marblemedia wins two Canadian Screen Awards
MAY 27, 2020 (TORONTO, ON) Announced last night by the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television, marblemedia production teams took home two 2020 Canadian Screen Awards.
Winner - Best Children’s or Youth Non-Fiction Program for the hit series Just Like Mom and Dad
Winner - Best Direction Reality or Competition series – Mike Bickerton, for the hit series Blown Away
marblemedia was recognized with four additional Canadian Screen Award nominations this year;
Nominated – Best Reality or Competition Series – Blown Away
Nominated – Best Children’s or Youth Non-Fiction Program – Super Mighty Makers
Nominated – Best Production Design or Art Direction, Non-Scripted – Blown Away
Nominated - Best Host or Presenter, Factual or Reality/Competition – Just Like Mom and Dad
Congratulations to all the 2020 Canadian Screen Award winners and nominees.
For more Just Like Mom and Dad click here
For more about Blown Away click here
marblemedia has announced season two of All-Round Champion
marblemedia has announced that season two of "All-Round Champion", its premium, unscripted kids and family series, has been greenlit and gone into production. This news comes ahead of the season one premieres of "All-Round Champion" on BYUtv in the US on 19th March and on TVO in Canada on 25th March. The series will also air on Canada’s Knowledge Network this summer.
marblemedia acquired the format rights for a North American version of "All-Round Champion" from Beta Film. It was originally created by NRK in Norway, where, as "Best I Mest", it was hugely successful, winning a Prix Jeunesse as well as an International Emmy Kids Award for Non-Scripted Entertainment.
Matt Hornburg, Marblemedia’s co-CEO and executive producer of "All-Round Champion"comments: “We immediately saw something very special in this format, so are delighted that our partners at BYUtv and TVO Kids agree and have had the confidence to greenlight season two well ahead of the season one premieres. At a time when the world view seems to be that teenagers are glued to their devices this series reveals the passion and dedication that young people can bring to sport and shows just what can be achieved if you try something new.”
Read more here: https://senalnews.com/en/contents/marblemedia-confirmed-season-two-of-all-round-champion
marblemedia appoints Mike Armitage to new factual development role
Development team expanded and refocused to drive unscripted growth
Toronto (January 27, 2021): marblemedia, the award-winning Canadian production company, has expanded its unscripted development team with the appointment of seasoned exec Mike Armitage as its new development producer, factual & factual entertainment. As the company doubles-down on unscripted, existing exec Kelsey Espensen sees her role expanded to become development producer, unscripted entertainment & formats.
Armitage joins from Masterchef Canada and Great Canadian Baking Show prodco Proper Television, where he was director of development responsible for conceiving and creating series such Tougher Than it Looks and Last Stop Garage – both for Discovery – and Under New Management for CBC. He has also worked for Banger and Antica Productions and spent many years at CBC where, from 2006 to 2013, he helped to develop and produce Dragon’s Den, turning it into one of Canada’s most-watched and longest-running shows. While at CBC, Mike also produced Canada’s Next Great Prime Minister and was showrunner on The Big Decision.
Mike is tasked with finding dynamic talent and creating character-led, long-running, returnable factual series to feed marblemedia’s growing production pipeline. He will be working closely with Diane Rankin, executive producer and SVP at sister rights management company Distribution360, to ensure that new projects are developed with an eye toward global buyers’ needs, as well as to address new demand from a wide range of partners in the international marketplace. Armitage reports to co-CEO Matt Hornburg and Diane Rankin.
Kelsey Espensen, led creative development on the sand sculpture series Race Against the Tide for CBC and has a number of original competition series currently in development with broadcasters, sees her remit expanded to drive unscripted entertainment content and formats. Reporting directly to co-CEO and co-founder Matt Hornburg, she is tasked with creating original IP in the competition space and with sourcing global formats for marblemedia to acquire for production.
Bringing Mike on board and expanding Kelsey’s role are critical steps in the execution of marblemedia’s long-term unscripted strategy. The company saw the second season of its hit Netflix Original Blown Away launch worldwide on January 22nd, its version of sports competition format All Round Champion recently completed production on its third season and the sand sculpting format Race Against the Tide will have a launch date confirmed shortly.
“Mike Armitage is a tremendous talent and well-respected development executive with a successful track record for delivering original productions from concept to the screen. We are thrilled to welcome him to the team,” said Matt Hornburg co-CEO at marblemedia. “Expanding our unscripted development team into two distinct areas of original production will serve the needs of our global buyers and further fuel the growth and scalability of our business.”
Mike Armitage adds: “I’ve followed marblemedia’s evolution in recent years and have been impressed with its increasingly strong factual output. Matt and the team are ambitious, with a clear vision, so it’s an exciting time to join the company, both in terms of output and creative reputation. It’s also a tremendous benefit for an independent producer to have such an experienced international executive within the business. I am really looking forward to working closely with Diane in a bid to create some new worldwide factual hits.”
About marblemedia
marblemedia is a leading global entertainment company that develops, produces and distributes compelling TV and interactive digital content for audiences of all ages, across all media platforms.
Trailblazers known for creating entertainment for the whole family through an informative, entertaining and optimistic lens, the company stands on its merits for showcasing diverse and inclusive storytelling. In 2020, marblemedia received several industry accolades including being named a Realscreen Global 100 company and accepted the Canadian Screen Award for Best Children’s or Youth Non-Fiction Program for Just Like Mom and Dad.
