Mr. Michael Goldsmith reports

FRESH TV TAKES CENTRE STAGE WITH A NEW PERFORMING ARTS SCHOOL DRAMA, BACKSTAGE, FOR FAMILY

Fresh TV has started production on a new original performing arts school drama, Backstage, for DHX Media Ltd.'s Family Channel. The 30-episode, half-hour scripted series (shot docudrama style) will follow a group of outstandingly talented teenagers as they live through the highs and lows that come with attending the prestigious Keaton School of the Arts from the angst and disappointments to the new friendships and crowning achievements. The series films this summer in Toronto, beginning today, and is slated to debut on DHX Television's Family in spring 2016.

Through diary-style confessionals and dramatic cliffhangers, Backstage will lift the curtain on these would-be stars as they chase their dreams and deal with the day-to-day reality of being a student, a sister, a son, a girlfriend -- a teen. Every episode will be jam-packed with dance, instrumental and vocal performances from rehearsals to concerts to opening nights.

"Backstage will transport tweens into the competitive world of the performing arts as talented young teens struggle to out-dance, out-sing and out-perform their classmates on the quest to make it big," said Brian Irving, producer, executive producer and partner at Fresh TV. "The series will take away the gloss of showbiz and showcase the grit and determination talented young artists need to succeed."

Directors for the series include top music video directors such as RT! (Snoop Dogg, Sean Paul, Shane Harte), Director X (Iggy Azalea, T.I., Drake), Wendy Morgan (Dragonette, Janelle Monae) and Warren Sonoda (Johnny Reid, George Canyon).

"We know that our audience gravitates toward series based on music and dance, and the compelling storylines in Backstage depict the competitive environment that exists with teens who are striving for excellence," said Michael Goldsmith, vice-president, original production, DHX Television. "Pairing the aspirational nature of the show with characters that our viewers can connect with and, more importantly, relate to makes this series an excellent addition to our lineup."

Featuring an all-Canadian cast, the series stars Devyn Nekoda (Degrassi) as Vanessa, a gifted ballet dancer; Alyssa Trask as Carly, a dancer who is stuck in her best friend Vanessa's shadow; Aviva Mongillo as Alya, an incredible singer who lacks confidence; Joshua Bogert as Miles, a mysterious musician with a big secret; Colin Petierre as Sasha, the school's biggest gossip; Julia Tomasone as Bianca, who is being groomed by her casting director mother as the next big thing; Matthew Isen as Jax, a charming DJ and musician; Kyal Legend as Julie, the school president; McKenzie Small as Scarlett, a talented singer with a big ego; Romy Weltman as Kit, a DJ and musician who is fighting to garner recognition for her talents; Isiah Hall as Denzel, a fashionable designer; and Adrianna Di Liello as Jenna an eager ballet dancer, always ready to seize an opportunity.

Backstage was created and developed by Fresh TV in association with DHX Television. Executive producers are Brian Irving, who is also a producer; Jennifer Pertsch, who is also the creator, co-developer and a writer; Lara Azzopardi, who is also a co-developer, show runner, writer and director; Tom McGillis and George Elliott.