CBC Adds Book-Based Special to Holiday Lineup

This December, CBC is slated to premiere The Great Northern Candy Drop, a book-based animated special that is being produced by Amberwood Entertainment.

The Great Northern Candy Drop is inspired by the children’s book published in 2015 by the Canada Aviation and Space Museum. The 30-minute prime-time special tells the true story of Inuk bush pilot Johnny May, who has flown over a Northern Quebec community to drop candy, toys and warm clothes every holiday season for more than 50 years. It stars Tantoo Cardinal and Lorne Cardinal as the voice of May.

The Great Northern Candy Drop is written by Kris Pearn (Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2) and animated by Jam Filled Entertainment. May is serving as a consultant on the special, which is being distributed by Boat Rocker Rights and directed by Jamie Leclaire and Phil Lafrance.

“We are so excited to be bringing this amazing story to life, and are honored to be working alongside such top-tier partners as Kris Pearn, Jam Filled, Boat Rocker and, of course, CBC,” said Jonathan Wiseman, executive producer.

“Johnny May is one of Canada’s unsung heroes, and we look forward to sharing his inspiring story of commitment and dedication to community with the entire country this holiday season,” added Sally Catto, the general manager of programming at CBC.