Recent hits include the award-winning Netflix Original competition series Blown Away, critically-acclaimed Netflix Original travelogue series Restaurants on the Edge; YesTV, Family Channel and BYUtv’s 2020 award-winning family gameshow Just Like Mom and Dad; scripted teen series Open Heart, co-produced with Epitome Pictures and Nickelodeon; and the high-octane competition series All-Round Champion based on the International Emmy® Kids Award-winning format. marblemedia is also in production on two innovative, interconnected family sitcoms for BYUtv, The Parker Andersons and Amelia Parker.
Founded in 2001 by co-CEOs Mark Bishop and Matt Hornburg with a vision of creativity, partnership and innovation, the company has offices in Toronto, London and L.A., with a 50-acre production facility located 90 minutes north of Toronto. Learn more at marblemedia.com
# # #
For further information, please contact:
Michelle Waldron
+ 44 (0) 7768 568970
marblemedia’s Restaurants on the Edge Gets Netflix Release Date
Toronto (January 22, 2020) - Leading global entertainment producers who created one of TV’s summer blockbuster series, Blown Away, marblemedia, is excited to announce their latest program, Restaurants on the Edge in association with OutEast Entertainment. The original restaurant makeover docuseries will launch its first season on Netflix, streaming to U.S. and International audiences starting February 28, 2020. Netflix Canada will stream season one starting March 14, 2020.
Restaurants on the Edge is a premium lifestyle docuseries that invites viewers into restaurants in some of the world’s most stunning locations: on the edge of the water, on a mountainside, overseeing a white sandy beach, and more. Despite their outstanding views, these eateries haven’t been able to create an experience that lives up to their magnificent view.
Each one-hour episode features a team of three experts who lead the way in restaurant transformations that span 6 countries— an award-winning interior designer, Karin Bohn, and a renowned chef and social media star, Dennis Prescott, and an experienced restaurateur and familiar TV personality, Nick Liberato (who also served as executive producer on the series). In each episode, the experts embark on a journey to not only transform the restaurant, but the owners’ outlooks as well. To do this, they tap into the soul of the restaurant’s surroundings and community, incorporating local tastes, flavors and textures into each restaurant’s remodeling in a way that is uplifting and inspirational.
The first season of Restaurants on the Edge will include six episodes shot in some of the world’s most spectacular locations: Malta, Hong Kong, Tobermory, Costa Rica, Austria and St. Lucia.
About the series, producers say “There’s something very powerful about watching Dennis, Nick and Karin help these restaurant owners achieve their dreams and capitalize on their full potential” shares Matt Hornburg, marblemedia co-CEO and executive producer. “Especially when it’s part of a television show that also incorporates food, design, travel and culture!”
Show creator and Executive Producer Courtney Hazlett adds, "Many people will tune in for the gorgeous destinations and rich stories about food and culture, but what's really riveting about Restaurants on the Edge is just how uplifting and inspirational the series is. This is viewing for all ages that will make you feel good, and want to travel the world."
Restaurants on the Edge is co-produced by marblemedia with executive producers Matt Hornburg and Mark J.W. Bishop, and OutEast Entertainment, with executive producers Courtney Hazlett and Steven Marrs. Produced in association with Blue Ant Media, series producers and directors Rob Brunner and Justin Harding and supervising producer Donna Luke. The first season of Restaurants on the Edge will premiere on Netflix in the U.S. and Internationally on February 28, 2020. Netflix Canada will stream season one starting March 14, 2020.
About marblemedia
marblemedia is an independent, leading global entertainment company headquartered in Toronto, Canada. It develops, produces, and distributes compelling primetime scripted, unscripted, kids and family content both for the domestic market and for a wide range of high-profile platforms and broadcasters around the world. marblemedia’s latest productions include the hit global Netflix competition series Blown Away, the soon to launch All-Round Champion –a celebrity sports competition series for TVO, Knowledge Network Canada and BYUtv in the US, and Landscape Artist of the Year Canada for Blue Ant Media and CBC.
Founded in 2001 by co-CEOs Mark Bishop and Matt Hornburg with a vision of creativity, partnership and innovation, the company has offices in Toronto and London, plus a 50-acre production facility located 90 minutes north of Toronto.
About OutEast Entertainment
OutEast Entertainment is a Los Angeles-based independent development and production company that specializes in marrying ideas, IP, creative talent and unique financing structures in a way that's compelling for both broadcasters and distributors worldwide.
Under the guidance of president/CEO Steven Marrs and EVP, development, Courtney Hazlett, OutEast has developed and produced scripted and non-scripted television, specials and films for a variety of networks and studios, including Netflix, Fox, ABC, DirecTV, 20th Television and eOne.
Follow Restaurants on the Edge on social:
Instagram: @restaurantsontheedge
Facebook: Restaurants on the Edge
Twitter: @RestoOnTheEdge
Press contact:
C2C Communications
info@c2ccommunications.com
marblemedia acquires rights for bestseller The Other Boy, spearheading a major scripted push for 2020
January 13th, 2020: Toronto, Canada. Leading global entertainment producer marblemedia today announces it has acquired the rights to The Other Boy, M.G. Hennessey’s acclaimed, bestselling novel about a transgender boy on the cusp of puberty. This is the first of many exciting announcements for 2020 from the company’s rapidly growing scripted division.
