Temple Street Productions and Family Channel Announce Principal Photography on Season Four of the Multi-Award Winning Hit Tween Drama The Next Step

TORONTO, Sept. 30, 2015 /CNW/ - Temple Street Productions and DHX Television's Family Channel are pleased to announce production has commenced on the fourth season of the multi-award winning hit tween series, The Next Step. Created by Frank van Keeken (Lost & Found Music Studios, Wingin' It) the reality-style drama follows the lives of an elite group of dancers as they continue to compete at the highest levels of competition.

"We are so pleased that this series is going to a fourth season as it speaks to how the unique format has truly resonated with fans – both domestically and internationally. The series will continue its trend of delivering tween-targeted stories that are relatable to our audience, paired with aspirational plots that encourage our viewers to chase their dreams," said Michael Goldsmith, Vice President, Original Production, DHX Television. "While our star-studded cast continues to win over fans, we're also looking forward to introducing some incredibly talented new additions to The Next Step family, furthering our commitment to discovering and fostering young Canadian talent." 

"We are excited to partner again with Family Channel on the start of production for season four of The Next Step," said Executive Producers of the show and Co-Presidents of Temple Street Productions, Ivan Schneeberg and David Fortier. "We can't wait to tell more stories about the trials and tribulations of this group of talented dancers and their quest to make it big."

In season four, after competing at Internationals in Miami, A-Troupe has made a name for themselves in the dance world putting The Next Step Dance Studio on the map. But their return to Regionals could mean the departure of beloved favourites which would force the team to start from scratch. An influx of brand-new dancers would mean new dynamics and challenges for the studio, and the team must fight harder than ever to make it back on top. Some will succeed, some will stumble, and they will struggle with the question: Is what is best for the team, best for me?  

Season four of The Next Step welcomes a new group of talented young dancers including Guiseppe Bausilio as Alfie; Alexandra Chaves as Piper; Erika Prevost as Sloane; Akiel Julien as LaTroy; Isaiah Peck as Henry; Shelby Bain as Amy; and Allie Goodbun as Cassie. Returning fan-favourites include Victoria Baldesarra as Michelle; Brittany Raymond as Riley; Logan Fabbro as Amanda; Myles Erlick as Noah; Trevor Tordjman as James; Lamar Johnson as West; Isaac Lupien as Eldon; Jordan Clark as Giselle; Briar Nolet as Richelle and Skylar Alexis Healey as Skylar. The new season will also feature guest appearances from the musicians of Lost & Found Music Studios.

In Winter 2015, eight cast members embarked on their first-ever national stage show The Next Step Live on Stage. Visiting 28 Canadian cities for a total of nearly 50 performances, the sold-out tour speaks to the popularity and success of this original production. Fans who were not able to attend the tour can get a behind-the-scenes look at the cast's experience when The Next Step Live: The Movie premieres on Family this Friday, October 2 at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT.

Currently, audiences can enjoy new episodes of season three, Fridays at 7 p.m. ET/PT on Family Channel, which sees The Next Step dancers travel to Miami to compete for the title of International Champions. The Next Step season four will premiere exclusively on Family in Spring 2016 with 40 episodes.

The Next Step is produced by Temple Street Productions in association with Family Channel and is executive produced by Frank van Keeken (Lost & Found Music Studios, Wingin' It, Kids in the Hall), Ivan Schneeberg and David Fortier (Orphan Black, Being Erica, Wingin' It) and Laura Harbin (Lost & Found Music Studios, Wingin' It). BBC Worldwide handles the international rights to the series.

About Temple Street Productions
Temple Street Productions is a leading producer of television, film and digital media content based in Toronto and Los Angeles. A selection of Temple Street's past and present projects include, Orphan Black (BBC AMERICA, Space), Being Erica (CBC, SOAPnet), Lost & Found Music Studios (Family Channel), The Next Step (Family Channel), Wingin' It (Family Channel), Say Yes to the Dress Canada (W), Million Dollar Critic (W, BBC America), Cook'd (YTV), Over the Rainbow (CBC), Recipe to Riches (Food Network, Global), Cover Me Canada (CBC), Billable Hours (Global, Showcase), Canada's Next Top Model (CTV), How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria? (CBC), Queer as Folk (Showtime, Showcase), and Darcy's Wild Life (NBC, DiscoveryKids, Family Channel). For more company information www.templestreetproductions.com twitter @TempleStreet or connect with us on Facebook.

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 Channel subscribers also have access to 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.

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

artwork and to arrange set-visits please contact: Renée Pye, Unit Publicist, The Next Step, 416.576.6413, [email protected]; Joanna Landsberg, Publicist, Family Channel, 416.977.7458, [email protected]