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London/Canada, November 29th, 2021: Incendo and BlackBox Multimedia today announce they have optioned the TV adaption rights to the Ellery Queen collection of novels and short stories. BlackBox Multimedia and Incendo will co-develop and co-produce a high-end scripted series together. 

Ellery Queen, the lead detective hero of the novel series as well as the pseudonym used by the books’ authors, cousins Frederic Dannay and Manfred Bennington Lee, is one of the most popular American mystery novel series ever published. The books remain huge international bestsellers and have also established a massive fanbase in territories such as China. 

Recognised as one of the leading examples of the “fair play” genre of literature, the stories follow Ellery Queen in intricate plots where the reader discovers clues and hints hidden in the story at the same time as the eponymous detective does. The novels are peppered with a range of obvious and less-so culprits, red herrings, and multiple mis-directions to keep audiences guessing. 

Shifting the setting of the stories to the modern day, the television series will be adapted to a contemporary world, and the lead role will be cast as a female detective rather than a male as is in the novels. Further announcements on the casting will be made in the new year. 

The Estate of Ellery Queen is represented by Jabberwocky Literary Agency. 

Giuliano Papadia, CEO and Creative Director at BlackBox Multimedia says “Ellery Queen is one of the most definitive series of detective fiction to ever be written. The stories have been global favourites for a huge part of the 20th and 21st Centuries. They have fascinating plots, unique characters, and settings you love to get lost in. The team at Incendo are the perfect partners for helping modernise this excellent and timeless series of stories.” 

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to develop a new series, based off an already established, globally successful IP,” added Gavin Reardon, International Sales & Co-Production Executive. “In collaborating with the creative minds at BlackBox Multimedia, we are eager to discover the reimagined version of the novels come to life on screens around the world.” 

Richard Dannay and Rand B. Lee of Jabberwocky Literary Agency said “When our fathers first sat down to begin the collaboration that would become Ellery Queen, they never would have dreamed that they would then embark on a forty-year journey together, or imagined the remarkable success that Ellery Queen would attain. All of us in the Lee and Dannay families are thrilled to be working with BBMM and Incendo, which have both been so respectful and admiring of the rich Ellery Queen tradition, in crafting a new chapter on the screen for our shared legacy.” 

ENDS 

About Incendo 

Incendo is a Canadian company that specializes in the production and international distribution of high-quality television programming for the worldwide marketplace. Since its inception in 2001, the company has produced compelling movies, television series as well as documentaries that have been sold throughout the world. Incendo is the leading television distribution company in Canada and also handles theatrical distribution in Québec for Paramount Pictures. For more information, visit www.incendo.ca. 

About BlackBox Multimedia 

BlackBox Multimedia is an international production company designed to spearhead the contemporary global scripted content revolution. The company was founded by Guy Avshalom (former COO of Lionsgate UK), and is led by CEO Giuliano Papadia (former programming director at Fox Network Groups Europe). With offices in London, Rome and Madrid, BlackBox focuses on high end international scripted content, developing and producing in multiple languages returnable and limited event content for the global market, based on award-winning IPs with A-list talent and partners. 

About Ellery Queen 

Frederic Dannay and Manfred Bennington Lee created the first Ellery Queen novel for a writing contest, and their creation went on to become one of the most enduring characters in mystery fiction, with over eighty novels and short story collections (half featuring the Ellery Queen character), millions of copies sold, and adaptations into radio plays, film, television, comic books, and live stage. Noted mystery critic Anthony Boucher said “Ellery Queen is the American detective story,” and noted mystery expert and publisher Otto Penzler observed that “Queen clearly is, after Poe, the most important American in mystery fiction.” Ellery Queen was the founding editor of the critically acclaimed Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, which just entered its 81st year of publication. In 1960, the Mystery Writers of America awarded Ellery Queen with the prestigious Grand Master honor. 

