THE BRIDGE: 1×04: The Unguarded Moment, Airs Saturday, July 24, 8:00-9:00pm

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THE BRIDGE: CBS Sneak Peek video

Below is the CBS Promo for the premiere of THE BRIDGE.
The Bridge premieres on CBS on Saturday July 10th, 2010 (8:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT)

Video Description: When dedicated street cop Frank Leo (Aaron Douglas) learns that there will be no police funeral for his fallen training officer and that his fellow officers are being railroaded for using excessive force, he stages a walkout. Motivated by the pressure of “the brass” who want to bring him down, Frank becomes the head of the police union and fights to bring more protection to the cops on the street; however, unbeknownst to Frank, another fellow officer is involved in a series of drug-deal rip-offs, on the two-hour series premiere of THE BRIDGE

Airs: Saturday, July 10th, 2010 (8pm-10pm, ET/PT) on CBS.

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THE BRIDGE: 1×03: The Fat Lady Sings the Blues, Airs Saturday, July 17, 8:00-9:00pm

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THE BRIDGE: 1×01: Red Door / 1×02: Paint It Black, Premieres Saturday, July 10, 8:00-10:00pm

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THE BRIDGE: ‘Bridge’ star Ona Grauer would hang with Abby

‘Bridge’ star Ona Grauer would hang with Abby
Interviewee: Ona Grauer
By: Tyrone Warner
Date: June 11, 2010
Source: CTV

 

Note: This is an interview with ONA GRAUER who plays Abby St. James on THE BRIDGE.

 

For this Canadian actress, she has a good way to define her favourite characters.

Ona Grauer plays lawyer Abby St. James on the CTV original production, “The Bridge.”

During an interview with CTV.ca, Grauer says that if she could, she would hang out with her on-screen persona.

“I always say my favourite characters are the one’s I’d like to be friends with, and I would totally hang with her! She’s strong, she’s determined, she’s successful, she’ savvy, she’s smart,” says Grauer, who admits she always secretly wanted to go into the practice.

“If I wasn’t in acting, I’d love to be in law. Just the thought of eight years of schooling was not for me.”

“The Bridge” stars “Battlestar Galactica” alumni Aaron Douglas, who plays the street cop turned police union boss Frank Leo. Grauer’s character Abby is the lead council for the police union, while also having a secret relationship with Frank on the side.

Grauer, who was born in Mexico City, Mexico, and moved to British Columbia as a child, has appeared in a number of films, including “House of the Dead” and “Deep Evil,” while also appearing on the series “Stargate,” “Sliders” and “Smallville.”

Because of the tight-knit community of actors in Vancouver, Grauer figured it was only time before she would work with sci-fi vet Douglas.

“We have lots of mutual friends in Vancouver, but we had never met, and we had never worked together. So I think when I was testing for the show, afterwards I think we were both calling all our friends and asking ‘What’s he like? What’s she like?'” says Gauer, who adds they have a mutual friend in “Battlestar Galactica” actor Tahmoh Penikett.

“Flashpoint” fans may also remember Grauer from the episode, “The Fortress,” where she played a Russian nanny named Irina Kazkov. The actress remembers filming the episode during a particularly cold spell in January — and as a Vancouverite, wasn’t prepared for the chill.

“It was minus thirty, and I went for a wardrobe fitting, and they gave me a goose-down parka and told me whatever I brought from Vancouver was not enough! They said, take this coat, you’re going to need it!”

Grauer says she still keeps in touch with her “Flashpoint” co-stars, and says she goes out to dinner occasionally with David Paetkau and Michael Cram.

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THE BRIDGE: 1×01: Red Door, Premieres Saturday, July 10, 8:00-9:00pm

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twitter: theaarondouglas (The Bridge – no word on a S2)

CTV put out a press release today about how they are “Canada’s most-watched network for the ninth straight year”. In part of the article it reads…..

CTV’s leadership in Canadian programming remains unparalleled, ending the season with:
• the most-watched Canadian drama, FLASHPOINT (1.5 million viewers);
• the #1 new Canadian drama, THE BRIDGE (1 million viewers);
• the #1 new comedy programs (Canadian or American) of the year, HICCUPS (972,000) and DAN FOR MAYOR (913,000);
• the #1 Canadian entertainment program, ETALK (467,000 viewers, leading ET CANADA by 15%);
• the #1 local newscast, CTV EVENING NEWS (1.6 million viewers);
• and the #1 national newscast, CTV NATIONAL NEWS WITH LLOYD ROBERTSON (1.23 million viewers, leading GLOBAL NATIONAL by 20%).