The Other Boy will be developed as a light comedic drama series for family audiences, with author M.G. Hennessey, herself an advocate for the trans community, onboard as a consultant. The book tells the story of 12-year-old Shane Woods as he embarks on a journey of courage and acceptance. To most of the people in his life, he’s just a regular boy…playing baseball, working on his graphic novel, and hanging out with his best friend, Josh. But that’s not the whole story: Shane is transgender and transitioned when he was seven. Ever since moving to Los Angeles, he’s kept that part of himself private, even from his closest friends. But the older he gets, the harder it is to keep that secret, notably when he develops his first crush on Madeline. His mom is very supportive, but his dad thinks it is still just a phase – and the latter’s lack of acceptance may stop Shane from taking the next step in his transition.
Mark Bishop, co-CEO of marblemedia, comments: “2020 is destined to be a milestone year for marblemedia, with a number of exciting and varied scripted projects in the pipeline, joining our extensive output of factual and kids programming. Our rapidly growing scripted slate contains everything from primetime series, including a soon-to-be-announced inspirational social justice drama, to comedies, kids’ adventure series, and a number of strong family viewing titles such as The Other Boy.”
Carrie Paupst Shaughnessy, marblemedia’s VP of scripted, adds: “We are thrilled to have acquired the rights to M.G. Hennessey’s hugely entertaining novel and agree with Jill Soloway, creator of the award-winning series Transparent, who called The Other Boy a gorgeous book… filled with characters who will make you laugh, cry and cheer. Amongst other incredible work, M.G. supports LGBTQ foster children in Los Angeles and helps run a camp for families with transgender children. We are delighted that she will be bringing her expertise to the project, working with us to develop her wonderful story for the screen, and cannot wait to see what reception that this topical tale with its complex yet real characters gets from commissioners.”
For further information:
Michelle Waldron
Beyond the Box michelle@beyond-the-box.tv
+ 44 (0) 7768568970
Robert Laughlin
Director of Marketing and Communications, marblemedia
rlaughlin@marblemedia.com
416.646.2711 x227
marblemedia Announces Launch of Restaurants on the Edge - New Unscripted Series to Launch on Cottage Life
December 2nd 2019: Toronto, Canada – Leading global entertainment producer marblemedia, in association with OutEast Entertainment, is thrilled to announce the launch of its new premium unscripted series, Restaurants on the Edge,which will premiere on Blue Ant Media’s Cottage Life channel in Canada on January 2, 2020 with two back-to-back episodes at 8:00 pm ET/PT and 9:00 pm ET/PT.
Each hour-long episode invites viewers into a new restaurant located in a stunning location—on the edge of an ocean, a mountain, or desert. But despite their outstanding views, these eateries are struggling to create an experience that lives up to their incredible surroundings.
A team of experts lead the way in restaurant transformations that span 10 countries across the 13 episodes: chef Dennis Prescott, designer Karin Bohn and restaurateur Nick Liberato. By tapping into the soul of the restaurant’s surroundings and its community, and by incorporating local tastes, flavours and textures, each expert embarks on a journey to transform not just the restaurant, but the owners’ outlook as well.
“Restaurants on the Edgeis a unique format that combines food, design, travel and culture,” said marblemedia co-CEO and executive producer Matt Hornburg. “We look forward to international audiences falling in love with these incredible stories.”
“There are shows in this space that take a negative or hyper-critical approach to improvements, but Restaurants on the Edgetakes the opposite tack: it’s uplifting, inspirational and positive,” said Courtney Hazlett, executive producer and series creator with OutEast Entertainment. “Language barriers, cultural differences – those melt away when you take an interest in how people live and eat. I hope audiences feel that too.”
“Blue Ant Media enjoyed working with marblemedia on this hugely inspirational and truly international series that stands out from the crowd of restaurant transformation programming,” says Sam Linton, head of original content, Blue Ant Media. “Restaurants on the Edgetakes viewers to the most breathtaking corners of the world, from Slovenia to Hawaii and Muskoka, to name a few. At its heart, it’s an uplifting documentary series that we hope will leave our Cottage Life viewers eager to learn more about local culture, food, and design.”
Featuring breathtaking locations and diverse ways of life, Restaurants on the Edge focuses on creating outstanding restaurant experiences by making connections with local communities and cultures. Co-produced by marblemedia, with executive producers Matt Hornburg and Mark J.W. Bishop, and OutEast Entertainment, with executive producers Courtney Hazlett and Steven Marrs. Produced in association with Blue Ant Media, series producers and directors Rob Brunner and Justin Harding and supervising producer Donna Luke.
For further information:
Michelle Waldron
Beyond the Box
+ 44 (0) 7768568970
Robert Laughlin
Director of Marketing and Communications, marblemedia
rlaughlin@marblemedia.com
416.646.2711 x227
About marblemedia
marblemediais a leading global entertainment company that develops, produces and distributes compelling TV, interactive and digital content for audiences of all ages, across media platforms. With divisions specializing in primetime scripted and unscripted programming complementing its roster of successful kids and family properties, international distribution company Distribution360 and an interactive studio, marblemediais an expert in delivering premium content that meets the needs of an ever-changing media landscape.
Founded in 2001 by co-CEOs Mark Bishop and Matt Hornburg with a vision of creativity, partnership and innovation, the company has offices in Toronto and London, plus a 50-acre production facility located 90 minutes north of Toronto. Learn more at marblemedia.com
About OutEast Entertainment
OutEast Entertainmentis a Los Angeles-based independent development and production company that specializes in marrying ideas, IP, creative talent and unique financing structures in a way that's compelling for both broadcasters and distributors worldwide.
