Tag Archives: Featured

From a media release:

Determined to bring lightness and laughs to her experience navigating the world-at-large with both albinism and partial sight, Jennie Bovard, who is legally blind, started a podcast, Low Vision Moments. What began as a mission to build community, turned into a cathartic expression of the frustrations many people with disabilities experience daily.

Led by Canadian comedy legend Jonathan Torrens (Mr. D, Letterkenny) and writer-showrunner Mark Forward (Fargo, Letterkenny), Pretty Blind captures the comedy of Bovard’s Low Vision Moments and turns it into Canada’s first-ever comedy about blindness led by and about its lead actor.

AMI, in partnership with Torrential Pictures, Club Red Productions and Flow Video Inc., launches Pretty Blind on Tuesday, July 8th, at 9 p.m. EST on AMI-tv and AMI+ across Canada.

“I started the Low Vision Moments podcast with the intention to connect with others and make people laugh,” says Jennie Bovard, lead actor and associate producer of AMI’s new series Pretty Blind. “When AMI brought the idea of a TV show and introduced me to Canadian icon Jonathan Torrens, I was thrilled that we might be able to reach more people and make comedy gold out of the frustrations I’ve experienced as a person with albinism and low vision. Pretty Blind has been a way to change the narrative around disability, empower myself and others in the community, and have fun along the way.”

Pretty Blind introduces us to Jennie Bonang (Jennie Bovard) as an unlikely and sarcastic hero who is at a crossroads in her life. Jennie, who has albinism and partial sight, has just broken up with her boyfriend, meets constant conflict with her boss at the library, and inherits a new well-meaning but overbearing roommate. We follow Jennie as she navigates life in an inaccessible and uneducated world, as she uses her intelligence and sharp wit to educate others about disability and put them in their respective places.

“Jennie has albinism, a complicated love life and no time for your well-meaning but sometimes misinformed nonsense—and we love that about her! Pretty Blind is fearless, funny and unapologetically real,” says Cara Nye, Director, Content Development and Production at AMI. “AMI couldn’t be more excited to bring it to your screens!”

Bovard leads a hilarious ensemble cast including Jacob Hemphill (Roll With It) as Yves; Jessica Barry (FROM) as Veronica; Dan Barra-Berger (All Access Comedy) as Steve; and MJ “Joanne” Miller (Diggstown) as Sandy, alongside a cameo appearance from Jonathan Torrens who also directs a few episodes throughout the season.

The Pretty Blind writers’ room includes showrunner Mark Forward, producer and director Jonathan Torrens, story editors Bovard and Barra-Berger, writing room coordinator Brad Rivers and writing room assistant Maddie Leigh Murray. Bovard and Rivers are associate producers.

Pretty Blind airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. Eastern on AMI-tv, beginning on July 8th, 2025. Stream episodes anytime, for free, on AMI+ across Canada.

About Flow Video Inc.
We make human-centric video that grabs attention and tells your story. Whether you’re a small business, large corporation, agency or broadcaster, we can help you create videos that matter.

About Torrential Pictures
Torrential Pictures is the newly launched production company helmed by Jonathan Torrens as a retooling of the successful Canadian Content Studios which produced several award-winning TV shows and commercials. Torrential Pictures builds on the personal brand of owner Jonathan Torrens and specializes in making good things with good people. Pretty Blind is the second show produced by Torrential Pictures in partnership with Club Red Productions, following the success of 0-60 Driving Academy.

About Club Red Productions
Club Red Productions is Prince Edward Island’s flagship film and television company. Founded by award-winning producer/director Jenna MacMillan, Club Red is committed to bold, creator-driven storytelling with a distinctly East Coast edge. With a growing slate of premium features and series, the company is helping put PEI on the map as the next must-watch hub for Canadian production.

About AMI
AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.

Featured

AMI-tv announces 2025-26 production slate

June 19, 2025 Greg David

From a media release:

Accessible Media Inc. (AMI) is pleased to announce its 2025-26 production slate for AMI-tv and AMI+. Telling a wide range of authentic stories by and for Canadians in the disability community through positive portrayal, these new and returning projects promise to resonate with viewers.

AMI is currently in production on new scripted and docuseries from Big Time Decent Productions, Mike Wavrecan, Josephine Anderson and Sam Graham, Barbershop Films and Mirror Image Media.

“We are excited to offer these new and returning series to Canadians of all abilities,” said Cara Nye, Director, Content Development and Production at AMI. “The upcoming broadcast season furthers AMI’s vision of providing a platform for Canadians with disabilities through authentic, honest and entertaining storytelling. You won’t want to miss them!”

New Series

Adapting – 6 x 30 scripted comedy

Between small town scandals, messy love triangles and a whole lot of bad decisions, Adapting takes a heartwarming and raw look at disability, adolescence and the minefield of family dynamics—dysfunction and all. Based on the concept by father-daughter writing duo Garner Ransom and Rachael Ransom, the series is inspired by Rachael’s real-life experiences with cerebral palsy, offering a long-overdue, unfiltered look at disability. Adapting is produced by Bread & Better Films, a scripted division of Big Time Decent Productions (Underdog, Inc., Rust Valley Restorers).

