Tag Archives: By Hook or By Cook

AMI-tv announces new and returning original series to its sizzling summer schedule

From a media release:

Summer programming at Accessible Media Inc. (AMI) is hotter than ever! Today, AMI-tv unveiled new and returning original series to entertain and inform Canadians of all abilities in the coming weeks.

It all begins with the debut of The Squeaky Wheel: Canada, the eight-episode satirical, half-hour news format which pokes fun at the ableist society people with disabilities face every day.

Returning series include Season 4 of the Canadian Screen Award nominated By Hook or By Cook, Season 2 of Breaking Character and a special episode of Mind Your Own Business filmed before a studio audience.

And, the new AMI-tv series Got Game explores coming-of-age in a board game café as six youths with disabilities share their stories in a round table discussion while playing inclusive tabletop games.

Highlights of AMI-tv’s upcoming summer programming include:

June

The Squeaky Wheel: Canada debuts Monday, June 24, at 9 p.m. Eastern on AMI-tv and AMI+

Be Loud. Be Disabled. Be Squeaky. Based on Steven Verdile’s popular web publication The Squeaky WheelThe Squeaky Wheel: Canada is an eight-episode satirical, half-hour news format which pokes fun at the ableist society people with disabilities face every day. Directed by Lucy Belgum and Tobi Abdul, the series stars Graham Kent and Gaitrie Persaud as lead anchors Grant Gewürztraminer and Arianna Salara. The ensemble cast of Margaret Rose, Samantha Wyss, Sivert Das, Wesley Magee-Saxton and Yousef Kadoura are on the scene, ready to take on absurd situations and characters, including flipping the script and embodying obnoxious able-bodied/neurotypical personalities. The Squeaky Wheel: Canada is produced by Hitsby Entertainment.

By Hook or By Cook returns Friday, June 28, at 9 p.m. Eastern to AMI-tv and AMI+

Bruce Cook (above) has dedicated the past 10 years to showing others what is possible, performing under the spotlight and proving to himself that his accident happened for a reason. He has accomplished more than he imagined post injury, establishing a foundation that allows others the opportunity to step outside of their comfort zones. But what about his own? As the spotlights begin to fade, and Bruce’s life falls into a rhythm, he finds himself conflicted by who he wants to be, who he thought he would be and who he really is. This season will find Bruce on his way to accepting and coming to terms with who he really is after 10 years in a wheelchair. Watch the Season 4 trailer nowBy Hook or By Cook is produced by Render Digital Media.

July

Breaking Character returns Tuesday, July 9, at 9 p.m. Eastern to AMI-tv and AMI+

Breaking Character is the first documentary series to explore the entertainment industry from the perspective of performers with disabilities. It comes at a critical time when the industry has finally started to recognize disability as the missing link of inclusivity. We capture the ups and downs of building careers while also fighting the battle for representation. The message is simple: talent is there; now it’s time for the talent to get opportunities. In Season 2, four new faces continue the fight to find a place for themselves and their circle. Breaking Character is produced by Winterhouse Films.

Mind Your Own Business: Then, Now and Next debuts Friday, July 26, at 9 p.m. Eastern on AMI-tv and AMI+

In this special, host Kevin Shaw and the business mentors welcome four entrepreneurs from past seasons. They’ll reveal how their businesses are doing and take questions from a studio audience. Mind Your Own Business: Then, Now and Next is produced by Apple Orchard Productions.

August

Got Game debuts Monday, August 14, at 9 p.m. Eastern on AMI-tv and AMI+

Got Game explores coming-of-age in a board game café as six youths with disabilities share their stories in a round table discussion while playing inclusive tabletop games. Got Game provides an outlet for youth with disabilities to share their feelings, frustrations, triumphs, ambitions, and general outlook on life with a disability. But it is not about defining these individuals by their disability; it’s about recognizing the individualism of these youth aside from their disability. Got Game is produced by Mountain Road Productions.

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

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Summer is heating up! AMI-tv announces new and returning original series and documentaries to celebrate the season

From a media release:

Summer at Accessible Media Inc. (AMI) is hotter than ever! Today, AMI-tv unveiled new and returning original series and documentary programming to entertain and inform Canadians of all abilities in the coming months.

It all begins with the Season 3 return of the Canadian Screen Award-nominated By Hook or By Cook, as Bruce Cook (above) and his friend, Christian Bagg, tackle their biggest adventure yet.