Source: CTV Press Release

They are boasting that The Bridge is the #1 new Canadian drama yet it hasn’t been renewed for a season 2 yet?!?!?

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THE BRIDGE: CBS Press Release (May 25, 2010)

“The Bridge,” A new police drama, Premieres Saturday, July 10, 8:00-9:00 pm

Date: May 25, 2010
Source: CBS Media Releases

 

THE BRIDGE, a new drama about a tough and dedicated police officer who is voted to become the police union’s dynamic leader, premieres Saturday, July 10 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

The series, based on the insights of veteran insider and outspoken former Toronto police union head Craig Bromell, chronicles a charismatic union leader who is working parallel campaigns in a big city police force—battling criminals on the street and fighting his own bosses, and sometimes corruption in the ranks, to protect his fellow officers.

THE BRIDGE stars Aaron Douglas (“Battlestar Galactica,” “Smallville”), Paul Popowich (“Angela’s Eyes”), Frank Cassini (“Vice”), Theresa Joy (“All the Good Ones are Married”), Ona Grauer (“Stargate SG-1”) and Michael Murphy (“X-Men: The Last Stand”).

THE BRIDGE is produced by E1 Entertainment, 990 Multi Media Entertainment Company and Jonsworth Productions in association with CTV and CBS Television Studios. Craig Bromell, Adam J. Shully, Laszlo Barna, Alan Di Fiore and Robert Wertheimer are executive producers.

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THE BRIDGE – 1×13: Chain of Fools (May 21, 2010) Episode Details

Air Date: Friday, May 21st, 2010 @ 10pm on CTV (Canada)
Written By: Alan Di Fiore
Director: John Fawcett
Production Number: 113


Episode Trailer:


Episode Synopsis (short):
Frank and the other close members of his team are brutally attacked in a burst of seemingly random acts of violence.

Episode Synopsis (long):
Frank and his team find themselves mysteriously under siege by a team of faceless attackers. Frank quickly sets up a war room at Rabbi’s bar to keep his friends safe, and devises a plan to strike back. After a life and death car chase, Frank must decide who to trust – the Chief, the Mayor, or the Russian Mob boss whose son Frank put in prison. Ultimately, Frank realizes that the enemies coming after him are part of a much wider, more deadly conspiracy, and he makes a deal with the devil to bring them down.

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THE BRIDGE: CTV Press Release (May 20, 2010)

Frank Risks It All During the Heart-Pounding Season Finale of THE BRIDGE, May 21 on CTV

Date: May 20, 2010
Source: CTV Media Releases

 

– Averaging more than one million viewers each week, THE BRIDGE is the #1 new Canadian drama of the season –
– Finale also follows the season finales of GHOST WHISPERER and MEDIUM –

“In performance and production, THE BRIDGE is very slick.” – Sun Media

 

Toronto, ON (May 20, 2010) – The #1 new Canadian drama of the year locks things up in the season finale of THE BRIDGE this Friday, May 21 at 10 p.m. ET on CTV following the season finales of GHOST WHISPERER at 8 p.m. ET and MEDIUM at 9 p.m. ET. With union leader Frank Leo (Aaron Douglas) and his team under siege by mysterious attackers, he ultimately decides to do whatever it takes to bring them down and protect those around him. The season finale guest stars well-known Canadian actress Wendy Crewson (24) as Mayor Kennedy.

Before the finale, viewers can catch up with previous episodes of THE BRIDGE on the CTV Video Player at CTV.ca. The full season of THE BRIDGE will also be available on the CTV Video Player through the summer.

After premiering just following the conclusion of the 2010 Winter Games, THE BRIDGE quickly became a fan favourite, making it the #1 new Canadian drama of the season. With an average audience of more than one million viewers since its series premiere (1.01 million), THE BRIDGE consistently wins its 10 p.m. timeslot Friday night on CTV. THE BRIDGE has also found an online audience with almost 350,000 video views each month.

