VisionTV to develop DiverseTV projects
Multi-faith network moves forward with original dramas Rising Sun, The Mahalia Story

Multi-faith broadcaster VisionTV plans to begin script development on two of the original drama projects to emerge from the DiverseTV initiative launched in partnership with the National Screen Institute – Canada (NSI).

VisionTV's Director of Lifestyle and Dramatic Programming, Joan Jenkinson , said the channel will work with experienced independent producers to guide these projects through the development stage and ultimately into production.

The two projects slated for development are:

• The Mahalia Story by Andy Marshall , Nigel Hunter and Abi Marshall : A series about a gifted young gospel singer facing a difficult choice: to stay with her community, or pursue her dream of becoming the next Beyoncé.

• Rising Sun: The Asahi Baseball Story by Jari Osborne : A MOW based on the true story of a legendary baseball team from Vancouver's Little Tokyo – a club whose championship dynasty was cut short by the internment of Japanese Canadians during the Second World War.

DiverseTV was launched last year by VisionTV and NSI. The program offers visible minority and Aboriginal writers the chance to create a TV drama for national broadcast.

Six applicants were selected to take part in a rigorous training program designed to teach the skills for bringing a drama project to fruition. Ms. Jenkinson said the task of narrowing the original six projects down to just two was made challenging by the impressive quality of all the writers' efforts.

“The level of talent on display has been inspiring,” she said. “We believe that both Rising Sun and The Mahalia Story have the potential to be fresh, original productions that give expression to unique voices and sensibilities.”

She added: “We embarked on this initiative in the belief that VisionTV can play a major role in creating new television drama that reflects the country's diversity of faiths and cultures. We are delighted with the progress to date, and look forward to pursuing the next steps.”

Ms. Jenkinson said a share of credit for the initial success of the program belongs to veteran screenwriter Peter Lauterman . An award-winning contributor to Canadian dramas such as Falcon Beach , Tom Stone , Street Legal and North of 60 , Mr. Lauterman serves as resident story editor for DiverseTV.

Said Mr. Lauterman: “After decades of bureaucratic debate about the need for nurturing stories from within Canada's diverse communities, it's a joy to see these fresh, well-crafted stories finally emerging. VisionTV and NSI should be commended for making it happen.”

Chris Johnson , VisionTV's Senior Vice-President, Programming, also praised the contributions of the National Screen Institute, and singled out Program Manager Mickey Rogers for her efforts: “Working with NSI on the DiverseTV program has been a pleasure. They have shared with the participants a tremendous wealth of expertise and mentorship, which is plainly evident in the results.”

Added Susan Millican , the CEO of the National Screen Institute - Canada: “We are very proud of all the DiverseTV participants. This is significant affirmation for the talented writers involved in the training program. To see these two projects progress to script development is not only rewarding for the writers – it's also of huge importance to the broadcast industry, which is working towards better representation of Canadian audiences.”

VisionTV, an S-VOX company, is Canada's multi-faith and multicultural broadcaster, dedicated to programming that celebrates diversity and promotes understanding and tolerance among people of different faiths and cultures. Visit VisionTV on the Web at: www.visiontv.ca .