Awards and numerous other industry awards, Ms. Loesch has nearly four decades of unparalleled success in all phases of children's and family entertainment. Her extensive resume includes the development and/or production of some of the most iconic programs in children's television, including “Smurfs,” “Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers,” “Jim Henson's Muppet Babies,” “Animaniacs,” “Transformers,” and the award-winning pre-school educational series “Bear in the Big Blue House."

About The Hub
The Hub is a multi-platform joint venture between Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) and Hasbro, Inc., (NASDAQ: HAS) with a goal of entertaining, enlightening, empowering and educating children and their families. The cable and satellite television network features original programming as well as content from Discovery's library of award-winning children's educational programming; from Hasbro's rich portfolio of entertainment and educational properties built during the past 90 years; and from leading third-party producers worldwide. The Hub lineup includes animated and live-action series, specials and game shows, and the network extends its content through a robust and engaging online presence. The Hub rebranded from Discovery Kids on October 10, 2010, and reaches approximately 61 million U.S. households. The online home of The Hub is www.hubworld.com. The Hub logo and name are trademarks of Hub Television Networks, LLC. All rights reserved.

THE BANFF WORLD TELEVISION FESTIVAL BECOMES THE BANFF WORLD MEDIA FESTIVAL IN 2011

Toronto, ON (January 05, 2011) - The Banff World Television Festival announced today that, in keeping with the evolution of the industry, the international event is now the Banff World Media Festival, formally bringing together the renowned television festival with nextMEDIA, one of the world’s premier digital media conferences.

"This is an important step for the Festival, reflecting both the changing landscape of the media content industry, as well as the expanding breadth of delegates we welcome to the Rockies each year,” said Michael Hennessy, Chairman of the Banff World Media Festival Foundation Board of Directors. “As we move forward, the Festival will continue to offer what has made this an indispensible event for over three decades: cutting-edge content, leading industry figures and a spectacular location."

“Nowhere else in the world will media professionals get this kind of experience,” added Ferne Cohen, Executive Director of the Festival. “Along with forward-looking sessions and groundbreaking keynotes, BANFF offers a totally unique atmosphere in which the biggest industry players become remarkably accessible.”

About the Banff World Media Festival Foundation
The mandate of the Banff World Media Festival Foundation is to recognize, develop, celebrate and encourage excellence in media content production within Canada and around the world. This not-for-profit organization owns the Banff World Media Festival, which is produced by Achilles Media Ltd. in conjunction with Foundation's Board of Directors. Funding for the Festival comes from a wide variety of sources in Canada and around the world and includes broadcasters, industry sponsors, public agencies, government, independent producers, and a host of other supporters.

TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX TELEVISION CHAIRS ANNOUNCED AS BANFF KEYNOTES

Chairmen Dana Walden & Gary Newman to deliver a joint presentation at this year's festival

Banff, Alberta (November 24, 2010) -- The Banff World Media Festival is delighted to announce Dana Walden and Gary Newman, Chairmen of Twentieth Century Fox Television (TCFTV), as joint keynote presenters for Banff 2011.

Newman and Walden have led the blockbuster studio since December 1999, and have overseen the development of an impressive roster of hit shows, including current blockbusters GLEE and MODERN FAMILY, as well as THE SIMPSONS, FAMILY GUY, 24, BONES, PRISON BREAK, HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER, BUFFY, THE VAMPIRE SLAYER and THE X-FILES among many others. The pair also oversee Fox21, led by Bert Salke, and Fox Television Studios, led by David Madden, which collectively produce the cable hits SONS OF ANARCHY,BURN NOTICE, THE GLADES and WHITE COLLAR. They currently have the ambitious and eagerly anticipated sci-fi fantasty series TERRA NOVA, from Steven Spielberg, Peter Chernin and Brannon Braga, shooting in Queensland, Australia for a May premiere on Fox.

"We could not be more excited to host Ms. Walden and Mr. Newman at this year's event," says Ferne Cohen, Executive Director of the Festival. "Under their leadership, TCFTV has been setting the industry standard for content creation, and these two gifted executives are known for creating some of the boldest and most innovative programming in the history of the medium. I’m sure all of our delegates will be eager to hear some of the secrets behind their incredible success."

In addition to running TCFTV, Newman and Walden oversee the studio’s enormously successful worldwide Fox Consumer Products division which is charged with extending and exploiting the company’s vast array of entertainment properties as well as premiere titles for Fox Film and Fox Sports in categories such as publishing, videogames, promotions, e-commerce, retail, themed entertainment and consumer products.

In the fall of 2002, they pioneered the now common industry practice of releasing television series on DVD immediately following each broadcast season, a revolutionary idea which helped propel the Fox drama 24 to blockbuster status in its second year on the air. And they’ve maintained the company’s dominance when it comes to prime time animation, with eight series currently in production on new episodes and many more in the development pipeline.

About Twentieth Century Fox
Twentieth Century Fox Television, a division of News Corp., is a leading supplier of entertainment content domestically and around the world. Led by Chairmen Dana Walden and Gary Newman, the studio currently boasts dozens of shows in production from the Emmy and Golden Globe award winning hits Glee and Modern Family to The Simpsons, the longest-running comedy in television history.

HOWIE MANDEL TO BE HONOURED AT BANFF 2011

Veteran Canadian actor will be at BANFF to accept the Award of Distinction

Toronto, Canada (December 15, 2010) - The Banff World Television Festival announced today that Howie Mandel, veteran actor, comedian, author and game show host, will be honoured at BANFF 2011 with the prestigious Award of Distinction. A key part of the Banff World Television Awards, the Award of Distinction recognizes an outstanding Canadian whose body of work has set the standard for excellence in the country's entertainment industry.

"After thirty years in show business, Howie Mandel is a household name in Canada and across the globe," said Ferne Cohen, Executive Director of the Banff World Television Festival. "Mr. Mandel's stellar international success demonstrates the influential role Canadians have in the global entertainment industry, and we're proud to honour his achievements this year at BANFF."

Mandel's versatile career has encompassed virtually all aspects of the entertainment spectrum, including television, film and stage. From his work on the Emmy-Award winning St. Elsewhere, to the international animated children’s series Bobby’s World, Mandel has become a mainstay of the global comedy scene. Mandel recently received an Emmy nomination for "Outstanding Reality/Competition Host" for the hit game show Deal or No Deal, and this summer became a judge on NBC's blockbuster talent competition America's Got Talent. He frequently appears on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno performing his signature hidden-camera bits, and continues to do as many as 200 live performances a year throughout the US and Canada.

Previous Award of Distinction winners include Eric McCormack, Kim Cattrall, Paul Gross, Colm Feore and Paul Haggis.