The new AMI-tv series Blind Trust: A Guide Dog’s Journey tells the story of the CNIB Guide Dog program. Returning programs to AMI-tv include new seasons of Postcards From, Blind Adventures with Ron Walsh, Our Community and Adaptable Animals and the all-new documentary Everyone Belongs in Nature.

Highlights of AMI-tv’s upcoming summer programming include:

Blind Adventures with Ron Walsh

June

By Hook or By Cook returns Wednesday, June 14, at 8 p.m. Eastern on AMI-tv

Bruce Cook, a stunt motocross rider who is disabled, wants to help others with disabilities enjoy life’s possibilities with unique innovations that he and his friend, Christian, create. In Season 3, Bruce and Christian have spent many years facilitating adrenaline adventures for others. Whether racing on top of mountains or bungee jumping off the highest bridge in British Columbia, they know no fear and no boundaries. What will happen when two people whose passion lies in helping others get an opportunity to do something remarkable for themselves? In addition to this season’s eight episodes are two special instalments. Filmed live in front of a studio audience and moderated by AMI’s Dave Brown, the episodes feature in-depth discussion about representation, responsibility and being a role model when you are a member of the disability community, as well as never-before-seen footage and surprises. Season 4 of By Hook or By Cook is currently in production. By Hook or By Cook is produced by Render Digital Media.

Our Community returns Thursday, June 15, at 8 p.m. Eastern on AMI-tv

An all-new season of Our Community once again highlights the people, places, organizations, or things that have made life more enjoyable for Canadians with a disability. Upcoming episodes follow young adults who are partially sighted as they participate in a fashion show, Canada’s first medical daycare for children and The Capital City Condors, a hockey team Canadians of all abilities can play for. Our Community episodes are produced by such companies as Ascent Films, Honey Cut Studios and Bamboo Shoots.

Everyone Belongs in Nature debuts Friday, June 16, at 7 p.m. Eastern on AMI-tv

Everyone Belongs in Nature takes a look at the creation of Power To Be’s new world-leading accessible facility through the perspective of Marnie and Adam, two of its participants. Everyone Belongs in Nature is produced by M1 Films.

Blind Trust: A Guide Dog’s Journey

July

Blind Adventures with Ron Walsh returns Monday, July 17, at 8 p.m. Eastern on AMI-tv

Join outdoors enthusiast Ron Walsh, who is blind, as he and his friends explore Saskatchewan and all of the exciting locations the province has to offer. Blind Adventures with Ron Walsh is produced by Thomega Entertainment.

Blind Trust: A Guide Dog’s Journey debuts Tuesday, July 25, at 8 p.m. Eastern on AMI-tv

Blind Trust: A Guide Dog’s Journey tells the story of the CNIB Guide Dog program. From being raised on a farm in rural Manitoba, to training in Carleton Place near Ottawa, a guide dog’s journey is quite an adventure! Blind Trust: A Guide Dog’s Journey is produced by HalterMedia.

Adaptable Animals returns Tuesday, July 25, at 8:30 p.m. Eastern on AMI-tv

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. Adaptable Animals is produced by Mountain Road Productions.

Postcards From

Postcards From returns Thursday, July 27, at 7 p.m. Eastern on AMI-tv

New host, new adventures! Join Therese Estacion, poet and member of the disability community, as she embarks on a multisensory journey, revealing a secret side to Canada we taste, touch, smell, see and hear for the first time. Postcards From is produced by Black Rhino Creative.

All AMI-tv originals are available post-broadcast on demand at AMI.ca or the AMI-tv App.

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.

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Summer at AMI is heating up! AMI-tv announces exciting original series and documentaries

From a media release:

Summer at Accessible Media Inc. (AMI) is hotter than ever! Today, AMI-tv unveiled new original and documentary programming to entertain and inform Canadians of all abilities in the coming months.

Returning programs to AMI-tv include new seasons of sports documentary series Level Playing Field and Beyond the Field, travel series Postcards FromDish with Mary, special Town Hall episodes of Double Tap TV and Employable Me: Where Are They Now?

New series include We Are One—meeting Canadian families that include members of the disability community—and Mind Your Own Business, where mentors offer business owners that are members of the disability community advice on taking their company to the next level of success.

