Production Under Way on Life with Derek TV Movie

TORONTO: Shaftesbury Films and Family Channel have announced production on Vacation with Derek, a TV movie based on the hit comedy series Life with Derek.

The TV movie will see Ashley Leggat and Michael Seater reprising their roles as the rival step-siblings, and will be joined by former castmates Daniel Magder, Jordan Todosey, Ariel Waller, Joy Tanner and John Ralston. So You Think You Can Dance Canada season one winner Nico Archambault will guest star as Jesse, the dance instructor at the lodge where the McDonald-Venturi’s take their vacation.

“Shaftesbury is thrilled to continue our longstanding partnership with Family Channel," said Christina Jennings, the chairman and CEO of Shaftesbury Films. "They’re terrific collaborators and make kids’ shows that Canadians and audiences around the world enjoy. Vacation with Derek is the perfect complement to this extraordinarily successful franchise. The movie is sure to provide kids with more of what they’ve come to love about Life with Derek.”

“Life with Derek is one of the most successful series on our network and we have enjoyed a very collaborative and creative relationship with Shaftesbury and the Life with Derek team over the last several years,” added Michael Goldsmith, the director of original programming for Family Channel and Playhouse Disney Canada. “We are thrilled to be able to provide our viewers with a new TV-movie that will bring back the beloved characters and incorporate the music and dance themes that resonate so well with our audience.”

Vacation with Derek is produced by Shaftesbury Films for Family Channel. Executive Producers are Christina Jennings and Scott Garvie for Shaftesbury, and Daphne Ballon. Producers are Suzanne French and Stephen Montgomery, with Shaftesbury Films’ Laura Harbin and Peter Meyboom serving as supervising producers.