For Media Inquiries please contact: 

Effi Eustace | Vice-President, Sales & Marketing e.eustace@incendo.ca | (416) 565-5529 

Alana Doria | Marketing Assistant alana.doria@incendo.ca | (647) 274-4773 

Percy Warren| Film & TV PR Leads, Holly Miller holly@percywarren.com and Xander Ross xander@percywarren.com 

October 6, 2021 – Incendo is delighted to congratulate multi-award-winning composers James Gelfand and Louise Tremblay as recipients of the 2021 SOCAN Film Music Award for The Sisterhood. The duo also won the award in 2016 for their original score on the thriller Swept Under. This years’ film music award represents the third win in five years for an Incendo film, with original music composers Marc Ouellette and Luc St-Pierre taking home the award in 2018 for Amber Alert. 

Winners were announced in a virtual presentation held on Tuesday, October 5 and nearly 100 SOCAN Awards in 23 categories were presented to Québec’s most successful songwriters, composers and music publishers for their tremendous accomplishments in 2020, as part of the celebration of winners at the 32nd SOCAN Gala. 

The Sisterhood – Ashley Shields had a rough year following the death of her mother, the disintegration of her marriage, and getting passed over for a promotion at work. When her sister Jasmine introduces her to a women’s group, The Sisterhood, she is intrigued, and hopes to feel empowered enough to change her life. Led by the enigmatic and charismatic Desiree, The Sisterhood delivers to Ashley everything it promises. She gets a raise at her job, her divorce is resolved in her favor and she finally feels fulfilled and happy. But she soon discovers that the benefits of The Sisterhood come at a steep, and sometimes illegal price. As Ashley learns more about The Sisterhood and is forced to participate in its questionable activities, she realizes that she is in over her head and must get out – even if it’s at the expense of her relationship with Jasmine… or her life. 

The Sisterhood is currently available to stream on ctv.ca in Canada. 

About the SOCAN Awards 

The SOCAN Awards is an annual event, held in both Toronto and Montréal, which celebrates the song writing, composing and music publishing achievements of our Anglophone and Francophone members alike. Since 1990 – the inaugural year of the SOCAN Awards – the Canadian music industry has gathered each year to pay tribute to the most-performed songs from the previous year by SOCAN members; honour exceptional film and television music; recognize iconic songs that have reached the 100,000-airplay mark (or 25,000 for Francophone songs) on domestic radio; and present individual SOCAN members with special achievement awards for their impressive career accomplishments. Over the years, more than 4,000 awards have been presented in various categories to songwriters, composers and music publishers whose music has garnered a great deal of success, both in Canada and abroad. 

About Incendo 

Incendo is a Canadian company that specializes in the production and international distribution of high-quality television programming for the worldwide marketplace. Since its inception in 2001, the company has produced compelling movies, television series as well as documentaries that have been sold throughout the world. Incendo is the leading television distribution company in Canada and also handles theatrical distribution in Québec for Paramount Pictures. For more information, visit www.incendo.ca. 

For Media Inquiries please contact: 

Effi Eustace | Vice-President, Sales & Marketing 

e.eustace@incendo.ca | (416) 565-5529 

Alana Doria | Marketing Assistant 

alana.doria@incendo.ca | (647) 274-4773 

MONTREAL, September 27, 2021 – Jean Bureau, President of Incendo, a company engaged in the production and international distribution of television programs for the worldwide marketplace, is pleased to announce the appointment of Graham Ludlow as production and development executive, Canada. The appointment is part of the restructuring of the company’s production operations. 

Graham Ludlow has been working with Incendo since January 2021 as a production supervisor and has been involved in the production of nine films for Incendo. Prior to joining Incendo, he served as executive producer and production supervisor on numerous Canadian series and films, including the hit series The Baroness Von Sketch Show. He was executive producer on the film She Drives me Crazy, which won the Gemini Award for best TV movie in 2010. 

Graham was born in the UK and grew up in Canada. He has worked as an actor, producer and screenwriter in Canada and Los Angeles. 

“We are delighted to be able to count on a veteran industry professional with Graham Ludlow’s reputation,” says Jean Bureau. “We are confident that with his expertise and vision, Graham will help propel Incendo to new heights, at home and abroad. We thank Ian Whitehead for his superb work over the past nine years, during which he was an outstanding producer and executive producer on some 50 films, as well as the coproduction Versailles.” 

