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T+E’s new original documentary series, My Haunted Hometown, takes viewers inside North America’s most terrifying locations

From a media release:

What happens when the place you call home… wants you to leave? T+E’s all-new original documentary series My Haunted Hometown (8×60’; HD) offers an unsettling and immersive look inside homes, bars, stores and other eerie locations across Canada and the U.S. plagued by vengeful spirits. The series goes beyond typical ghost stories by taking viewers inside real-life haunted venues, with its residents serving as the tour guides. Room-by-room, residents share their vivid and harrowing encounters with the paranormal. From unexplained noises and apparitions to shapeshifters and poltergeist activity, terrifying supernatural forces reside in their four walls. Despite living in fear, they refuse to leave, showcasing their unbreakable bond to their community even as their dark tales expose the grim histories and chilling supernatural activity of their hometowns. My Haunted Hometown reveals how living in a small town can open another dimension. My Haunted Hometown premieres during T+E’s nationwide free preview event, running from September 2 to November 3, 2024, with new episodes airing every Friday leading up to October and T+E’s highly-anticipated ‘Creep Week’ event.

By day, these small towns bask in their quaint, tight-knit charm. By night, however, their sinister histories come alive, casting a dark shadow over the lives of their residents. Each episode features three true stories from three different towns, offering an intimate and immersive experience that brings these dark tales of the paranormal to life. My Haunted Hometown also incorporates dramatic recreations to vividly depict the harrowing experiences of these residents.

My Haunted Hometown is produced by Blue Ant Studios. Matthew Hornburg, Mark J.W. Bishop and Donna Luke serve as Executive Producers. The series is produced by Shannon McKinnon and directed by Ryan Marley. Overseen by Sam Linton, VP, Production and Development, Global Media on behalf of Blue Ant Media. Blue Ant Studios handles global distribution.

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Featured, Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary

Friday Night Thunder revs up for final season on APTN

From a media release:

Big Soul Productions is pleased and saddened to announce the final season premiere of Indigenous racing docuseries Friday Night Thunder on Friday, September 6 at 8:30PM ET on APTN. Shot entirely at Ohsweken Speedway on the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory, this is the only series to follow the stories of Indigenous drivers in the Sprint Car class, arguably one of the most dangerous forms of racing in motorsports.

Created and Produced by Anishinaabe Producer Laura Milliken (Moccasin Flats), the 13x30min series amplifies the challenging world of grassroots dirt track racing for 10 Indigenous drivers who demonstrate varying degrees of passion, seriousness and skill on and off the track. From budget shortfalls to motor issues and car wrecks to rookie mistakes, all of the drivers wrestle with the challenges of this costly and sometimes deadly sport.

“It’s been a wild and crazy ride filming Friday Night Thunder at Ohsweken Speedway. I have seen young drivers become family men, watched kids growing up, witnessed some of the best racing you’ll see anywhere and had the most fun I may ever have working on a television series,” said Laura Milliken. “I’ll truly miss this show. But I’m a forever racing fan so I’m sure I’ll be back with some more Indigenous racing content soon.”

Friday Night Thunder, the first-ever documentary series about the exhilarating and dangerous world of sprint car racing, ends its run in its fourth season for a total of 52 half-hour episodes. Seasons 1-3 can be watched on APTN’s streaming platform APTN LUMI. The Season 4 television premiere will be across all APTN channels on Friday, September 6 at 8:30PM.

“Audiences keep coming back to Friday Night Thunder because the drivers’ passion for what they do is infectious,” said Adam Garnet Jones, director of TV content and special events at APTN. “With fast cars, big characters and high stakes at Ohsweken Speedway, the show is all grit, grease and heart. We are sad to see it go but it will have a long life on our streaming platform.”

Friday Night Thunder was made possible by the generous support of Canadian Motorsport Hall of Famer and Ohsweken Speedway founder Glenn Styres and Tina Styres, GForceTV and Clinton Geoffrey.

