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Featured, Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary

Refreshing new doc series Get Hooked casts off old stereotypes to highlight the healing power of fishing, March 17 on OUTtv, OUTflix and AMI+

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From a media release:

This isn’t your dad’s fishing show. A thought-provoking and barrier-breaking new six-part documentary series, Get Hooked (6×30) is an invitation to explore diverse joy in nature and redefine what it means to fish. Co-commissioned by OUTtv and Accessible Media Inc. (AMI), the series is created by Heidi Lynch (showrunner of Avocado Toast the series and Series Mania “Canada’s Producers to Watch” 2024) and Leah Vlemmiks (“Tesfay” music video by Witch Prophet), directed by Vlemmiks, and produced by Lynch through Bone Vault Inc.

Get Hooked premieres Monday, March 17 on AMI+ (Canada), OUTtv.com (Canada, USA, Australia, New Zealand), and OUTflix.com (UK, Ireland, and Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland via Allente). In Canada, viewers can also catch the series weekly on both AMI-tv and OUTtv broadcast channels, beginning Monday, March 24 at 9 p.m. ET.

“For too long, the outdoors – and fishing in particular – has only been marketed to one specific group of human beings,” said Lynch. “We want to showcase a different side of the fishing world – one that welcomes diversity, queerness, and the power of simply being present in nature for the good of our collective mental health. Get Hooked is funny, heartfelt, and deeply personal, and we hope it inspires people to find their own healing connection to the natural world.”

Get Hooked follows a Canadian angling guide per episode sharing their use of fishing as a lifeline for mental well-being with a group of queer, comedic outsiders. Set against the backdrop of breathtaking Ontario landscapes, each episode is more than just a fishing story – it’s a celebration of resilience, identity, and the healing power of nature. But as these anglers find solace on the water, the series asks a crucial question: why isn’t this access available to everyone?

“At its heart, Get Hooked is about how a shared passion can be a great connector – to nature, to each other, to ourselves,” added Lynch. “This series challenges outdated ideas of who belongs in outdoor spaces and highlights the joy, humour, and healing that come from casting a line in good company. In the divisive place we currently find ourselves, connection is a breath of fresh air. Get Hooked will always include great men as part of the story, but told through a different gaze than you normally see in fishing documentaries and shows.”

Bringing a unique and diverse mix of lived experiences, perspectives, and personalities, the captivating cast of anglers featured in the series are Demiesha Dennis (founder/director of Brown Girl Outdoor World), Dave Furgoch (organizer for the Blind Anglers International Tournament), Lisa Goodier (guide at the Ottawa River Musky Factory), Rosie Jones (comedian/actor/author), Rick Klatt (The Last Cull, participant in the Blind Anglers International Tournament), Frank Leaney (program coordinator and addictions counsellor at the Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health), Christine Luckasavitch (owner/executive consultant of Waaseyaa Consulting), Faye Marsay (actor, Game of Thrones, Andor), Emily O’Brien (founder of ComeBack Snacks), SJ Todd (founder/creative director of SJT Studio), Kenneth Tse (science teacher and fishing guide), Emma Tweddle (co-owner of Brain Box Studios), and Vik Watson (co-owner/graphic designer of Brain Box Studios).

Additionally, the Get Hooked companion podcast (6×20) for OUTtv and AMI launches on April 17, exploring how we, as society, can make the mental health benefits of the outdoors more accessible to the LGBTQ+, disability, and BIPOC communities. In each episode, series creator Heidi Lynch sits down with notable game changers and community creators about fishing, nature, hunting, or travel. Guests include Faye Marsay, actor Verada Sethu (Andor, Doctor Who), singer-songwriter Christa Couture (Postcards From), Amie Battams (Fishing Whilst Gay), and Nicole Moore (Shooting Girl With An Afro). Available wherever you get your podcasts.

Get Hooked was developed with the support of the Telus Fund, Bell Fund, Ontario Creates, AMI, OUTtv, Destination Canada, and Ottawa Tourism, with special thanks to the Fairmont Chateau Laurier and Algonquin Outfitters.