In the season finale, entitled “Chain of Fools” (Friday, May 21 at 10 p.m. ET), Frank (Aaron Douglas) and his team find themselves mysteriously under siege by a team of faceless attackers, leading Frank to quickly set up a war room at Rabbi’s bar to keep his friends safe. After devising a plan to strike back, and a life and death car chase, Frank must decide who to trust – the Chief (Michael Murphy), the Mayor (guest star Wendy Crewson), or the Russian Mob boss whose son Frank put in prison. Ultimately, Frank realizes that the enemies coming after him are part of a much wider, more deadly conspiracy, and he makes a deal with the devil to bring them down. The episode culminates in an unforgettable sequence between Frank Leo and unknown assailants, which is inspired by Steve McQueen’s famous car chase in the 1968 feature film Bullitt.

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THE BRIDGE – 1×12: Voices Carry (May 14, 2010) Episode Details

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THE BRIDGE – 1×11: The Blame Game (May 7, 2010) Episode Details

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THE BRIDGE – 1×10: Never Let Me Down Again (April 30, 2010) Episode Details

Air Date: Friday, April 30th, 2010 @ 10pm on CTV (Canada)
Written By: Dannis Koromilas
Director: John Fawcett
Production Number: 109


Episode Trailer:


Episode Synopsis (short):
Frank has to deal with an explosive situation between two cops when one of them abandons the other in a dangerous ambush.

Episode Synopsis (long):
When a beat cop fails to follow his partner after some hoodlums, his partner is ambushed and beaten. Soon questions arise and accusations fly that the cop has lost his nerve to perform his duties. Because the cop once saved Frank’s life, Frank gives him the benefit of the doubt. But when the cop deliberately jeopardizes Frank’s life, Frank must let the brotherhood of cops serve out a harsh retribution.


OPENING CREDITS:

Starring Aaron Douglas
Paul Popowich
Ona Grauer
And Michael Murphy
Frank Cassini
Inga Cadranel
Theresa Joy
Mark Camacho
John Cassini
Mike Dopud
Jefferson Brown

Music Composed by ….. Steve D’Angelo, Trevor Morris & Terry Tompkins
Opening Title Song by ….. The Black Keys “I Got Mine”
Editor ….. Jeff Warren
Production Designer ….. Oleg Savytski
Director of Photography ….. Thom Best, C.S.C.
Concept Developed by ….. Dannis Koromilas
Creative Consultant ….. Graeme Manson
Story Editor ….. Dannis Koromilas
Story Editor ….. John McFetridge
Consulting Producer ….. Tracey Forbes
Creative Producer ….. John Fawcett
Co-Executive Producer ….. Peter Mohan
Created by ….. Alan DiFiore
Producer ….. Wendy Grean
Executive Producer ….. Alan Di Fiore
Executive Producer ….. Robert Wertheimer
Executive Producer ….. Adam J. Shully
Produced By ….. Adam J. Shully
Written By ….. Dannis Koromilas
Directed By ….. John Fawcett


CLOSING CREDITS:

FRANK LEO ….. Aaron Douglas
TOMMY DUNN ….. Paul Popowich
ABBY ST. JAMES ….. Ona Grauer
BERNIE KANTOR ….. Frank Cassini
BILLY ….. Theresa Joy
ED WYCOFF ….. Michael Murphy
JILL ….. Inga Cadranel
LEE ….. Mark Camacho
MAX RYTELL ….. John Cassini
DALE PARTAK ….. Mike Dopud
LES HEDFORD ….. Jefferson Brown
ROACH ….. Craig Stickland
RUIZ ….. Carlos Gonzalez-Vio
DANIELS ….. Rainbow Sun Francks
HOMELESS WOMAN ….. Geny Walters
VERA ….. Natalie Urquhart
DONUT ….. Marcel Stewart
TOW TRUCK DRIVER ….. B. J. McQueen
JILES ….. Mackenzie Gray
EDDY GRAY ….. Christopher Sawchyn

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THE BRIDGE – 1×09: Painted Ladies (April 23, 2010) Episode Details

Air Date: Friday, April 23rd, 2010 @ 10pm on CTV (Canada)
Written By: John McFetridge
Director: Helen Shaver
Production Number: 108


Episode Trailer:


Episode Synopsis (short):
Answering a call for “officer down,” Frank discovers the victim is not a cop but a prostitute dressed as a cop. Investigating further Frank uncovers an escort ring run by a ruthless vice cop, and must use someone else’s deadly agenda against him.

Episode Synopsis (long):
Answering a call for “officer down,” Frank discovers the victim is not a cop but a prostitute dressed as a cop. Investigating further, Frank uncovers an escort ring run by a ruthless vice cop. With the help of Russian detective Alex Volkolev, Frank works outside the system to shut down the corrupt vice cop, while Tommy takes a personal interest in one of the Russian prostitutes. But when everything else fails, Frank realizes there’s only one way to bring down the corrupt vice cop – use someone else’s deadly agenda against him.


