Zoot Pictures Inc. and Saskatchewan Communications Network (SCN) are pleased to announce the launch of a new television series, Weekend Wonder on March 15, 2010.

Weekend Wonder is a 3 part docu-drama series that chronicles the challenges and triumphs of building an eco-friendly cottage over three days on the banks of Buffalo Pound lake. A group of friends and neighbours come together and tackle this seemingly impossible task with true pioneer spirit and determination reminiscent of the barn-raising days of our past.

In July 2009, John Robinson of Robinson Residential Designs gathered together his team of dedicated volunteers to design and build a cottage over the long weekend. But, this is no ordinary cottage. Innovative designs, technology and materials make it a model eco-friendly home. If the cottage’s innovative design didn’t make things challenging enough to build, uncooperative weather and looming deadlines leave no room for error.

Director Leif Kaldor was there for the entire shoot. “It was crazy,” he said. “They started at 5:30 am every day, and went until the weather, bugs or fatigue shut them down. The most interesting part about following the build was that none of them had any idea if it could be done.”

The launch for the series will be an event as unique as the show it is celebrating. Billed as Tiaras, Tuxedos and Toolbelts, the launch event will take place at the Albert St. South Appleby’s restaurant in Regina on March 15th from 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Guests will be dressed in formal gala attire complete with hard hats and toolbelts and will watch the first episode of the series at 9:30 pm on SCN. With well over 100 volunteers and contractors involved in the build, it will be a full house. Media are welcome to attend.

The “Tiaras, Tuxedo’s and Toolbelts” Launch Gala for Weekend Wonder is supported by SCN, SaskFILM, Robinson Design and Zoot Pictures Inc.

Weekend Wonder was made possible with the support of the Saskatchewan Film Employment Tax Credit, Canada Film and Video Tax Credit, Canadian Television Fund and was produced in association with SCN.

For more information about the series visit www.scn.ca/weekendwonder.

For more information, contact:

Leif Kaldor
Zoot Pictures Inc.
Regina, Saskatchewan
Telephone # 565-3311
Email: leif@zootpictures.com

Fabian Contreras
Saskatchewan Communications Network
Regina, Saskatchewan
Phone: 306-787-0490 ext. 261
Email: fcontreras@scn.ca

SCN, along with the RCMP, RCMP Heritage Centre and JenCor Entertainment Inc. is holding an open house for the television series Courage in Red. This series recognizes and celebrates the men and women of Canada’s national police force.

“The RCMP is a world-renowned and highly respected police force,” the Minister Responsible for SCN, Dustin Duncan said. “By watching this series, viewers will learn how they have earned this reputation as they follow cadets training at “Depot”; witness the challenges of policing in remote communities and see how they maintain peace and order in countries throughout the world.”

SCN begins airing Courage in Red, a 13-part series, on February 23rd. The series gives viewers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the training, preparation and challenges the RCMP engage in everyday to maintain law and order in Canada.

“It was a remarkable experience working with the RCMP and making this documentary series,” series Producer Jessica Webb said. “We were able to film things never before seen by the public and, as a result of doing so, hope that viewers will gain a greater appreciation for what these talented men and women do on our behalf.”

"More than 13 hundred RCMP officers perform federal, provincial and municipal policing duties in Saskatchewan," said D.F. (Yogi) Huyghebaert, Saskatchewan Minister of Corrections, Public Safety and Policing. "Saskatchewan residents appreciate the vital role the RCMP plays in keeping our communities safe, dating back to the earliest days of our province."

“Courage in Red showcases the dedication of the men and women of the RCMP as it educates the public about the service we provide to Canadians and abroad”, Sergeant Patricia Flood, Media Relations Officer with the RCMP said. “It's a very dynamic series and it was very exciting for the RCMP to be involved in the creation of Courage in Red”.

SCN broadcasts high-quality, educational programs that examine issues relevant to the people of our province. From documentaries that shed light on the world we live in, to children’s shows that promote literacy, numeracy and skills development, SCN offers TV that engages, informs and inspires the entire family.

For more information on this and other programs airing on SCN, please visit www.scn.ca. To learn more about the RCMP and its heritage go to www.rcmpheritagecentre.com.

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For more information, contact:

Fabian Contreras
Saskatchewan Communications Network
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0490 ext. 261
Email: fcontreras@scn.ca

SCN has been nominated for a 2010 Saskatchewan Tourism Award of Excellence under the Corporate Partner of the Year category for its 15 Minutes of Fame anthology video series showcasing the diverse people, places and events that shape our province. It is the first time SCN has been nominated for this award.

“We are extremely pleased with the success of this SCN initiative,” said Twyla MacDougall, President and CEO of SCN. “When it first started, we never would have imagined the success. To date over 100 Saskatchewan stories have aired, featuring charming topics from all four corners of this province.”

15 Minutes of Fame is an innovative platform for communities to generate interest in their history, people, events, celebrations and special places. The series gives people an opportunity to discover our province and help generate visitor and tourism interest to places and events already well known and others waiting to be discovered. Individual videos are often used by communities to market and promote their unique stories and special attractions and generate tourism interest.

“I want to thank the West Central Tourism Association for nominating SCN for this prestigious award and extend my best wishes to all those nominated”, said MacDougall.

SCN airs more made in Saskatchewan programs than any other provincial broadcaster. Broadcast to over 90% of Saskatchewan households and available nationally on satellite, SCN delivers commercial-free stories that celebrate the culture and heritage of our province, connecting the people of our region to a world of ideas