Under the guidance of president/CEO Steven Marrs and EVP, development, Courtney Hazlett, OutEast has developed and produced scripted and non-scripted television, specials and films for a variety of networks and studios, including Netflix, Fox, ABC, DirecTV, 20th Television and eOne.
About Cottage Life
Cottage Life, is a Blue Ant Mediamulti-platform brand, celebrating the people, activities and places that make leisure time special. Exclusive content covers real estate, food, DIY projects and much more. Both informative and entertaining, no one captures the essence of weekend living like this.Tv.cottagelife.com. Follow us on: Twitter/Facebook/Instagram/Pinterest/YouTube
marblemedia Options TV Rights
marblemedia optioned the TV rights to Zoe Whittall’s second novel 'Holding Still for as Long as Possible'!
See more information here: https://www.transatlanticagency.com/2019/09/20/deal-announcement-holding-still-as-long-as-possible-by-zoe-whittall/
Just Like Mom and Dad Joins Family Channel's Fall Lineup
Just Like Mom and Dad joined Family Channel's fall lineup!
See more details here: Family Channel Delivers Family Miracles with New Fall Lineup
Landscape Artist of the Year Canada in Realscreen
Production is underway on Landscape Artist of the Year Canada (4 x 50 minutes), marblemedia, Blue Ant Media and the CBC’s latest collaboration.
Co-produced by the pair, the competition series is based on the format of the same name created by London, U.K.-based Storyvault Films, which was distributed by Banijay Rights and aired on Sky Arts in the U.K. The Canadian adaptation will see professional and amateur artists compete in a variety of landscape challenges to win the title of Landscape Artist of the Year.
Landscape Artist of the Year Canada was first announced by Blue Ant Media this January, alongside docuseries The Bryk Cottage (Saloon Media, 6 x 30 minutes) and Handmade Hotels(Architect Films, 6 x 30 minutes). Production is expected to run through Sept. 30, with the show landing on Blue Ant Media’s DIY-focused channel Makeful in early 2020. The host and judges will be announced closer to the show’s debut.
Matt Hornburg, marblemedia co-founder, co-CEO and exec producer, serves as an exec producer, while Blue Ant Media’s head of original content Sam Linton will produce the series with showrunner Carly Spencer. Spencer’s credits include The Bachelor Canada and Back in Time for Winter.
Landscape Artist of the Year Canada marks marblemedia’s latest collaboration with Blue Ant following the glass-blowing competition series Blown Away (10 x 30 minutes). A copro with Netflix, the series, hosted by former Big Brother and America’s Got Talent contestant Nick Uhas, made its debut on Blue Ant’s Makeful in February, before landing on Netflix this summer.
(By Lauren Malyk, Playback Daily)
See the article here:
http://realscreen.com/2019/09/24/blue-ant-marblemedia-roll-on-landscape-artist-of-the-year-canada/
MARBLEMEDIA ADAPTS INTERNATIONAL EMMY-AWARD WINNING TV SHOW WITH SPORTS CELEBRITIES TO INSPIRE NORTH AMERICA’S NEXT ALL-ROUND CHAMPION
TORONTO, CANADA (August 21, 2019) - marblemedia, an award-winning global media company, is pleased to announce the greenlight of its latest premium, unscripted kids and family series, All-Round Champion for TVO and Knowledge Network in Canada, and BYUtv in the US. The talent-packed series is set to air in early 2020.
All-Round Champion is an 11-episode, 60-minute series that features ten of North America’s most decorated young athletes who compete in the ultimate competition in sports like wakeboarding, gymnastics and skateboarding. The catch? They won’t be competing in their own sports; they’ll be competing in each other’s. Scored on skill, sportsmanship and improvement at the end of the series, one athlete will be crowned the All-Round Champion. Originally created by Norwegian public broadcaster NRK, "Best i mest" saw huge success in Norway, winning an International Emmy Kids Award for Non-Scripted Entertainment, as well as a Prix Jeunesse. marblemedia was granted format rights to create a North American version from Beta Film.
Hosted by Olympian and World Champion Hurdler, Perdita Felicien, this innovative non-elimination serialized format also features a new ‘Sports Star’ in each episode including Laura Wilkinson, known for being one of the most resilient divers in history, Alicia Sacramone Quin, the second-most decorated American gymnast in World Championship history and Darin Shapiro is the first ever to land a Double-flip on a wakeboard. Each of the 10 Sports Stars will coach and encourage the participants to overcome challenges and conquer each of their fears attributed to the sport. They accomplish this through teaching the young athletes not only techniques, but also tips based on their experiences throughout their career.
“This series is not about sports as much as it is about passion, grit and character,” says Matt Hornburg of marblemedia. “We’ve assembled the absolute highest caliber of young athletes in North America from a range of sports and paired them with the world’s top professional athletes. We are setting out to both inspire and challenge them to not only be the best at each new sport, but also be the best towards each other.”
“All-Round Champion will show how sports competition and mentorship helps build resilient, upstanding young citizens,” says Marney Malabar, Director TVOkids. “We are thrilled to bring this inspiring series to the TVOkids audience.”
