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| country = [[Television in Canada|Canada]]
| country = [[Television in Canada|Canada]]
| network = [[CBC Television]]
| network = [[CBC Television]]
| first_aired = {{start date|1998|10|5}}
| first_aired = {{start date|1998|10|5|df=dmy}}
| last_aired = {{end date|2003|6|20}}<ref name="WedgeHistory"/>
| last_aired = {{end date|2003|6|20|df=dmy}}<ref name="WedgeHistory"/>
| num_seasons = 5
| num_seasons = 5
| num_episodes = 65
| num_episodes = 65
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|}}
|}}


'''''Made in Canada''''' is a [[Television in Canada|Canadian television]] comedy which aired on [[CBC Television]] from 1998 to 2003.<ref>"The quality of Mercer". ''[[Ottawa Citizen]]'', April 21, 2003.</ref> [[Rick Mercer]] starred as Richard Strong, an ambitious and amoral television producer working for a company which makes bad (but profitable) television shows. A dark satire about the Canadian television industry, the programme shifted into an episodic [[situation comedy]] format after its first season.
'''''Made in Canada''''' is a [[Television in Canada|Canadian television]] comedy which aired on [[CBC Television]] from 1998 to 2003.<ref>"The quality of Mercer". ''[[Ottawa Citizen]]'', 21 April 2003.</ref> [[Rick Mercer]] starred as Richard Strong, an ambitious and amoral television producer working for a company which makes bad (but profitable) television shows. A dark satire about the Canadian television industry, the programme shifted into an episodic [[situation comedy]] format after its first season.


It was created by Mercer, Gerald Lunz and [[Michael Donovan (producer)|Michael Donovan]], and produced by [[Salter Street Films]] and [[Island Edge]]. The programme was broadcast with Salter Street's satirical newsmagazine, ''[[This Hour Has 22 Minutes]]'', and drew its creators, writing staff, and much of its production staff from that programme; ''Made in Canada'' was filmed during the summer, and ''22 Minutes'' during the fall.<ref name="SlotekTalks"/> Mercer starred on both until he left ''22 Minutes'' in 2001.
It was created by Mercer, Gerald Lunz and [[Michael Donovan (producer)|Michael Donovan]], produced by [[Salter Street Films]] and [[Island Edge]], and filmed in [[Halifax Regional Municipality|Halifax]], [[Nova Scotia]]. The programme was broadcast with Salter Street's satirical newsmagazine, ''[[This Hour Has 22 Minutes]]'', and drew its creators, writing staff, and much of its production staff from that programme; ''Made in Canada'' was filmed during the summer, and ''22 Minutes'' during the fall.<ref name="SlotekTalks"/> Mercer starred on both until he left ''22 Minutes'' in 2001.


The programme received critical and popular recognition. It was particularly well-received by the industry it lampooned, attracting many guest stars and receiving a number of [[Gemini Awards|Gemini]], [[Writers Guild of Canada]], and [[Canadian Comedy Awards]].
The programme received critical and popular recognition. It was particularly well-received by the industry it lampooned, attracting many guest stars. The programme received 23 national awards during its five-season run, including multiple [[Gemini Awards|Gemini]], [[Writers Guild of Canada]], and [[Canadian Comedy Awards]].


In the [[United States]], [[Australia]] and [[Latin America]], the show was syndicated as '''''The Industry'''''. In [[France]], it was syndicated as '''''La loi du Show-Biz'''''.<ref name="Allocine" />
In the [[United States]], [[Australia]] and [[Latin America]], the show was syndicated as '''''The Industry'''''. In [[France]], it was syndicated as '''''La loi du Show-Biz'''''.


==Plot==
==Plot==


A satire of film and television production, the series revolves around fictional Pyramid Productions – a company where greed and backstabbing thrive.<ref name=razor>"Rick Mercer's razor wit cuts his bread and butter". ''[[Toronto Star]]'', September 28, 1998.</ref> Pyramid produces lucrative (but terrible) television and films for the domestic and international markets,<ref name="LeeSatire"/> with creative decisions made by non-creative people.<ref name="ClarkJeer"/>
A satire of film and television production, the series revolves around fictional Pyramid Productions – a company where greed and backstabbing thrive.<ref name=razor>"Rick Mercer's razor wit cuts his bread and butter". ''[[Toronto Star]]'', 28 September 1998.</ref> Pyramid produces lucrative (but terrible) television and films for the domestic and international markets,<ref name="LeeSatire"/> with creative decisions made by non-creative people.<ref name="ClarkJeer"/>