OPENING CREDITS:

Starring Aaron Douglas
Paul Popowich
Ona Grauer
And Michael Murphy
Frank Cassini
Inga Cadranel
Genadijs Dolganovs
Theresa Joy
Michael Teigen
Al Sapienza
John Cassini

Music Composed by ….. Steve D’Angelo, Trevor Morris & Terry Tompkins
Opening Title Song by ….. The Black Keys “I Got Mine”
Editor ….. Christopher Donaldson
Production Designer ….. Oleg Savytski
Director of Photography ….. Thom Best, C.S.C.
Concept Developed by ….. Dannis Koromilas
Creative Consultant ….. Graeme Manson
Story Editor ….. Dannis Koromilas
Story Editor ….. John McFetridge
Consulting Producer ….. Tracey Forbes
Creative Producer ….. John Fawcett
Co-Executive Producer ….. Peter Mohan
Created by ….. Alan DiFiore
Producer ….. Wendy Grean
Executive Producer ….. Alan Di Fiore
Executive Producer ….. Robert Wertheimer
Executive Producer ….. Adam J. Shully
Produced By ….. Adam J. Shully
Written By ….. John McFetridge
Directed By ….. Helen Shaver


CLOSING CREDITS:

FRANK LEO ….. Aaron Douglas
TOMMY DUNN ….. Paul Popowich
ABBY ST. JAMES ….. Ona Grauer
BERNIE KANTOR ….. Frank Cassini
BILLY ….. Theresa Joy
ED WYCOFF ….. Michael Murphy
JILL ….. Inga Cadranel
ALEX ….. Genadijs Dolganovs
IRIS ….. Miranda Edwards
CARRILLO ….. Kevin Hare
YURI BABCHENKO ….. Lubomir Mykytiuk
DUFF MATTHEWS ….. Michael Teigen
RAISA ….. Inna Ivanova
UNIFORM COP #1 ….. Matt McDonald
CROFT ….. Al Sapienza
LARISSA ….. Rayisa Kondracki
KEN ….. Sterling Jarvis
TANYA ….. Jelena Zivanovic
MAX RYTELL ….. John Cassini

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THE BRIDGE – 1×08: Brown Sugar (April 16, 2010) Episode Details

Air Date: Friday, April 16th, 2010 @ 10pm on CTV (Canada)
Written By: Alan Di Fiore
Director: John Fawcett
Production Number: 107


Episode Trailer:


Episode Synopsis (short):
Frank attempts to solve the murder of an undercover cop whose identity must be kept a secret.

Episode Synopsis (long):
Billy is working with the gang squad when a female undercover agent is mysteriously murdered. When the two gang squad cops handling the investigation insist that Billy keep the undercover agent’s identity a secret, Billy refuses to lie unless Frank is brought in for backup. To solve the homicide, Frank must first discover the true identity of the undercover agent. Using a gang leader, Frank steadily unravels the truth, which leads to a shocking revelation. At the same time, Billy’s string of bad luck continues as she shoots down a robber in a bank heist – her second death in two months.


OPENING CREDITS:

Starring Aaron Douglas
Paul Popowich
Ona Grauer
And Michael Murphy
Frank Cassini
Inga Cadranel
Theresa Joy
Shaun Shetty
Daniel Bacon
Greg Bryk

Music Composed by ….. Steve D’Angelo, Trevor Morris & Terry Tompkins
Opening Title Song by ….. The Black Keys “I Got Mine”
Editor ….. Jeff Warren
Production Designer ….. Oleg Savytski
Director of Photography ….. Thom Best, C.S.C.
Concept Developed by ….. Dannis Koromilas
Creative Consultant ….. Graeme Manson
Story Editor ….. Dannis Koromilas
Story Editor ….. John McFetridge
Consulting Producer ….. Tracey Forbes
Creative Producer ….. John Fawcett
Co-Executive Producer ….. Peter Mohan
Created by ….. Alan DiFiore
Producer ….. Wendy Grean
Executive Producer ….. Alan Di Fiore
Executive Producer ….. Robert Wertheimer
Executive Producer ….. Adam J. Shully
Produced By ….. Adam J. Shully
Written By ….. Alan Di Fiore
Directed By ….. John Fawcett


CLOSING CREDITS:

FRANK LEO ….. Aaron Douglas
TOMMY DUNN ….. Paul Popowich
ABBY ST. JAMES ….. Ona Grauer
BERNIE KANTOR ….. Frank Cassini
BILLY ….. Theresa Joy
ED WYCOFF ….. Michael Murphy
JILL ….. Inga Cadranel
MANI ….. Shaun Shetty
JINDER ….. Andrew Persaud
SUKI ….. Dharini Wollcombe
DAVE SILVA ….. Daniel Bacon
DOM FURILLO ….. Greg Bryk
YOUNG COP ….. Scott Yamamura

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THE BRIDGE: Writing is the draw for ‘Bridge’ star Michael Murphy

Writing is the draw for ‘Bridge’ star Michael Murphy
Interviewee: Michael Murphy
By: Tyrone Warner
Date: April 16, 2010
Source: CTV

 

Note: This is an interview with MICHAEL MURPHY who plays Ed Wycoff, the chief of police on THE BRIDGE.

 

With over 100 productions to his credit, this actor is no stranger to TV.

Michael Murphy, who played the title role in the Robert Altman directed series “Tanner ’88,” is Chief Ed Wycoff on the new CTV drama “The Bridge.”

The actor has also appeared in “X-Men: The Last Stand,” “Away from Her,” “Child Star” and “Manhattan.”

Following his move to Canada, in 2004 and 2005 Murphy won two Best Supporting Actor Gemini awards for his work on “This is Wonderland.”

Born in Los Angeles, Murphy says he’s long enjoyed working up north, particularly in Toronto on production of “The Bridge.”

“I love working up here. We move around, there doesn’t seem to be any problems. The city is one of the stars,” Murphy tells CTV.ca.

“I’ve always liked the idea of a police thing; I’ve always wanted to do one like this, which is on the street and there’s a lot of action. Even though I wasn’t going to be on the street, I could still see that this was going to be an interesting character. I’ve been very lucky since I’ve come to Canada, I’ve dealt with the very best writers I’ve ever dealt with.”

“The Bridge” is a new CTV series which goes deep into the world of law enforcement, and the charismatic union boss, Frank Leo, played by Aaron Douglas. The controversial former Toronto police union leader Craig Bromell serves as Executive Producer on the series.

Speaking about Bromell, Murphy says “He has the experience, and he knows what he’s talking about, and ensure that this show has a real feel and look.”

Ed is continually working out deals with Frank, in locations like parking garages and lakeside lots, sometimes coming out on top, sometimes getting a raw deal from Frank. In a sense, Ed is more of a political animal, cowing to pressures from city hall instead of supporting cops on the street.

“It’s a very interesting relationship between Ed and Frank. I don’t know what the writers are going to do with my character,” says Murphy.

“We meet constantly in this out of the way places and cut deals. I don’t know how long that can go on.”

“The Bridge” stars Ona Grauer, Paul Popowich, Theresa Joy, Frank Cassini, Inga Cadranel and Stuart Margolin. Adam J. Shully, Laszlo Barna and Alan Di Fiore also serve as Executive Producers.

“The Bridge” airs Friday nights on CTV, with full episodes available online at CTV.ca.

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THE BRIDGE – 1×07: God Bless the Child (April 9, 2010) Episode Details

Air Date: Friday, April 9th, 2010 @ 10pm on CTV (Canada)
Written By: Peter Mohan
Director: Holly Dale
Production Number: 104


CTV Episode Trailer:


CTV Episode Synopsis (short):
When simultaneous kidnappings occur in rich and poor neighborhoods, Frank must fight the powers at city hall and the police department to get equal resources and attention for both cases.

CTV Episode Synopsis (long):
When two kidnappings happen on the same morning, all available resources are sent to the aid of only one: the home of a wealthy and powerful surgeon. The other victim, a child from the projects, has just two rookie cops searching for him. Unable to get justice served at the political level, Frank assembles a team of his off-duty cops to help find the less privileged child. As both situations count down to potential disaster, it’s up to Frank and his team to pull out two wins in two very different worlds.


