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Industry News

AMI-tv announces its fall 2022 programming schedule

From a media release:

Today, Accessible Media Inc. (AMI) unveiled its AMI-tv schedule for the 2022 fall broadcast season, with a lineup of exciting new and returning AMI originals available in described video for the blind and partially sighted community in Canada.

AMI original productions are the centrepiece of AMI-tv’s schedule, broadcast in the coveted 8 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. timeslots from Monday to Friday.

Double Tap TV is back for Season 5! Returning on Tuesday, September 13, at 8 p.m. Eastern, Double Tap TV brings viewers discussions on everything tech—all with an eye on accessibility—to television. Each week, join hosts Steven Scott, Marc Aflalo and a range of contributors as they help viewers better understand how technology can assist in everyday life.

Debuting on Wednesday, September 14, at 8 p.m. Eastern is the new series Healthy at Home. Produced by Honey Cut Studios (#IGotThis), fitness instructor Bobbi Janzen guides viewers through a home workout that tones and strengthens for everyday living. As someone who is a member of the blind and partially sighted community, Bobbi gives step-by-step detailed instruction and often focuses on the muscle groups overused when using a white cane or guide dog. This quick workout is the best way to start or end your day and can even be done on the go!

In addition to Double Tap TV and Healthy at Home, viewers can catch up on previous seasons of AMI originals Dish with Mary, Beyond the Field, #IGotThis, Our Community, Mind Your Own Business and the award-winning Employable Me.

Complementing AMI’s original programs are a slate of acquired series offered in described video.

Weekday afternoons boast family drama with Seasons 1-6 of When Calls the Heart—which follows the adventures of a young teacher who swaps big-city life for a small coal-mining town in 1910 Canada—at noon Eastern, followed by Seasons 9-15 of Heartland—the multi-generational drama set in Alberta and starring Amber Marshall, Michelle Morgan, Shaun Johnston and Chris Potter—at 1 p.m. Eastern.

Sundays on AMI-tv include a comedy block consisting of Season 1 of Son of a Critch—the heartfelt family sitcom based on the life of comedian Mark Critch—at 6 p.m. Eastern followed by Seasons 5-8 of Mr. D, starring stand-up comedian Gerry D as a hapless elementary school gym teacher, at 6:30 p.m. Eastern.

Past seasons of award-winners Murdoch Mysteries, Coroner, Burden of Truth, Schitt’s Creek and Kim’s Convenience continue on AMI-tv. Other returning favourites include American Greed, Attitude and Frankie Drake Mysteries. Saturday and Sunday nights on AMI-tv boast the biggest feature films out of Hollywood, featuring described video.

“I’m very excited about AMI’s upcoming broadcast season,” says John Melville, Vice-President, Content Development & Programming, AMI-audio/AMI-tv. “We’re honoured to bring a wide range of programming to the blind and partially sighted community in Canada.”

AMI programming features Integrated Described Video (IDV), making it accessible to individuals who are blind or partially sighted. 

All dates subject to change. Additional fall programming will be announced in the coming weeks. Stream past episodes of AMI original programming on demand post-broadcast on AMI.ca or via the AMI-tv App.

AMI-tv’s fall returns and debuts (all times Eastern)

Mondays
9 a.m. – NOW with Dave Brown (Mon.-Fri.)
Noon – When Calls the Heart (Mon.-Thur.)
1 p.m. – Heartland (Mon.-Fri.)
4 p.m. – Schitt’s Creek (Mon.-Thur.)
4:30 p.m. – Kim’s Convenience (Mon.-Wed.)
8 p.m. – Beyond the Field
8:30 p.m. – #IGotThis
9 p.m. – Murdoch Mysteries (Mon.-Fri.)