“The talent, ambition and stories behind the kids and professional athletes featured in ‘All-Round Champion’ will inspire viewers of all ages to keep reaching for their dreams no matter how long the odds,” said Michael Dunn, managing director of BYUtv. “That’s what I call inspiring programming. Which is exactly what we at BYUtv want to provide for families to enjoy together.”
Producers for the series include Matt Hornburg, Mark Bishop and Steve Sloan of marblemedia, alongside Michael Dunn, Andra Johnson Duke, and Jim Bell from BYUtv, and Marney Malabar from TVO.
Blown Away Review in the New York Times
"Finally, a reality contest show about glass blowing. No, really — what took so long?"
Margaret Lyons of the New York Times reviewed Blown Away ahead of it's global Netflix release on Friday. The full review can be found here: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/11/arts/television/how-much-watching-time-do-you-have.html
Architectural Digest published an article about Blown Away talking about the hot shop and both Sheridan College and the Corning Museum of Glass' involvement with the series. The full article can be found here: https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/netflix-reality-show-glassblowers-blown-away
Smithsonian.com talked to resident evaluator Katherine Gray as well as contestants Janusz Poźniak and Deborah Czeresko about the series and history of glass-making. The full article can be found here: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/spectacle-and-drama-netflixs-new-glassblowing-show-will-shatter-your-expectations-180972632/
The Guardian posted a review of the series here: https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2019/jul/12/your-new-reality-tv-addiction-a-show-about-artisanal-glass-blowing
Blown Away Now Streaming Globally on Netflix
Leading global entertainment company, marblemedia, is excited to announce a new, ground-breaking TV competition series now streaming on Netflix!
Blown Away
In this innovative art competition series, a group of 10 highly skilled glassmakers from across North America will go head-to-head in an intense battle, fabricating beautiful works of art to be assessed by a panel of expert judges. In each of the 10x 30-minute episodes, contestants will be eliminated one-by-one until a final artist is crowned “Best in Blow”.
The winner will receive a prize package valued at $60,000 USD, which includes a week-long “Blown Away Residency” at The Corning Museum of Glass. From October 14-18, 2019, the show’s winner will participate in glassmaking demonstrations, open to the public in the Museum’s Amphitheater Hot Shop.
YouTube science influencer Nickpedia and former NBC’s America’s Got Talent contestant, Nick Uhas, hosts the series, alongside resident glass evaluator and overall glass master, Katherine Gray.
Blown Away was filmed in the largest glassblowing studio in North America, designed and built specifically for the scope and scale of the competition. The Craft and Design Glass Studio at Sheridan College in Toronto consulted on the studio design and provided gaffer assistants to the competitors in the first nine episodes.
The series was commissioned by Netflix (global) and Blue Ant Media (Canada). The Corning Museum of Glass in Corning, NY, served as a key consulting partner on the series, and took part in the finale.
BLOWN AWAY contestants include,
Deborah Czeresko – Veteran glass artist based in New York City
Kevin Kiff – California-based glass artist
Benjamin Kikkert – Vancouver-based glass artist
Leah Kudel – Canadian glass artist
Janusz Poźniak – British born, Seattle-based glass artist
Patrick Primeau – Canadian glass artist and glass studio operator
Alexander Rosenberg – Philadelphia-based artist, educator, and writer
Momoko “Momo” Schafer – Recent graduate of MassArt
Annette Sheppard – Former CMoG glass artist and current management consultant
Edgar Valentine – Tacoma-based glass artist
BLOWN AWAY
NOW STREAMING ON NETFLIX
Instagram: @blownawayseries https://www.instagram.com/blownawayseries/
Facebook: @blownawayseries https://www.facebook.com/BlownAwayOfficial/
Twitter: @BlownAwaySeries https://twitter.com/blownawayseries?lang=en
IMAGE CREDIT ABOVE: From left to right: Alexander Rosenberg, Deborah Czeresko, Nick Uhas, Benjamin Kikket, Patrick Primeau, Leah Kudel, Kevin Kiff, Edgar Valentine, Janusz Poźniak, Katherine Gray, Annette Shepard, Momoko “Momo” Schafer. Credit: David Leyes, Courtesy of marblemedia.
Media contact
Charlene Coy
C2C Communications
MARBLEKIDS YOUTUBE CHANNEL CAVCO CERTIFIED FOR CANADIAN CONTENT PARTNERSHIPS
TORONTO, February 25, 2019 - The marblemedia group, an award-winning global media company that develops, produces and distributes premium content worldwide, is open for new content partnerships for its CAVCO-certified YouTube channel, marblekids.
The CAVCO certification affords producers the ability to trigger tax credits and private funds for original Canadian productions, helping to fill a growing void in the local industry. marblekids aims to not only deliver premium, high-quality, Canadian content to global audiences, but to also actively bring more international programs to the channel through acquisitions and co-productions.
The marblekids channel streams content for kids 6-12 from Canadian and International producers. To see the marblekids channel, please visit www.youtube.com/marblekids
SVP International Diane Rankin will oversee content partnerships for the YouTube channel, in addition to her responsibilities managing sales & acquisitions for Distribution360.
For more information please contact Diane Rankin: diane@distribution360.com
marblemedia series Blown Away launches in Canada
First-Ever Glassblowing Competition Series premieres on Makeful February 20, 2019
Leading global entertainment producer marblemedia is thrilled to announce the launch of its anticipated unscripted series Blown Away, premiering February 20, 2019 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on Blue Ant’s Makeful in Canada, and on Netflix later this year.
