A quirky, campy TV series that plays upon Yukon idiosyncrasies is earning national attention.
Last week Northern Town was nominated for two Directors Guild of Canada awards, for best comedy and best design.
“These are pretty prestigious awards within the industry,” said Northern Town creator and co-producer Daniel Janke.
The six-part mini-series, which began airing on CBC television on July 31st, has been garnering good ratings.
And the number of viewers is increasing by 100,000 each week, said Janke.
Last week CBC asked Janke and director Gary Burns to write 13 more episodes.
“They asked us to fast-track it back into development,” he said.
If CBC likes the plot outlines, it will order the show and Northern Town will shoot another season in the North.
“And they’re considering a full season this time,” said Janke.
An established musician, composer, writer and playwright, Janke is currently working on an animated film and a score for an upcoming theatre production, as well as the new Northern Town tales.
“I’m glad to be writing again,” he said. “And I want to start getting some story contributors.”
Northern Town airs Monday evenings at 9 on CBC. (GK)
Presley in, Hassard out in Pelly-Nisutlin
Uh-huh, uh-huh.
With his white leisure suit firmly wrapped around him Elvis Presley has officially entered the election race for Pelly-Nisutlin in the upcoming territorial election.
Presley will run as an independent despite earlier interest in the Yukon Liberal party leadership.
He was eliminated from the leadership race on the first ballot in 2005.
Presley holds no ill will toward the Liberal Party, but feels running as an independent will allow him political freedoms.
“I decided I’m going to run as an independent so I’m not going to be muzzled like a pitbull,” said Presley, in an interview Monday.
Presley, a resident of Ross River, has already started campaigning.
His team includes his partner, Jessie Peter, Adam Green, from Terra Firma, and Patrick Singh, owner of Patty’s Pub in Whitehorse.
On Tuesday, the current MLA for Pelly-Nisutlin, Dean Hassard, announced his intention to seek the nomination for the Yukon Party in Porter Creek South. (TQ)