ABOUT BIG SOUL PRODUCTIONS
Big Soul Productions Inc. is a pioneering Toronto-based production company founded in 1999 by Anishinaabe producer/entrepreneur Laura J. Milliken. With their Gemini nominated series “Moccasin Flats,” Big Soul became the first Aboriginal-owned production company to earn a Best Dramatic Series nomination. Other notable credits include the primetime animated comedy “By the Rapids,” and the critically acclaimed festival films “Fire Song” and “Run Woman Run,” a sleeper box office hit. Big Soul is dedicated to creating, developing, and producing films and television series representing the Indigenous voice and perspective while generating much needed capacity for Indigenous talent in the film and television industries. 

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Featured, Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary

Production begins on Season 2 of APTN’s Treaty Road

From a media release:

Saxon de Cocq, Hannah Hermanson and Ell McEachern of 3 Story Pictures, Doug Cuthand of Blue Hill Productions, and Candy Renae Fox are pleased to announce that principal photography has started on Season 2 of Treaty Road. This ground-breaking 12-part docuseries (one hour each) follows Dakota/Anishinaabekwe educator and researcher, Erin Goodpipe (RezX, The Other Side, Bathsheba: Search for Evil) and Métis writer, director and producer Saxon de Cocq (The Other Side, The Invincible Sergeant Bill (CBC), Land Acknowledgement (CIFF) and the upcoming Red River Gold,) as they head back out on the road exploring the familiar and unfamiliar grounds of Treaties 7 – 11. 
 
Season 2 of Treaty Road challenges the crew as they travel from Saxon’s hometown of Calgary to remote, fly in communities on James Bay and end in the nation’s capital, Ottawa. Helicopters, boats, float planes, trains, and miles of winding and remote roads take them to the experts and activists who are navigating the ongoing negotiations and settlements that surround the numbered treaties. 
 
“It’s not only an eye-opening experience, meeting with and learning from all of the amazing people throughout the Treaty territories, it’s an absolute honour,” said Saxon de Cocq.
 
Treaty Road is directed by Candy Fox (The Other Side, Big Brother Canada, ZARQA S2), Saxon de Cocq and Erin Goodpipe and hosted by Saxon de Cocq and Erin Goodpipe and produced by Saxon de Cocq, Candy Fox, Ell McEachern (Staying Wild, The Other Side, ZARQA S2 and the upcoming Red River Gold,) and Hannah Hermanson (Staying Wild, The Other Side, ZARQA S2 and the upcoming Red River Gold). The series is written by Saxon de Cocq and story edited by Berkley Brady (Dark Nature, The Secret History of: The Wild West) with Doug Cuthand (Guardians: Evolution,Big Bear, Searchers, Van Life) serving as executive producer. 
  
Cinematography by Jeremy Ratzlaff (By Faith, Denis, Never Seen Again) and editing by Jennifer Prokop (Staying Wild, The Other Side, Treaty Road), Kolby Kostyniuk (Staying Wild, Dirt Farmers, Treaty Road, Red River Gold), Nina Staum (Ice Racer Showdown, The Other Side, Treaty Road, Red River Gold).
   
Treaty Road is produced with financial support from Canada Media Fund, Creative Saskatchewan, Alberta Media Fund, Bell Fund and APTN. The series will air on APTN in 2025. 

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Access Tech Live: Tech Discussions from a Disability Perspective

Guest post by Jeff Graham

In a world where technology evolves at lightning speed, staying informed about the latest gadgets and innovations is essential. However, for individuals with disabilities, understanding how these advancements fit into their lives is even more crucial. “Access Tech Live,” a groundbreaking TV show on AMI-tv bridges this gap by exploring technology from a disability perspective.

What to Expect from Access Tech Live
Hosted by the dynamic duo of Steven Scott and Marc Aflalo, “Access Tech Live” dives into major tech news, discussing phones, tablets, and other devices while keeping in mind the question, “How would someone with a disability use it?” This unique perspective ensures that the show not only highlights new technologies but also evaluates their accessibility and practical use for people with disabilities.

Each episode features hands-on demos, thorough product reviews, and insightful discussions. The show also brings in voices from the disability community, including individuals who share how new and existing tech aids them in their daily lives. By speaking with key figures from startups to tech giants like Apple, Google, Microsoft, Samsung, Amazon, Honda, and Ford, “Access Tech Live” offers a comprehensive view of the tech landscape.

