Success of the Canadian spin-off

Brad Smith Canada's first bachelor

Just this last week was the series premiere of Bachelor Canada, another attempt at a Canadian version of an American franchise television show. Growing up as a kid, I quickly learned one thing; Canadian television is dismal in comparison to American programming. Why though? Where is our creativity? Are we not able to create just as entertaining media? In the past, even our imitations have not been as successful as their American counter-parts.

The landscape of Canadian broadcasting has been a very well oiled machine for American producers. We would buy their content, adding both revenue and advertising dollars to their budgets. Season after season, this cycle would repeat. Their entertainment filled our primetime hours, and still is. Recently Canadian producers have seen a new breath of life in their work, it stems from co-national productions. A few of those TV shows:

·      Rookie Blue

·      Flashpoint

From left to right: Ronnie Seterdahl Negus, Christina Kiesel,
Jody Claman, Mary Zilba and Reiko MacKenzie.
Stars of Real Housewives of Vancouver.

The success of these shows has built the foundation for Canadian viewers to be interested in Canadian content. That’s why I believe new Canadian spin-offs will be more successful then their predecessors. Real Housewives of Vancouver, following the lives of 5 wives with intense drama and backstabbing, was met with mediocre reviews but successful viewership ratings. The same applies to the newest addition to the spin-off family, The Bachelor. The show had huge viewership, lots of press coverage and has been deemed a success in all aspects. There is more to come; Big Brother Canada is currently casting. What will come of these shows, and the future of Canadian spin-offs? No one can really know, these days the success of any TV show can quickly dissipate. What I do believe however is that there has been a change in tide, Canadian television may not be as dull as it once was and is slowly growing some muscle internationally.

Photos from: The National Post and Slice.ca

Does This App Make Me Look Fat?

          Have you ever been out shopping by yourself and couldn’t come to decision about whether or not an item was worth purchasing?  PickN’Tell, a new application, is revolutionizing the way we shop.  Now, even our loneliest of shopping excursions have the ability to be social experiences.  It is the first app of its kind to link both the virtual and physical retail experience by using an app alongside an in-store display.  The app was released in late July and already has an extensive list of retailers on board.

PickN’Tell has three main objectives:

1. Instant Feedback:  Immediate opinions from your virtual friends and followers
2. It's all about you:  Keep tabs on your favourite stores and must-haves
3. Collect Prizes and Points:  Get the scoop on sales, events and discounts

How it works:

• Retailers that have partnered with PickN'Tell have inserted a high-tech mirror into their stores 
• The mirror or tablet allows customers to photograph or video themselves.  Customers can then either upload the file to Facebook, Twitter, or just their PickN'Tell account.
• Followers view the video or photo which also has the clothing store location and barcode information
• Users can then scan product barcodes for more information and save barcodes for their wish-lists.

Here is a video to better understand how the application works:

Here are some of the benefits:

• Provides incentives for both customers and retailers
• Earn coupons, prizes and discounts 
• Get honest feedback instantly from friends and followers
• Connect with bloggers, designers and stylists
• Retailers have access to "get-to-know your customer" toolbox which measures trends as well as consumer behaviour analysis

Availability and Pricing:

• The App is free and is available for download on ITunes and the Google Play Store.

Do you think this app will reach a critical mass in terms of usage?