CTV Upfront Channels Hit Shows

The decor for CTV's fall program launch at the Hummingbird Centre paid tribute to the top shows in the broadcaster's primetime schedule. There was a space devoted to Canadian Idol and American Idol, a V.I.P. area inspired by Desperate Housewives, and a Grey's Anatomy lounge complete with an oxygen bar from Element Oxygen Bars. Karen Gruson, a freelance event planner and president of Mediablitz, managed the annual event. Nicholas Pinney, owner of Nicholas Pinney Designs, provided design services.

To create a strong first impression for the party, Gruson paid special attention to the decor in the foyer, draping the space in dramatic red fabric hung from the ceiling. Forget Me Not Flowers heightened the theatrics with elegant chandeliers hung above round silver settees on round red carpets from Contemporary Furniture Rentals. In the centre of the entrance space, a food station—also designed in a round shape—served spiced veal pot stickers with garlic dust and soy coriander glaze and crisp chicken dumplings with orange chili glaze, scallions, and Thai basil. Behind the food station, the CTV logo and a welcome message scrolled on screen from Visual FX.

In the Idol space, rotating red, blue, and green uplighting emphasized a display of platinum records and photos of show contestants. Contemporary Furniture supplied blue-tinted couches and mirrored coffee tables decorated with the Canadian Idol logo. The Desperate Housewives area was dubbed the "Bree lounge" in honour of Bree Vandekamp, a character on the program played by Marcia Cross. Blue uplighting added luster to shimmering blue iridescent drapes that formed a backdrop for the sitting area. Guests relaxed on ghost chairs paired with mirrored mini patio tables shaped like flowers. Fragrant low white blooms adorned the tables. A mirrored food station served dainty appetizers such as prosciutto wrapped melon and orange chili marinated olives. Throughout the event, Cross look-alikes from Elmer Olsen Model Management mingled with guests. Stylists from Judy Inc. outfitted the models with pearls, twin sets, and pencil skirts, and provided them with hair and makeup services, also providing costumes for models posing as hospital workers in the Grey's Anatomy lounge, which featured hospital patient room vignettes. Surrounding TV screens around the lounge played episodes of the popular program.