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

Highlights of AMI-tv’s upcoming summer programming include:

We Are One
Debuts Thursday, June 2, at 8:30 p.m. Eastern

Every family is unique. Meet Canadian families—that include members of the disability community—as they share stories of adapting, growing and supporting each other. In the debut episode, meet the family of Ollie Acosta-Pickering, a young boy who was diagnosed with anaplastic large cell lymphoma and who is now legally blind.

Seven Feet Over
Debuts Wednesday, June 15, at 8:30 p.m. Eastern

In the first season of Seven Feet Over, viewers follow the lives of Vincent, Pascal, Martin and David, four men who stand head and shoulders above the crowd, literally, because of their height.

By Hook or By Cook
Returns Thursday, June 16, at 10 p.m. Eastern

Bruce Cook, a stunt motocross rider who is disabled, wants to help others with disabilities enjoy life’s possibilities with unique innovations that he and his friend, Christian Bagg, create. Bruce has been depressed since COVID-19 shut down most activities which, in turn, has given him a lot of time to think about the reality of the injuries he sustained eight years ago. When given an opportunity to make a remote lake lodge more accessible for those with disabilities he jumps at the chance.

Postcards from the Rockies
Debuts Friday, June 24, at 7 p.m. Eastern

Go on exciting adventures from the comfort of your own home and join AMI Bureau Reporter Alex Smyth as he travels across Canada, celebrating our country’s diverse cultures and experiences. Upcoming destinations this summer include the Rocky Mountains, Winnipeg (Friday, July 29, at 7 p.m. Eastern) and Northwest Territories (Friday, August 26, at 7 p.m. Eastern). No passport needed!

Seeing Music
Debuts Wednesday, June 29, at 10:30 p.m. Eastern

Go on a musical journey across Canada and around the world, meeting blind and partially sighted musicians for whom music is not only a passion, but a way of living.

Our Community
Returns Thursday, June 30, at 8 p.m. Eastern

An all-new season of Our Community once again highlights the people, places, organizations or things that have made life more enjoyable for Canadians living with a disability. Upcoming episodes explore why children with disabilities aren’t being properly represented in children’s literature in Canada; the W. Ross Macdonald School’s renowned music program in Brantford, Ont.; and the cast of characters at Real Wheels Acting Academy, a one-of-a-kind program focusing on professional training and empowerment for local actors in the disability community in Vancouver.

Mind Your Own Business
Debuts Wednesday, July 6, at 8 p.m. Eastern

Hosted by entrepreneur Kevin Shaw, who is blind, each episode of Mind Your Own Business takes viewers into the life of a business owner in the disability community as they share their journey of how they came to run their own company. And, with the help of a mentor, they’ll aim to take their business take to the next level.

Dish with Mary
Returns Tuesday, July 12, at 8:30 p.m. Eastern

Mary Mammoliti—a home cook and food blogger who is blind—knows her way around the kitchen, but can she navigate her way through an at home cook-along with Canadian chefs? Each Season two episode of Dish with Mary will focus on one chef, one dish, and one star ingredient, PLUS a lot of laughs, a bunch of tips, and tons to dish about!

Double Tap TV Town Halls
Friday, July 8 and Friday, July 15, at 7 p.m. Eastern

Steven Scott, Marc Aflalo and special guests are hitting the road! Filmed in front of a live audience in Regina, the team discusses the state of tech and accessibility when the COVID-19 pandemic first hit. What was it like as a student, in the workplace and at home, and what role did tech play in easing the pain? Then, the team discusses the return to work and school, and what role accessibility and tech have in making that return as smooth as possible.

Level Playing Field
Returns Monday, July 11, at 8:30 p.m. Eastern

Paralympian Greg Westlake returns as host, introducing viewers to the athletes, community groups, healthcare professionals and grassroots innovators who demonstrate a desire to help drive positive social change through sport. Sports and individuals featured in Season 2 of Level Playing Field include para surfing, pickleball, VOLT Hockey, ParaGolf Canada founder Todd Keirstead and Canadian biathlete and para-Nordic skier Mark Arendz.

Behind the Lens
Returns Thursday, July 14, at 8:30 p.m. Eastern

The documentary Behind the Lens takes an intimate look at Angela Waldick, a photographer who overcame setbacks—including legal blindness—to land her dream job.