OPENING CREDITS:

Starring Aaron Douglas
Paul Popowich
Ona Grauer
And Michael Murphy
Frank Cassini
Inga Cadranel
Genadijs Dolganovs
Theresa Joy
Kevin Duhaney
Aaron Ashmore

Creative Team (after the Main Title):
Music Composed by ….. Steve D’Angelo, Trevor Morris & Terry Tompkins
Opening Title Song by ….. The Black Keys “I Got Mine”
Editor ….. Christopher Donaldson
Production Designer ….. Oleg Savytski
Director of Photography ….. Thom Best, C.S.C.
Concept Developed by ….. Dannis Koromilas
Creative Consultant ….. Graeme Manson
Story Editor ….. Dannis Koromilas
Story Editor ….. John McFetridge
Consulting Producer ….. Tracey Forbes
Creative Producer ….. John Fawcett
Co-Executive Producer ….. Peter Mohan
Created by ….. Alan DiFiore
Producer ….. Wendy Grean
Executive Producer ….. Alan Di Fiore
Executive Producer ….. Robert Wertheimer
Executive Producer ….. Adam J. Shully
Produced By ….. Adam J. Shully
Written By ….. Peter Mohan
Directed By ….. Holly Dale


CLOSING CREDITS:

FRANK LEO ….. Aaron Douglas
TOMMY DUNN ….. Paul Popowich
ABBY ST. JAMES ….. Ona Grauer
BERNIE KANTOR ….. Frank Cassini
BILLY ….. Theresa Joy
ED WYCOFF ….. Michael Murphy
JILL ….. Inga Cadranel
ALEX ….. Genadijs Dolganovs
EDDY ….. Gage Munro
JOHN SMOOT ….. Craig Eldridge
DR. LI ….. Mung-Ling Tsui
KIDNAPPER #1 ….. Tig Fong
BEN ….. Aaron Asmore
WES ….. Kevin Duhaney
ANGRY WOMAN #1 ….. Andy Fraser
ANGRY MAN#1 ….. Dennis James
CAMILA ….. Michelle Arvizu
DR LI’S BROTHER ….. George Chiang
RON ARCHAMBAULT ….. Adama Butcher
KIDNAPPER #2 ….. Allen Keng
DETECTIVE #1 ….. Tim O’Halloran
DETECTIVE #2 ….. Dom Fiore
ANGRY WOMAN #2 ….. Jemeni
ANGRY MAN#2 ….. Ian Jutsun

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THE BRIDGE: E1 Entertainment Adds France to Global Distribution Network

E1 Entertainment Adds France to Global Distribution Network
Date: April 8, 2010
Source: E1 Entertainment

 

– First releases scheduled for July 2010 –

TORONTO – E1 Entertainment (E1), one of the world’s premiere independent entertainment distributors, is adding another major market to its territory list, expanding its international operations to France. With the move, E1 grows its strong presence in Europe and positions itself for growth in the French market and internationally.

“E1’s global success has been directly tied to our ability to develop and service a global distribution network,” said Patrice Theroux, President, Filmed Entertainment at E1. “We’re thrilled to be bringing the E1 brand to France, enhancing our robust distribution operations in Europe and leveraging our expanded network to position us for further growth internationally.”

E1’s strong programming acquisition strategy has created a powerful international distribution division and the company is proactively expanding its extensive library of international titles, including actively acquiring rights for the countries in its distribution network. The company’s ongoing investment in production and rights acquisition across the film, children’s and TV drama genres has fueled its expansion, allowing E1 to maximize revenue generating opportunities while minimizing risk.

E1 has acquired several films for distribution in France including the French-Canadian thriller, “7 Days” (Les 7 jours du talion); “Dorian Gray” starring Colin Firth and Ben Barnes; “Love Ranch” featuring Helen Mirren, Joe Pesci and Brian Cranston, and “$5 a Day” starring Christopher Walken and Sharon Stone. Television titles to be released soon on DVD include E1’s own productions CBS show “The Bridge”, ABC series “Copper” and Syfy series “Haven.”

“The initial list of titles for release in France is an excellent snap-shot of the quality programming available through our extensive film, TV and children offering,” said Theroux. “In France, we will offer content through numerous channels with E1 International Television overseeing sales to international digital outlets and local television networks and E1-branded DVD titles being released through Aventi Distribution. This approach, like the one we recently announced in Australia and New Zealand, allows us to acquire rights on a larger scale and distribute across multiple formats including DVD, TV and digital into an expanded list of territories.”

Since its formation in 2003, Aventi Distribution has grown rapidly to become a major independent distributor of home entertainment content in France. Aventi manages the exclusive distribution of approximately 3,000 titles and has successfully built strong relationships with independent publishers and its customers.

