GPP Starts Production on SHOTGUN RENO

(Toronto - January 25th, 2011) General Purpose Pictures starts production this week on Shotgun Reno, a new 13-part lifestyle series in association with Shaw Media, slated for a 2011 launch on Slice™. From the folks who brought the original Holmes on Holmes to HGTV Canada, Shotgun Reno pulls no punches getting to the real issues couples face when they've bitten off more than they can chew by adding home renovation to a big-time life event like a wedding or the birth of a child. Scott Clark McNeil is executive producer and Marni Goldman joins the General Purpose team to produce the series.

Casting registration is open at casting@generalpurposepictures.com.

General Purpose Launches THE HEAT 3

(Toronto - March 9th, 2010) The Heat with Mark McEwan produced by General Purpose Pictures premieres its exciting third season Thursday April 1, 2010 at 8:00PM ET on Food Network Canada. This season The Heat follows one of Canada's top celebrity Chef/Entrepreneurs, Mark McEwan as he embarks on a whole new challenge - mcewan, his brave new foray into fine food retail. With his three landmark Toronto restaurants, a catering company and this all-new grocery adventure, we'll see this rock-star chef and savvy businessman tested every episode. While pulling off over-the-top caterings for his loyal clients, Mark invests millions in a new business that he's learning about - from the ground up - each and every day. We'll see exactly what it takes, from breaking ground to opening the doors of a fine food emporium - McEwan style.

Watch the new season of The Heat with Mark McEwan on Food Network Canada every Thursday at 8:00PM ET with encore presentations Thursdays at 12:00PM ET and Saturdays at 12:30PM ET.

For more information about the show, please visit www.theheat.tv

General Purpose's THE FIX Nominated

(Toronto - September 25th, 2009) The Fix (26x30) produced by General Purpose Pictures has been nominated for The 24th Annual Gemini Awards in the category of Best Hosts in a Lifestyle/ Practical Information Series.

The Fix is Candid Camera meets Face Lift in this reno-ridiculous half hour of crapmanship. Each week, irreverent and infectiously funny Brit contractors Neil Davies (Real Reno's) and Jay Purvis (Kitchen Equipped) prey on hapless homeowners who think they're getting a fabulous and free TV makeover, only to be "fixed" with some of the most absurd reno and decor ideas ever imagined.

The Fix is a chance for these two talented craftsmen to ditch their measuring tapes and have some fun at their client's expense, showing us just how bad a reno can go, with priceless results. We watch the entire process as Neil & Jay meet the homeowners, gain their trust, listen to their hopes and dreams for the ultimate TV makeover, and deliver their worst nightmare! As the homeowners are ushered into the "Fake" space, they voice their disgust with the absurd transformation, while our tireless pranksters keep happy-faced and proud of their abomination as long as possible, defending their "wonderful" work, until finally the homeowner is let off the hook - It's a fix!

After all is forgiven, Neil & Jay transform the ghastly gag into the stunning space they were hoping for.

For more information about the show, please visit www.generalpurposepictures.com/production/the_fix.

The Fix Premieres April 1st on Fine Living, USA

(Toronto - March 31, 09) The Fix (26x30) produced by General Purpose Pictures premieres its exciting new series on April 1, 09 at 9:00PM ET on FLN.

The Fix is Candid Camera meets Face Lift in this reno-ridiculous half hour of crapmanship. Each week, irreverent and infectiously funny Brit contractors Neil Davies (Real Reno's) and Jay Purvis (Kitchen Equipped) prey on hapless homeowners who think they're getting a fabulous and free TV makeover, only to be "fixed" with some of the most absurd reno and decor ideas ever imagined.

The Fix is a chance for these two talented craftsmen to ditch their measuring tapes and have some fun at their client's expense, showing us just how bad a reno can go, with priceless results. We watch the entire process as Neil & Jay meet the homeowners, gain their trust, listen to their hopes and dreams for the ultimate TV makeover, and deliver their worst nightmare! As the homeowners are ushered into the "Fake" space, they voice their disgust with the absurd transformation, while our tireless pranksters keep happy-faced and proud of their abomination as long as possible, defending their "wonderful" work, until finally the homeowner is let off the hook - It's a fix!

After all is forgiven, Neil & Jay transform the ghastly gag into the stunning space they were hoping for.

