CBC’s Zed “Shines” as Real Entertainment
Why the last letter is the first show you should watch!
by Michelle da Silva

There’s always entertainment in cock-fighting. Two angry, stubborn-as-hell chickens pace inside a pen, and you place bets on the one who looks the most vicious. Most of the time, the bigger cock will win, and you’re left with a bloody, feathery mess.

On February 7th, CBC Television’s Zed Real will be airing their version of a cock fight: the national premiere of “Burning to Shine.” Billed as “Two Musical Worlds Collide,” the documentary follows Canadian hip-hop artist, K-os, and the CBC Radio Orchestra (the last of its kind in North America) on a 43-day journey as they compose a new piece of music titled “Burning to Shine.” K-os confesses to no formal music training, which forces him and the classically-trained orchestra arrangers to compromise on their respective songwriting processes. Of course, this compromise isn’t reached without a little pecking first. When K-os thoughtlessly tosses out the original version of the song without the consent of any CBC members, the audience and the actors are left wondering if there will even be a finished song in the end. With the clock ticking and tension building, the documentary climaxes in a live three-hour recording session--a championship round, if you will.

Zed Real has been airing thought-provoking documentaries since its re-launch this January. By adding “Burning to Shine” to its repertoire, Zed continues its tradition of offering compelling entertainment without compromising topical Canadian content or accessibility.

“This doc shows the clash of culture between contemporary pop culture and great Canadian tradition,” explains Alden Habacon, Partnerships Manager of CBC’s Zed and Radio 3. “We’re constantly trying to determine whether [these traditions are] relevant in culture today.” During the film, orchestra conductor Tania Miller agrees, admitting that the CBC Radio Orchestra needs to continue its efforts in staying connected with Canadian youth. “It’s important for classical music to look at music of today and bridge those two worlds,” she says.

Miller’s statement extends to all of three of Zed’s programs, which include Zed Candid and Zed Tunes. A brief hiatus in 2005 allowed the show to re-evaluate whether or not it was achieving this goal. “The re-branding of Zed is the result of [trying to] make Zed more accessible,” says Habacon. “We wanted to be more entertaining, more focused on accessibility.”

Today, audiences have new ways to interact and provide feedback on what they’re watching. Not only are budding filmmakers and musicians encouraged to submit their work, but all viewers can voice they’re stories and opinions through Zed-connected blogs, photo websites like Flickr, and calling stations.

Habacon hopes that with Zed’s new focus on “storytelling in any format,” all Canadians will find something they can identify with. There is currently no other place on TV to watch short films and documentaries in any country.

Looking at the upcoming content for all three Zed shows, it seems that Canada’s oldest and most established broadcaster is looking inward for real and relevant stories. With the airing of “Burning to Shine,” audiences will be given an intimate view into the minds of some of Canada’s most creative musical talents. This documentary is fresh, nationally-significant, and compelling. The safest bet you can place on Tuesday night is that you’ll be entertained--minus the bloody feathers.