Aventi exclusively distributes the catalogues of key entertainment enterprises such as BAC Films, M6 Video (SND), Opening, CTV etc. With sales team of 15, the company has more than 3,000 live customer accounts that include Auchan, Carrefour, Casino, Fnac, Leclerc, Media Saturn, Virgin and Amazon.

Richard Lechartier of Aventi stated: “I am delighted that Aventi will be the E1’s home entertainment distribution partner in France. In recent years E1 has been acquiring some major titles, not only becoming a key player the home entertainment category, but in the overall global filmed entertainment industry. The team and I are very excited about bringing E1’s exciting catalogue to the French market and we look forward to developing a lasting and successful relationship.”

 

Note: This story also appeared in The Hollywood Reporter.

 

E1 Entertainment advances into France
TV, digital content and DVD titles to be distributed
By: Etan Vlessing
Date: April 8th, 2010
Source: The Hollywood Reporter

 

TORONTO — Canadian distributor E1 Entertainment has opened a beachhead in France by signing Aventi Distribution to release its DVD titles, while its E1 International Television unit will market TV and digital content locally.

The move, following a similar expansion in Australia and New Zealand, comes as E1 and Canadian rival Alliance Films look beyond a mature home market to Europe to build out a multi-territory distribution network (HR, Feb. 23).

E1 already has distribution units in the U.K. and the Benelux.

The first E1 releases into France, starting in July 2010, include the Canadian French-language thriller “Les 7 jours du talion,” “Dorian Gray,” starring Colin Firth and Ben Barnes, “Love Ranch,” featuring Helen Mirren, Joe Pesci and Brian Cranston, and “$5 a Day,” with Christopher Walken and Sharon Stone.

DVD titles from E1 Entertainment’s TV slate bound for France include the CTV cop drama “The Bridge”, also picked up by CBS, the upcoming summer Global/ABC cop drama “Rookie Blue” and Syfy’s “Haven.”

 

Note: This story also appeared in Variety.

 

Canada’s E1 expands into France
It will distribute pics and TV shows for home entertainment
By: Brendan Kelly
Date: April 9th, 2010
Source: Variety

 

MONTREAL — Hot on the heels of the announcement earlier this week that it is entering the U.S. theatrical market, Canuck film company E1 Entertainment is expanding into the home entertainment market in France.

Toronto-based E1 has acquired several pics for distribution including French-language Canuck thriller “7 Days,” “Dorian Gray” toplining Colin Firth, “Love Ranch” (the company’s first U.S. release) with Helen Mirren and Joe Pesci, and “$5 a Day” starring Christopher Walken and Sharon Stone. TV shows to be released on DVD include E1 production “The Bridge” (on CBS in the U.S.), ABC series “Copper” and Syfy series “Haven.”

“The initial list of titles for release in France is an excellent snap-shot of the quality programming available through our extensive film, TV and children offering,” E1 prexy of filmed entertainment Patrice Theroux said on Thursday. “In France, we will offer content through numerous channels with E1 Intl. Television overseeing sales to international digital outlets and local TV networks and E1-branded DVDs being released through Aventi Distribution.”

Aventi exclusively distributes the catalogs of a number of companies, including BAC Films, M6 Video, Opening and CTV.

The move into France greatly expands E1’s reach in Europe. It already distributes in all media, including theatrical, in the U.K. via its subsidiary E1 U.K., and it also distributes in Holland, Belgium and Luxembourg via E1 Benelux, a company it formed after buying the Amsterdam-based distributor RVC.

It has also moved into the distribution biz in Australia and New Zealand, where it is releasing titles in conjunction with Beyond Home Entertainment.

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THE BRIDGE: Aaron Ashmore guest stars on ‘The Bridge’

Aaron Ashmore guest stars on ‘The Bridge’
Interviewee: Aaron Ashmore
By: Tyrone Warner
Date: April 8, 2010
Source: CTV

 

Note: This is an interview with AARON ASHMORE who plays Ben in episode 1×07: God Bless The Child of THE BRIDGE.

 

The Canadian star known for playing Jimmy Olsen on “Smallville” is set for an appearance on CTV’s gritty crime drama.

Ashmore plays a rookie cop named George in the new episode of “The Bridge” entitled “God Bless the Child,” where a kidnapping occurs in one rich neighborhood and one poor neighborhood.

“The Bridge” stars Aaron Douglas as police union boss Frank Leo, a controversial leader who is constantly at odds with the brass. The series, shot on location in Toronto, airs Friday nights on CTV.

