NEW METRIC MEDIA IS POISED FOR GROWTH WITH ALEX LALONDE, THE NEW VP OF BUSINESS AFFAIRS AND OPERATIONS

News of appointment follows major acquisition, announced earlier this week, for

New Metric Media’s LETTEKENNY comedy series by U.S. streaming service, Hulu

Toronto – June 8, 2018 – New Metric Media today announced the appointment of Alex Lalonde to the newly created position of Vice President, Business Affairs & Operations. The announcement was made by the production company’s president, Mark Montefiore, who earlier this week shared that LETTERKENNY, the company’s premium comedy series, was recently acquired by American streaming service, Hulu.

With a 25-year career in the film, television, and digital media industries under her belt, Lalonde will bring her keen eye for production to New Metric Media’s exciting slate of properties. The recent winner of the Banff World Media Festival’s 2018 Innovative Producer Award, the company’s current projects include the half-hour Superchannel comedy WHAT WOULD SAL DO? and the City/FX Canada event series BAD BLOOD. They have seen international success with their hit original comedy LETTERKENNY, produced for CraveTV, and starting July 13th, the series will be airing on Hulu in the U.S. A leader in brand marketing, New Metric Media has developed off-screen extensions for LETTERKENNY including beers, collectible merchandise, and Letterkenny LIVE!, a national theatre tour with the stars of the series.

New Metric Media’s MacLaren will continue to oversee production finance and business affairs while Lalonde will be focused on corporate expansion, strategic planning and execution, and operational management. 

 “Alex is a proven talent and leader in our industry, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to have her join us,” said Mark Montefiore, President of New Metric Media. “Her contribution will be essential for us to accomplish the ambitious goals we’ve set for the coming year, including our continued push into the premium drama space.”

Previously the COO of Digital Howard, Lalonde produced the cutting-edge AR/VR adventure game Terracosm and won back to back Canadian Screen Awards for WYNONNA EARP Interactive for seasons one and two. Lalonde spent five years in the role of Executive in Charge of Production for First Generation Films; also acting as Head of Business Affairs and Executive Producer on several films including LIFE, REGRESSION, RED LIGHTS and THE WHISTLEBLOWER. She’s also worked with such notable companies and organizations as the Secret Location, Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television, Telefilm Canada, the CMF and the Motion Picture Bond Company.

Hulu Acquires U.S. Rights to CraveTV Original and New Metric Media Hit Comedy LETTERKENNY

– Premium streaming service to become U.S. home to Seasons 1 and 2 of CraveTV’s original comedy series created by Jared Keeso –
– Hulu acquisition comes on the heels of a multi-year deal between Bell Media and New Metric Media –
– As previously announced, all-new six-pack featuring Jay Baruchel available to stream in Canada beginning June 29 exclusively on CraveTV –

TORONTO (June 6, 2018) – CraveTV and New Metric Media confirmed today that U.S. streaming platform Hulu has acquired the exclusive U.S. streaming rights to the first two seasons of the award-winning Canadian comedy series, LETTERKENNY, in a deal executed by series distributor DHX Media. Created by and starring Jared Keeso, the half-hour, small-town comedy is produced by New Metric Media in partnership with DHX Media and Playfun Games. Seasons 1 and 2 of the small-town comedy series will make their debut in the U.S. on Friday, July 13, only on Hulu.

“Thanks to Jared and our partners at New Metric Media, LETTERKENNY is more than just a brand builder for CraveTV, it’s officially made an indelible mark on pop culture,” said Tracey Pearce, President, Distribution and Pay, Bell Media. “With this sale to Hulu in the U.S., Bell Media is truly taking Canada’s premium content to the world. We’re excited to introduce LETTERKENNY to American audiences and deliver more of this fan-favourite series to audiences across Canada. ”

As announced in October, CraveTV entered into a 40-plus episode production commitment and comprehensive multi-year deal with LETTERKENNY producers New Metric Media, the recipient of the 2018 Innovative Producer Award for entrepreneurial achievement at the upcoming Banff World Media Festival’s Rockie Awards.

As announced last week, all-new LETTERKENNY returns to Canadian screens Canada Day weekend, with a fresh six-pack launching Friday, June 29 exclusively on CraveTV. Jay Baruchel guest stars as Hard Right Jay, a Tiki Torch-carrying out-of-towner, who stirs things up in Letterkenny.

