New artifact from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows™ film set added to Harry Potter: The Exhibition at Ontario Science Centre

Tickets On Sale Now at www.ontariosciencecentre.ca/harrypotter

July 23, 2010 @ 10:15AM

Once again this year, this not-to-be-missed gathering for cinema fans will offer close to 300 films from 30 countries in six different sections. The media arts section will offer screenings of many experimental art films, including several by Canadian artists. Other activities will include a catalogue, lectures and round table discussions, and an art film market.

This event will take place in eight venues across Montréal: the Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal, the Montréal Museum of Fine Arts, the Cinémathèque québécoise, the Montréal CinéRobothèque (National Film Board of Canada), the Grande Bibliothèque de Montréal, the Canadian Centre for Architecture, Place des Arts, and the Goethe-Institut.

“The International Festival of Films on Art each year brings remarkable vitality to Montréal’s cultural scene,” said Minister Moore. “Our Government is pleased to support this organization that allows us to witness superb national and international productions, while also contributing to the vitality of Canadian culture.”

“The International Festival of Films on Art is happy to be able once again to count on the support of the Government of Canada, a proud partner for over 15 years. This important commitment to the Festival offers Canadians the opportunity to discover remarkable works of art from our local artists, while contributing to Canada’s influence abroad,” underlined René Rozon, Founder and Executive Director of the Festival.

The organization promotes and increases the visibility of films on art on the international scene. It also increases public awareness and appreciation for all arts disciplines.

The Government of Canada has provided $90,000 through the Canada Arts Presentation Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program gives Canadians increased access to the variety and richness of Canada’s culture through professional arts festivals, presentations of live professional performances, and other artistic experiences.

The complete list of CTV’s Top 10 Canadian News Stories for 2009 as revealed on CANADA AM this morning is:

    1.  The Recession (Jan. 1)

    2.  H1N1 / The Swine Flu (Dec. 31)

    3.  The Afghan Mission (Dec. 30)

    4.  Newfoundland Chopper Crash (Dec. 29)

    5.  Car Industry Collapse (Dec. 28)

    6.  Tori Stafford (Dec. 27)

    7.  Jim Balsillie's bid for the Phoenix Coyotes (Dec. 26)

    8.  Earl Jones Ponzi Scheme (Dec. 25)

    9.  The Olympic Torch Run (Dec. 24)

    10. Canadians in Space (Dec. 23)

To see the complete announcement, go to http://www.ctvmedia.ca

The Ontario Science Centre is the first and only Canadian venue to host Harry Potter: The Exhibition, which made its highly successful global debut at Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry in April 2009. The exhibition is currently on display at the Museum of Science, Boston.

Exhibitgroup/Giltspur created the 1,300 square metre (14,000 square foot) exhibition in partnership with Warner Bros. Consumer Products. Harry Potter: The Exhibition offers fans a firsthand view of authentic artifacts displayed in detailed settings inspired by the film sets, including the Great Hall, Hagrid’s hut, the Gryffindor(TM) common room, and more. The exhibition will also include costumes and props from the upcoming installments of the Harry Potter film series, once production of these films has been completed.

The latest Harry Potter film, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, was released on Blu-ray and DVD today. The final film in the series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, is currently in production. The film will be released in two parts – Part 1 in November 2010 and Part 2 in July 2011.

“The Harry Potter books have introduced millions of children to the enjoyment of reading and the film adaptations have enthralled fans, stimulating their creativity and imaginations,” said Lesley Lewis, CEO, Ontario Science Centre. “Harry Potter: The Exhibition is an ideal fit with our Science Centre mission and I’m confident that Harry Potter fans will be delighted by the opportunity to immerse themselves in this exhibition.”

“We are thrilled to be opening Harry Potter: The Exhibition in Canada to give fans the opportunity to experience all of the incredible components of this magical world brought to life,” said Karen McTier, Executive Vice President, Domestic Licensing and Worldwide Marketing, Warner Bros. Consumer Products. “The Ontario Science Centre is a wonderful venue that will showcase perfectly Harry’s world for fans of all ages to enjoy.”

“We are delighted with the reception the exhibition has received in Chicago and Boston and we are honoured to make the Ontario Science Centre the first stop on its international tour,” said Eddie Newquist, President, Branded Entertainment, Exhibitgroup/Giltspur. “Fans young and old from around the world have given us tremendous positive feedback, and we are hopeful that all the Harry Potter fans in the Toronto area and beyond will have a chance to visit this one-of-a-kind exhibition.”

“The Ontario Science Centre is excited to offer our visitors the opportunity to step into a world that has captured the imagination of both children and adults for over a decade. This exhibition will add a new dimension to our exciting and inspiring programming,” said Dr. Hooley McLaughlin, Director, Visitor Experience, Ontario Science Centre. “We’re confident that Harry Potter: The Exhibition will draw local and tourist visitors of all ages.”

