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HBO’s “The Last of Us” took home the program of the year award at the 44th Banff World Media Festival. The series was awarded at the 2023 Rockie Award Gala on Tuesday evening alongside other individuals, programs, films and media outlets. The event is held annually in Banff, Alberta in the Canadian Rockies.

Craig Robinson, actor and producer with credits on programs like “The Office,” “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” and “Killing It,” was awarded with the Sir Peter Ustinov Comedy Award. Robinson was also the host of the festival’s flagship awards program.

The Grand Jury Prize was awarded to “Eternal Spring” and the Buffalo Rock Award went to “Star Trek” for its legacy in TV programming.

As previously announced, Garcell Beauvais of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” was presented with the Inclusion Award presented by A+E. The award recognizes individuals whose work promote diversity and inclusivity in media. Alanis Obomsawin...

On the JoBlo Movies YouTube channel, we will be posting one full movie every day of the week, giving viewers the chance to watch them entirely free of charge. Today’s Free Movie of the Day is the 2015 horror film The Dark Stranger, and you can check it out over on the JoBlo Movies YouTube channel, or you can just watch it in the embed at the top of this article.

The feature debut of writer/director Chris Trebilcock, The Dark Stranger has the following synopsis:

Haunted by a terrifying spirit out of her graphic novel, a young artist struggles to overcome her psychosis before it destroys her.

The film stars Katie Findlay, Alex Ozerov-Meyer, Enrico Colantoni, Jennifer Dale, Mark O’Brien, and Emma Campbell, with Stephen McHattie as Randall Toth / The Dark Stranger.

Trebilcock directed multiple short films before diving into the feature world with The Dark Stranger. As of right now,...

French Canadian producer-distributor Datsit Sphere has acquired factual and kids production company Bgm, formerly known as Bristow Global Media, from the embattled Kew Media Group.

The acquisition of Bgm by Datsit Sphere, best known for primetime drama and comedy, marks the company’s first foray into English-language factual entertainment.

Toronto-based Bgm was formed in 2013 to create multi-genre, multiplatform content and is now headed by new CEO Marlo Miazga after founder Julie Bristow left the company in November of last year. The Bgm’s slate includes “Haunted Hospitals,” “The Story of Us,” “Paranormal 911” and the upcoming “Paranormal Nightshift.”

Bgm was bought by Canada’s Kew Media Group as part of a major acquisitions drive in early 2017 ahead its formal launch. Kew Media Group ceased trading permanently in January and was placed into administration earlier this month, with all directors exiting the company.

Fti Consulting Canada has been appointed receiver for the business,...

Smithsonian Channel takes Us rights to ‘Tower of London’ docuseries

The Smithsonian Channel has acquired North American rights to docuseries “Inside the Tower of London” from All3Media International

The hybrid history and behind-the-scenes series is produced by All3Media group’s Lion Television.

The 8 x 60-minute “Inside the Tower of London” explores 1,000 years of history as well as modern life at one of Britain’s oldest landmarks, from its royal connections to its iconic Beefeaters.

David Royle, Evp and chief programming officer at Smithsonian Networks, said: “Inside the Tower of London presents a definitive look inside this historic royal fortress, combining compelling stories of its haunting past with a fascinating look at how it operates today.”

Maria Ishak, Svp of sales, North America at All3Media International, commented: “This series brings a unique perspective and fresh approach that today’s international broadcasters – and viewers – are looking for in factual programming.”

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