Company head Alan Roy is obsessed with appearances and staying ahead of trends, whether this means owning his own cable channel or having the largest yacht at [[Cannes Film Festival|Cannes]]. His often-idiotic decisions lead to extra work for his employees, who must fulfill his wishes or deal with the consequences.<ref name="WildeReunion"/> The employees&nbsp;– Richard, Victor, Veronica and Wanda&nbsp;– manipulate each other and sabotage each other's projects to earn more money, gain promotions or work on better projects. None of them appear to have issues with breaking the law, and they seem to have no sense of morality. They generally only cooperate when they have an opportunity to destroy another company or a mutual enemy. Each episode deals with one major problem (or event), which normally does not carry over to the next episode.
Company head Alan Roy is obsessed with appearances and staying ahead of trends, whether this means owning his own cable channel or having the largest yacht at [[Cannes Film Festival|Cannes]]. His often-idiotic decisions lead to extra work for his employees, who must fulfill his wishes or deal with the consequences.<ref name="WildeReunion"/> The employees&nbsp;– Richard, Victor, Veronica and Wanda&nbsp;– manipulate each other and sabotage each other's projects to earn more money, gain promotions or work on better projects. None of them appear to have issues with breaking the law, and they seem to have no sense of morality. They generally only cooperate when they have an opportunity to destroy another company or a mutual enemy. Each episode deals with one major problem (or event), which normally does not carry over to the next episode.
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==Characters==
==Characters==
* Richard Strong ([[Rick Mercer]]), the central character, is an ambitiously [[Machiavellian]] employee trying to navigate, scheme and backstab his way to the CEO's chair; in the first episode, he makes his way from junior [[script reader]] to television producer by having his boss (and brother-in-law) Ray Drodge fired. Ruthless and amoral, he is better at his job than most of his colleagues. Richard has had relationships with Veronica Miller, Lisa Sutton and Siobhan Roy, but generally as an opportunity to manipulate rather than out of love. The character was partially inspired by [[Ian McKellen]]'s performance in the 1995 [[Richard III (1995 film)|film adaptation]] of [[William Shakespeare|Shakespeare's]] ''[[Richard III (play)|Richard&nbsp;III]]''.<ref name=razor/><ref name="ColeFailure"/> He personifies human vice, unfettered by ethics.<ref name="ClarkJeer"/>
* Richard Strong ([[Rick Mercer]]), the central character, is an ambitiously [[Machiavellian]] employee trying to navigate, scheme and backstab his way to the CEO's chair; in the first episode, he makes his way from junior [[script reader]] to television producer by having his boss (and brother-in-law) Ray Drodge fired. Ruthless and amoral, he is better at his job than most of his colleagues. Richard has had relationships with Veronica Miller, Lisa Sutton and Siobhan Roy, but generally as an opportunity to manipulate rather than out of love. The character was partially inspired by [[Ian McKellen]]'s performance in the 1995 [[Richard III (1995 film)|film adaptation]] of [[William Shakespeare|Shakespeare's]] ''[[Richard III (play)|Richard&nbsp;III]]''.<ref name=razor/><ref name="ColeFailure"/> He personifies human vice, unfettered by ethics.<ref name="ClarkJeer"/>
* Alan Roy ([[Peter Keleghan]]), the firm's {{abbr|CEO|chief executive officer}}, is a charismatic but intellectually-questionable womanizer who often succeeds more by accident than skill and, much more often, fails miserably. He is frequently mystified that his management style&nbsp;– a combination of bad production ideas, offbeat health fads and half-understood slogans from management books&nbsp;– does not rouse office morale. Alan's career was launched with his first film, ''Prom Night at Horny High'', which was a commercial success despite being lowbrow and indecent. (Keleghan had an early starring role in the 1983 sex comedy, ''[[Screwballs]]''.) Keleghan described the character as a cross between [[Alliance Communications]] head [[Robert Lantos]] and ''The Simpsons''{{'}} [[Mr. Burns]].<ref name="LeeSatire"/> Producer [[Michael Donovan (producer)|Michael Donovan]] joked that Alan reflected the showrunners' impression of him.<ref name=biting>"Biting the hand that feeds him: The star of Made in Canada uses a TV show about the TV industry to take a swipe at the business and the culture that helped make him a household name in this country". ''[[The Globe and Mail]]'', October 3, 1998.</ref>
* Alan Roy ([[Peter Keleghan]]), the firm's {{abbr|CEO|chief executive officer}}, is a charismatic but intellectually-questionable womanizer who often succeeds more by accident than skill and, much more often, fails miserably. He is frequently mystified that his management style&nbsp;– a combination of bad production ideas, offbeat health fads and half-understood slogans from management books&nbsp;– does not rouse office morale. Alan's career was launched with his first film, ''Prom Night at Horny High'', which was a commercial success despite being lowbrow and indecent. (Keleghan had an early starring role in the 1983 sex comedy, ''[[Screwballs]]''.) Keleghan described the character as a cross between [[Alliance Communications]] head [[Robert Lantos]] and ''The Simpsons''{{'}} [[Mr. Burns]].<ref name="LeeSatire"/> Producer [[Michael Donovan (producer)|Michael Donovan]] joked that Alan reflected the showrunners' impression of him.<ref name=biting>"Biting the hand that feeds him: The star of Made in Canada uses a TV show about the TV industry to take a swipe at the business and the culture that helped make him a household name in this country". ''[[The Globe and Mail]]'', 3 October 1998.</ref>
* Veronica Miller ([[Leah Pinsent]]) is the firm's chief operating officer.<ref name="LeeSatire"/> Although she is generally overworked, doing the jobs of several other employees, she is still forced to do idiotic and degrading tasks for Alan.<ref name="ZerbisiasSitcom"/> Veronica occasionally becomes fed up with her poor treatment and sabotages a project or event, which usually spurs Alan to improve her working conditions and meet her demands.<ref name="BickleySuccess"/> The office problem-solver, she is generally an ally of Richard's in making the best of Alan's decisions but will double-cross him if necessary. <!--She and Richard marry in the final episode, and start their own company after being fired from Pyramid. They have a son named Victor. It seems that Veronica once had relationships with both Alan and Victor, which she intensely regrets.-->
* Veronica Miller ([[Leah Pinsent]]) is the firm's chief operating officer.<ref name="LeeSatire"/> Although she is generally overworked, doing the jobs of several other employees, she is still forced to do idiotic and degrading tasks for Alan.<ref name="ZerbisiasSitcom"/> Veronica occasionally becomes fed up with her poor treatment and sabotages a project or event, which usually spurs Alan to improve her working conditions and meet her demands.<ref name="BickleySuccess"/> The office problem-solver, she is generally an ally of Richard's in making the best of Alan's decisions but will double-cross him if necessary. <!--She and Richard marry in the final episode, and start their own company after being fired from Pyramid. They have a son named Victor. It seems that Veronica once had relationships with both Alan and Victor, which she intensely regrets.-->
* Victor Sela ([[Dan Lett]]) is head of Pyramid's film division<ref name="LeeSatire"/> and a general office sycophant,<ref name="ODonoghueHumor"/> willing to do almost anything Alan asks of him (no matter how demeaning). He is usually very positive about Alan's schemes. In a test, however, Victor is the least loyal. <!--He extorts money from Alan with the help of Alan's old business partner. In the final episode, Victor becomes the head of the studio after Alan is fired.-->
* Victor Sela ([[Dan Lett]]) is head of Pyramid's film division<ref name="LeeSatire"/> and a general office sycophant,<ref name="ODonoghueHumor"/> willing to do almost anything Alan asks of him (no matter how demeaning). He is usually very positive about Alan's schemes. In a test, however, Victor is the least loyal. <!--He extorts money from Alan with the help of Alan's old business partner. In the final episode, Victor becomes the head of the studio after Alan is fired.-->
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==Development and writing==
==Development and writing==


The series was conceived by Mercer, executive producer Gerald Lunz and [[Salter Street Films]] co-chair [[Michael Donovan (producer)|Michael Donovan]]<ref name="HawkinsCanadian"/> in 1994.<ref name="AdilmanMade"/> Lunz had launched Mercer's career, producing his one-man shows and ''[[This Hour Has 22 Minutes]]''<ref name="AthertonPyramid"/> (the latter of which was made by Salter Street).<ref name="LeeSatire"/>
The series was conceived by Mercer, executive producer Gerald Lunz and [[Salter Street Films]] co-chair [[Michael Donovan (producer)|Michael Donovan]]<ref name="HawkinsCanadian"/> in 1994.<ref name="AdilmanMade"/> Lunz had launched Mercer's career, producing his one-man shows and ''[[This Hour Has 22 Minutes]]''<ref name="AthertonPyramid"/> (the latter of which was made by Salter Street).<ref name="LeeSatire"/> Mercer and Lunz formed [[Island Edge]] to co-produce ''Made in Canada'' and develop other projects for Mercer.<ref name="DinoffLunz"/><ref name="PlaybackFlourish"/>


They wanted to satirize office politics, starring Mercer as an ambitious man manipulating his way to the top in a parody of [[William Shakespeare|Shakespeare's]] ''[[Richard III (play)|Richard&nbsp;III]]''. Instead of killing his rivals, the programme's Richard would kill their careers by ruining their reputations and seizing their power.<ref name="AthertonPyramid"/> Richard would address the audience directly, breaking the [[fourth wall]] to share his plans and ambitions. Although they realized this was a risk, they felt that Mercer could connect with the audience as he had in his monologues.<ref name="TVGuideReview"/><ref name="AthertonPyramid"/> Mercer had established himself as the first mainstream Canadian satirist to make scathing criticisms directly, without a comedic mask.<ref name="ClarkStand"/>{{rp|230–232}}
Donovon, Lunz and Mercer wanted to satirize office politics, starring Mercer as an ambitious man manipulating his way to the top in a parody of [[William Shakespeare|Shakespeare's]] ''[[Richard III (play)|Richard&nbsp;III]]''. Instead of killing his rivals, the programme's Richard would kill their careers by ruining their reputations and seizing their power.<ref name="AthertonPyramid"/> Richard would address the audience directly, breaking the [[fourth wall]] to share his plans and ambitions. Although they realized this was a risk, they felt that Mercer could connect with the audience as he had in his monologues.<ref name="TVGuideReview"/><ref name="AthertonPyramid"/> Mercer had established himself as the first mainstream Canadian satirist to make scathing criticisms directly, without a comedic mask.<ref name="ClarkStand"/>{{rp|230–232}}