In this ground-breaking competition series, exceptional glass-blowers are invited into the largest hot shop in North America to push themselves to creative extremes. In each episode the glass-blowers must impress a panel of art experts or risk being eliminated. At stake, a big cash prize and a life-changing career offer.
Hosted by YouTube star Nick Uhas, each episode features a guest expert who joins him to evaluate the various glass works produced by the contestants. World renowned glass artist Katherine Gray is also set to appear in each episode as the resident evaluator.
Additionally, Blown Away has received support from partner The Corning Museum of Glass, which houses the world’s most comprehensive collection of glass, the library of record on glass, and one of the top glassmaking schools in the world. Also providing invaluable support is Sheridan College’s world-famous Faculty of Animation, Art and Design. Glass historian and author of the seminal scholarly account GLASS Virtual, Real, Koen Vanderstukken, is serving as consultant to the series.
Featuring the captivating process of blown glass, where competitors will feel more than the heat from their respective furnaces, Blown Away is a unique series focused on showcasing extraordinary artists working under extreme time constraints to create works that embody their artistic voice. Ron Carroll is Series Producer, Mike Bickerton, Series Director, Donna Luke is Supervising Producer. Collectively, the trio has produced hundreds of hours of award-winning content around the globe.
marblemedia Rolls out Redesign of Newly CAVCO-Certified AVOD Channel marblekids and Debuts its First Original Digital Series, Smashalot!
MIAMI, FLORIDA (February 11, 2019) - The marblemedia group, an award-winning global media company that develops, produces and distributes premium content worldwide, is thrilled to announce the all new CAVCO-certified YouTube channel, marblekids.
As the media landscape continues to evolve and expand, marblemedia is thrilled to be building its direct to consumer experience with marblekids on YouTube. The marblekids channel, which streams content for kids 6-12 from Canadian and International producers, was granted CAVCO certification making it one of only seven YouTube channels certified by CAVCO in Canada and the only channel dedicated exclusively to kids and family content. The new CAVCO certification affords marblemedia the ability to trigger tax credits and private funds for original Canadian productions, helping to fill a growing void in the local industry. marblekids aims to not only deliver premium, high-quality, Canadian content to global audiences, but to also actively bring more international programs to the channel through acquisitions and co-productions.
With the goal of further subscriber growth and greater discoverability, marblekids premieres a stylish redesign to showcase the brand and content in a fun, clickable and kid-relatable way. A new strong, consistent programming strategy: featuring new streams of content every week will drive audience traffic and creates the opportunity to work with more creators within Canada and around the world.
Headlining the relaunch will be the release of marblemedia’s first original digital series, Smashalot!, 12 episodes of castle-crashing mayhem that joins the company’s iconic Splatalot! franchise. Smashalot! offers existing fans a fresh take on the classic franchise by pairing prominent YouTubers and past Splatalot! contestants with heavy machinery and the opportunity to completely obliterate the legendary castle that featured in the original TV show that continues to be broadcast in over 156 territories and in 9 languages, to date.
"With a changing media landscape, we’re always looking for new opportunities to bring great content to kid audiences and marblekids has quietly been building a strong subscriber base over the past couple of years." says Mark Bishop, Co-CEO, marblemedia. “The CAVCO certification allows us opportunities to work in completely new ways with international partners, co-producers and investors , to incubate new ideas, and do things that may not fit on traditional broadcast. Our new digital series Smashalot! is a great example of that. We’re looking forward to connecting with Canadian audiences in a whole new way, with new premium, kids and family-friendly content.”
Working in collaboration with Director of Marketing, Kelsey Aikman, the marblemedia group's, SVP International Diane Rankin will add oversight of the YT channel to her remit, in addition to her responsibilities managing sales & acquisitions for Distribution360.
For more on the marblekids rebrand, visit www.marblekids.com
marblemedia Honoured with a Canadian Screen Award Nomination
TORONTO, February 7, 2019 - Announced earlier today by the Academy of Canadian Cinema and television, marblemedia has received a nomination for the 2019 Canadian Screen Awards in the category of Best Children's or Youth Non-Fiction Series for hit series Just Like Mom and Dad.
About Just Like Mom and Dad:
Shot before a live studio audience, Just Like Mom and Dad is a hilarious and fun-filled game show that celebrates and rewards families for how well they know each other. Each episode features three teams of parent-kid pairs that are all trying to accumulate the most points after three rounds of family fun.
The first two rounds include asking and answering personal questions that puts the family dynamic to the test. A third round features the infamous “Bake Off” and “Taste Test” where the kids whip up a dish (with some surprise ingredients!) they hope their parents will love. The parents must taste these culinary creations and guess which dish was prepared by their child. At the end of all three rounds, the team that has earned the most points gets to spin the Just Like Mom and Dad Prize Wheel!
Just Like Mom and Dad celebrates modern, diverse families and proves how much fun families can have together!
With new twists and surprise questions, Just Like Mom and Dad will be your new family-time favourite.
Tune in every Saturday at 8:00 p.m. EST / 6:00 p.m. MT on YesTV (Canada), Saturdays at 8:0am and 8:30am EST CTV (Canada), and every Monday at 8:00 p.m. EST / 6:00 p.m. MT on BYUtv (USA) – you won’t want to miss it!