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Featured, Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary

Get ready to laugh again! AMI’s second All Access Comedy special debuts February 7 on AMI-tv and AMI+

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From a media release:

After a successful first All Access Comedy, Accessible Media Inc. (AMI) and Pilot Light Productions, in association with Ha!ifax ComedyFest, are excited to announce the second special—hosted by international comic superstar D.J. Demers—debuts Friday, February 7, at 9 p.m. Eastern on AMI-tv and AMI+.

All Access Comedy is a stand-up special like no other, with comedians from the disability community coming together to celebrate their unique outlook on life for a packed audience of all abilities.

What is it like to use hearing aids? What are the challenges associated with cerebral palsy? What is it like to navigate the world when you are blind? What is it like to process life on the Autism Spectrum? All Access Comedy answers these questions and many more. The performances are observational, insightful and laugh-out-loud funny.

All Access Comedy is hosted by JUNO-nominated stand-up comedy veteran D.J. Demers (The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Conan), who starred in his own AMI/CBC series One More Time, currently available on AMI+, in 2024. When he’s not busy with TV projects, Demers tours extensively on the comedy club circuit in both Canada and the U.S.

All Access Comedy features performances by Ontario comic and motivational speaker Michael McCreary, who started performing at 12 years of age, channeling his experiences on the Autism Spectrum into comedy gold; Toronto-based comedian Joze Piranian, originally from Lebanon, who jokes that as a child, his speech impediment obliged him to stutter in four different languages; Toronto writer and performer Dan Barra-Berger, who knows what it’s like to navigate Canada’s biggest city using a white cane; and New York City-based American comedian Tina Friml, who started her career at small-town comedy clubs in Vermont and now tours extensively, including appearing on network late-night shows like The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

All Access Comedy was recorded in front of a live audience at the Spatz Theatre in Halifax as part of the 2024 Ha!ifax ComedyFest. Arrangements were made to meet the needs of the diverse audience in attendance. Rows of seats were removed to create prime viewing spots for wheelchair users. A simultaneous subtitling system (CART) was provided on-site to assist Deaf and/or hard of hearing audience members. To accommodate American Sign Language users, a live ASL interpreter was on stage. The live production was overseen by a professional Accessibility Coordinator at both the planning and execution stages.

All Access Comedy debuts Friday, February 7, at 9 p.m. Eastern on AMI-tv and AMI+.

Stream the first All Access Comedy special anytime, for free, on AMI+.

All Access Comedy is produced by Halifax-based Pilot Light Productions.

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Featured, Industry News, Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary

AMI-tv announces 2024-25 production slate

From a media release:

Accessible Media Inc. (AMI) is pleased to announce its 2024-25 production slate for AMI-tv and AMI+. Telling a wide range of authentic stories about Canadians in the disability community through positive portrayal, these new and returning projects promise to be favourites with viewers.

AMI is currently in production on new scripted and docuseries from Big Time Decent Productions, Canadian Content Studios, Flow Video, Summerhill Media Inc., Border2Border Entertainment, Prairie Cat Productions, Bone Vault Inc. and Catapult Pictures.

“We are thrilled to offer over 100 hours of programming to Canadians of all abilities,” said Cara Nye, Director, Content Development and Production at AMI. “The upcoming broadcast season sees the expansion of our scripted stable of shows and provides, for the very first time, a children’s series to our schedule.”

New Series

After Dark (working title) – 8 x 30 digital series
After Dark is a documentary digital series exploring sex, love, dating and relationships relevant to people with disabilities. From sex surrogacy, virginity, manufacturing ergonomically designed sex toys, and sex parties to navigating online dating and the sharing of romantic/sexual wants and needs with family and friends, After Dark dares to illuminate your world of possibilities. After Dark is produced by Border2Border Entertainment (Womb Envy, Avocado Toast, Drag Heals).

Collar of Duty Kids – 8 x 30 children’s docuseries
Collar of Duty Kids takes young viewers into the lives of amazing kids who’ve been matched with extraordinary service animals. It’s all about these brand-new partnerships and the adventures they get up to. If you are thinking just dogs, you’re in for a surprise because we are talking about creatures from parrots to pigs! Collar of Duty Kids is produced by Summerhill Media Inc. (There’s Something You Should Know, Collar of Duty) in association with Fifth Ground Entertainment.