Based on the internet sensation Letterkenny Problems, the half-hour comedy is a top performer and marquee program for CraveTV since its memorable launch on Super Bowl Sunday in 2016.  LETTERKENNY took home two 2018 Canadian Screen Awards for Best Writing in a Comedy Program or Series, and Best Direction in a Comedy Program or Series. The series has also spawned brand extensions including sought after LETTERKENNYmerchandise and the highly successful Puppers Premium Lager, in partnership with Stack Brewery in Sudbury, available now at LCBO stores in Ontario. LETTERKENNY LIVE!, a packed 26-city tour featuring a 90-minute comedy experience starring Keeso, andLETTERKENNY cast Nathan Dales, K. Trevor Wilson, and Mark Forward kicked off in Halifax on February 28 and wrapped in Surrey on April 6.

LETTERKENNY revolves around the dustups Wayne (Jared Keeso) and his buds get into with their small-town rivals. The Hicks, The Skids, and The Hockey Players get at each other about the most mundane things, often ending with someone getting their ass kicked. Key residents of LETTERKENNY are Daryl (Nathan Dales), Wayne’s free-spirited younger sister Katy (Michelle Mylett), and Wayne’s buddy, Dan (K Trevor Wilson) – all Hicks. CSA-nominated Daniel Petronijevic stars as Hick McMurray while Dylan Playfair and Andrew Herr are hotshot Hockey Players “Jonesy” and “Reilly”. Tyler Johnston and Evan Stern are Skids Stewart and Roald, Mark Forward is the temperamental Coach of the Letterkenny Irish, and Tiio Horn is the badass leader of The Natives, Tanis.

The first four six-packs of LETTERKENNY, along with special episodes “Ferda Edition”, “The Haunting of MoDean’s II”, “St. Perfect’s Day,” “Super Hard Easter,” and the original web series Letterkenny Problems are currently streaming on CraveTV. LETTERKENNY is also available on iTunes and Google Play. Seasons 1 and 2 of LETTERKENNY are currently available on DVD wherever DVDs are sold.

LETTERKENNY is produced by New Metric Media, in partnership with DHX Media and Playfun Games in association with Bell Media, with the participation of Canadian Media Fund, OMDC Tax Credits and the Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit and the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund and distributed by DHX Media. Jared Keeso is executive producer, co-writer, star, and creator, Jacob Tierney is executive producer, director, and co-writer and Mark Montefiore is executive producer for New Metric Media. Sarah Fowlie is Director, Original Programming, Comedy, Bell Media. Production Executive for Bell Media is Chris Kelley. Corrie Coe is Senior Vice-President, Original Programming, Bell Media. Mike Cosentino is President, Content and Programming, Bell Media. Randy Lennox is President, Bell Media.

Bad Blood Welcomes New Blood for Season 2 of the City Original Series

TORONTO, ON (May 28, 2018) With cameras now rolling on eight all-new 60-minute episodes of the critically acclaimed original drama Bad Blood, City announced today Season 2 casting for the series’ highly anticipated return this fall. Star Kim Coates reprises his role as Canada’s most dangerous, multifaceted mobster, Declan Gardiner, helming a dynamic new ensemble cast, featuring Louis Ferreira (Breaking Bad, S.W.A.T), Anna Hopkins (Shadow Hunters), and Melanie Scrofano (Wynonna Earp).

Kim Coates as Declan Gardiner; L to R: Dylan Taylor, Louis Ferreira, Daniel Kash, and Franco Lo Presti as the Cosoletos in Season 2 of Bad Blood
Additional program information and images available at: RogersMediaTV.ca

Season 2 picks up five years after Rizzuto’s death and his former right-hand man, Declan Gardiner (Coates), is the reigning king of the Montreal drug trade – that is, until a new breed of mafiosos arrive from Europe to wage war in an attempt to wrestle the city from his grasp. Declan comes up against rivals, both old and new, who want to start dealing more dangerous substances; meanwhile, the Organized Crime Task Force gets ready to take everyone down with the help of a confidential informant. Although he prefers to work alone, Declan soon realizes that, in order to remain on top, he’ll need to enlist some help.