About marblemedia
The marblemedia Group is a leading global media company that develops, produces and distributes compelling TV and digital content for audiences of all ages, across its portfolio of businesses: marblemedia, with divisions specializing in kids and family, primetime scripted and premium unscripted programming, and interactive; rights management and monetization company Distribution360 and marblekids, a digital content streamer for kids and families that meets the needs of an ever-changing media landscape.
Founded in 2001 by co-CEOs Mark Bishop and Matt Hornburg with a vision of creativity, partnership and innovation, the company has offices in Toronto and London, plus a 50-acre production facility located 90 minutes north of Toronto. Learn more at marblemedia.com.
Just Like Mom and Dad Premieres on CTV this January
TORONTO, CANADA (January 16, 2019) - marblemedia, a global, award-winning production company committed to delivering premium content, is pleased to confirm that it’s hit family game show Just Like Mom and Dad will now also be available across Canada on CTV. Bell Media, which licensed the format rights to its original series to marblemedia, announced today the first season will air Saturdays at 8 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. ET beginning January 26, 2019 on CTV.
A remake of the Canadian family classic series Just Like Mom, which ran over 600 episodes over five seasons from 1980 to 1985 on CTV, Just Like Mom and Dad is a newly re-imagined kids & family game show that brings back some of the most loved elements of the original series with a number of exciting new additions. Just Like Mom and Dad originally launched on YES TV in Canada and BYUtv in the USA in October 2017, and continues to premiere new episodes weekly, hosted by husband and wife duo Kylee Evans and Sandy Jobin-Bevans.
“We’re very excited to confirm that Just Like Mom and Dad will be returning to where the series began,” says Mark Bishop, Co-CEO, marblemedia. “Originally produced at CTV’s Agincourt studios in Toronto, Just Like Mom and Dad was created to bring back fun, family moments and we’re looking forward to reaching new co-viewing audiences, including parents like me who remember watching the original series with their families on CTV.”
Each episode of Just Like Mom and Dad features three teams of parent-kid pairs that are all trying to accumulate the most points after three rounds of family fun. The first two rounds include asking and answering personal questions that puts the family dynamic to the test. A third round features the infamous “Bake Off” and “Taste Test” where the kids whip up a dish (with some surprise ingredients!) they hope their parents will love. The parents must taste these culinary creations and guess which dish was prepared by their child, and the winners move on to spin the big prize wheel!
Just Like Mom and Dad is available to North American families anywhere, anytime with the newly launched Just Like Mom and Dad Google Home game. Based off the hilarious and fun-filled game show that celebrates and rewards families for how well they know each other, the Just Like Mom and Dad Google Home Action, “Ok Google, talk to Just Like Mom and Dad”, offers fans three play rounds of hands-free family fun that they can enjoy together, at home!
For further information
Emily Marshall
Associate Director, ChizComm Ltd (on behalf of marblemedia)
emarshall@chizcomm.com
(416) 551-0822
MARBLEMEDIA NAMES DONNA LUKE AS NEW VP OF PRODUCTION
TORONTO, CANADA (January 9, 2019) - marblemedia is pleased to announce that it has hired Donna Luke into a new role of Vice President, Production. A seasoned Producer and television executive, Donna brings international production experience and extensive financial and business management background. Her most recent credits include Supervising Producer on the ground breaking marblemedia Series Blown Away, to launch on Netflix and Makeful in Canada later this year.
Donna will be responsible for overseeing productions and business affairs for marblemedia and Distribution 360. Through increased co-productions and international partnerships, marblemedia plans to amplify its production in the year ahead and explore new content and revenue opportunities as media consumption habits continue to evolve.
“As marblemedia expands and increases its premium content offerings, it demands premium talent to execute.” said Mark Bishop, Co-CEO, marblemedia. “With our slate of new projects in development and production, Donna’s experience will lead growth for our production portfolio across all content areas.”
Before joining marblemedia, Donna has had an extensive Television production career Canada and the UK. Donna served as the Supervising Producer and Line Producer on top rated shows including The Bachelorette Canada (W Network), Project Runway (Global), Gemini award-winning Canada's Next Top Model (CityTV), and The Real Housewives of Toronto (Slice). Prior to working in Canada, Donna was the driving force behind the success of BAFTA nominated Edwardian Country House. She also spent 8 years at BBC Television in management positions within news and current affairs, television features, drama series and BBC’s world renowned Natural history unit.
marblemedia is committed to delivering premium content on a worldwide scale and will continue to bolster its footprint across all content areas, including kids, primetime scripted and unscripted.
About marblemedia
marblemedia is a leading global entertainment company that develops, produces and distributes compelling TV, interactive and digital content for audiences of all ages, across media platforms. With divisions specializing in primetime scripted and unscripted programming complementing its roster of successful kids and family properties, international distribution company Distribution360 and an interactive studio, marblemedia is an expert in delivering premium content that meets the needs of an ever-changing media landscape.
Founded in 2001 by co-CEOs Mark Bishop and Matt Hornburg with a vision of creativity, partnership and innovation, the company has offices in Toronto and London, plus a 50-acre production facility located 90 minutes north of Toronto. Learn more at marblemedia.com.
For further information:
Emily Marshall
Associate Director, ChizComm Ltd (on behalf of marblemedia)
emarshall@chizcomm.com
(416) 551-0822
MARBLEMEDIA EXPANDS INTO EMERGING PLATFORMS WITH GOOGLE HOME
TORONTO, CANADA (December 6, 2018) - marblemedia, a global, award-winning production company focused on delivering premium and engaging content, brings family celebrations and bonding opportunities to fans around the world with the launch of the Just Like Mom and Dad voice command game created for Google Home.