Tuesdays
8 p.m. – Double Tap TV (Season 5 debuts Sept. 13)
8:30 p.m. – Mind Your Own Business

Wednesdays
8 p.m. – Healthy at Home (Debuts Sept. 14)
8:30 p.m. – AMI originals

Thursdays
8 p.m. – Our Community
8:30 p.m. – Dish with Mary

Fridays
Noon – Frankie Drake Mysteries 
8 p.m. – AMI originals

Saturdays
3 p.m. – Coroner
4 p.m. – Burden of Truth
8 p.m. – Employable Me
9 p.m. – Saturday Night Movie

Sundays
6 p.m. – Son of a Critch 
6:30 p.m. – Mr. D 
7 p.m. – Murdoch Mysteries
8 p.m. – Attitude
9 p.m. – Sunday Night Movie

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Industry News

AMI announces the Accessible Writers’ Lab

From a media release:

Accessible Media Inc. (AMI), in partnership with ReelAbilities Film Festival Toronto and the Miles Nadal JCC, and sponsored by the Canada Media Fund (CMF), is pleased to announce that submissions are now being accepted for the Accessible Writers’ Lab.

Designed and led by Ophira Calof, the Accessible Writers’ Lab is an innovative, national lab for writers with disabilities and established showrunners/senior writers to experiment with what an accessible TV writers’ room might look like, breaking down barriers and creating pathways for creatives in the disability community to thrive in the Canadian television industry.

Right now, writers’ rooms, both in-person and virtual, are largely inaccessible for creatives with disabilities. There are barriers in communication modalities, sensory needs, structure, process and stigma. These barriers become glaringly evident in the recent Writer’s Guild of Canada Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Report which showed that only 0.3% of Guild membership identified as a person with a disability, and writers with disabilities only accounted for 1% of TV writers across Canada in 2019, despite people with disabilities making up approximately 22% of the population.

The initiative is designed to address those barriers by focusing on collective accessibility, fostering relationships and knowledge sharing and culminates in a case study report that will be distributed industry-wide.

The Accessible Writers’ Lab is open to applicants who:

  • Are Canadian citizens or permanent residents
  • Are 18 years of age or older
  • Identify as Disabled, d/Deaf, chronically ill, neurodiverse, Mad or sick*
  • Have storytelling experience (this may or may not be screenwriting)
  • Are interested in writing for the Canadian television industry
  • Are excited about collective accessibility and experimenting with unique writing methods

The Accessible Writers’ Lab will be shaped, in part, by the needs and interests of selected writers.

Location: Virtual, with the possibility of hybrid meet-ups, depending on interest, geography and availability

Timeline: September-November, with approximately 20 hours of scheduled programming, along with discretionary time spent developing a scene or script individually or with a partner

Payment: This program is free of charge, and each participant will receive a $1,350 honorarium

Deadline for submissions: August 4, 2022

More information: Check out the program webpage

Apply now: Fill out the Google document

Questions about the lab and application support: accessiblewriterslab@gmail.com

About Ophira Calof
Ophira Calof (pronouns: she/they) is a multi-award-winning disabled writer, performer and consultant who works to “crip the script,” centring disability knowledge and experience throughout process, production and presentation. Their credits include TallBoyz (CBC), Kids In The Hall (Amazon Prime), Generally Hospital (Canadian Comedy Award Nominee) and their solo show Literally Titanium (Next Stage Theatre Festival). Ophira has also created a number of disability arts projects, including Making Space: Stories of Disabled Youth Past and Present (Myseum Toronto/RAFFTO) and Dis/Play (MNJCC/RAFFTO/ArtWorxTO: Toronto’s Year of Public Art 2021-2022).

Additionally, Ophira was the accessibility process lead for AccessCBC, the curatorial committee lead for the 2022 ReelAbilities Film Festival Toronto, and has taught workshops internationally on storytelling, writing, music, accessibility and disability narratives. They have created the courses Sketch Comedy with Ophira Calof and Crip Storytelling, a series in partnership with Centre of Independent Living Toronto and the Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre.

*The program’s understanding of disability embraces The Accessible Canada Act definition, which is inclusive of visible and invisible disabilities, permanent, temporary or episodic in nature. We will honour the language writers use to self-identify, acknowledging that ablesim, audism and sanism can be experienced regardless of your relationship with the word “Disability.”

Presenting Sponsor: Canada Media Fund
The Canada Media Fund (CMF) fosters, develops, finances and promotes the production of Canadian content and applications for all audiovisual media platforms. The CMF guides Canadian content towards a competitive global environment by fostering industry innovation, rewarding success, enabling a diversity of voice and promoting access to content through public and private sector partnerships. The CMF receives financial contributions from the Government of Canada and Canada’s cable, satellite and IPTV distributors. Please visit cmf-fmc.ca.