Ready to go to war with Declan are his enemies, Hamilton’s Cosoleto brothers, Domenic (Ferreira) and Enzo (Daniel Kash, In Contempt, The Strain), and their sons, Luca (Franco Lo Presti, Letterkenny, Schitt’s Creek) and Nats (Dylan Taylor, Rogue, Covert Affairs).

On the opposite side of the law is a Senior Agent in the Organized Crime Task Force, Nellie Bullock (Lisa Berry, 19-2, Supernatural), who is working her confidential informant, Nats’s wife, Valentina Cosoleto (Scrofano). But things turn explosive when Declan refuses an offer to partner with the imported power duo and sultry Langana twin siblings, Teresa (Hopkins) and Christian (newcomer Gianni Falcone). Left with no other choice, Declan looks to partner with an unlikely ally, Rose Sunwind (Sharon Taylor, Bellevue, Ghost Wars), and takes an important friend from his past, Reggie Ross (Ryan McDonald, Fringe), under his wing.

Bad Blood is produced in partnership with New Metric Media and Sphère Média Plus, in association with distributors DHX Media and Skyvision, and with the financial participation of confirmed partners, Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, the Independent Production Fund, and the Canada Media Fund. Executive producers are Mark Montefiore (Letterkenny, What Would Sal Do) for New Metric Media and Josée Vallée (19-2, This Life) for Sphère Média Plus. Michael Konyves (Barney’s Version, Last Knights), who received a CSA nomination for Best Writing, Drama or Limited Series, returns as showrunner. Kim Coates also serves as producer and received a CSA nomination for Best Lead Actor, Drama or Limited Series, for his role in Season 1. Paula J. Smith (Blood and Water, The Beaverton) is Supervising Producer. Directors include Jeff Renfroe (Cardinal, Rogue) and Molly McGlynn (Mary Goes Round, Working Moms).

Filming is taking place in both Sudbury and Montreal, and surrounding areas. Additional broadcast details will be announced at a later date.

Full Season 1 episodes and exciting extras are available on Citytv.com, Rogers on Demand, Rogers Anyplace TV, and the City app for iOs, Android, and fourth-generation Apple TV. Fans can also find additional behind-the-scenes featurettes, interviews, cast bios, photos, and more on Citytv.com and the official series Facebook,Twitter, and Instagram accounts.

__________________________________

PUMP THE BRAKES, FOLKS! LETTERKENNY’S PUPPERS PREMIUM LAGER AVAILABLE ACROSS ONTARIO STARTING THIS LONG WEEKEND

  Puppers Premium Lager Available at Select LCBO Stores starting May 18th

For Fans of the CraveTV series, Don’t Miss the Letterkenny “Pup-Up” Store at 277 Queen St. W in Toronto, May 17th & 18th Featuring a Special Whisky Sampling, LETTERKENNY Merchandise 

Bring Your Dog to the Pup-Up Store on May 17th For A Portrait That Could Land On Collectible Puppers Premium Lager Cans this Summer!

TORONTO, Canada – May 14, 2018 - If there’s one thing CraveTV’s LETTERKENNY has taught us; ‘a great day for hay’ means cracking a cold one with a good dog by your side. So, starting this May-2-4 Weekend, Puppers Premium Lager is available at select LCBO stores. Fans of the popular comedy series will be able to drink like Wayne, Daryl, and the boys all summer long starting May 18th.

To kick the season off, a “pup-up” store will appear at Bell Media’s downtown Toronto campus at 277 Queen St. West on Thursday, May 17th and Friday, May 18th. On May 17th, fans are invited to bring their dogs and have a pupper portrait taken for a chance to be one of five special dogs to appear on cans in stores later this summer. They’ll even get their own personalized Puppers can with their dog’s portrait on the label, on the spot. Now who’s a good beer?

“The response to Puppers Premium Lager last year was so exciting, and we’re thrilled to extend our LETTERKENNY product offering at the LCBO,” says Mark Montefiore, Executive Producer of Letterkenny and President of New Metric Media. “Our success has grown from our passionate fans’ loyalty to all things Letterkenny, so we can’t wait to give them a chance to have their own dogs’ faces on a can of Puppers!”

The summer cans - called “A Letterkenny Litter” – will feature the five collectible winning portrait cans plus the original, and will be available at select LCBOs starting July 1st. Those who come to the LETTERKENNY pup-up store in Toronto will also be among the first to be able to taste the new Gus N’ Bruno liquor, in addition to Puppers Premium Lager.