The appointment is effective today, September 27, 2021. 

Information: 

Sophie Houle 

Communications Advisor 

sophie.houle@tva.ca 

Montreal, August 16, 2021 – Production begins today in Montreal on Be Mine, Valentine, Incendo’s ninth and final Rom Com film of the 2021 slate. 

This Romantic Comedy features Canadian actors Kaitlyn Leeb (Heartland, Degrassi: The Next Generation, Spinning Out) and Brendon Zub (Batwoman, Blue Book, The Good Doctor). The film is written by Elizabeth Stewart and Incendo welcomes the vision of award-winning director Louise Archambault. Samantha Ellison will produce the film; Executive Producers are Jean Bureau and Ian Whitehead. 

Be Mine, Valentine – Piper Davis is a dedicated proposal planner who orchestrates elaborate proposal events for her clients. With Valentine’s Day around the corner, she is overloaded with requests, on top of dealing with mixed emotions aligned with the holiday, due to a past failed romance. Her newest client is Jordan Freeman, who needs an extravagant proposal plan for his boyfriend and love of his life, Simon. With the help of Piper and Jordan’s best friend, Adam Taylor – who also happens to be Simon’s brother – they have just one week to plan the perfect proposal. Through a vested interest in getting to know each of her clients on an intimate level, Piper devises a plan where she will pose as Adam’s new girlfriend so she can get to know Jordan and Simon better while she formulates the proposal theme. Posing as a couple is a combination of effortless and complicated. While it is clear there is an instant mutual attraction, Piper and Adam easily pull off their fictitious relationship, but friction also arises due to their vast differences – after all Piper is a proposal planner and Adam a marital mediator. Leading up to the proposal day, Piper and Adam’s pretend partnership kindles into an authentic one, leading Adam to concoct an unconventional proposal of his own. 

Incendo will complete production on nine Rom Coms this year and has an additional seven films available from the 2020 slate. A collection of original, multi-genre content is in various stages of development for the remainder of 2021 through to 2022. 

About Incendo 

Incendo is a Canadian company that specializes in the production and international distribution of high-quality television programming for the worldwide marketplace. Since its inception in 2001, the company has produced compelling movies, television series as well as documentaries that have been sold throughout the world. Incendo is the leading television distribution company in Canada and also handles theatrical distribution in Québec for Paramount Pictures. For more information, visit www.incendo.ca. 

Social Media Links: Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Vimeo 

For Media Inquiries please contact: 

Effi Eustace | Vice-President, Sales & Marketing e.eustace@incendo.ca | (416) 565-5529 

Alana Doria | Marketing Assistant 

alana.doria@incendo.ca | (647) 274-4773 

Montreal, July 13, 2021 – Incendo and The Steve Jaggi Company have commenced production on Love and Penguins, Incendo’s eighth film of the 2021 slate and first Canadian-Australian Treaty Co-Production. This Romantic Comedy features Australian actor Tammin Sursok (Pretty Little Liars, Rules of Engagement, Crossing Over) and Jason Wilder (Kidnapped, Great White, We Were Tomorrow). Written by Annelies Kavan and welcoming the talent of director Christine Luby (This Little Love of Mine, Dive Club), the film is being shot on location in Queensland, Australia. Ian Whitehead, Steve Jaggi, and Spencer McLaren will produce the film; Graham Ludlow is Supervising Producer; Executive Producers are Jean Bureau, Ian Whitehead and Steve Jaggi. 

Love and Penguins – As the Compliance and Outreach Manager for The Animal Discovery Institute, a non-profit animal rights organization headquartered in San Diego, Tilly Monterey finally gets a chance to lead the charge on the company’s next project: an Australian penguin sanctuary in dire need of some financial assistance. Joined by her sister Gemma, Tilly journeys to The Crystal Bay Penguin Sanctuary, where she meets the local team including the wonderfully compassionate head zoologist, Fletcher Grant. As Fletcher teaches her more about the sanctuary’s needs and Little Blue penguins that they house, it becomes clear to Tilly that planning a fundraising gala to bring more attention – and donations – to the sanctuary is the way to go. Given one week to complete the task, its all-hands-on deck as Tilly, Fletcher, Gemma and the team fundraise, promote, and prepare for the epic event. At first, Tilly and Fletcher have a very different approach to the cause, however, as they explore the luscious landscapes of Australia and harmonize their energy to give back, their efforts turn from jarring to motivating to ultimately pull off a successful gala. Through their time spent together – and with a little inspiration from the sanctuary’s penguins – Tilly and Fletcher learn that once you open your heart and stretch your wings, you may just find the one you want to waddle through life with. 