Industry Partner: Accessible Media Inc.
AMI is a not-for-profit media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. Operating three broadcast services, AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French, AMI’s vision is to establish and support a voice for Canadians with disabilities, representing their interests, concerns and values through accessible media, reflection and portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.

Presenting Partner: ReelAbilities Film Festival Toronto
Presented by the Wagner Green Centre for Access & Inclusion at the Miles Nadal JCC in Toronto, the ReelAbilities Film Festival Toronto is dedicated to showcasing the work and stories of Deaf and/or disabled communities and filmmakers from around the world.

For questions about the program and application support, please contact: accessiblewriterslab@gmail.com

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Industry News

AMI announces the opening of the Disability Screen Office

From a media release:

AMI, in partnership with the Canada Media Fund (CMF) and Telefilm Canada, is excited to announce the launch of the Disability Screen Office (DSO).

With our commitment to establish and support a voice for Canadians with disabilities, AMI is currently facilitating the creation of this industry office with funding from the CMF and Telefilm Canada.

The DSO will provide services that:

• increase accurate and meaningful disability representation on and off-screen throughout the Canadian media landscape

• expose and eliminate accessibility barriers to create a more inclusive and accessible industry for all

• support and amplify the creative voices of Canadians with disabilities nationally and internationally

Background
For the past year, AMI has been leading roundtable discussions with diverse groups of individuals in the disability community that are working in or with the screen industry. The groups include creators, writers, directors, producers, performers and representatives from academia. The objective of these roundtables was to obtain unfiltered feedback on the accessibility of the media industry to the disability community, and to identify barriers and brainstorm solutions with a view of developing programs to increase industry accessibility.

To do this, all roads lead to the formation of a new organization, now known as the DSO.

“It became apparent that there is currently no single program, incentive or regulation that can cause the screen industry to be fully inclusive for people with disabilities,” says Andrew Morris, Manager, Independent Production, AMI-tv. “The only way to create meaningful real opportunities for people with disabilities in the media industry is to address the systemic barriers relating to education, industry regulations, insufficient and/or inaccurate representation, public beliefs and attitudes, and full accessibility throughout the media industry.”

“As part of CMF’s growth and inclusion strategy, we’ve introduced new measures to support creators with disabilities,” says Tamara Dawit, Vice-President, Inclusion and Growth, CMF. “Helping establish the Disability Screen Office to support and amplify the creative voices of Canadians with disabilities, both here in Canada and beyond our borders, is part of that strategy. We’re delighted to partner with AMI and Telefilm to achieve this important goal.”

“The creation of the Disability Screen Office will be a significant advancement for meaningful representation, advocacy, and change for creators on both sides of the camera,” said Christa Dickenson, Executive Director and CEO at Telefilm Canada. “The DSO will further contribute to breaking down barriers and shaping a more accessible and equitable screen-based industry within Canada.”

Next steps
• With funding from CMF, AMI has begun the development phase of a national, bilingual research endeavor that will culminate in the creation of the Best Practices Guide for Disability Engagement in the Canadian Film and Television Industry. This document will be the foundation of the DSO.

• Meanwhile, Telefilm Canada has provided startup funding to enable the DSO to recruit a board of directors and open the office within the year.

• Both Telefilm and CMF have also contributed funding for innovative programs to help make writers’ rooms in Canada accessible to screenwriters in the disability community, to be announced this summer.

About Accessible Media Inc.
AMI is a not-for-profit media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. Operating three broadcast services, AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French, AMI’s vision is to establish and support a voice for Canadians with disabilities, representing their interests, concerns and values through accessible media, reflection and portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.

About the Canada Media Fund
The Canada Media Fund (CMF) fosters, develops, finances and promotes the production of Canadian content and applications for all audiovisual media platforms. The CMF guides Canadian content towards a competitive global environment by fostering industry innovation, rewarding success, enabling a diversity of voice and promoting access to content through public and private sector partnerships. The CMF receives financial contributions from the Government of Canada and Canada’s cable, satellite and IPTV distributors. Please visit cmf-fmc.ca.