They had considered setting the satire in the federal bureaucracy in line with Mercer's political criticism (known as the country's "unofficial opposition party"),<ref name="ClarkJeer"/> but Mercer was not sufficiently knowledgeable about the government's inner workings. Believing that satire required a firm understanding of its targets, they set the programme in a television and film production office; this would be understood by the audience and provide many egos to lampoon. Mercer described the programme in a later interview as having a "''[[Dilbert]]'' reality" of an office, in which some have a "suck-up kick-down philosophy". In April&nbsp;1998, the [[Canadian Broadcasting Corporation]] (CBC) approved a six-part series without seeing a script.<ref name="AthertonPyramid"/>
They had considered setting the satire in the federal bureaucracy in line with Mercer's political criticism (known as the country's "unofficial opposition party"),<ref name="ClarkJeer"/> but Mercer was not sufficiently knowledgeable about the government's inner workings. Believing that satire required a firm understanding of its targets, they set the programme in a television and film production office; this would be understood by the audience and provide many egos to lampoon. Mercer described the programme in a later interview as having a "''[[Dilbert]]'' reality" of an office, in which some have a "suck-up kick-down philosophy".<ref name="AthertonPyramid"/> In April&nbsp;1998, the [[Canadian Broadcasting Corporation]] (CBC) approved a six-part series without seeing a script.<ref name="AthertonPyramid"/>


The first season was cowritten by Mercer and [[Mark Farrell (comedian)|Mark Farrell]]<ref>"Rick Mercer: A real made in Canada kind of guy". ''[[Kingston Whig-Standard]]'', October 3, 1998.</ref> over a two-month period.<ref name="AdilmanMade"/> They had both written for ''22 Minutes''<ref name="LeeSatire"/> and had written sketches for several years, but neither had written episodic television before.<ref name="LeeSatire"/> Lunz, a self-described "Shakespeare nut", guided the theme and style.<ref name="LeeSatire"/> Farrell, Lunz and Mercer remained the show's creative force throughout its five seasons.<ref name="WildFarrell"/> Other writers for the series included [[Paul Bellini]], Alex Ganetakos and [[Edward Riche]].<ref name="WedgeHistory"/>
The first season was cowritten by Mercer and [[Mark Farrell (comedian)|Mark Farrell]]<ref>"Rick Mercer: A real made in Canada kind of guy". ''[[Kingston Whig-Standard]]'', 3 October 1998.</ref> over a two-month period.<ref name="AdilmanMade"/> They had both written for ''22 Minutes''<ref name="LeeSatire"/> and had written sketches for several years, but neither had written episodic television before.<ref name="LeeSatire"/> Lunz, a self-described "Shakespeare nut", guided the theme and style.<ref name="LeeSatire"/> Farrell, Lunz and Mercer remained the show's creative force throughout its five seasons.<ref name="WildFarrell"/> Other writers for the series included [[Paul Bellini]], Alex Ganetakos and [[Edward Riche]].<ref name="WedgeHistory"/>


The programme shifted from a dark satire to an episodic sitcom after its first season, and addressed the audience less frequently.<ref name="DoyleFinale"/><ref name="StGermainMercilessly"/> This was often limited to the closing line – "I think that went well" or "This is not good" – which might be given to a character other than Richard, depending on who was behind that episode's schemes.<ref name="StGermainMercilessly"/> The series' working title was ''The Industry'',<ref name="KlassenPBS"/> which was changed to ''The Casting Couch'' and then ''Made in Canada''.<ref name="LeeSatire"/>
The programme shifted from a dark satire to an episodic sitcom after its first season, and addressed the audience less frequently.<ref name="DoyleFinale"/><ref name="StGermainMercilessly"/> This was often limited to the closing line – "I think that went well" or "This is not good" – which might be given to a character other than Richard, depending on who was behind that episode's schemes.<ref name="StGermainMercilessly"/> The series' working title was ''The Industry'',<ref name="KlassenPBS"/> which was changed to ''The Casting Couch'' and then ''Made in Canada''.<ref name="LeeSatire"/>
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CBC executive George Anthony, who had convinced Lunz and Mercer to come to the network years previously, recognized their talent and was firmly supportive of the production.<ref name="GodkinAnthony"/> The programme went from network approval to broadcast in a record six months.<!--April to October 1999--><ref name="AthertonPyramid"/> Executives ordered a thirteen-episode second season after viewing the first episode,<ref name="AdilmanMade"/> which was unprecedented for the public broadcaster.<ref name="HawkinsCanadian"/> Casting was done while scripts were still being written,<ref name="AthertonPyramid"/> and episodes were filmed out of sequence to accommodate the actors' schedules.<ref name="LeeSatire"/>
CBC executive George Anthony, who had convinced Lunz and Mercer to come to the network years previously, recognized their talent and was firmly supportive of the production.<ref name="GodkinAnthony"/> The programme went from network approval to broadcast in a record six months.<!--April to October 1999--><ref name="AthertonPyramid"/> Executives ordered a thirteen-episode second season after viewing the first episode,<ref name="AdilmanMade"/> which was unprecedented for the public broadcaster.<ref name="HawkinsCanadian"/> Casting was done while scripts were still being written,<ref name="AthertonPyramid"/> and episodes were filmed out of sequence to accommodate the actors' schedules.<ref name="LeeSatire"/>


Filmed in [[Halifax Regional Municipality|Halifax]], [[Nova Scotia]], the programme was produced by (and a parody of) [[Salter Street Films]].<ref name=mercerleaving22>"Mercer leaving CBC show". ''[[The Globe and Mail]]'', September 10, 1998.</ref> It used Salter Street's real offices as its main office set during the first season, shooting primarily on evenings and weekends<ref name=razor/><ref name="LeeSatire"/> from 17&nbsp;July to 24&nbsp;August 1998.<ref name="AdilmanMade"/>
Filmed in [[Halifax Regional Municipality|Halifax]], [[Nova Scotia]], the programme was produced by (and a parody of) [[Salter Street Films]].<ref name=mercerleaving22>"Mercer leaving CBC show". ''[[The Globe and Mail]]'', 10 September 1998.</ref> It used Salter Street's real offices as its main office set during the first season, shooting primarily on evenings and weekends<ref name=razor/><ref name="LeeSatire"/> from 17&nbsp;July to 24&nbsp;August 1998.<ref name="AdilmanMade"/>
⚫
The first season was directed by [[Henry Sarwer-Foner]] (also of ''22 Minutes''), who had his hand in the programme's editing, scripting, and overall design<!-- and made many of its promos-->. He shot with a long lens to achieve a film-like quality, and sought to give it a distinctive look.<ref name="HoffmanSarwer"/> Sarwer-Foner directed 22 of the series' 65 episodes.<ref name="WildeReunion"/> Other directors included [[Michael Kennedy (director)|Michael Kennedy]] and [[Stephen Reynolds (director)|Stephen Reynolds]].<ref name="WedgeHistory"/>

⚫
The first season was directed by [[Henry Sarwer-Foner]] (also of ''22 Minutes''), who had his hand in the programme's editing, scripting, and overall design and made many of its promos. He shot with a long lens to achieve a film-like quality, and sought to give it a distinctive look.<ref name="HoffmanSarwer"/> Sarwer-Foner directed 22 of the series' 65 episodes.<ref name="WildeReunion"/> Other directors included [[Michael Kennedy (director)|Michael Kennedy]] and [[Stephen Reynolds (director)|Stephen Reynolds]].<ref name="WedgeHistory"/>


