|
Just as it did when it began 10 years ago, the smash hit Canadian television franchise Corner Gas continues to blaze new trails. 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.
“I’m excited. The entire gang is back. The movie picks up five years after we last checked in and it has everything you loved about the show – snappy dialogue, colourful yet relatable characters, ill-fitting denim trousers, you name it!,” said Creator/Star/Writer and Executive Producer Brent Butt. “The movie is a gift to Canadians from the producers and stars of Corner Gas,” added Executive Producer Virginia Thompson. “It’s our thank you to fans for their loyalty and affection over the past decade.”
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. It’s been a few years, and there’s still not a lot going on 40 kilometers from nowhere. But that’s all about to change as the fine folks of Dog River, Saskatchewan face their biggest crisis ever. Brent and the gang discover that the town’s been badly mismanaged, leaving residents with little choice but to pack up and leave. As residents make one last rally to save Dog River as they know it, they discover a devious plan by a corporate chain that would change life for Dog Riverites forever.
“Corner Gas: The Movie pilots a new, ground-breaking model for fans of Canada’s most cherished brand 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.”
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.
Over its long run, the Corner Gas series received over 80 nominations for various awards, including an International Emmy nomination. It won seven Gemini Awards including Best Comedy and Best Comedy Ensemble, as well as nine Canadian Comedy Awards, four Writers Guild of Canada Awards, three Directors Guild of Canada Awards and 12 Leos.
Corner Gas aired in over two dozen countries worldwide and became a Canadian cultural phenomenon, spawning two chart-topping books, sold-out comedy tours, a successful line of clothing and merchandise, a top-selling series of DVDs, a Christmas special and song, dozens of notable guest stars, including two Prime Ministers and a thriving tourist industry in Rouleau, Saskatchewan, where CORNER GAS was filmed on location. |