Ashmore, whose twin brother Shawn has appeared in the “X-Men” movies, appreciates the break from his regular gig to take on a more mature role.

“I’m looking to play more grown up roles, and it’s nice to step into a part like this where there’s not so much pressure,” says the 30-year-old Ashmore.

“You can get a taste of playing something a little more mature, a little more serious even. I’ve played some serious stuff in the past, but I haven’t played my age. And it’s fun to play a cop, and carry the gun around.”

Ashmore is best known for his portrayal of Marc Hall in the CTV movie “Prom Queen: The Marc Hall Story,” and has appeared in episodes of “CSI: NY” and “Veronica Mars.”

“I lean more towards serious roles, I’ve played everything, but that’s what I really respond to. Those are the things I’m most proud of, those types of roles. And when I look back, sometimes you surprise yourself with some of the work you do,” says Ashmore.

The actor says that one of the biggest differences between shooting “The Bridge” and “Smallville,” is that unlike the Superman-inspired series, “The Bridge” shoots mostly on location, instead of a set.

“On location, you have to deal with everything going on around you, like rowdy kids talking, but adds to the atmosphere, or the ambience of the scene,” says Ashmore.

“It makes it real. I think that’s what the show is going for. It’s tough to shoot like that, but that’s what makes the show amazing.”

“The Bridge” also stars Frank Cassini, Inga Cadranel, Michael Murphy, Ona Grauer, Paul Popowich and Theresa Joy.

Filed Under: Television: The Bridge Tagged With:

THE BRIDGE – 1×06: Damned If You Do (April 2, 2010) Episode Details

Air Date: Friday, April 2nd, 2010 @ 10pm on CTV (Canada)
Written By: Tracey Forbes
Director: Paul A. Kaufman
Production Number: 105


Episode Trailer:


Episode Synopsis (short):
Frank defends two cops accused of negligence when they make the life-or-death decision to race an injured child to the hospital without waiting for an ambulance.

Episode Synopsis (long):
When two cops working the projects make the life-or-death decision to rush an injured child to the hospital without waiting for an ambulance, Frank winds up defending them against accusations they aggravated the child’s injuries. As Jill and Alex pursue the suspect who assaulted the child, Frank tries to protect the child’s mother, an ex-junky and informant, who is being manipulated by a greedy lawyer. When the mother turns on Frank, he’s forced to throw the rulebook out the window to save the two cops.


OPENING CREDITS

Starring Aaron Douglas
Paul Popowich
Ona Grauer
And Michael Murphy
Frank Cassini
Inga Cadranel
Genadijs Dolganovs
Theresa Joy
Rahnuma Panthaky
Joel Keller
Tamsen McDonough
Alan C. Peterson

Music Composed by ….. Steve D’Angelo, Trevor Morris & Terry Tompkins
Opening Title Song by ….. The Black Keys “I Got Mine”
Editor ….. Jeff Warren
Production Designer ….. Oleg Savytski
Director of Photography ….. Thom Best, C.S.C.
Concept Developed by ….. Dannis Koromilas
Creative Consultant ….. Graeme Manson
Story Editor ….. Dannis Koromilas
Story Editor ….. John McFetridge
Consulting Producer ….. Tracey Forbes
Creative Producer ….. John Fawcett
Co-Executive Producer ….. Peter Mohan
Created by ….. Alan DiFiore
Producer ….. Wendy Grean
Executive Producer ….. Alan Di Fiore
Executive Producer ….. Robert Wertheimer
Executive Producer ….. Adam J. Shully
Produced By ….. Adam J. Shully
Written By ….. Tracey Forbes
Directed By ….. Paul A. Kaufman


CLOSING CREDITS

FRANK LEO ….. Aaron Douglas
TOMMY DUNN ….. Paul Popowich
ABBY ST. JAMES ….. Ona Grauer
BERNIE KANTOR ….. Frank Cassini
BILLY ….. Theresa Joy
ED WYCOFF ….. Michael Murphy
JILL ….. Inga Cadranel
ALEX ….. Genadijs Dolganovs
KETTLER ….. Joel Keller
WATTS ….. P.J. Lazic
MARK ….. Noah Ryan Scott
OWEN PALTER ….. Darryl Pring
CATHY ….. Tamsen McDonough
MARTA DAVIN ….. Kim Roberts
ELLIOT BUELL ….. Alan C. Peterson
DISPATCHER ….. Rahnuma Panthaky

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