The programme used [[The Tragically Hip]]'s "[[Blow at High Dough]]", one of Mercer's favourite songs, as its theme.<ref name=razor/><ref name="AdilmanMade"/> The iconic Canadian band's first hit single,<ref name="UsingerHip"/><ref name="CanconHip"/> its title was taken from a Scottish phrase about being overambitious and taking on more than one could handle. The lyrics refer to a movie production (''[[Speedway (1968 film)|Speedway]]'', starring Elvis Presley) which sweeps up a small town.<ref name="ColangeloHip"/><!--Though uncertain of the merit, logic or truthfullness of it, the songwriter affirms "I can get behind anything".-->
The programme used [[The Tragically Hip]]'s "[[Blow at High Dough]]", one of Mercer's favourite songs, as its theme.<ref name=razor/><ref name="AdilmanMade"/> The iconic Canadian band's first hit single,<ref name="UsingerHip"/><ref name="CanconHip"/> its title was taken from a Scottish phrase about being overambitious and taking on more than one could handle. The lyrics refer to a movie production (''[[Speedway (1968 film)|Speedway]]'', starring Elvis Presley) which sweeps up a small town.<ref name="ColangeloHip"/><!--Though uncertain of the merit, logic or truthfullness of it, the songwriter affirms "I can get behind anything".-->


Although Mercer took time off from ''22 Minutes'' in January 1999<ref name="AdilmanMade"/> to concentrate on the second season of ''Made in Canada'',<ref name="HawkinsCanadian"/> he continued to appear in most episodes until he retired from ''22 Minutes'' in 2001.<ref name="OuzounianInterview"/><ref name="FuhrmannMinutes"/> Mercer and Lunz formed [[Island Edge]] to co-produce ''Made in Canada'' and develop other projects for Mercer.<ref name="DinoffLunz"/><ref name="PlaybackFlourish"/>
Although Mercer took time off from ''22 Minutes'' in January 1999<ref name="AdilmanMade"/> to concentrate on the second season of ''Made in Canada'',<ref name="HawkinsCanadian"/> he continued to appear in most episodes until he retired from ''22 Minutes'' in 2001.<ref name="OuzounianInterview"/><ref name="FuhrmannMinutes"/>
⚫
The programme continued to film during the summer, with ''22 Minutes'' filming in the fall.<ref name="SlotekTalks"/> The second season began filming in June&nbsp;1999 at Electropolis Studios in Halifax.<ref name="CameronPlans"/> [[CHUM Limited]] vice-president [[Moses Znaimer]] allowed scenes for the second-season finale to be filmed at the [[299 Queen Street West|CHUM-City Building]] in [[Toronto]] for authenticity.<ref name="BickleySuccess"/> Season four began filming on 18 June 2001.<ref name="PlaybackFlourish"/>


While the first season of the series was in production, two Canadian film and television studios (Alliance Communications and Atlantis Communications) merged to create [[Alliance Atlantis]].<ref name=razor/> This merger was parodied in ''Made in Canada''{{'}}s second-season premiere, when Pyramid merges with a company called Prodigy and becomes Pyramid Prodigy.<ref>"Biting satire? It's Made in Canada: Rick Mercer's fine series unveils sophomore season". ''[[Edmonton Journal]]'', October 4, 1999.</ref> Two years later, Alliance Atlantis purchased Salter Street Films.<ref>"Salter Street Films sold for $63 million". ''[[Peterborough Examiner]]'', February 13, 2001.</ref>
While the first season of the series was in production, two Canadian film and television studios (Alliance Communications and Atlantis Communications) merged to create [[Alliance Atlantis]].<ref name=razor/> This merger was parodied in ''Made in Canada''{{'}}s second-season premiere, when Pyramid merges with a company called Prodigy and becomes Pyramid Prodigy.<ref>"Biting satire? It's Made in Canada: Rick Mercer's fine series unveils sophomore season". ''[[Edmonton Journal]]'', 4 October 1999.</ref> Two years later, Alliance Atlantis purchased Salter Street Films.<ref>"Salter Street Films sold for $63 million". ''[[Peterborough Examiner]]'', 13 February 2001.</ref>

⚫
The programme continued to film during the summer, with ''22 Minutes'' filming in the fall.<ref name="SlotekTalks"/> The second season began filming in June&nbsp;1999 at Electropolis Studios in Halifax.<ref name="CameronPlans"/> [[CHUM Limited]] vice-president [[Moses Znaimer]] allowed scenes for the second-season finale to be filmed at the [[299 Queen Street West|CHUM-City Building]] in [[Toronto]] for authenticity.<ref name="BickleySuccess"/> Season four began filming on 18 June 2001.<ref name="PlaybackFlourish"/>


=={{anchor|Release}}Broadcast and home video==
=={{anchor|Release}}Broadcast and home video==
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The series aired on Monday nights at 8:30&nbsp;pm,<ref name="HawkinsCanadian"/> after ''This Hour Has 22 Minutes''.<ref name="LeeSatire"/><ref name="BickleySuccess"/> Both programmes were moved to Friday <!--at the same times-->in fall&nbsp;2001,<ref name="FuhrmannMinutes"/> leading into ''[[Royal Canadian Air Farce (TV series)|Royal Canadian Air Farce]]'' and ''[[The Red Green Show]]'' in a CBC move to create a comedy-programming block and boost already-strong ratings.<ref name="PlaybackLaunches"/>
The series aired on Monday nights at 8:30&nbsp;pm,<ref name="HawkinsCanadian"/> after ''This Hour Has 22 Minutes''.<ref name="LeeSatire"/><ref name="BickleySuccess"/> Both programmes were moved to Friday <!--at the same times-->in fall&nbsp;2001,<ref name="FuhrmannMinutes"/> leading into ''[[Royal Canadian Air Farce (TV series)|Royal Canadian Air Farce]]'' and ''[[The Red Green Show]]'' in a CBC move to create a comedy-programming block and boost already-strong ratings.<ref name="PlaybackLaunches"/>


The first two seasons were sold to [[PBS]] in 1999 for distribution in the United States as ''The Industry''.<ref name="KlassenPBS"/> The series was also syndicated in France, Australia and Latin America.<ref name="MontrealerComedian"/>
The first two seasons were sold to [[PBS]] in 1999 for distribution in the United States as ''The Industry''.<ref name="KlassenPBS"/> The series was also syndicated in France, Australia and Latin America;<ref name="MontrealerComedian"/> the French name was ''La loi du Show-Biz''.<ref name="Allocine" />


In 2000, DVD and home-video rights to seasons one and two were acquired by [[Koch Entertainment|Koch International]].<ref name="PlaybackNATPE"/> [[Entertainment One]] released the first season on DVD in [[DVD region code#Region codes and countries|Region&nbsp;1]] in 2002; it is currently out of print.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.ca/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00006D2AC|title=Made in Canada: Season One [Import]|work=amazon.ca|accessdate=7 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060209050801/http://www.amazon.ca/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00006D2AC|archive-date=9 February 2006|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The series was telecast on the Canadian cable channel [[BiteTV]] from 2010 to 2015.<ref name=
In 2000, DVD and home-video rights to seasons one and two were acquired by [[Koch Entertainment|Koch International]].<ref name="PlaybackNATPE"/> [[Entertainment One]] released the first season on DVD in [[DVD region code#Region codes and countries|Region&nbsp;1]] in 2002; it is currently out of print.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.ca/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00006D2AC|title=Made in Canada: Season One [Import]|work=amazon.ca|accessdate=7 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060209050801/http://www.amazon.ca/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00006D2AC|archive-date=9 February 2006|dead-url=no|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The series was telecast on the Canadian cable channel [[BiteTV]] from 2010 to 2015.<ref name=
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==Reception==
==Reception==


The series was popular and critically praised in Canada and the United States.<ref name="ODonoghueHumor"/><ref name="RyanThird"/>
The series was popular and critically praised in Canada and the United States.<ref name="ODonoghueHumor"/><ref name="RyanThird"/> The programme's 5 October 1998 premiere had 1,002,000 viewers, holding 75 percent of the audience from the lead-in ''This Hour Has 22 Minutes''.<ref name="MathurRatings"/>

