Network: Specialty Channel
Broadcast Run: 2013
Broadcast Medium: Television
The second decade of the Twentyfirst Century saw many Pay and specialty channels deciding to try to inprove their ratings clout in increasingly competitive markets both in the U.S. and Canada, by commissioning their own original programming. HBO led the way with a number of highly successful series that won Emmy awards, like Boardwalk Empire and Curb Your Enthusiasm, and with them substantially increased audiences.
March 8th 2013 saw the debut on Family Channel at 7 pm of a new Canadian original series The Next Step. The serialized reality-style half-hour drama series followed an elite group of dancers striving to make it in the world of competitive dance.
The Next Step starred Alexandra Beaton as Emily; Victoria Baldesarra as Michelle; Trevor Tordjman as James; Brittany Raymond as Riley; and Isaac Lupien as Eldon. Rounding out the troupe were Samantha Grecchi as Stephanie; Tamina Pollack-Paris as Tiffany; Jennifer Pappas as Chloe; Brennan Clost as Daniel; Lamar Johnson as West; Bree Wasylenko as Kate; Shamier Anderson as Chris and Jordan Clark as Giselle.
The Next Step was produced by Temple Street Productions and executive produced by Frank van Keeken, Ivan Schneeberg and David Fortier. BBC Worldwide acquired international distribution rights. The Next Step was also produced with financial assistance from The Shaw Rocket Fund.
Written by Pip Wedge – March, 2013