[1]Astral’s Family Channel [1] has commissioned a new series from Temple Street Productions [2]. The Next Step is a single camera tween drama, shot in a reality television style. The show is created by Frank van Keeken, who created the popular Family Channel series, Wingin’ It (recipient of the 2011 Shaw Rocket Prize). Family has commissioned 26 half hours of the program which is set to begin filming in summer 2012.
“This series is really unlike anything we have commissioned for Family before and I cannot wait to see how it resonates with our audience,” said Michael Goldsmith, Director Original Programming, Family Channel. “We’ve experienced enormous success working with Temple Street on Wingin’ It and I am confident that with Frank’s vision and the unique style of the show, we are set to have another hit series join the Family schedule.”
The Next Step follows the lives of a group of elite dancers at Miss Amy’s Dance Studio. The tightly knit team train, rehearse and hang out together within a well-established social order that sees star dancer Emily and her band of followers, the E-Girls, running the studio. When talented new girl Michelle joins, the alliances and social balance of the studio are threatened as secrets, emotions and cliques are exposed. With the championships fast approaching, the team needs to resolve their issues and work as a team if they want to qualify and win the national title. The Next Step is produced by Temple Street Productions and is executive produced by Frank van Keeken (Wingin It, The Kids in the Hall, Billable Hours), Ivan Schneeberg and David Fortier (Being Erica, Wingin’ It, Recipe to Riches).
“We are excited about partnering with Family Channel to bring another unique show to their line-up. The Next Step dances between reality and scripted programming in a fast-paced, character driven show set in the world of competitive dance,” said David Fortier and Ivan Schneeberg Co-Presidents of Temple Street Productions.
In addition to the 26 half hour episodes for the channel, Family has also invested in content specifically for rollout on Family.ca. Planned content currently being explored includes behind-the-scenes footage, character confessional pieces as well as an “after show” style web series featuring character interviews and commentary on the series’ storylines.