==={{anchor|Commercial performance}}Ratings===

The programme's 5 October 1998 premiere had 1,002,000 viewers, holding 75 percent of the audience from the lead-in ''This Hour Has 22 Minutes''.<ref name="MathurRatings"/>


===Critical response===
===Critical response===


Shannon Hawkins of the ''[[Ottawa Sun]]'' wrote during its first season that ''Made in Canada'' had "all the makings of a hit", with clever dialogue, plausible characters and a storyline for anyone who fantasized about ruining their boss.<ref name="HawkinsCanadian"/> Antonia Zerbisias of the ''[[Toronto Star]]'' described the programme as "scary, cynical and biting", and felt that the production took huge risks in satirizing its producers and industry moguls and its choice of title in a country which looked down on domestic productions.<ref name="ZerbisiasSitcom"/> According to Stephen Cole of ''[[The National Post]]'', the first season was well-scripted, funny and clever with solid performances but never found a target worthy of its "savage and cutting" satire. Cole was disappointed that the series remained a sitcom instead of taking on more compelling issues specific to the Canadian industry.<ref name="ColeFailure"/> Rating the first episode 9 out of 10, a ''[[TV Guide]]'' reviewer said that the programme centred on Mercer's fresh and deeply-biting "satire with a smirk" complemented with an able cast; although the audience might miss some inside jokes, the show should hold the ''22 Minutes'' audience.<ref name="TVGuideReview"/> For ''[[Saturday Night (magazine)|Saturday Night]]'', comedy critic Andrew Clark wrote that the programme created an eerily-believable universe with its casting, filming location and fictitious shows and appreciated Mercer's ability to find a satirical line and hone it to a cutting edge.<ref name="ClarkJeer"/>
Shannon Hawkins of the ''[[Ottawa Sun]]'' wrote during its first season that ''Made in Canada'' had "all the makings of a hit", with clever dialogue, plausible characters and a storyline for anyone who fantasized about ruining their boss.<ref name="HawkinsCanadian"/> Antonia Zerbisias of the ''[[Toronto Star]]'' described the programme as "scary, cynical and biting", and felt that the production took huge risks in satirizing its producers and industry moguls and its choice of title in a country which looked down on domestic productions.<ref name="ZerbisiasSitcom"/> According to Stephen Cole of ''[[The National Post]]'', the first season was well-scripted, funny and clever with solid performances but never found a target worthy of its "savage and cutting" satire. Cole was disappointed that the series remained a sitcom instead of taking on more compelling issues specific to the Canadian industry.<ref name="ColeFailure"/> Rating the first episode 9 out of 10, a ''[[TV Guide]]'' reviewer said that the programme centred on Mercer's fresh and deeply-biting "satire with a smirk" complemented with an able cast; although the audience might miss some inside jokes, the show should hold the ''22 Minutes'' audience.<ref name="TVGuideReview"/> For ''[[Saturday Night (magazine)|Saturday Night]]'', comedy critic Andrew Clark wrote that the programme created an eerily-believable universe with its casting, filming location and fictitious shows, and appreciated Mercer's ability to find a satirical line and hone it to a cutting edge.<ref name="ClarkJeer"/>


John Doyle of ''[[The Globe and Mail]]'' called the show "addictive" at the beginning of its fourth season, switching from absurdity to brutal satire accessible to every viewer.<ref name="DoyleGlam"/> At the end of the series, Doyle wrote that most in the industry had enjoyed its "twisted, vague versions" of real stories and scandals.<ref name="DoyleFinale"/>
At the beginning of its fourth season, John Doyle of ''[[The Globe and Mail]]'' called the show "addictive", switching from absurdity to brutal satire accessible to every viewer.<ref name="DoyleGlam"/> At the end of the series, Doyle wrote that most in the industry had enjoyed its "twisted, vague versions" of real stories and scandals.<ref name="DoyleFinale"/>


''Made in Canada'' has been compared to [[Ken Finkleman]]'s satire, ''[[The Newsroom (Canadian TV series)|The Newsroom]]'',<ref name=biting/><ref name="TVGuideReview"/> in which Farrell, Keleghan, and <!--Leah--> Pinsent had roles.<ref name="AthertonPyramid"/><ref name="LeeSatire"/><ref name="ClarkJeer"/> Although they share a documentary feel and were shot in real offices, Clark noted that their lead characters are distinctly different; Richard's ambition is all-consuming, and he wages "intergenerational warfare" against the likes of Finkleman's ineffective George Findlay.<ref name="ClarkJeer"/>
''Made in Canada'' has been compared to [[Ken Finkleman]]'s satire, ''[[The Newsroom (Canadian TV series)|The Newsroom]]'',<ref name=biting/><ref name="TVGuideReview"/> in which Farrell, Keleghan, and <!--Leah--> Pinsent had roles.<ref name="AthertonPyramid"/><ref name="LeeSatire"/><ref name="ClarkJeer"/> Although they share a documentary feel and were shot in real offices, Clark noted that their lead characters are distinctly different; Richard's ambition is all-consuming, and he wages "intergenerational warfare" against the likes of Finkleman's ineffective George Findlay.<ref name="ClarkJeer"/>
Line 139: Line 133:
===Awards===
===Awards===


The series was nominated for more than three dozen [[Gemini Awards]] during its five-season run, winning ten.<ref name="WildeReunion"/> ''Made in Canada'' was nominated for fourteen awards at the [[17th Gemini Awards|2002 Geminis]],<ref name="MacDonaldCullen" /><ref name="DillonGemini2002n"/> the first time a sitcom led dramatic programmes and miniseries in nominations.<ref name="WildeReunion"/> Its wins included two for [[Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television Award for Best Comedy Series|Best Comedy Series]]<ref>"Gemini Awards: the winners". ''[[Vancouver Sun]]'', November 8, 1999.</ref><ref name=whitehorse>"Da Vinci's Inquest, Nuremberg big winners after three-night Gemini fest". ''[[Whitehorse Star]]'', October 30, 2001.</ref> and three for Best Ensemble Performance in a Comedy.<ref name="Posner2001"/><ref name="MacDonaldCullen"/><ref name="DixonMiniseries"/>
The series was nominated for more than three dozen [[Gemini Awards]] during its five-season run, winning ten.<ref name="WildeReunion"/> ''Made in Canada'' was nominated for fourteen awards at the [[17th Gemini Awards|2002 Geminis]],<ref name="MacDonaldCullen" /><ref name="DillonGemini2002n"/> the first time a sitcom led dramatic programmes and miniseries in nominations.<ref name="WildeReunion"/> Its wins included two for [[Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television Award for Best Comedy Series|Best Comedy Series]]<ref>"Gemini Awards: the winners". ''[[Vancouver Sun]]'', 8 November 1999.</ref><ref name=whitehorse>"Da Vinci's Inquest, Nuremberg big winners after three-night Gemini fest". ''[[Whitehorse Star]]'', 30 October 2001.</ref> and three for Best Ensemble Performance in a Comedy.<ref name="Posner2001"/><ref name="MacDonaldCullen"/><ref name="DixonMiniseries"/>


