DHX Television Orders Second Season of Hit Original Drama Backstage

30 NEW EPISODES ORDERED FROM FRESH TV, WITH PRODUCTION SET TO BEGIN SUMMER 2016 IN TORONTO

NEW EPISODES FROM CURRENT SEASON CONTINUE TO AIR FRIDAYS ON FAMILY CHANNEL

TORONTO, May 10, 2016 /CNW/ - DHX Television confirmed today that Fresh TV will deliver a 30-episode sophomore season of the hit original series Backstage for Family Channel's 2017 broadcast season. The popular tween drama, which debuted in March 2016, has gained international acclaim and a devoted fan- following for its layered portrayal of daily life at an elite fine arts high school. The commissioning decision comes on the heels of Family's Big Ticket Summer Concert announcement, revealing three of the series stars – Josh Bogert, Aviva Mongillo and Mckenzie Small – will make their touring debuts as performers on this year's concert tour, accompanied by additional performers from the show. Production is set to being this summer in Toronto.

"It's no secret that our core audience is fascinated by the performing arts, and we're thrilled to be able to spark their imaginations with this realistic and heartfelt peek into every day teenage life," said Michael Goldsmith, Vice President, Original Production, DHX Television. "Our cast of actors, singers and dancers represents Canadian talent at its finest, and we look forward to seeing even more of what they have to offer as the second season builds upon the international success of the first."

"We're thrilled to be back for season two of Backstage. Our amazing cast, writers and directors all truly represent the spirit of the performing arts and the triple-threat," said Brian Irving, Executive Producer and Producer, Fresh TV Inc.

Backstage follows a group of immensely 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, being a student at Keaton sets you on the path to becoming a star. Lifting the curtain on how these young musicians, dancers and artists see the world, their confessions and dreams are highlighted as they sing, dance and carve out the destiny they see for themselves – making it big.

The series' stars: Josh Bogert as Miles; Aviva Mongillo as Alya; Mckenzie Small as Scarlett; Devyn Nekoda as Vanessa; Alyssa Trask as Carly; Julia Tomasone as Bianca; Matthew Isen as Jax; Colin Petierre as Sasha; Romy Weltman as Kit; Kyal Legend as Julie; and Adrianna Di Liello as Jenna.

An integral part of Family Channel's Must-See Friday night lineup, Backstage airs weekly every Friday at 7 p.m. ET/PT. In this week's episode, things heat up at Keaton School of the Arts as Vanessa turns to Carly for help impressing her dance teacher, Miles is forced to share studio space with Julie, and Kit faces expulsion.

For exclusive access to special video content and behind-the-scenes updates on new characters, storylines and production information, fans can follow Backstage's various social media channels: Facebook Facebook.com/BackstageTVShow, Twitter @backstagetvshow, Instagram @backstagetvshow and Snapchat https://www.snapchat.com/add/backstagetvshow.

Commissioned by DHX Television, and with international distribution handled by DHX Media, Backstage was created and developed by Fresh TV. Executive Producers are Brian Irving, who also serves as producer; Jennifer Pertsch, also the co-creator and a writer; Lara Azzopardi, the series' co-creator, show runner, writer and director; Tom McGillis and George Elliott. Directors for the series include top music video directors RT! (Snoop Dogg, Sean Paul, Shane Harte), Director X (Iggy Azalea, T.I., Drake), Wendy Morgan (Dragonette, Janelle Monáe) and Warren Sonoda (Johnny Reid, George Canyon), as well as Mario Azzopardi (Stargate SG-1, The Outer Limits, Degrassi) and Lara Azzopardi (I Am an Apartment Building, Rewind).

As previously announced, DHX Medias distribution arm has licensed the first season of Backstage (30 half-hours) to Disney Channel in the US, UK, Latin America, France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Nordics, Benelux, Germany, Cee, Turkey, Middle East, Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

About FRESH TV Inc.

Fresh TV is a world leader in creating and producing live action and animated television that powerfully connects to the interests, influences of tween and teen audiences around the world. Founded by Emmy-winning producers Tom McGillis, Jennifer Pertsch, George Elliott and Brian Irving. Fresh productions include the Total Drama franchise, 6TEEN, Stoked, Grojband and the live-action series, My Babysitter's A Vampire, Really Me and the Disney XD movie Bunks.

This award-winning multi-media company set new audience delivery records when the Total Drama Island finale was the #1 telecast in Cartoon Network's history and the series itself served as the anchor to Cartoon Network's prime time comedy franchise HAR HAR THARSDAYS. Fresh TV's live-action series My Babysitter's a Vampire, based on their successful TV movie, ranked as the No. 1 U.S. cable show amongst kids 2-11 in its time period during its premiere season run on Disney Channel and met with record high ratings in season two.

Family Channel offers the best in family television entertainment in a premium, commercial-free environment. Dedicated to celebrating family life and providing a daily vacation for children and their families, Family airs a unique mix of top-rated Canadian and acquired series, movies and specials. Family is also home to F2N – an entertainment haven for teens that features high quality programs after 9 p.m. Family Channel subscribers have access to the Family Channel App, Family OnDemand and Family Online at no additional cost, to see hit movies and series when they want them, where they want them. Visit us at Family.ca.

About DHX Television
DHX Television is comprised of Family Channel, Family CHRGD, Family Jr. and Télémagino, and is part of DHX Media Ltd., a leading creator, producer, marketer and broadcaster of family entertainment. Dedicated to celebrating family fun, DHX Television delivers best-in-class programming through premium subscriptions and its original production mandate, and creates and produces captivating in-market events that appeal to Canadian families. DHX Television is home to world-renowned series including The Next Step, Degrassi: Next Class and Teletubbies. DHX Media Ltd. has offices globally, and is traded on the NASDAQ and Toronto Stock Exchange.

SOURCE DHX Television

Joanna Landsberg, Publicist - DHX Television, [email protected], 416.977.7458