Harry Potter: The Exhibition opens Friday April 9, 2010, and will run through Sunday August 22, 2010 at the Ontario Science Centre. The exhibition is a timed entry experience and will be open for visitors during the Science Centre’s extended regular hours: from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily up to June 25, and from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily from June 26 to the last date of the exhibition. Tickets are now available online at www.OntarioScienceCentre.ca, by calling 416-696-1000, or by visiting the box office.

Admission to Harry Potter: The Exhibition, which includes general admission to the Science Centre’s exhibition halls, is $27.50 for adults; $23.50 for seniors and youth (ages 65+ and 13-17); $20.00 for children (ages 4-12); and for Ontario Science Centre members admission is $14 for adults; $12 for seniors and youth; and $10 for children.

The KiSS Dish with Adam Wylde & Zack Taylor will give listeners exclusive celebrity gossip and entertainment news weeknights @ 6:06.

Tune-in live to KiSS 92.5 or online at http://www.kiss925.com.

A Brush of Hope, a campaign that saw noteworthy Canadian celebrities paint 8″ X 10″ canvases and auction them off on EBay, wrapped up today raising approximately $13,000 for The Kidney Foundation.

Celebrities such as musicians Alex Lifeson and Stompin’ Tom Connors; hockey player John Tavares; author Stuart Maclean; comedian Brent Butt and New Brunswick Premier Shawn Graham, rallied together for the cause, painting 104 canvases that were displayed at several venues in New Brunswick in the weeks leading up to the online auction, which took place from Nov. 5 to 15.

“This campaign captured the creativity of the celebrities and intrigued the community. As a result, it provided The Kidney Foundation with critical research funding to help find a cure for a widespread disease,” said Mike Tierney, president of UPS Canada, a major sponsor of the Brush of Hope event. “We are proud to have lent our support to such an important cause, one that offers hope to so many people.”

Approximately 20,500 Canadians require dialysis treatment to live, and another 12,400 have received a vital kidney transplant, with 3,000 people still on waiting lists.

UPS was inspired to sponsor A Brush of Hope by one of its employees Darren Martin, a UPS employee in New Brunswick, and chair of the New Brunswick chapter of The Kidney Foundation. Darren received a kidney transplant seven years ago. “I was very fortunate to not only have support from my family but also from my employer UPS, and the Kidney Foundation,” said Martin. “It made things easier during a really difficult time.”

“A Brush of Hope is a celebration of Canadian culture through art, and a demonstration of how Canadians come together to support others in need,” said Tim Fox, executive director, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island Branch of The Kidney Foundation of Canada. “Organizing and executing such an event involves a tremendous amount of work and support. We are very thankful that UPS Canada is one of our major sponsors, allowing us to eliminate the cost of shipping.”

Continuing the tradition of making wishes come true, CP24 and CHUM FM accepts donations of new unwrapped toys at the CP24/CHUM CHRISTMAS WISH headquarters and toy distribution warehouse, located in Mississauga, at 3035 Wharton Way. For the 41st year in a row, RBC is the sole sponsor of the CP24/CHUM CHRISTMAS WISH. Donations in the form of cash, cheques, or toys may be made at any RBC Royal Bank branch in the GTA and at CP24/CHUM FM (299 Queen Street West).

Volunteers are needed at the warehouse facility to sort donated toys and fill agency toy requests during the holiday season. If you would like to volunteer or if you require further information about the CP24/CHUM CHRISTMAS WISH, please visit www.thewish.ca or contact the CP24/CHUM CHRISTMAS WISH helpline at 416.384.4199 or email thewish@ctv.ca.

About CP24/CHUM CHRISTMAS WISH

The CP24/CHUM CHRISTMAS WISH was originally established in 1966 as a charitable foundation called CHUM’s Kid’s Crusade Foundation, for the purpose of assisting children in need, and children’s charities. In 1973, the name was changed to The CHUM Charitable Foundation in order to broaden the scope of the foundation’s work, including the increase in requests for financial assistance from adults in need. At that time, the holiday portion of the program was called the CHUM Christmas Wish. In 2008 the evolution was complete. The CP24/CHUM CHRISTMAS WISH will continue to bring the magic of the holidays to those in need in 2009, and for many years to come!

For further information: Shannon Gallagher, CTV Inc., (416) 384-4623 or Shannon.Gallagher@ctv.ca; Emily Young Lee, CTV Inc., (416) 384-3004 or Emily.Younglee@ctv.ca

“On behalf of all Canadians, I offer my congratulations to Julie Payette and the crew of the space shuttle on a successful mission,” said the Prime Minister.  “Ms. Payette and her fellow astronauts are an inspiration, the latest in an elite group of Canadian astronauts to probe not just space, but the boundaries of knowledge itself.”