The show won nine [[Canadian Comedy Awards]] out of twenty-six nominations,<!--from 2000: 2,6 + 1,5 + 4,8 + 2,7 = 9,26--> leading the nominations in [[1st Canadian Comedy Awards|2000]],<ref name="CCA2000"/> [[3rd Canadian Comedy Awards|2002]]<ref name="CCA2002"/> and [[4th Canadian Comedy Awards|2003]].<ref name="CCA2003"/> It received four [[Writers Guild of Canada]] Awards<ref name="WGCawards2001"/><ref name="WGCawards2003"/> and a [[Directors Guild of Canada]] Award.<ref name="PlaybackDGC"/> After the series ended, Mercer won the 2003 Sir Peter Ustinov Comedy Award at the Banff Television Festival and a 2004 National Arts Centre Award.<ref name="GGPAA2004"/>
The show won nine [[Canadian Comedy Awards]] out of twenty-six nominations,<!--from 2000: 2,6 + 1,5 + 4,8 + 2,7 = 9,26--> leading the nominations in [[1st Canadian Comedy Awards|2000]],<ref name="CCA2000"/> [[3rd Canadian Comedy Awards|2002]]<ref name="CCA2002"/> and [[4th Canadian Comedy Awards|2003]].<ref name="CCA2003"/> It received four [[Writers Guild of Canada]] Awards<ref name="WGCawards2001"/><ref name="WGCawards2003"/> and a [[Directors Guild of Canada]] Award.<ref name="PlaybackDGC"/> After the series ended, Mercer won the 2003 Sir Peter Ustinov Comedy Award at the Banff Television Festival and a 2004 National Arts Centre Award.<ref name="GGPAA2004"/>
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|last= Cole
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|date= October 1998
|title= A Right Heartless Failure
|title= A Right Heartless Failure
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|date= 12 October 2001
|title= Glam and glib for Degrassi, the next generation
|title= Glam and glib for Degrassi, the next generation
|url= https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/glam-and-glib-for-degrassi-the-next-generation/
|url= https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/glam-and-glib-for-degrassi-the-next-generation/article1339100/
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|trans-title=The Law of Show-Biz – TV series 1998
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|url= http://www.allocine.fr/series/ficheserie_gen_cserie=7543.html
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Revision as of 23:12, 12 June 2019

"The Industry" redirects here. For other uses, see Industry (disambiguation).
Not to be confused with country of origin.

Made in Canada
a red maple leaf over a field of blue gears, with the title in caps
GenreDark comedy, satire, sitcom
Created byMichael Donovan, Gerald Lunz and Rick Mercer
Based onRichard III
by Shakespeare
Written byMark Farrell and Rick Mercer (season one)
Starring
Ending theme"Blow at High Dough"
Country of originCanada
No. of seasons5
No. of episodes65 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producerGerald Lunz
Running time30 minutes
Production companies
Original release
NetworkCBC Television
Release5 October 1998 (1998-10-05) –
20 June 2003 (2003-06-20)[1]

Made in Canada is a Canadian television comedy which aired on CBC Television from 1998 to 2003.[2] Rick Mercer starred as Richard Strong, an ambitious and amoral television producer working for a company which makes bad (but profitable) television shows. A dark satire about the Canadian television industry, the programme shifted into an episodic situation comedy format after its first season.

It was created by Mercer, Gerald Lunz and Michael Donovan, produced by Salter Street Films and Island Edge, and filmed in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The programme was broadcast with Salter Street's satirical newsmagazine, This Hour Has 22 Minutes, and drew its creators, writing staff, and much of its production staff from that programme; Made in Canada was filmed during the summer, and 22 Minutes during the fall.[3] Mercer starred on both until he left 22 Minutes in 2001.

The programme received critical and popular recognition. It was particularly well-received by the industry it lampooned, attracting many guest stars. The programme received 23 national awards during its five-season run, including multiple Gemini, Writers Guild of Canada, and Canadian Comedy Awards.

In the United States, Australia and Latin America, the show was syndicated as The Industry. In France, it was syndicated as La loi du Show-Biz.

Plot

A satire of film and television production, the series revolves around fictional Pyramid Productions – a company where greed and backstabbing thrive.[4] Pyramid produces lucrative (but terrible) television and films for the domestic and international markets,[5] with creative decisions made by non-creative people.[6]

Company head Alan Roy is obsessed with appearances and staying ahead of trends, whether this means owning his own cable channel or having the largest yacht at Cannes. His often-idiotic decisions lead to extra work for his employees, who must fulfill his wishes or deal with the consequences.[7] The employees – Richard, Victor, Veronica and Wanda – manipulate each other and sabotage each other's projects to earn more money, gain promotions or work on better projects. None of them appear to have issues with breaking the law, and they seem to have no sense of morality. They generally only cooperate when they have an opportunity to destroy another company or a mutual enemy. Each episode deals with one major problem (or event), which normally does not carry over to the next episode.

Pyramid projects also provide storylines for the series, as the company's staff try to manage the inevitable complications created by the casts and crews of their film and television productions. Its cash cows are two series: The Sword of Damacles [sic] (a parody of mythological adventure series such as Xena: Warrior Princess and Hercules: The Legendary Journeys)[4] and Beaver Creek, a parody of Canadian period dramas such as Anne of Green Gables and Road to Avonlea.[4] The staff also face complications with their low-budget, poorly-made films, such as Vigilante's Vengeance.[4] Many of their movies fail; they are not produced, or go direct-to-video in foreign countries.

Characters

  • Richard Strong (Rick Mercer), the central character, is an ambitiously Machiavellian employee trying to navigate, scheme and backstab his way to the CEO's chair; in the first episode, he makes his way from junior script reader to television producer by having his boss (and brother-in-law) Ray Drodge fired. Ruthless and amoral, he is better at his job than most of his colleagues. Richard has had relationships with Veronica Miller, Lisa Sutton and Siobhan Roy, but generally as an opportunity to manipulate rather than out of love. The character was partially inspired by Ian McKellen's performance in the 1995 film adaptation of Shakespeare's Richard III.[4][8] He personifies human vice, unfettered by ethics.[6]
  • Alan Roy (Peter Keleghan), the firm's CEO, is a charismatic but intellectually-questionable womanizer who often succeeds more by accident than skill and, much more often, fails miserably. He is frequently mystified that his management style – a combination of bad production ideas, offbeat health fads and half-understood slogans from management books – does not rouse office morale. Alan's career was launched with his first film, Prom Night at Horny High, which was a commercial success despite being lowbrow and indecent. (Keleghan had an early starring role in the 1983 sex comedy, Screwballs.) Keleghan described the character as a cross between Alliance Communications head Robert Lantos and The Simpsons' Mr. Burns.[5] Producer Michael Donovan joked that Alan reflected the showrunners' impression of him.[9]
  • Veronica Miller (Leah Pinsent) is the firm's chief operating officer.[5] Although she is generally overworked, doing the jobs of several other employees, she is still forced to do idiotic and degrading tasks for Alan.[10] Veronica occasionally becomes fed up with her poor treatment and sabotages a project or event, which usually spurs Alan to improve her working conditions and meet her demands.[11] The office problem-solver, she is generally an ally of Richard's in making the best of Alan's decisions but will double-cross him if necessary.
  • Victor Sela (Dan Lett) is head of Pyramid's film division[5] and a general office sycophant,[12] willing to do almost anything Alan asks of him (no matter how demeaning). He is usually very positive about Alan's schemes. In a test, however, Victor is the least loyal.
  • Wanda Mattice (Jackie Torrens), Alan's assistant,[5] uses her influence in the day-to-day workings of the office to obtain power beyond her role in the corporate hierarchy[7] and knows when it is to her advantage to act less intelligent. Although she frequently dresses strangely and appears frumpy, Alan is attracted to her and they frequently have sex in the office.
  • Lisa Sutton (Janet Kidder) is a producer[5] and Victor's girlfriend. Richard considers her a threat to his power, and Alan dislikes her for ignoring (or spurning) his attempts to seduce her.
  • Raymond Drodge (Ron James) is a producer. Formerly the head of television development, he is fired in the pilot after Richard and Siobhan frame him for sexually harrassing Siobhan. He is later rehired in a much lower position[13] after Richard gets his old job. Due to Richard's manipulation, Raymond's marriage falls apart and he begins to believe that he is an alcoholic.
  • Michael Rushton (Alex Carter) is the dimwitted, egotistical star of The Sword of Damacles.[13]
  • Siobhan Roy (Emily Hampshire), Alan's daughter,[13] is one of the stars of Beaver Creek.[11] Fully aware that being the boss's daughter gives her job security, she freely schemes and manipulates to get whatever she wants.
  • Brian Switzer (Chas Lawther), nicknamed "Network Brian", is an executive with the television network which airs Beaver Creek and its main liaison with Pyramid.