The Crip Trip – 6 x 60 docuseries
The Crip Trip is a punk-rock, gonzo, road trip comedy following the misadventures of artist, filmmaker, and quadruple amputee Daniel Ennett and his producer/friend/caregiver Frederick Kroetsch as they drive from Edmonton to Toronto. Their goal: to secure employment for Daniel in the television industry thereby saving him from long term care. Along the way, the duo will meet with other artists in the disability community to hear their stories. The Crip Trip is produced by Catapult Pictures (The Secret Society, Blind Ambition: The Wop May Story).

Get Hooked – 7 x 30 docuseries
This isn’t your dad’s fishing show. In partnership with OutTV, Get Hooked is a fresh take on how members of the queer, Black, Indigenous and disability community turn the mental health benefits of fishing into pure joy. Get Hooked is produced by Heidi Lynch of Bone Vault Inc. (Avocado Toast, Finding Green) and will feature the British disability advocate and comedian Rosie Jones along with other diverse nature lovers. Other partners include the Bell Fund, Ontario Creates and CAMH.

Low Vision Moments (working title) – 6 x 30 scripted comedy
Based on the life of Jennie Bovard, the candid host of the AMI podcast Low Vision Moments, viewers are in for a blurry ride, as Jennie fumbles and finds her way through everyday life as a person with albinism and low vision—work, friendship, love, and waving at mailboxes. Low Vision Moments is produced by Jennie Bovard, Jonathan Torrens’ Canadian Content Studios (Vollies, Roll With It) Club Red Productions (Who’s Yer Father?, A Small Fortune) and Flow Video Inc. (DarkVision, Accessing Pleasure).

Underdog Inc. – 8 x 60 docuseries 
Underdog Inc. follows Dale Kristensen (Backroad Truckers), a Little Person, as he navigates life in a mountain town, juggles the ups-and-downs of fatherhood and runs a small business with his sister. Dale’s business, Underdog Inc., offers a variety of services to customers in the region, including backroad trucking, hotshot delivery of urgent cargo, salvage and rescue calls, construction and handyman services. Whether he’s transporting heavy loads up and down treacherous backroads or tackling a long list of repairs for demanding homeowners, Dale is making a name for himself as a trucker, handyman and all-around good guy. Most importantly, he’s showing his son—and the world—that life is not about first impressions… it’s about lasting connections. Underdog Inc. is produced by Big Time Decent Productions (Rust Valley Restorers, Backroad Truckers).

We Were Broncos – 6 x 30 docuseries
We Were Broncos is the story of Ryan Straschnitzki’s life beyond the horrific Humboldt Broncos bus crash in 2018. As an athlete, Ryan wanted to be a professional hockey player. But after the crash, he had to adapt to a new athletic goal of becoming a Paralympic sledge hockey player while completely changing his lifestyle. We Were Broncos is about perseverance in life and adaptive sport. We Were Broncos is produced by Prairie Cat Productions (Humboldt: The New Season, Talent).

Returning Series

Returning series include Season 2 of Access Tech Live, Season 9 of Our Community, Season 3 of Disrupt, Season 3 of Healthy at Home, Season 5 of Dish with Mary, Season 4 of Mind Your Own Business, Season 6 of Postcards From… and a brand new All Access Comedy special.

All AMI-tv originals are available post-broadcast on demand at AMI+.

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Featured, Industry News, Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary

Big Time Decent Productions in production on four new unscripted originals, launches new scripted division Bread & Better Films

From a media release:

Vancouver-based production company Big Time Decent Productions has announced that it is in production on four new docuseries and is expanding its unscripted slate to include a feature documentary, an IMAX nature documentary, and a new automotive vertical for YouTube including flagship channels Rust Bros and Wildman Garage. The company has also shared details on the launch of its new scripted division, Bread & Better Films, and a new partnership with Verve Talent and Literary Agency out of Los Angeles.

Big Time Decent Productions is currently in production on new docuseries with Corus Entertainment, as well as Bell Media. Underdog Inc., which has been greenlit by AMI, is a new docuseries following the life of Dale Kristensen, a little person raising a child while running a trucking business in small town BC. The company has also had a fourth docuseries recently greenlit by a Canadian broadcaster with a formal announcement coming soon.