Watch the new sensational series The Fix on Fine Living USA every Wednesday at 9:00PM ET with encore presentations Thursdays at 12:00AM ET, Sundays 11:00PM ET and Mondays at 2:00AM ET.

For more information about the show, please visit www.fineliving.com/fine/the_fix or www.generalpurposepictures.com/production/the_fix.

The Fix Premieres July 3rd on HGTV

(Toronto, ON - June 26, 2008): The cat's out of the bag! HGTV's new series THE FIX is CANDID CAMERA meets PUNK'D in this reno-ridiculous half hour of "crapmanship" meets comedy. Each week, irreverent and infectiously funny Brit contractors Neil Davies (REAL RENOS) and Jay Purvis (KITCHEN EQUIPPED) prey on hapless homeowners who think they're getting a free TV makeover, only to be "fixed" with some of the most absurd reno and decor ideas ever imagined. THE FIX, produced by General Purpose Pictures Inc. premieres on July 3rd, 2008 at 9PM ET / 10PM PT on HGTV.

Offering a new twist on renovation and design television, THE FIX was created by its hosts Neil and Jay. THE FIX is a daring and hilarious experiment in home reno TV, and shows us just how far two seemingly honest, skilled contractors will go for a really good laugh at their client's expense.

In each of the 26 episodes, the homeowners are introduced, their hopes and dreams for a TV makeover are explored, and then their worst nightmares are realized on reveal day. As the homeowners voice their true feelings about the absurd transformation, our tireless pranksters keep straight-faced as long as possible, describing and defending their pièce de résistance, until the homeowner is finally informed - It's a Fix!

"We just want people to laugh when they watch THE FIX," exclaim pranksters Neil Davies and Jay Purvis.

Viewers will have no choice but to laugh when Neil and Jay bring in astro-turf and sand for a Miami-inspired backyard in one episode. In another episode, they string up hammocks for beds and use twigs as decorations for unknowing homeowners who wanted to bring "an outdoors feel" into their bedroom. According to Neil and Jay, throughout the course of filming THE FIX, homeowner responses have ranged from quiet desperation to physical confrontations. Both homeowner and viewer are treated to an awe-inspiring real room makeover at the end of each show.

THE FIX premieres July 3rd, 2008 at 9PM ET / 10PM PT on HGTV. Watch new episodes of THE FIX every Thursday at 9PM ET / 10PM PT. For more information about the THE FIX, please visit www.hgtv.ca.

General Purpose Appoints New Staff

(Toronto, ON - May 13, 2008) General Purpose Pictures marks its 5th anniversary year as a successful production company with significant expansion and an array of awards and nominations. The company recently appointed industry veteran, Tiina Soomet as Vice President of Operations and has promoted producer Josie Crimi to Head of Production.

"As the company positions itself for growth, we're thrilled to be able to benefit from Ms. Soomet's 30+ years experience in broadcast television here at GPP. Tiina will play an integral role in ushering GPP into our next stage of award-winning TV production," states General Purpose Picture's founder and executive producer, Scott Clark McNeil.

Tiina Soomet trained as an editor at the National Film Board of Canada and has well over 1,000 credits on major networks worldwide. In 1978 she established her own company, working with clients such as CBC, NFB, TVOntario, as well as with numerous independent production companies. She later branched out as an independent post production supervisor, producer, and supervising producer. As a producer, she worked closely with CHUM Television in a variety of senior management positions for over 10 years.

General Purpose Pictures is also proud to announce that producer Josie Crimi now assumes the senior role of Head of Production. McNeil adds, "With an aim of encouraging and promoting our core talent at General Purpose Pictures, we also congratulate Josie Crimi on her promotion. Josie will oversee all production aspects of our projects, while maintaining her on-going duties producing The Fix and The Heat."

Josie Crimi began her career in commercial production with such companies as Revolver and Rave films. She then moved to the Factual Department at Alliance Atlantis Broadcasting to explore the world of documentary production. During this time she worked on several coproductions with producers and broadcasters worldwide. Next she moved into independent production, working on both domestic and international co-productions with several Toronto based production companies.