Notable guest stars

Most people employed in Canadian television enjoyed the programme,[14] which created a stir in the industry and attracted a number of guest stars:[11]

  • Gordon Pinsent as Walter Franklyn, star of Beaver Creek and "Canada's most beloved actor"[5][15] Pinsent returns in the last episode as a dairy mogul who buys the company.[14] Mercer considered Pinsent's work to be a major influence on his career,[16] and was extremely pleased to have him in the cast;[5] during the series' production, Mercer narrated a biography of Pinsent.[12]
  • Peter Blais as Geoff, an actor who comes out and subsequently wants Parson Hubbard (his character on Beaver Creek) to be gay[13]
  • Maury Chaykin as Captain McGee, a kiddie entertainer who is caught in a sex scandal[11]
  • Andy Jones as a German TV executive who believes that Beaver Creek is a sexier version of Dawson's Creek[11]
  • Sarah Polley as the head of the Church of Spirentology [sic] cult[13]
  • Shirley Douglas and Margot Kidder appeared as fading Hollywood actresses making guest appearances on Beaver Creek.[11]
  • Megan Follows (the real-life star of Anne of Green Gables) as Mandy Forward, the former "Adele of Beaver Creek", who returned for a reunion movie[17] and discovered that after her previous Beaver Creek movie, Alan kept the sets up to produce a pornographic knockoff.
  • Mark McKinney as Dean Sutherland, a released convict who wants to sell his story[17]
  • Don McKellar as Adam Kalilieh, an independent art film director[17]
  • Joe Flaherty as a mayoral candidate who hires Pyramid to smear his opponent[17]
  • Cynthia Dale and C. David Johnson as a husband-and-wife motivational team[17]
  • Colin Mochrie[1] as Frank Roy: Alan's mentally-handicapped brother who, as part of an elaborate tax dodge orchestrated by Alan, is revealed as the actual Pyramid CEO.

Several Canadian media personalities made cameos as fictionalized versions of themselves, including Nicholas Campbell, Ann Marie MacDonald,[15] Moses Znaimer, Keifer Sutherland, Evan Solomon, Peter Gzowski, Ann Medina and Gino Empry.[18]

Development and writing

The series was conceived by Mercer, executive producer Gerald Lunz and Salter Street Films co-chair Michael Donovan[19] in 1994.[18] Lunz had launched Mercer's career, producing his one-man shows and This Hour Has 22 Minutes[15] (the latter of which was made by Salter Street).[5] Mercer and Lunz formed Island Edge to co-produce Made in Canada and develop other projects for Mercer.[20][21]

Donovon, Lunz and Mercer wanted to satirize office politics, starring Mercer as an ambitious man manipulating his way to the top in a parody of Shakespeare's Richard III. Instead of killing his rivals, the programme's Richard would kill their careers by ruining their reputations and seizing their power.[15] Richard would address the audience directly, breaking the fourth wall to share his plans and ambitions. Although they realized this was a risk, they felt that Mercer could connect with the audience as he had in his monologues.[22][15] Mercer had established himself as the first mainstream Canadian satirist to make scathing criticisms directly, without a comedic mask.[23]: 230–232 

They had considered setting the satire in the federal bureaucracy in line with Mercer's political criticism (known as the country's "unofficial opposition party"),[6] but Mercer was not sufficiently knowledgeable about the government's inner workings. Believing that satire required a firm understanding of its targets, they set the programme in a television and film production office; this would be understood by the audience and provide many egos to lampoon. Mercer described the programme in a later interview as having a "Dilbert reality" of an office, in which some have a "suck-up kick-down philosophy".[15] In April 1998, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) approved a six-part series without seeing a script.[15]

The first season was cowritten by Mercer and Mark Farrell[24] over a two-month period.[18] They had both written for 22 Minutes[5] and had written sketches for several years, but neither had written episodic television before.[5] Lunz, a self-described "Shakespeare nut", guided the theme and style.[5] Farrell, Lunz and Mercer remained the show's creative force throughout its five seasons.[25] Other writers for the series included Paul Bellini, Alex Ganetakos and Edward Riche.[1]

The programme shifted from a dark satire to an episodic sitcom after its first season, and addressed the audience less frequently.[14][13] This was often limited to the closing line – "I think that went well" or "This is not good" – which might be given to a character other than Richard, depending on who was behind that episode's schemes.[13] The series' working title was The Industry,[26] which was changed to The Casting Couch and then Made in Canada.[5]

Production

CBC executive George Anthony, who had convinced Lunz and Mercer to come to the network years previously, recognized their talent and was firmly supportive of the production.[27] The programme went from network approval to broadcast in a record six months.[15] Executives ordered a thirteen-episode second season after viewing the first episode,[18] which was unprecedented for the public broadcaster.[19] Casting was done while scripts were still being written,[15] and episodes were filmed out of sequence to accommodate the actors' schedules.[5]

Filmed in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the programme was produced by (and a parody of) Salter Street Films.[28] It used Salter Street's real offices as its main office set during the first season, shooting primarily on evenings and weekends[4][5] from 17 July to 24 August 1998.[18] The first season was directed by Henry Sarwer-Foner (also of 22 Minutes), who had his hand in the programme's editing, scripting, and overall design. He shot with a long lens to achieve a film-like quality, and sought to give it a distinctive look.[29] Sarwer-Foner directed 22 of the series' 65 episodes.[7] Other directors included Michael Kennedy and Stephen Reynolds.[1]

The programme used The Tragically Hip's "Blow at High Dough", one of Mercer's favourite songs, as its theme.[4][18] The iconic Canadian band's first hit single,[30][31] its title was taken from a Scottish phrase about being overambitious and taking on more than one could handle. The lyrics refer to a movie production (Speedway, starring Elvis Presley) which sweeps up a small town.[32]

Although Mercer took time off from 22 Minutes in January 1999[18] to concentrate on the second season of Made in Canada,[19] he continued to appear in most episodes until he retired from 22 Minutes in 2001.[16][33] The programme continued to film during the summer, with 22 Minutes filming in the fall.[3] The second season began filming in June 1999 at Electropolis Studios in Halifax.[34] CHUM Limited vice-president Moses Znaimer allowed scenes for the second-season finale to be filmed at the CHUM-City Building in Toronto for authenticity.[11] Season four began filming on 18 June 2001.[21]

While the first season of the series was in production, two Canadian film and television studios (Alliance Communications and Atlantis Communications) merged to create Alliance Atlantis.[4] This merger was parodied in Made in Canada's second-season premiere, when Pyramid merges with a company called Prodigy and becomes Pyramid Prodigy.[35] Two years later, Alliance Atlantis purchased Salter Street Films.[36]

Broadcast and home video

Made in Canada premiered on CBC Television on 5 October 1998,[5] amidst Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) hearings on the country's broadcasting policy and Canadian content.[18] The series aired on Monday nights at 8:30 pm,[19] after This Hour Has 22 Minutes.[5][11] Both programmes were moved to Friday in fall 2001,[33] leading into Royal Canadian Air Farce and The Red Green Show in a CBC move to create a comedy-programming block and boost already-strong ratings.[37]