This most recent mission was Ms. Payette’s second trip to space.  She has logged more than 25 days in space.  On her most recent mission, Ms. Payette joined Dr. Robert Thirsk on the International Space Station, the first time in history that two Canadian astronauts were in orbit at the same time.

During the meeting today, the Commander Mark L. Polansky, Ms. Payette and the STS-127 crew presented Prime Minister Harper with a montage of photos taken during their mission and a Canadian flag that travelled on the shuttle.

“Canadians are rightfully proud of our country’s quarter-century of leadership in the exploration of space,” said the Prime Minister.  “From the earliest uses of the groundbreaking Canadarm to the next-generation Canadian robotics used in the construction of the International Space Station, Canadian expertise and experience are playing a growing role in the exploration of the final frontier.”

Fellow Top 4 finalist VINCENT Desjardins, 20, a Ballroom dancer from Trois-Rivières, QB, was declared the runner-up and also receives the keys to his very own 2010 Mazda 3 Sport. TARA-JEAN and VINCENT along with fellow Top 4 Finalists EVERETT Smith, 25, a Tap dancer from Glen Morris, ON., JAYME RAE Dailey, 21, a Contemporary dancer from Montreal, QB., and the remaining dancers from the Top 20, all took to the stage during the two-hour live extravaganza broadcast on CTV.

TARA-JEAN has been winning Canada’s hearts and votes since her audition in Saint John, NB., earlier this spring. During her time on the show, TARA-JEAN has demonstrated her versatility on stage tackling everything from Contemporary to House to Samba with the same dedication, skill and flare for performance. Best known for her determination, gracious demeanour, hard work and perseverance, TARA-JEAN has been praised by the judges for being a true performer and an inspiration to dancers everywhere. During the Top 4 performance show, SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE CANADA Judge Blake McGrath comments to TARA-JEAN foreshadowed the big win when he said, “There’s something very, very important you need in this competition to win. It’s called star quality, and baby you have it!”

    (xx) Media Note (xx) Download new photos from the Finale and information
    about SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE CANADA at ctvmedia.ca/dance2009/.

The Season 3 Audition Tour will be traveling to five cities across Canada with confirmed stops in Toronto on Saturday, November 14, Montreal during the weekend of November 28 and Vancouver on Saturday, December 5. Registration will begin at 8 a.m. in all cities. Auditions will also be coming to Calgary and an East Coast City to be announced. Confirmed dates and venues will continue to be announced as information becomes available. Check dance.ctv.ca for details and updates.

    Audition details available to date listed below (subject to change):

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    City              Date                    Venue
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Toronto, ON       Saturday, November 14   Metro Toronto Convention Centre
                                              255 Front St. W., Toronto
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Montreal, QC      Weekend of November 28  To be announced
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Vancouver, BC     Saturday, December 5    The Centre in Vancouver for
                                              Performing Arts
                                              777 Homer Street
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Calgary, AB       To be announced         To be announced
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    East Coast City   To be announced         To be announced
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

TARA-JEAN and her fellow Top 10 competitors will now prepare to embark on the much anticipated 18-city SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE CANADA Top 10 Tour beginning November 25 in Kelowna, BC. Featuring hit performances from throughout the season, fans can see their favourite dancers live. Tickets are currently on sale and for details regarding purchasing tickets as well as a full list of cities and dates for the tour, go to dance.CTV.ca.

As TARA-JEAN accepts the title of Canada’s Favourite Dancer, Season 1 winner Nico Archambault has not shied away from the spotlight. Archambault will appear as the legendary ballet dancer Rudolph Nureyev in the upcoming Bravo! biopic Nureyev and has also been on a national tour with his performance group Pinup Saints. Archambault is also set to appear as a modern-day Johnny Castle in the new Family Channel film Vacation With Derek, and returned to the SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE CANADA stage to choreograph along with his fiancée Wynn Homes during Top 8 week.

Since its premiere on August 11, SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE CANADA has averaged 1.44 million viewers*, ranking as a Top 20 show with key demo A18-34 and key female demos (F18-34 and F18-49)(xx). The series also consistently wins its timeslot nationally with the key female demos (F18-34, F18-49 and F25-54).

Highlights from each week’s SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE CANADA episodes are available on demand on the CTV Video Player at CTV.ca. For exclusive footage and clips, information on dancers, judges and choreographers along with image galleries, videos, forums, blogs from the judges and more, visit dance.CTV.ca.

For those who want to relive the two-hour SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE CANADA finale, an encore broadcast will air following an encore of the Top 4 Performance show Sunday, November 1 beginning at 4 p.m. ET on MuchMusic (go to muchmusic.com to confirm local broadcast times).

The Gemini Award-winning series SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE CANADA was created by Simon Fuller and Nigel Lythgoe, and is produced in association with CTV by Danse TV Productions. Sandra Faire and Trisa Dayot are Executive Producers. Susanne Boyce is President, Creative, Content and Channels, CTV Inc.