ZeD
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ZeD is a Canadian television series which bills itself as "open-source television". It premiered in March 2002. The program, which airs every weeknight on the CBC, airs original music, short films, animation, performance, visual art and spoken word pieces from around the world. The subject matter is mature, and each episode begins with a humorously-worded call for viewer's discretion. Each episode is 40 minutes long and there are no advertisements within that time. While the show does not run in the summer, its website allows people to continue viewing certain works, and also upload their creations onto the website, which might then appear on television. Although some films are not available on the website, viewers of the television show can e-mail ZeD and request replays on Fridays, which are dubbed "Feedback Fridays". Altogether, the website claims over 40,000 members.
Examples of short films seen on ZeD include Cannibalism and Your Teen (http://zed.cbc.ca/go?POS=1&CONTENT_ID=11161&c=contentPage&FILTER_KEY=17575), which is a humorous parody of the father-knows-best ideology. The anti-racism comedy Cowboys and Indians has been aired four times as of this writing but is not available on the website. Other popular short films include the animated comedy Strange Invaders, which combines the themes of extraterrestrials and parenthood.
Music on ZeD is sometimes seen in the form of music videos, but musical guests also appear. Among such guests was Sam Roberts, who performed "Brother Down" and "This Is How I Live" on October 15, 2002.
Another feature of ZeD is its annual Halloween episodes, which may run longer than 40 minutes. These episodes feature some of ZeD's more disturbing short films and art, or comedies with supernatural or gothic themes. Evelyn: The Cutest Evil Dead Girl and Flying Saucer Rock 'n' Roll (http://zed.cbc.ca/go?POS=1&CONTENT_ID=20107&c=contentPage&FILTER_KEY=45145) are examples of the latter.
The ZeD pilot was originally hosted by Nobu and Mio Adilman. The program was subsequently hosted by Sharon Lewis until the 2004-2005 season, when she was replaced by Ziya Tong.
In the fall of 2005, the program will air only once a week, on Friday nights.
External link
- Official ZeD website (http://zed.cbc.ca/)