The first two seasons were sold to PBS in 1999 for distribution in the United States as The Industry.[26] The series was also syndicated in France, Australia and Latin America;[38] the French name was La loi du Show-Biz.[39]

In 2000, DVD and home-video rights to seasons one and two were acquired by Koch International.[40] Entertainment One released the first season on DVD in Region 1 in 2002; it is currently out of print.[41] The series was telecast on the Canadian cable channel BiteTV from 2010 to 2015.[42][43]

Reception

The series was popular and critically praised in Canada and the United States.[12][17] The programme's 5 October 1998 premiere had 1,002,000 viewers, holding 75 percent of the audience from the lead-in This Hour Has 22 Minutes.[44]

Critical response

Shannon Hawkins of the Ottawa Sun wrote during its first season that Made in Canada had "all the makings of a hit", with clever dialogue, plausible characters and a storyline for anyone who fantasized about ruining their boss.[19] Antonia Zerbisias of the Toronto Star described the programme as "scary, cynical and biting", and felt that the production took huge risks in satirizing its producers and industry moguls and its choice of title in a country which looked down on domestic productions.[10] According to Stephen Cole of The National Post, the first season was well-scripted, funny and clever with solid performances but never found a target worthy of its "savage and cutting" satire. Cole was disappointed that the series remained a sitcom instead of taking on more compelling issues specific to the Canadian industry.[8] Rating the first episode 9 out of 10, a TV Guide reviewer said that the programme centred on Mercer's fresh and deeply-biting "satire with a smirk" complemented with an able cast; although the audience might miss some inside jokes, the show should hold the 22 Minutes audience.[22] For Saturday Night, comedy critic Andrew Clark wrote that the programme created an eerily-believable universe with its casting, filming location and fictitious shows, and appreciated Mercer's ability to find a satirical line and hone it to a cutting edge.[6]

At the beginning of its fourth season, John Doyle of The Globe and Mail called the show "addictive", switching from absurdity to brutal satire accessible to every viewer.[45] At the end of the series, Doyle wrote that most in the industry had enjoyed its "twisted, vague versions" of real stories and scandals.[14]

Made in Canada has been compared to Ken Finkleman's satire, The Newsroom,[9][22] in which Farrell, Keleghan, and Pinsent had roles.[15][5][6] Although they share a documentary feel and were shot in real offices, Clark noted that their lead characters are distinctly different; Richard's ambition is all-consuming, and he wages "intergenerational warfare" against the likes of Finkleman's ineffective George Findlay.[6]

Awards

The series was nominated for more than three dozen Gemini Awards during its five-season run, winning ten.[7] Made in Canada was nominated for fourteen awards at the 2002 Geminis,[46][47] the first time a sitcom led dramatic programmes and miniseries in nominations.[7] Its wins included two for Best Comedy Series[48][49] and three for Best Ensemble Performance in a Comedy.[50][46][51]

The show won nine Canadian Comedy Awards out of twenty-six nominations, leading the nominations in 2000,[52] 2002[53] and 2003.[54] It received four Writers Guild of Canada Awards[55][56] and a Directors Guild of Canada Award.[57] After the series ended, Mercer won the 2003 Sir Peter Ustinov Comedy Award at the Banff Television Festival and a 2004 National Arts Centre Award.[58]

Year Ceremony Category Nominee or recipient Result Ref
1999 14th Gemini Awards Best Comedy Program or Series Michael Donovan, Gerald Lunz, Linda Nelson, Marilyn Richardson Won [59]
Best Direction in a Comedy Program or Series Henry Sarwer-Foner Won
2000 1st Canadian Comedy Awards Best Performance by a Male – Television Rick Mercer Won [52]
Peter Keleghan Nominated
Best Performance by a Female – Television Leah Pinsent Nominated
Best Direction in a Series Michael Kennedy Won
Henry Sarwer-Foner Nominated
Best Writing in a Series Rick Mercer Nominated
15th Gemini Awards Best Direction in a Comedy Program or Series Henry Sarwer-Foner Won [60]
Best Comedy Program or Series Michael Donovan and Gerald Lunz Nominated [61][62]
2001 2nd Canadian Comedy Awards Best Performance by a Male – Television Rick Mercer Nominated [63]
Peter Keleghan Nominated
Best Performance by a Female – Television Leah Pinsent Nominated
Best Writing in a Special or Episode Mark Farrell Won
Best Writing in a Series Mark Farrell, Rick Mercer, Ed Macdonald, Edward Riche, Alex Galatis, Alex Ganetakos, Raymond Storey Nominated
16th Gemini Awards Best Comedy Program or Series Gerald Lunz and Michael Donovan Won [64][50]
[65]
Best Ensemble Performance in a Comedy Program or Series Rick Mercer, Jackie Torrens, Dan Lett, Peter Keleghan, Leah Pinsent, Emily Hampshire Won
5th Canadian Screenwriters' Awards Top 10 Screenplays Rick Mercer Won [55]
Edward Riche Won
2002 3rd Canadian Comedy Awards Best Performance by a Male – Television Rick Mercer Won [53]
Peter Keleghan Nominated
Best Performance by a Female – Television Leah Pinsent Nominated
Jackie Torrens Nominated
Best Direction in a Series Michael Kennedy, T. W. Peacocke, Stephen Reynolds, Henry Sarwer-Foner and Jerry Ciccoritti Won
Best Direction in a Special or Episode Henry Sarwer-Foner Won
Best Writing in a Special or Episode Bob Martin Won
Best Writing in a Series Rick Mercer, Mark Farrell, Alex Galatis, Alex Ganetakos, Ed Macdonald, Bob Martin, Edward Riche, Raymond Storey Nominated
17th Gemini Awards Best Ensemble Performance in a Comedy Program or Series Rick Mercer, Jackie Torrens, Dan Lett, Peter Keleghan, Leah Pinsent Won [66]
Best Direction in a Comedy Program or Series John Greyson Won
Best Writing in a Comedy or Variety Program or Series Rick Mercer Won
Best Comedy Program or Series Michael Donovan, Gerald Lunz Nominated [67]
Best Picture Editing in a Comedy Alan MacLean Nominated
2003 4th Canadian Comedy Awards Best Performance by a Male – Television Dan Lett Nominated [54]
Peter Keleghan Nominated
Best Performance by a Female – Television Leah Pinsent Nominated
Best Direction in a Series Michael Kennedy, Stephen Reynolds and Henry Sarwer-Foner Won
Best Direction in a Special or Episode Henry Sarwer-Foner Nominated
Michael Kennedy Nominated
Best Writing in a Series Rick Mercer and Mark Farrell Won
2nd Directors Guild of Canada Awards Outstanding Achievement in a Television Series – Comedy Michael Kennedy Won [57]
episode "Best Seller" Nominated [68]
18th Gemini Awards Best Ensemble Performance in a Comedy Program or Series Dan Lett, Jackie Torrens, Peter Keleghan, Rick Mercer, Leah Pinsent Nominated [69][70]
6th Canadian Screenwriters' Awards Top 10 Screenplays Mark Farrell Won [56]
Edward Riche Won
2004 19th Gemini Awards Best Ensemble Performance in a Comedy Program or Series Dan Lett, Jackie Torrens, Peter Keleghan, Rick Mercer, Leah Pinsent Won [51][71]

Reunion

A 15th-anniversary Made in Canada reunion, attended by Mercer, Keleghan, Pinsent, Lett, Torrens, Lunz, Sarwer-Foner, Riche and Farrell, was held at the Canadian International Television Festival (CITF) on 16 November 2013. The reunion included a screening, followed by a question-and-answer session.[7]

References

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