About Telefilm Canada
As a Partner of Choice, Telefilm Canada is a Crown corporation dedicated to the success of Canada’s audiovisual industry, fostering access and excellence by delivering programs that support cultural resonance and audience engagement. With a lens of equity, inclusivity and sustainability, Telefilm bolsters dynamic companies and a range of creative talent at home and around the world. Telefilm also makes recommendations regarding the certification of audiovisual coproduction treaties to the Minister of Canadian Heritage, and administers the programs of the Canada Media Fund. Launched in 2012, the Talent Fund raises private donations which principally support emerging talent. Visit telefilm.ca and follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/Telefilm_Canada and on Facebook at  facebook.com/telefilmcanada.

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Industry News, Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary

Exploring disability representation through the eyes of six performers with disabilities, AMI’s Breaking Character debuts April 27 on AMI-tv

From a media release:

AMI, in partnership with Winterhouse Films Inc. (Wild Archaeology, Three Lives of Kate), is pleased to announce the debut of Breaking Character, Wednesday, April 27, at 8 p.m. Eastern on AMI-tv.

In the past decade, less than three percent of films featured a character with a disability. And, often, these rarest of roles have been taken by neuro-typical and able-bodied actors. But the industry is at a tipping point as it feels the push for a more inclusive representation. Major broadcasters have committed to auditioning actors with disabilities. Advertisers are creating campaigns that reflect disabilities in a relatable manner while promoting their products. Those leading the fight aren’t just the ones in front of the camera but the people representing them.

Breaking Character is a candid 10-part documentary series capturing the journey these mold-breaking performers make as they navigate the fast-paced and sometimes cutthroat entertainment industry in Hollywood North. Each episode delves into the performers’ daily lives and takes us behind the scenes as they go through the audition process, hone their craft, eagerly await news of whether they got the gig, and adapt to the pressures of life in the business.

Meet the performers

Alexia Vassos — Stage and Screen Actor, Little Person
Alexia was the first Little Person to graduate from her university’s theatre and drama program. After leaving the safe haven of academia, she’s embarking on a journey to find her place in the industry—whether on stage, screen or in an audio booth. Alexia is open to many avenues, but one thing’s for certain: she will not be tokenized.

Dan Barra-Berger — Comedian, Legally Blind
Dan, a stand-up comic who is partially sighted, made the long list of CBC’s Next Up competition series. Now he just needs to become a regular on the comedy club circuit. Though humour is at the core of everything he does, so is storytelling. With the support of his partner, Michelle, Dan is on a path to combining those talents to make people laugh, subvert their expectations and advocate for a more accessible world.

Caeden Lawrence — TV/Film Actor, Hard of Hearing
A bartender by day, Caeden has scored multiple bit parts in both film and TV. But after being diagnosed with genetic progressive hearing loss, he’s navigating new barriers in the industry. Caeden worries that the powers-that-be see him as a “liability” on set, and wonders if he would he be better off finding security in the restaurant industry.

Tai Young — Performer/Personality, Wheelchair User
At 17, Tai is already a seasoned performer having appeared in numerous musical theatre productions, commercials and TV shows. As a wheelchair user, he’s passionate about disability representation in the media and has been part of national advocacy campaigns. Tai counts photography, makeup, fashion, tennis and skiing among his many interests. As for what happens after he graduates, Tai refuses to be pinned down.

Catherine Joell McKinnon — Actor/Filmmaker/ASL Coach, Deaf
An established actress who is Deaf, Catherine was raised on the east coast and has lived in Toronto since the ‘90s. One of the highlights of her career was playing—in the same year—Alexander Graham Bell’s wife on-screen in Murdoch Mysteries and his mother on stage in Silence. Besides acting, Catherine has made a name for herself as a Master Dialect Coach and Deaf consultant for major productions. Though juggling being in front and behind the camera has its challenges, Catherine is determined to make it work.

Rachel Romu — Model/Musician/Activist, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
A Thunder Bay, Ontario, native, Rachel is a model, musician and activist with a connective tissue disorder and a history of multiple surgeries for spinal tumours. After having to re-invent themselves post-surgery and diagnosis, they are hellbent on becoming a disability mogul one record and runway at a time.

Season one of Breaking Character features Integrated Described Video (IDV) making it accessible to individuals who are blind or partially sighted. Breaking Character was filmed under strict local COVID-19 protocols.