When and Where to Watch
“Access Tech Live” airs live every Thursday at noon ET on AMI-tv. If you miss the live broadcast, don’t worry—reruns are available multiple times throughout the week. Additionally, the show is streamed across all major social platforms, ensuring you can tune in from anywhere.

Bringing the Show to Major Tech Events
The show’s reach extends beyond the studio, as Steven and Marc bring “Access Tech Live” to significant events like CES, the CSUN Assistive Technology Conference, and the Zero Project Conference. They also cover major industry announcements and conferences such as Apple’s WWDC, Google I/O, Microsoft Build, and more. This on-the-ground coverage provides viewers with the latest updates and exclusive interviews from the heart of the tech world.

Noteworthy Interviews from Season 1
Season 1 of “Access Tech Live” featured a stellar lineup of interviews with industry leaders and influencers, including:

  • Jay Blahnik, Head of Apple Fitness+
  • Sarah Herrlinger, Head of Accessibility at Apple
  • Christopher Patnoe, Google’s Head of Accessibility
  • Hector Minto, Dave Dame, and Jason Brommett from Microsoft’s accessibility team
  • Celine Lee from Amazon
  • Stephanie Cadieux, Canada’s Chief Accessibility Officer
  • Philip Rizcallah, CEO of Accessibility Standards Canada
  • Caroline Casey, Founder of The Valuable 500
  • Influencers like Madison Tevlin and Molly Burke
  • Game development companies, including Xbox

These conversations delve into how these leaders and companies are working to make technology more inclusive and accessible.

A Platform for Important Stories
“Access Tech Live” stands out as one of the few weekly shows dedicated to discussing technology through the lens of accessibility. By telling important stories and shining a spotlight on the work being done to level the playing field, the show addresses topics that many are hesitant to explore. The hosts ask the hard questions, ensuring that the discussions are not only informative but also transformative.

“Tech has the power to break down barriers, promote independence, and enhance accessibility, which can be life-changing for many people.” says host, Marc Alfalo. “By focusing on this perspective, I aim to raise awareness, inspire innovation, and advocate for more inclusive designs. This show is not just about showcasing technology; it’s about fostering a more inclusive society where everyone can benefit from technological advancements.”

Whether you are a tech enthusiast, a person with a disability, or someone interested in the intersection of technology and accessibility, “Access Tech Live” offers valuable insights and information. Tune in to join the conversation and see how technology can truly be inclusive for all.

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Featured, Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary

AMI-tv announces second season of Access Tech Live

From a media release:

Accessible Media Inc. (AMI) is thrilled to announce the renewal of its hit AMI-tv show, Access Tech Live, for a second season. Hosted by Steven Scott and Marc Aflalo, Access Tech Live focuses on the intersection of technology and accessibility.

Following an incredibly successful first season, Access Tech Live has become a platform for important conversations about accessibility and inclusivity. The show has featured interviews with some of the biggest names in tech, including Jay Blahnik, Vice President of Fitness Technologies at Apple; Stephanie Cadieux, Canada’s Chief Accessibility Officer; Caroline Casey, founder of The Valuable 500; Google’s Head of Accessibility and Disability and Inclusion, Christopher Patnoe; and Sarah Herrlinger, Senior Director of Global Accessibility at Apple; amongst many others.

Access Tech Live‘s mission is to tell tech stories from the point of view of people with disabilities and has had important conversations around Global Accessibility Awareness Day, Autism Awareness Month and Parkinson’s Awareness Month.

The show has broadcast live from locations around the globe, including CES 2024 in Las Vegas, the Zero Project Conference in Vienna, CES Unveiled in Amsterdam, the CSUN Conference in California, and, most recently, a special episode for International Albinism Awareness Day in Halifax.

“We aren’t afraid to push the boundaries on the places we go and conversations we have,” says host Steven Scott.

“Access Tech Live has connected with AMI-tv viewers in an unprecedented way,” says John Melville, Vice-President of Content Development and Operations of AMI-tv/AMI-audio. “We’re looking forward to a new season of Steven and Marc’s conversations discussing how technology can benefit people of all abilities.”

Stay tuned for more exciting discussions and interviews in the second season of Access Tech Live, only on AMI-tv. Stream past episodes for free and on demand at AMI+.

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