DJ Hunnicutt
Debuts Thursday, July 21, at 8:30 p.m. Eastern

In this documentary, viewers are introduced to DJ Hunnicutt (a.k.a. Tyler Sneesby). For over 20 years, DJ Hunnicutt has mixed music for the masses. After losing his vision, Tyler is trying to find new ways to create music, even if it means going head-to-head with a software giant to convince them to program an accessible interface.

Employable Me: Where Are They Now?
Debuts Friday, August 5 and Friday, August 12, at 7 p.m. Eastern

In this follow-up to the award-winning AMI-tv series, viewers catch up with job seekers from past seasons for an update on their employment and personal lives.

Beyond the Field
Returns Monday, August 8, at 8:30 p.m. Eastern

Beyond the Field, hosted by Paralympians Greg Westlake and Travis Murao, examines important issues impacting the world of parasport. Topics covered in the second season of Beyond the Field include Paralympic funding in Canada versus Olympic funding, training and competing during a global pandemic and myths and misconceptions of making it to the Paralympic Games.

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Bruce Cook tackles his biggest project yet in Season two of By Hook or By Cook, debuting June 16 on AMI-tv

From a media release:

Bruce Cook is back, and taking on his biggest project ever. Accessible Media Inc. (AMI) announced today that Season two of By Hook or By Cook, starring freestyle motocross rider Bruce Cook, returns Thursday, June 16, at 10 p.m. Eastern on AMI.

In Season two, Bruce Cook, a stunt motocross rider who is disabled, wants to help others with disabilities enjoy life’s possibilities with unique innovations that he and his friend, Christian Bagg, create. Bruce has been depressed since COVID-19 shut down most activities which, in turn, has given him a lot of time to think about the reality of the injuries he sustained eight years ago. When given an opportunity to make a remote lake lodge more accessible for those with disabilities he jumps at the chance.

Working with Christian, who has been in a wheelchair for 25 years, Bruce learns about perseverance. He also learns valuable lessons from people who are also adapting to life with a disability which—over the course of the season—will allow Bruce to gain more insight into who he is at his core and what his abilities really are. He learns more about himself, his spirit and his tenacity than he’s ever imagined.

In the premiere episode of By Hook or By Cook on Thursday, June 16, at 10 p.m. Eastern on AMI-tv, family friends enlist Bruce’s help making a 100-year-old lodge deep in the mountains accessible, and it’s up to the adrenaline junkie and accessibility advocate to bring his imagination and innovation to the test.

Watch an exclusive preview of Season two.

“Bruce’s story, honesty and sense of humour really connected with our audience in Season one,” said John Melville, Vice-President, Content Development & Programming, AMI-audio/AMI-tv. “Viewers are in for the ride of their lives in Season two.”

Season one of By Hook or By Cook received a 2022 Canadian Screen Award nomination for Best Writing, Factual.

A series of digital exclusives—which can be streamed on AMI.ca and the AMI-tv App for iOS and Android—give fans a behind-the-scenes look at production on Season two of By Hook or By Cook, including updates by Bruce and Christian, and a sneak preview of what’s to come. By Hook or By Cook is produced by Render Digital Media.

Season two of By Hook or By Cook features Integrated Described Video (IDV) making it accessible to individuals who are blind or partially sighted. 

AMI and Render Digital Media are excited to announce that casting is now open for Season three of By Hook or By Cook.

Render Digital Media is looking for participants with all ranges of disability and dreams. No matter how big or small, they want to hear your story. Interested applicants can apply now via the Render Digital Media website.

Host Bruce Cook

Bruce Cook began his professional motocross career in 2005, touring across Canada. In 2014, he joined Nitro Circus, which features world-class athletes and daredevils performing outrageous and risky stunts. His first show found him attempting the world’s first double front flip on a motorcycle and when the trick did not go as planned, Bruce suffered a broken vertebra and a damaged spinal cord, resulting in paralysis. After regaining his strength and confidence, Bruce was back on a modified bike and landed the world’s first backflip as a paraplegic, 10 months after his accident.

Bruce shares his experiences with friends, family and followers like an open book told in a stream of consciousness of hope, humour, and raw emotion. He cannot escape the enormity of daily life as it is faced by a paraplegic, but he is navigating his way through life with determination, enthusiasm and a lot of creativity.

Follow Bruce Cook on Instagram.

Christian Bagg

Before breaking his back on the slopes during a distance jump competition, Christian Bagg was an apprenticing machinist: a young tinkerer, adventurer, and outdoorsman.

