Bell Media, Telefilm Canada and Executive Producers Brent Butt, Virginia Thompson and David Storey announced today Corner Gas: The Movie, a 90-minute feature film to be distributed on multiple screens across Canada this holiday season. The landmark film opens with an exclusive Cineplex Front Row Centre Events theatrical debut, followed by premieres on The Movie Network, CTV, and The Comedy Network, while also complemented by a special collector’s edition DVD to be available for purchase before the holidays. Corner Gas: The Movie begins production June 23 in Rouleau, Saskatchewan with crews from Ontario and Saskatchewan.
“Corner Gas: The Movie pilots a new, ground-breaking model for fans to experience the film on multiple platforms,” said Phil King, President – CTV, Sports, and Entertainment Programming. “This innovative feature film concept promises to be one of the most-anticipated events of the holiday season.”
“We’re excited to be part of this forward-thinking project with Bell Media, Cineplex, the Canada Media Fund and Tourism Saskatchewan,” said Carolle Brabant, Executive Director, Telefilm Canada. “Innovation, in terms of accessibility and engaging consumers in all regions is key to having Canadian content connect with Canadian audiences today. The launch is also a good example of how it’s vital for our industry to partner together to successfully promote homegrown talent.”
Headlined by creator and comedian Brent Butt, Corner Gas: The Movie stars the entire original ensemble cast including Gabrielle Miller, Eric Peterson, Fred Ewanuick, Janet Wright, Lorne Cardinal, Tara Spencer-Nairn, and Nancy Robertson. Written by Brent Butt, Andrew Carr, and Andrew Wreggitt, the movie will be directed by David Storey, who served as key director on the series.
Corner Gas: The Movie will be distributed by the executive producers through Prairie Pants Distribution utilizing a new and innovative multi-platform approach. Each premiere (theatrical release; conventional, pay, and specialty TV; and DVD platforms) will be event-driven and complemented by exclusive content. Cineplex will release the movie in theatres across Canada including red carpet premieres, featuring a live feed with Brent Butt and cast to all participating cinemas across Canada, as well as in-theatre prizes, and giveaways. Additional details about events and exclusive content surrounding each platform will be announced closer to their premiere dates.
Launching today, cornergasthemovie.com is the one-stop destination for all things Corner Gas: The Movie. Among the many highlights is the launch of a fan-engaging Kickstarter campaign, meant to invite viewers into the filmmaking process and raise $100,000 in 30 days. As contributions increase, so do the rewards – from exclusive merchandise, autographed scripts, and rare collectibles, to opportunities to spend a day on set and meet the cast, and more! With financing already in place for Corner Gas: The Movie, funds amassed through the campaign will be used to provide fans with unique Corner Gas behind-the-scenes experiences as well as enhance the film and its promotion.
Contributing fans can also receive entry into the Corner Gas Backers’ Club, an exclusive online all-access backstage pass to the latest behind-the-scenes updates, photos and footage – from the cast reunion to red carpet premieres, including video messages from the cast and crew, and interviews with fans that visit the set.
The movie has been financed with assistance from multiple partners. In addition to Bell Media and Telefilm Canada, support has been provided by Cineplex, the Canada Media Fund, Tourism Saskatchewan, Creative Saskatchewan, and The Ontario Film Tax Credit Program.
Corner Gas: The Movie is a great testament to the fact that compelling Canadian content can transcend screens and reach audiences in multiple ways,” said Valerie Creighton, President and CEO, Canada Media Fund. “Television audiences in Canada and internationally enjoyed the show for years and now it moves to the big screen. The Canada Media Fund is pleased to be part of an economic ecosystem that supports audiovisual content production throughout Canada and that works together to bring this content to audiences.”
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