See all the details below:

Pup-Up Store: Bring Your Dog and Enter to be the Next Face of Puppers Premium Lager

 What: Fans of LETTERKENNY – and of legal drinking age in Ontario – are invited to bring their dogs and have a pupper portrait taken for a chance to be one of five special dogs to appear on cans in stores later this summer. They’ll even get their own personalized Puppers can with their dog’s portrait right on the label, on the spot. And while they’re at the store, they can pick up their very own Letterkenny gear including hats, t-shirts, jerseys, and more!

When: May 17th,  Media & VIP Preview: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

   Open to the Public: 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Where: 277 Queen St. West, Toronto

Pup-Up Store: Meet the Cast and Taste Some  Whisky

 What: Fans of LETTERKENNY – and of legal drinking age in Ontario –  will be among the first to be able to sample the new Gus N’ Bruno Liquore poured by series stars, Lisa Codrington (Gail) and Kamilla Kowal (Bonnie McMurray). And while they’re at the store, they can pick up their very own Letterkenny gear including hats, t-shirts, jerseys, and more!

When: May 18th, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Where: 277 Queen St. W, Toronto

Puppers Premium Lager is made in partnership with Sudbury’s Stack Brewing. The 4% premium golden lager launched in 2017 to great success, sought after by fans of the popular CraveTV series and anyone who likes a good beer. This light lager is straw in colour, medium-bodied, with a thin, white head. It features a nice floral hop aroma and crisp finish.

 

For media requests, questions or to arrange attendance at the Media & VIP preview please contact:

Alina Duviner

Publicist

alina.duviner@gmail.com

416.574.1098

 

Emily Blake

Publicist

emilyblakepr@gmail.com

New Metric Media Press 

CraveTV Enters into Comprehensive Multi-Year Partnership with New Metric Media to Build LETTERKENNY Brand Worldwide

– Comprehensive partnership includes unprecedented production commitment of more than 40 all-new episodes –
– Initiative includes extensive brand support on merchandise and the just-announced LETTERKENNY LIVE! tour –
– Series and format now being rolled out at International markets for global distribution –
– Next six-pack of the series, created by star Jared Keeso, to launch later this year –

October 23, 2017

TORONTO  (October 23, 2017) – CraveTV and LETTERKENNY producers New Metric Media announced today they are joining forces to build the small-town, smash hit comedy beyond the series itself into a worldwide entertainment brand. The initiative is a comprehensive multi-year partnership that includes an unprecedented production commitment, investment in the support of any existing and new ancillary brand extensions, and a partnership on the international sales and distribution of the series, alongside DHX Media. The deal was negotiated by Bell Media’s Justin Stockman and Carlyn Klebuc, as well as Mark Montefiore of New Metric Media, and Jayme Alter, Denton’s Canada LLP.

In the comprehensive agreement, CraveTV and New Metric Media will partner on the production of more than 40 new episodes. With seasons 1-3 currently streaming, the agreement commits to a total of at least 73 episodes of the award-winning original comedy.

CraveTV’s commitment to brand support includes the continued cross-platform marketing campaigns for the series, as well its brand extensions including sought-after LETTERKENNY merchandise and the highly successful Puppers Premium Lager, in partnership with Stack Brewery in Sudbury.

As well, the partnership includes cross-promotional support for the just-announced, 26-city LETTERKENNY LIVE! tour, a 90-minute comedy experience starring Jared Keeso (Wayne), Nathan Dales (Daryl), K Trevor Wilson (Dan) and Mark Forward (Coach), kicking off in Halifax on February 28th, with plans to extend into the U.S.

Finally, CraveTV and New Metric Media’s multi-year commitment includes partnering on the sale and distribution of the series and its format, alongside DHX Media, to the international market. The series and format was officially rolled out to International buyers this week at MIPCOM in Cannes, France.

“With its devoted audience on CraveTV and buzzworthy appeal, LETTERKENNY is carving out a permanent place in Canadian pop culture,” said Justin Stockman, Vice-President, Pay and OTT Services, Bell Media. “Alongside our partners at New Metric Media, we’re committed to sharing LETTERKENNY with the world by bolstering all facets of the LETTERKENNYbrand, both in Canada and internationally.”