“After a lot of hard work from our talented team, we are thrilled to be announcing some major company milestones. Since our launch in 2020, we have had the incredible opportunity to share fascinating stories of remarkable characters with global audiences through our unscripted content. Off the heels of this success, we look forward to continuing to expand our unscripted offering while ramping up our scripted development slate with Bread & Better Films,” said Matthew Shewchuk, Founder and Head of Production, Big Time Decent Productions. “Despite the overall state of the industry, we’ve experienced steady growth in our first four years and will continue to build on that foundation to position ourselves as a key Canadian content producer.”  

Bread & Better Films, Big Time Decent Production’s new scripted division will focus on developing and producing feature films and scripted series. The new arm launched in partnership with Big Time Decent’s René Brar and Jeff Kinnon. The company is also bringing in industry veteran Robert Vroom as Producer. Vroom has produced a wide range of feature films including Blood Quantum (2019), You Can Live Forever (2022), and several TV movies. Bread & Better Films also welcomes writer, producer, and actor Juliana Wimbles to serve as Development Producer for the new label. Bringing 20 years of industry experience, Wimbles appeared as a regular on ABC’s The Good Doctor (2019) and is a familiar talent with the Hallmark Channel, having written six feature films for the broadcaster.

“We’re incredibly excited to announce the launch of Bread & Better Films and to have Rob and Juliana joining us. Our team has deep roots in the scripted world, and we look forward to expanding that side of the business and building a robust scripted slate together,” said René Brar, Head of Development, Bread & Better Films.

After building a successful foundation in unscripted television, Big Time Decent Productions is diversifying their unscripted offering, producing a feature documentary that will take part in a festival run in the fall, as well as their first IMAX nature documentary targeting a 2025 distribution. Following the enormous success of their highly acclaimed show Rust Valley Restorers (above), the production company is finding innovative ways of bringing automotive programming to a loyal fanbase with a collection of talent-driven YouTube channels, including Rust Bros and Wildman Garage, among others. Together these channels have accumulated over 100 million views across platforms in the first half of 2024.

The company has also signed with Verve Talent and Literary Agency, one of the fastest-growing and most-reputable talent agencies in Los Angeles.

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Featured, Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary

Preview: Christa Couture ups the adventure on AMI-tv’s Postcards From…

Christa Couture is no stranger to AMI or storytelling.

She hosted AMI-audio’s Live from Studio 5 and has been featured on an episode of AMI-tv’s Fashion Dis. On the storytelling side, she has written, sung and spoken of her life, including the childhood cancer that led to the amputation of her left leg, abortion, divorce and the tragic deaths of two infant sons.

Couture’s way of weaving a story is what makes the newest season of Postcards From… so engaging.

Returning for Season 5, Wednesdays at 9:30 p.m. ET on AMI-tv and AMI+, Couture is the newest host to take over for the channel’s veteran series. The program, which was previously hosted by AMI talent in Alex Smyth, Laura Bain, Beth Deer, Shelby Travers and Dave Brown—and Season 4 by poet Therese Estacion—features Couture visiting eight communities across Canada. Focusing on the senses, Postcards From… spends equal time presenting the locales as Couture witnesses them via taste, touch, smell, hearing and sight like never before.

Couture’s enthusiasm, curiosity and wit make for a winning production. In Wednesday’s return, she heads to Drumheller, Alberta, where she gets hands-on with dinosaur bones, hops on the back of a motorbike for a ride into town and scarfs down a local delicacy called “prairie oysters.” An emotional scene features Couture recalling visiting Drumheller as a child with her mother—and showing off a smiling photo of herself, then unaware of the cancer in her left leg that had returned and would ultimately take it below the knee—before she gets a tour of the area and gets up close with some dinos.

What sets Postcards From… apart from other travel series is that time is spent focusing on accessibility. Couture, for instance, describes and utilizes the paved path and wheelchair the Tyrell Museum offers guests to traverse the rocky terrain. And her description of what it was like to swing her prosthetic leg over a motorcycle before going on her first-ever ride was as fun as watching the smile on her face.

Future destinations in this season include Fredericton, Dawson City, Salt Spring Island, Niagara Falls, Montreal, Edmonton and Whistler.

Postcards From… airs Wednesdays at 9:30 p.m. Eastern on AMI-tv.

Image courtesy of AMI.

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