Source : CTV News Release

Toronto, Ontario (January 26, 2004) – Today, CTV together with John Walker Productions Ltd. announced that principal photography has begun on a new CTV documentary, which will chronicle the transformation of the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) by following the unique design process of renowned architect Frank Gehry. A broadcast date has not been announced.

At 74 years old, Toronto-born Frank Gehry is the world’s most famous architect and at the peak of his creative powers. On Wednesday, January 28, the internationally acclaimed architect will unveil his design for a spectacular transformation of the AGO. The catalyst for the expansion project was the announcement that Kenneth Thomson would donate his private collection of 2,000 works of art to the AGO.  Thomson’s gift also includes $50 million in capital funding for the AGO’s expansion, plus an additional commitment of $20 million in endowment funding. The CTV documentary will provide a unique opportunity for Canadians to see a major international work in progress and to understand that years of work go into the creation of an artistic space. 

“I’m very pleased to announce the production of this new documentary by John Walker,” said Bob Culbert, Vice-President, CTV Documentaries. “The film will track Gehry’s creative genius as he returns to his roots in downtown

For Gehry every project is a departure from convention – even his own. Gehry drew international acclaim six years ago with the opening of the

For <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 />Toronto, Gehry is going to create a new work of art in the very neighborhood he grew up in.  As a child he visited exhibitions with his mother at the AGO, wandered the halls of the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), attended concerts at Massey Hall and skated at Varsity Arena.

“By following the design process we will come to understand the man, his building and his perception and understanding of one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world,” said award-winning producer/director John Walker. “Our documentary will also allow viewers to discover that architects create more than just buildings. They create spaces for human activity and interaction that can transform the human experience.”

The CTV documentary will tell the dramatic story of the project’s history as Frank Gehry and the AGO together realize a vision through the various stages of construction.  At the end of construction, when the AGO’s new galleries and expanded collection are unveiled, the result of the transformation of one of

This new documentary by John Walker is one of a number of titles in CTV's growing documentary slate currently in production. Other documentaries scheduled for broadcast in the coming months include Race of the Century, Dangerous Obsessions, Ronnie Hawkins: Who Do you Love?, Sunday Night, and Team Spirit.

CTV, Canada’s largest private broadcaster, offers a wide range of quality news, sports, information, and entertainment programming. It boasts the number-one national newscast, CTV News With Lloyd Robertson, and is the number-one choice for prime-time viewing. CTV owns 21 conventional television stations across Canada and has interests in 14 specialty channels, including the number-one Canadian specialty channel, TSN. CTV is owned by Bell Globemedia, Canada’s premier multi-media company. More information about CTV may be found on the company Web site at www.ctv.ca.

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