“Working with the CraveTV team has been solid from the get-go so, we’re excited to crack open even more six-packs of LETTERKENNY with them,” said Mark Montefiore, New Metric Media. “It’s truly a pleasure to present this comedy to the international industry with a dedicated partner who really ‘gets it’.”

Based on the internet sensation Letterkenny Problems, the half-hour comedy – and now bona fide cultural phenomenon – is currently a top performer and marquee program for the streaming service since it made it memorable launch on Super Bowl Sunday 2015.

As previously announced, a special Halloween episode of LETTERKENNY, “The Haunting of MoDean’s II”, began streaming last week exclusively on CraveTV. Another six-pack of new episodes is set to launch later this year.

Shot on location in and around Sudbury, ON, LETTERKENNY revolves around the dustups Wayne (Jared Keeso) and his buds get into with their small-town rivals. The Hicks, The Skids, and The Hockey Players get at each other about the most mundane things, often ending with someone getting their ass kicked. Season 1 of LETTERKENNY took home three 2017 Canadian Screen Awards: Best Comedy Series, Best Writing in a Comedy Program or Series, and Best Direction in a Comedy Program or Series. As well, series creator Jared Keeso and co-writer and director Jacob Tierney took home a Writers Guild of Canada Screenwriting Award for TV Comedy. Seasons 1 – 3 are currently streaming on CraveTV and Season 1 is also available on iTunes and Google Play.

LETTERKENNY is produced by New Metric Media, in partnership with DHX Media and Playfun Games in association with Bell Media, with the participation of Canadian Media Fund, OMDC Tax Credits and the Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit and the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund and distributed by DHX Media. Jared Keeso is executive producer, co-writer, star, and creator, Jacob Tierney is executive producer, director, and co-writer. Mark Montefiore and Patrick O’Sullivan are executive producers for New Metric Media. Steven DeNure is  Co-Founder, President and COO of DHX Media. Sarah Fowlie is Director, Original Programming, Comedy, Bell Media. Production Executive for Bell Media is Bill Lundy. Corrie Coe is Senior Vice-President, Original Programming, Bell Media Mike Cosentino is President, Content and Programming, Bell Media. Randy Lennox is President, Bell Media.

Stack Brewing Company Presents Pupper's Premium Lager - The Official Beer of Letterkenny

Friday June 9th, 2017

Stack Brewing Present Pupper's Premium Lager

The Official Beer of Letterkenny

SUDBURY, ON – Stack Brewing Corp, in collaboration with New Metric Media in partnership with Play Fun Games Pictures and DHX Media are excited to release Puppers Premium Lager, The Official Beer of Letterkenny. This summer seasonal will be available in 473ml cans province-wide in Ontario at the LCBO.

The only thing colder than the new winter season of Letterkenny, launching July 1st on CraveTV, is this can of beer.  Fans are invited to join cast members of Letterkenny on Thursday June 29th from 5PM – 7PM for a tandem Official Launch of this brew in both Toronto and Sudbury.

Puppers is a 4% premium lager, it’s everything you could want in a beer. This golden lager has a satisfying taste that will get along with anyone. It’s a faithful friend that will always be by your side.  Pure. Loyal. Golden.

“We’re proud to be partnering with Sudbury’s Stack Brewing, continuing our love affair with Northern Ontario and the people and businesses in it” – Mark Montefiore, New Metric Media.

About Stack Brewing Corp.

Stack Brewing is an award-winning craft brewery that opened in 2013 in Sudbury, ON. For more information visit www.stackbrewing.ca and for local product availability visit www.lcbo.com or simply request this beer at your local LCBO.

Canadian Screen Awards 2017

Huge thanks to the The Canadian Academy and everyone involved on the Letterkenny and What Would Sal Do? teams for making the shows a success! We're so honoured.

Nominees

TEXAS SIZED 10-4 ON LETTERKENNY SEASON 3

Told Ya this Was a Huge Deal Bud.
CraveTV Orders a Third Season of LETTERKENNY

- Hicks, Skids, Hockey Players will head back to Sudbury for production on Season 3. 
- LETTERKENNY, CraveTV’s first ever-original series still kicking ass as the most-viewed.

Click here for the Press Release

The 2016 New Establishment: New Metric Media

From Playback magazine: With an instinct for content that resonates with fans and programmers alike, Patrick O'Sullivan and Mark Montefiore have quickly built an impressive slate.
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