Tammin Sursok has recently returned to Australia from the US, and comments “I’m thrilled to be back here in Australia with my family to film. I was really attracted to this positive and inspiring story, and I can’t wait to get underway with the shoot.” 

Director Christine Luby adds “I’ve chosen this project as my second feature because of the smart and capable protagonist we have in Tilly, and her determination to create community and a sense of belonging. We need more stories with female leads with agency and I find that Tilly is an inspiration to us all. Creating the town of Crystal Bay with its adorable Little Blue penguins and small town vibes has been so much fun.” 

With six Rom Coms officially wrapped, two films currently in production, and one additional in pre-production, Incendo also has a collection of original, multi-genre content in various stages of development for the remainder of 2021 through to 2022. 

About The Steve Jaggi Company 

Based in Brisbane, The Steve Jaggi Company (SJc) produces commercial feature film and series content for the global market. Recent titles include the Netflix original YA series ‘Dive Club’, the Netflix acquired Romance ‘This Little Love of Mine’, the Hallmark and Netflix acquired romance ‘Romance on the Menu’, teen films ‘Swimming for Gold’ (MarVista Entertainment; Universal Entertainment) and ‘Back of the Net’ (MarVista Entertainment; Disney Channel; Netflix) and ‘Kidnapped in Paradise’ for Lifetime. 

For more info visit https://www.stevejaggi.com/ 

About Incendo 

Incendo is a Canadian company that specializes in the production and international distribution of high-quality television programming for the worldwide marketplace. Since its inception in 2001, the company has produced compelling movies, television series as well as documentaries that have been sold throughout the world. Incendo is the leading television distribution company in Canada and also handles theatrical distribution in Québec for Paramount Pictures. For more information, visit www.incendo.ca. 

Social Media Links: Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Vimeo 

For Media Inquiries please contact: 

Effi Eustace | Vice-President, Sales & Marketing 

e.eustace@incendo.ca | (416) 565-5529 

Alana Doria | Marketing Assistant 

alana.doria@incendo.ca | (647) 274-4773 

Montreal, July 9, 2021 – Incendo is delighted to congratulate 2021 DGC Award nominees and creative talents Anne de Léan and Jean Bécotte for their contribution to the television movie Within These Walls. Anne has been nominated in the category of Outstanding Directorial Achievement, and Jean for Best Production Design, both in the Movies for Television and Mini-Series group. 

With over 200 submissions in the Television category at this year’s awards, heartfelt congratulates are sent to all nominees for their exceptional creative achievement and significant contribution to the Canadian entertainment industry. 

Winners will be celebrated at the 20th Annual Awards ceremony this fall and an announcement from the DGC will follow in the coming weeks as to the venue and date for the awards presentation. 

Within These Walls – Single mother Mel has a great life. She lives with her boyfriend, Ben, and her daughter, Brook, in a beautiful house, she has a thriving career, and good friends. But her state of tranquility is disrupted when she and Ben break up. After he moves out, strange things start happening around the house that threaten her safety, her security, and her well-being. As Mel struggles to cope, she begins to wonder if Ben was her protector… or something far more sinister. 

The film is currently available on Crave in Canada. 

About Incendo 

Incendo is a Canadian company that specializes in the production and international distribution of high-quality television programming for the worldwide marketplace. Since its inception in 2001, the company has produced compelling movies, television series as well as documentaries that have been sold throughout the world. Incendo is the leading television distribution company in Canada and also handles theatrical distribution in Québec for Paramount Pictures. For more information, visit www.incendo.ca. 