In 1996, he found himself experiencing life from a chair that neither fit his impressive six-foot-five frame, or his expansive personality. Eager not just to participate, but to excel at outdoor adventures, Christian has spent the last 20 years designing and building adaptive equipment that aren’t merely functional, but transformative.

What started out as a way to solve his own problems grew into an outlet to help others experience the very outdoors that he loves so much. Christian lives in pursuit of greatness not only for himself, but for those around us. He builds a better future.

Follow Christian’s company, Bowhead Corp., on Instagram.

By Hook or By Cook debuts Thursday, June 16, at 10 p.m. Eastern on AMI-tv. Stream episodes on AMI.ca and the AMI-tv App.About Render Digital Media

Render Digital Media is an independent production house based in Kelowna, BC, specializing in authentic, original television programming for broadcast. Our team is passionate about character driven live-action documentaries and lifestyle series that make the viewer think, laugh and feel. Learn more at Render Digital Media.

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Bruce Cook showcases imaginative thinking about accessibility in By Hook or By Cook, debuting June 3 on AMI-tv

From a media release:

Bruce Cook is dialed in and ready to roll. Accessible Media Inc. (AMI) announced today they’re going all out for the exciting adventure series By Hook or By Cook, starring freestyle motocross rider Bruce Cook.

After becoming paralyzed while attempting a world’s first, freestyle motocross rider Bruce Cook is on a mission to help others realize their dreams the same way he did: with innovation, modifications and a lot of determination.

Debuting Thursday, June 3, at 10 p.m. Eastern on AMI-tv, Bruce Cook and his friends, Ashley King and Christian Bagg, prove that creativity and innovation can turn an inaccessible world into a more inclusive and exciting place of adventure and discovery.

In the premiere episode of By Hook or By Cook on Thursday, June 3, at 10 p.m. Eastern on AMI-tv, viewers meet Joanne. Having battled with the realities of multiple sclerosis for 46 years, Joanne craves independence and the feeling of freedom. To prove to herself and her family that she is capable, Joanne takes on her biggest fear: heights.

“By Hook or By Cook is a truly fun series,” says John Melville, Vice-President, Content Development and Programming, AMI-tv/AMI-audio. “We know it will promote imaginative thinking about accessibility and incite hope to broaden our ideas of what we think is possible.”

“I can’t wait for viewers to tune in to By Hook or By Cook,” says host Bruce Cook. “From the stunning west coast settings to the people we meet and the crazy inventions we come up with, they are in for a ride!”

A series of digital exclusives—which can be streamed on AMI.ca and the AMI-tv App for iOS and Android—give fans a behind-the-scenes look at production on Season one of By Hook or By Cook, including introductions by Bruce, Ashley and Christian, and an exploration into the inventions they’ve created. By Hook or By Cook is produced by Render Digital Media.

In keeping with AMI’s mandate of making accessible media for all Canadians, By Hook or By Cook features Integrated Described Video (IDV) making it accessible to individuals who are blind or partially sighted.

AMI and Render Digital Media are excited to announce that casting is now open for Season two of By Hook or By Cook.

Render Digital Media is looking for participants with all ranges of disability and dreams. No matter how big or small, they want to hear your story.

Filming will take place between May and October 2021. Interested applicants can apply now via the Render Digital Media website.

Host Bruce Cook
Bruce Cook began his professional motocross career in 2005, touring across Canada. In 2014, he joined Nitro Circus, which features world-class athletes and daredevils performing outrageous and risky stunts. His first show found him attempting the world’s first double front flip on a motorcycle and when the trick did not go as planned, Cook suffered a broken vertebra and a damaged spinal cord, resulting in paralysis. After regaining his strength and confidence, Cook was back on a modified bike and landed the world’s first backflip as a paraplegic, 10 months after his accident.

Bruce shares his experiences with friends, family and followers like an open book told in a stream of consciousness of hope, humour, and raw emotion. He cannot escape the enormity of daily life as it is faced by a paraplegic, but he is navigating his way through life with determination, enthusiasm and a lot of creativity.

Follow Bruce Cook on Instagram: @brucecookfmx

By Hook or By Cook debuts Thursday, June 3, at 10 p.m. Eastern on AMI-tv. Stream episodes on AMI.ca and the AMI-tv App.

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