Google Home is a voice-activated speaker powered by the Google Assistant that offers real-time voice command actions and capabilities to homes around the world. Family fun is only one sentence away with Just LIke Mom and Dad for Google Home, giving users access to three rounds of friendly competition through one simple voice activation: ‘Hey Google, talk to Just Like Mom and Dad’.
Based off the hilarious and fun-filled game show that celebrates and rewards families for how well they know each other, the Just Like Mom and Dad Google Home Action offers fans three play rounds of hands-free family fun that they can enjoy together, at home! This new addition supports marblemedia’s commitment to innovation and its ongoing strategy to develop more digital interactive content.
“We’re very proud and excited to be launching this new digital extension of the Just Like Mom and Dad brand,” says marblemedia Co-CEO, Mark Bishop. “Just Like Mom and Dad is about bringing families together, and this a new way for us to offer fun, family moments on new, emerging platforms such as Google Home.”
The Just Like Mom and Dad Google Home game, which offers three rounds of competition, including the Freeze Dance Challenge, Personality Quiz, and Trivia Round. At the end of the three rounds, a winner is declared and must face the final, skill-testing riddle. The winners get to ‘spin’ the prize wheel, which gives them the power to re-assign chores or ask for special treats! Tablet and smartphone users can also join in on the excitement with the Just Like Mom and Dad App, an on-the-go mobile destination for family fun!
Continuing to build on series momentum, Just Like Mom and Dad’s Christmas Bash is premiering, a one-hour Christmas special this season, full of holiday-themed questions, a seasonal Bake-Off and of course, presents! Hosted by Canadian actress Kylee Evans and her husband, nine-time Canadian comedy award winner/part-time toy deliverer “Sandy Claus” (Sandy Jobin-Bevans), the special features three amazing parent-kid teams competing in some serious holiday fun.
The Just Like Mom and Dad Holiday Special will premiere on December 10, 2018 at 6:00pm MT on BYUtv in the US and on December 22 at 8:00pm on YES TV in Canada.
For more information about the series, visit JustLikeMomAndDad.com.
About marblemedia
marblemedia is a leading global entertainment company that develops, produces and distributes compelling TV, interactive and digital content for audiences of all ages, across media platforms. With divisions specializing in primetime scripted and unscripted programming complementing its roster of successful kids and family properties, international distribution company Distribution360 and an interactive studio, marblemedia is an expert in delivering winning content that meets the needs of an ever-changing media landscape.
Founded in 2001 by co-CEOs Mark Bishop and Matt Hornburg with a vision of creativity, partnership and innovation, the company has offices in Toronto and London, plus a 50-acre production facility located 90 minutes north of Toronto. Learn more at marblemedia.com.
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For more information, please contact:
Emily Marshall
Associate Director, ChizComm Ltd (on behalf of marblemedia)
416.551.0822
Kelsey Aikman joins marblemedia and Distribution360 as Director of Marketing & Communications
TORONTO, CANADA (November 27, 2018) - marblemedia is pleased to announce the appointment of Kelsey Aikman to the newly created role of Director of Marketing & Communications.
Leading marketing and communications for marblemedia and Distribution360, Kelsey will work with the team to develop strategic brand initiatives, establish new approaches to engaging audiences and implement plans that will continue to drive new business and revenue for marblemedia and D360 across B2B and new B2C initiatives. Focusing marketing and communication efforts towards discoverability, Kelsey will develop and encourage new methods to allow content to stand out and easily found by audiences.
“We’re excited to welcome Kelsey to the team. This new role signals marblemedia’s expanded focus on exploring new brand and revenue opportunities as the media landscape continues to evolve.” Mark Bishop, co-CEO and Executive Producer. “Marketing and communication strategies will play an increasingly significant role in engaging new audiences. Kelsey’s experience and strategic approach will help marblemedia continue to grow and innovate across the business.”
Kelsey brings over 13 years of experience within the entertainment industry in marketing, communications and promotions. Kelsey previously served as Manager of Entertainment and Content Marketing at CBC and Manager of Publicity & Promotions at Entertainment One. She also held roles at Shaftesbury Films and started her career at Paramount Pictures Canada.
marblemedia continues to build its brand and portfolio across all content areas including kids, primetime scripted and unscripted. A slate of new projects are expected to be announced in 2019, including two Netflix Original series. For marblemedia, innovation remains central to the creative process and in delivering new brand solutions.
About marblemedia
marblemedia is a leading global entertainment company that develops, produces and distributes compelling TV, interactive and digital content for audiences of all ages, across media platforms. With divisions specializing in primetime scripted and unscripted programming complementing its roster of successful kids and family properties, international distribution company Distribution360 and an interactive studio, marblemedia is an expert in delivering winning content that meets the needs of an ever-changing media landscape.
Founded in 2001 by co-CEOs Mark Bishop and Matt Hornburg with a vision of creativity, partnership and innovation, the company has offices in Toronto and London, plus a 50-acre production facility located 90 minutes north of Toronto. Learn more at marblemedia.com.
For further information:
Emily Marshall
Associate Manager, ChizComm Ltd (on behalf of marblemedia)
emarshall@chizcomm.com
(416) 551-0822