Social Media Links: Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Vimeo 

About the Directors Guild of Canada (DGC) 

The Directors Guild of Canada (DGC) is a national labour organization that represents over 5,500 key creative and logistical personnel in the screen-based industry covering all areas of direction, design, production and editing. The DGC negotiates and administers collective agreements and lobbies extensively on issues of concern for members including Canadian content conditions, CRTC regulations and ensuring that funding is maintained for Canadian film & television programming. 

For Media Inquiries please contact: 

Effi Eustace | Vice-President, Sales & Marketing 

e.eustace@incendo.ca | (416) 565-5529 

Alana Doria | Marketing Assistant 

alana.doria@incendo.ca | (647) 274-4773 

Montreal, July 6, 2021 – Production began yesterday in Montreal on Farmer Seeking Love, Incendo’s seventh film of the 2021 slate. 

This Romantic Comedy features Canadian actors Donna Benedicto (Supergirl, Almost Human, Supernatural) and Jesse Hutch (Batwoman, The Butterfly Effect, Project Blue Book). Written by Gemma Holdway, Incendo is delighted to re-partner with visionary director Caroline Labrèche. Ian Whitehead will produce the film; Graham Ludlow is Supervising Producer; Executive Producers are Jean Bureau and Ian Whitehead. 

Farmer Seeking Love – As a talented producer for the dating reality-TV show, ‘Head Over Heels’, Claire Bardoz’s days are spent behind the curtain, focused on producing the epic love stories of her contestants, all the while living vicariously through her own lacking love life. Looking to spice up the show format for their next season, Claire is elated when she receives an application from Joe Bennett, a ruggedly handsome farmer looking to be their next suitor. Thinking this could be the fresh take the show needs, Claire leaves the bustling streets of New York City and heads to Joe’s farm to officially cast him as their next bachelor and get him camera-ready. Upon arrival, Claire learns that Joe’s sister Addison submitted his application for the show, completely unbeknownst to him. As a massive fan of ‘Head Over Heels’, Addison sincerely wants to see her brother find love, and Joe begrudgingly agrees to participate after learning the TV show will not only film on his farm, but also pay for some much-needed upgrades. Through a romantically themed progression of screen tests, casting selections, and extravagant small-town date experiences, Claire earns Joe’s trust with the process, and he in turn inspires her greatest potential. As their time together leads up to filming the show’s first episode, it becomes evidently clear that deep-seeded feelings between Claire and Joe have harvested into a reality that does not require an audience or end credits. 

Incendo has completed production on six Rom Coms this year with several additional films in pre-production, and a collection of original, multi-genre content in various stages of development for the remainder of 2021. 

About Incendo 

Incendo is a Canadian company that specializes in the production and international distribution of high-quality television programming for the worldwide marketplace. Since its inception in 2001, the company has produced compelling movies, television series as well as documentaries that have been sold throughout the world. Incendo is the leading television distribution company in Canada and also handles theatrical distribution in Québec for Paramount Pictures. For more information, visit www.incendo.ca. 

Social Media Links: Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Vimeo 

For Media Inquiries please contact: 

Effi Eustace | Vice-President, Sales & Marketing e.eustace@incendo.ca | (416) 565-5529 

Alana Doria | Marketing Assistant 

alana.doria@incendo.ca | (647) 274-4773 

Montreal, May 25, 2021 – Production begins today in Montreal on When Love Blooms, Incendo’s sixth film of the 2021 slate. 

This Romantic Comedy stars Canadian actress Sarah Power (Good Witch, Killjoys, American Gothic) and Thomas Cadrot (Debris, The Good Doctor, Firefly Lane). Written by Jack Waz, Incendo extends a warm welcome to director Éric Tessier. Samantha Ellison will produce the film; Executive Producers are Jean Bureau and Ian Whitehead. 