Breaking Character debuts Wednesday, April 27, at 8 p.m. Eastern on AMI-tv. Episodes can be streamed on demand on AMI.ca and the AMI-tv App for Apple and Android.

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Industry News

A March to remember: AMI announces must-see original and returning programming, including the 2022 Beijing Winter Paralympic Games and 2022 Canadian Blind Hockey Tournament

From a media release:

Today, Accessible Media Inc. (AMI) unveiled its schedule for March—with a lineup of exciting new and returning programs available in described video for the blind and partially sighted community in Canada—highlighted by Paralympic coverage from CBC on AMI-tv and AMI-audio and the 2022 Canadian Blind Hockey Tournament on AMI-audio.

2022 Beijing Winter Paralympics 
Friday, March 4 to Sunday, March 13

Beginning with the Opening Ceremony on March 4, AMI will air over 40 hours of Paralympic coverage from CBC on AMI-tv and AMI-audio. All coverage will be accessible to audience members who are blind or partially sighted with live described video.

Dish with Mary: Destination Dining 
Debuts Tuesday, March 8, at 8:30 p.m. Eastern on AMI-tv

Join Mary Mammoliti, host of AMI-tv’s Dish with Mary and AMI-audio’s Kitchen Confession podcast, on Tuesday, March 8 at 8:30 p.m. Eastern, as she visits St. John’s, Newfoundland, to explore its culture and culinary delights. Then, on Tuesday, March 15, at 8:30 p.m. Eastern, Mary makes her way to our Nation’s Capital of Ottawa, Ontario, to discover some truly authentic cuisine. Dish with Mary: Destination Dining is an original AMI production.

Adaptable Animals 
Debuts Wednesday, March 23, at 8 p.m. Eastern on AMI-tv

AMI’s new series, Adaptable Animals, looks at the world of animals with disabilities and the advances in veterinary medicine that provide them with prosthetics, thanks to the specialized work of Janice Olynich. In the debut episode, the clock is ticking as Janice has to cast, create and fit a test brace from scratch, all in the span of a few hours. Meanwhile, a Smooth Fox Terrier’s mysterious issue continues to be a challenge and a post-surgical Goldendoodle finds out if his healing is on track. Adaptable Animals is produced by Mountain Road Productions.

#IGotThis 
Returns Wednesday, March 23, at 8:30 p.m. Eastern on AMI-tv

In the third season of #IGotThis, meet remarkable people who have discovered ways to cope with a physical disability or mental health challenges and move forward with their lives. In the Season three return, a fencing coach with limited mobility and his young student, who has cerebral palsy, realize being different doesn’t mean being less. #IGotThis is produced by Honey Cut Studios.

Site Unseen 
Debuts Wednesday, March 16, at 8:30 p.m. Eastern on AMI-tv

Eager to own their first house, AMI This Week Bureau Reporter Beth and her partner, Cody, bought a home sight unseen and were faced with a harsh reality once they stepped inside. Follow along as the two turn an unlivable house into the accessible home of their dreams. Site Unseen is an original AMI documentary.

2022 Canadian National Blind Hockey Tournament
Friday, March 25, and Sunday, March 27

Blind Hockey is back on AMI! AMI-audio will broadcast the 2022 Canadian National Blind Hockey Tournament live from the Mattamy Athletic Centre in Toronto. Members of the AMI-audio team, including Mike Ross, Claire Buchanan, Jeff Ryman, Brock Richardson, Cam Jenkins and ParaSport TV’s Nicco Cardarelli will be offering play-by-play and analysis throughout the event. Tune in on Friday, March 25, at 1 p.m. Eastern, for the 2022 Canadian Blind Hockey Tournament Opening Ceremonies and first-ever Women’s Blind Hockey Game. Then, listen on Sunday, March 27, at 11 a.m. Eastern for the Open Division: Bronze Medal Game, followed by the Open Division: Gold Medal Game at 1 p.m. Eastern. 

DarkVision 
Debuts Friday, March 25, at 7 p.m. Eastern on AMI-tv

Dungeons & Dragons is a truly accessible game. Learn more about this real-time role-playing game and the people that play it. DarkVision is produced by Flow Productions.

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