Ahead of the worldwide debut at SXSW 2023, Crave confirmed today that its original documentary feature, 299 QUEEN STREET WEST, is coming to the streamer later this year. Directed by Sean Menard, and with unprecedented access to the MuchMusic archives, the two-hour feature tells the origin story and meteoric rise of the seminal music and pop culture brand, highlighting its beginnings as a scrappy Canadian television upstart.
“Celebrating the meteoric success of MuchMusic, this film also highlights that moment when Canada’s authentic and diverse young voices became some of the most revered across the airwaves,” said Justin Stockman, Vice-President, Content & Programming, Bell Media. “From Erica Ehm’s infamous one-on-one with Kurt Cobain, to the channel’s unyielding advocacy for rap and hip-hop, we’re excited for Crave viewers, and audiences around the world to revel in the nostalgia, and for MuchMusic’s millions of next-gen followers to be inspired by the enduring DIY spirit of the brand.”
299 QUEEN STREET WEST is narrated by some of the original trailblazing VJ’s, who at the time had no prior TV hosting experience, received no direction, no scripts, and broadcasted live across the country. The film showcases how MuchMusic’s rise in popularity intersected with rap music entering the mainstream, the birth of grunge and alternative rock, and pop stars caused teenage hysteria at the iconic street level studio. VJ’s and iconic personalities featured include Steve Anthony, Rick Campanelli, Monika Deol, Denise Donlon, Erica Ehm, Namugenyi Kiwanuka, Sook-Yin Lee, George Stroumboulopoulos, Bill Welychka and Michael Williams.
299 QUEEN STREET WEST director, Sean Menard, edits, and is co-producer with Molly Ye. For Bell Media, Natalie Igelfeld is Senior Manager, Program Acquisitions, Crave; Jonah Zalken is Senior Manager, Programming Planning, Crave; Tory Jennings is Director, Content, Crave. Justin Stockman, Vice-President, Content & Programming, Bell Media. Karine Moses is Senior Vice-President, Content Development & News, Bell Media and Vice Chair, Québec, Bell.