When Love Blooms – Risk management analyst Ann Keller’s world is full of facts and figures. Just as she hopes to add some creativity back into her life, her father Tom has a minor accident and Ann winds up back in her hometown of Franklin Heights, a place she left years before in pursuit of a career in the big city. During her stay, Ann discovers that Tom has secretly become a competitive flower arranger and was set to compete in the upcoming ‘Botanic Cup’. Deciding the best way to help him out – and scratch her creative itch – they both agree that Ann, through a loophole in the competition rules, will participate on her dad’s behalf with the help of Aaron Blum, Franklin Heights charming resident florist. Its big city versus small town as Ann and Aaron put their opposing perspectives aside. Their effort pays off, with Ann qualifying for the final round of the competition, ultimately leading to a newfound friendship and a chance for them to compete in the finals. And much like a flower bud thriving in the right environment, Ann and Aaron’s time together cultivates into a blooming romance. 

Incendo has successfully wrapped production on five Rom Coms this year with several additional films in pre-production, and a collection of original, multi-genre content in various stages of development for the remainder of 2021. 

About Incendo 

Incendo is a Canadian company that specializes in the production and international distribution of high-quality television programming for the worldwide marketplace. Since its inception in 2001, the company has produced compelling movies, television series as well as documentaries that have been sold throughout the world. Incendo is the leading television distribution company in Canada and also handles theatrical distribution in Québec for Paramount Pictures. For more information, visit www.incendo.ca. 

For Media Inquiries please contact: 

Effi Eustace | Vice-President, Sales & Marketing e.eustace@incendo.ca | (416) 565-5529 

Alana Doria | Marketing Assistant 

alana.doria@incendo.ca | (647) 274-4773 

May 21, 2021 – Incendo is delighted to congratulate Sarah Pellerin (Best Direction, Glass Houses), Barbara Kymlicka (Best Writing, Glass Houses) and Kim Shaw (Best Lead Performance, The Lead) as recipients of the coveted 2021 Canadian Screen Award in each of their nominated TV Movie categories. Winners were announced via live stream on Wednesday, May 19. 

Glass Houses – Teenage babysitter Carrie Dawson has a chip on her shoulder following a humiliating family scandal. When she finds out that neighborhood Queen Bee Madeline Cooper may be to blame, she is determined to exact revenge…even if it means discovering and exposing Madeline’s own scandalous secret. As Carrie gets closer to the truth, will Madeline’s world come tumbling down? 

The Lead – Sasha Bruder has always wanted to be a star news reporter. Working her way up the ladder at a local TV station, she often covers community events but dreams of covering a bigger story. However, when she is kidnapped and held captive, she suddenly becomes the story. Her dramatic escape is all anyone can talk about, and yet, who would want to kidnap her and why? Sasha soon learns that she might not be as safe as she thought. Nothing is as it seems in the cutthroat world of TV news and the threat may be closer to home than originally suspected. 

Both films are currently available to stream on Crave in Canada. 

About Incendo 

Incendo is a Canadian company that specializes in the production and international distribution of high-quality television programming for the worldwide marketplace. Since its inception in 2001, the company has produced compelling movies, television series as well as documentaries that have been sold throughout the world. Incendo is the leading television distribution company in Canada and also handles theatrical distribution in Québec for Paramount Pictures. For more information, visit www.incendo.ca. 

About the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television 

The Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television is the largest non-profit professional arts organization in Canada. We are dedicated to recognizing, advocating for, and celebrating Canadian talent in the film, television, and digital media sectors. Our more than 4,000 members encompass industry icons and professionals, emerging artists, and students. Collectively, we deliver professional development programs and networking opportunities that foster industry growth, inclusion, and mentorship. The Canadian Academy produces the Canadian Screen Awards, bringing together the screen-based industry annually to celebrate the country’s top talent in the film, television, and digital sectors at Canadian Screen Week. The Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television proudly acknowledges the support of its Premier Partner, Telefilm Canada; Platinum Partners, CBC and CTV; Principal Partner, Netflix; and its Lead Partners, the Canada Media Fund, Cineplex, and the Cogeco Fund. 

For Media Inquiries please contact: 

Effi Eustace | Vice-President, Sales & Marketing 

e.eustace@incendo.ca | (416) 565-5529 

Alana Doria | Marketing Assistant 

alana.doria@incendo.ca | (647) 274-4773