In July of 2005, Josie joined the team at General Purpose Pictures and has been feeding her passion for food and design ever since. She has produced numerous programs for GPP including the hit series for W - SAVE US FROM OUR HOUSE! and the Gemini nominated THE HEAT WITH MARK MCEWAN on the Food Network. She's currently producing the new groundbreaking home reno show, THE FIX for HGTV.

In addition to the recent appointments at General Purpose Pictures, the company is also pleased to announce that one of its innovative television series THE HEAT WITH MARK MCEWAN (Food Network / Fine Living) won a Platinum Remi for Episode #1005 (INNISKILLIN) in the Lifestyle Category at the 2008 Worldfest Houston International Film & Video Festival. SAVE US FROM OUR HOUSE, also produced by General Purpose Pictures (WNetwork / American Life Network) won a Silver Remi Award in the Reality-Based Programs category for Episode #2015 (IT'S RAINING MEN) at the Festival. Worldfest is one of the oldest and largest film & video competitions in the world, with more than 4,500 category entries received from 37 countries.

General Purpose Pictures is presently in development of several new lifestyle and fun comedy series, and on groundbreaking commercial campaigns. In an industry that is changing every day, GPP remains in step with the future. General Purpose Pictures produces SAVE US FROM OUR HOUSE (W Network, American Life Network) currently in production for season three as well as THE HEAT WITH MARK MCEWAN (Food Network Canada, Fine Living) is in preproduction for its third season. General Purpose Pictures latest venture for HGTV, THE FIX premieres July 3rd, 2008.

The Heat Second Season Premieres on Food Network

(Toronto, ON - September 21, 2007) The Gemini-nominated series The Heat with Mark McEwan, produced by General Purpose Pictures Inc. returns with an exciting second season that will premiere on October 1st, 2007 at 9PM ET / 10PM PT on Food Network.

Back for a second season, The Heat enters the catering kitchens of one of Canada's most renowned chefs, Mark McEwan (owner of North 44, Bymark and the new ONE restaurant in Toronto), and his irreverent staff of talented protégés. The behind the scenes drama and excitement continue as Mark and his team show what it's like catering to the rich and famous, while at the same time running three of the best restaurants in the city. From catering a wedding in a two acre furniture store, to traveling to Whistler to compete in a culinary event that pins the country's top chefs against each other, Mark McEwan proves that he still has what it takes in every episode of The Heat.

For over thirty plus years in the food industry, Mark McEwan has developed his distinctive style of cooking which captures the essence of classical cuisine with nuances of contemporary flavours.

Based on fine cuisine, McEwan has built his flourishing restaurant empire including North 44, North 44 Catering, Bymark and his most recent venture ONE Restaurant - The Hazelton Hotel which opened its doors during the Toronto International Film Festival with great success.

Watch the new season of The Heat with Mark McEwan every Monday at 9PM ET / 10PM PT on Food Network. For more information about the show including delicious recipes, please visit www.foodtv.ca or www.theheat.tv.

The Heat Premieres on Fine Living

(Toronto, ON - September 12, 2007) The Heat with Mark McEwan, produced by General Purpose Pictures Inc. premieres its exciting new series on October 4th, 2007 at 9:30PM ET on Fine Living.

The Heat enters the catering kitchens of one of North America's most renowned chefs, Mark McEwan (owner of North 44, Bymark and the new ONE restaurant in Toronto), and his irreverent staff of talented protégés. The behind the scenes drama and excitement continue as Mark and his team show what it's like catering to the rich and famous, while at the same time running three of the best restaurants in the city. From catering a wedding in a two acre furniture store, to traveling to Whistler to compete in a culinary event that pins the country's top chefs against each other, Mark McEwan proves that he still has what it takes in every episode of The Heat.

For over thirty plus years in the food industry, Mark McEwan has developed his distinctive style of cooking which captures the essence of classical cuisine with nuances of contemporary flavours. Based on fine cuisine, McEwan has built his flourishing restaurant empire including North 44, North 44 Catering, Bymark and his most recent venture ONE Restaurant - The Hazelton Hotel which opened its doors during the Toronto International Film Festival with great success.

Watch the new sensational series The Heat with Mark McEwan every Thursday at 9:30PM ET with encore presentations Fridays at 9:30PM ET on Fine Living. For more information about the show including delicious recipes, please visit www.fineliving.com or www.theheat.tv.