"The Drop" Triumphs at the 2024 Canadian Screen Awards with Two Wins
Toronto - Narcity Media Group (NMG) is delighted to announce that "The Drop," a series proudly broadcasted Narcity's channels, has achieved outstanding success at the 2024 Canadian Screen Awards (CSA). The critically acclaimed short-form comedy series, created by Dani Pagliarello and Aisha Evelyna, has won two prestigious awards in the Digital Media category.
Aisha Evelyna received her first-ever CSA for Best Lead Performance in a Web Program or Series, and Aurora Browne was awarded Best Supporting Performance in a Web Program or Series. These accolades underscore the remarkable talent and hard work of the cast and crew, marking a significant milestone for female Canadian creatives.
“We’re incredibly grateful for the CSA’s recognition of short-form series. The space has amplified our voices, honed our craft and is propelling the next wave of Canada’s prominent filmmakers.” said Dani Pagliarello
Canadian Screen Awards Won:
- Best Lead Performance in a Web Program or Series: Aisha Evelyna
- Best Supporting Performance in a Web Program or Series: Aurora Browne
''Seeing The DROP walk away with these awards is incredibly gratifying. It's fantastic to see Aisha and Dani's vision and hard work get recognized this way. It means so much to us at Narcity to have played a role in bringing this award-winning series to market. Bravo to the whole DROP crew!'' said Jackie Vandinther, News Creator Fellowship Manager (Previously Senior Video Producer) at Narcity Media Group.
About "The Drop"
"The Drop," created by Dani Pagliarello (The Handmaid’s Tale, Luckiest Girl Alive) and Aisha Evelyna (Slo Pitch, Rabbit Hole), is a four-episode series. It is produced by Elizabeth Yake of True West Films, with Executive Producer Liz Whitmere and Episode 1 director Jordan Canning (Schitt’s Creek). The series premiered via Narcity Canada in May 2023 and has since been a beacon of female-led Canadian content, showcasing a diverse and talented team.
Set in modern-day Toronto, "The Drop" follows the lives of two Gen Z women navigating the city's hustle. This satirical take on consumerism and the underground world of product drops features a cast and crew that is 65% diverse and/or female, highlighting the series' commitment to representation and inclusion.
The series has screened at 15 top international festivals, including HollyShorts in Los Angeles, and has won Best Toronto Web Series at T.O. Webfest.
Previous Nominations:
- Best Lead Performance in a Web Program or Series: Dani Pagliarello
- Best Web Program or Series, Fiction: Producers Elizabeth Yake, Liz Whitmere, Dani Pagliarello, Aisha Evelyna
- Best Direction, Web Program or Series: Aisha Evelyna for “Bottled Air, Trademark”
Reacting to the 2024 Canadian Screen Awards nominations, Aisha Evelyna remarked, "No one believed we could make this series, but we are now winners of two awards. It has been so rewarding.”
"We’re incredibly grateful for the CSA’s recognition of short-form series. The space has amplified our voices, honed our craft and is propelling the next wave of Canada’s prominent filmmakers." added Dani Pagliarello.
About Dani Pagliarello
Dani Pagliarello is an award-winning director and actor known for her work in comedy series. She has written, directed, produced, and starred in three comedy series, all while serving as the showrunner. "The Drop," co-created with Aisha Evelyna, earned her recognition as Best Comedy Director at Rio WebFest and garnered two Canadian Screen Award nominations for Best Series and Best Lead Performance in a Web Program or Series. A graduate of York University’s Acting Conservatory, Dani has appeared in television series and feature films including "The Handmaid’s Tale" and "Luckiest Girl Alive." As an alumna of Women in the Director’s Chair (WIDC), she is currently developing several new projects including "Trauma Bonding," which has received funding from Ontario Creates, the Canada Media Fund, and the Independent Production Fund, as well as "O-Town" and the comedy series "31 and Done." Dani is passionate about showcasing women in high-quality comedy roles and is based in Toronto.
About Aisha Evelyna
Aisha Evelyna, a Toronto-based actor, writer, and director of Caribbean descent, is celebrated for her commitment to elevating underrepresented stories. Recently named a MovieMaker Magazine X Austin Film Festival Screenwriter to Watch, Aisha’s credits include the short film "Alex," which premiered at HollyShorts and was named a Vimeo Staff Pick. Co-created with Dani Pagliarello, "The Drop" premiered on Narcity Canada in May 2023. Aisha is also developing the limited series "Sally" with Warner Brothers Canada through the Canadian Academy’s Writers Program. Her debut feature drama "Seahorse," for which she is the writer, director, and star, is a 2022 Telefilm Talent to Watch Fund recipient and a participant in the 2021 Whistler Film Festival Screenwriters Lab, with production scheduled for summer 2024. As an actor, her recent film and TV appearances include "Rabbit Hole" (Paramount+) and "Slo Pitch" (IFC/OutTV). Beyond her creative endeavors, Aisha enjoys indulging in donuts around Toronto.
About True West Films
True West Films, established in 2002 by producer Elizabeth Yake, is a prominent production company now based in Ontario. Known for its critically acclaimed features and shorts, True West Films has been nominated for 24 Canadian Screen/Genie Awards, with all of its projects premiering at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival. The company specializes in developing film and TV projects and structuring financing for treaty co-productions. Currently, True West Films is actively working on a slate of comedy series for the North American market.
About Narcity Media Group
Narcity Media Group is one of the leading digital media publishers for millennials in North America. We own and operate Narcity.com and MTLBlog.com. Covering everything from up-to-the-minute breaking news stories to original travel bucket lists, our extensive network of content creators spans from coast to coast with the sole purpose of creating content that engages our local audience and creates memorable experiences. Founded in 2013, Narcity Media has offices in Montreal and Toronto and operates remotely across North America in more than 24 local markets.
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