Breaking Boundaries (working title) – 8 x 30 docuseries

Paralympic champion Tyler Turner pushes beyond his limits in Breaking Boundaries (wt) an action-driven documentary series where he immerses himself in unfamiliar adaptive sports, learning from elite athletes and redefining what’s possible. Breaking Boundaries is produced by Mike Wavrecan, Josephine Anderson and Sam Graham.

History in 60 – 6 x 30 docuseries

Journalist and author John Loeppky wants to tell the stories of Canada’s evolving disability history … and he wants to do it in 60 seconds. In each episode, John will dig into a moment of disability history and then take on the challenge of fitting it all into one minute. History in 60 is produced by Barbershop Films (Historica Canada Heritage Minutes).

Untitled April Hubbard documentary – 1 x 60 documentary

This powerful documentary follows April Hubbard, a determined advocate with a tethered spinal cord and chronic pain, who is navigating the end of her life. April’s unwavering commitment to inclusivity and her courageous decision to share her Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) journey sparks an emotional and thought-provoking narrative. This documentary is produced by Mirror Image Media.

Returning Series

Returning series include Season 2 of Game Changers, Season 2 of Underdog Inc., Season 2 of Got Game, Season 2 of Pretty Blind, Season 2 of Crip Trip, Season 2 of The Squeaky Wheel: Canada, Season 7 of Postcards From… Season 10 of Our Community and a brand new All Access Comedy special.

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

Featured, Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary

Talk show host Dini Petty is back on network TV with Trailblazing Talks

June 13, 2025 Greg David

From a media release:

Legendary and award-winning Canadian broadcaster Dini Petty is making a surprising return to network television with Trailblazing Talks. The one-hour special will launch nationally on The News Forum in the Summer of 2025. Trailblazing Talks, created by filmmaker Kate Campbell, has officially completed production and is poised to inspire audiences with its powerful and timely conversations.

In the one-hour special Trailblazing Talks, Dini Petty is back for another candid conversation with Canadian Senator, former rower and three-time Olympian gold-medalist, Marnie McBean, alongside actor, award-winning producer and Reelworld Screen Institute, Founder & Executive Director, Tonya Williams. Petty will also share highlights of memorable moments from her original interviews with both guests, who first appeared on The Dini Petty Show.

“My first television appearance was at age 12. It was not a good beginning, and I swore I’d never go into the business, but fate had other plans,” says Dini Petty. “Now, 68 years later, at age 80, I’m back!”

“The time is now for a new kind of conversation, one that honours the women who’ve shaped our world,” said Executive Producer Kate Campbell. “I created this one-hour special to celebrate broadcast icon Dini Petty’s powerful return to television at 80, alongside two remarkable trailblazers from her past.”

“Dini Petty is truly a force of nature,” said Executive Producer Ken MacDonald. “It’s such a joy to see her back in front of the cameras where she rightfully belongs. We are honoured that she has chosen to step back into the spotlight to host this exciting new program.”

Petty is back doing what she does best: leading powerful, engaging conversations with trailblazing women from across industries, spotlighting stories of reinvention, leadership, resilience and aging with purpose. With her signature wit, warmth and unmatched interviewing style, Petty brings a fresh yet familiar energy to the Trailblazing Talks special. A pioneer in Canadian television, Petty’s journalism career has earned her six CanPro Awards, four Gemini nominations, and the prestigious NATPE International Iris Award.

Created by Kate Campbell, who also serves as Showrunner and Executive Producer, Trailblazing Talks is helmed alongside award-winning Executive Producer Ken MacDonald, former Vice-President and General Manager of Discovery Channel Canada. Marina Cordoni of Marina Cordoni Entertainment (MCE) and Dini Petty also Executive Produce. Former broadcaster and commissioner at CRTC Martha Wilson joins as Consulting Producer.

About The News Forum
The News Forum is a Canadian national television network that values integrity, balance, and the inclusion of multiple voices. Privately owned by Canadian shareholders, the network delivers programming that aims to empower viewers with diverse perspectives and support a robust Canadian democracy. Learn more at www.thenewsforum.ca.

Featured, Skymed

Paramount+ greenlights SkyMed Season 4

June 11, 2025 Greg David

From a media release:

Paramount+ announced today a greenlight for Season 4 of Canadian series SKYMED with Paramount+ in Canada on board for first time in the series history. The hit medical drama follows the triumphs and tribulations of young medics and pilots who fly air ambulances across the remote skies of Northern Canada, weaving together intense journeys with jaw-dropping medical rescues 20,000 feet in the air in the most remote conditions. Produced by Piazza Entertainment, the eight-episode season begins production later this summer in North Bay, Ontario and Manitoba, and will stream exclusively on Paramount+ in Canada, the U.S., Latin America and Brazil, UK, Australia, Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland and Austria.

Additionally, Paramount+ in Canada will welcome SKYMED Seasons 1 – 3 to the platform this fall introducing the full series to new audiences prior to the fourth season’s exclusive premiere on the service in 2026.

“Paramount+ in Canada is thrilled to introduce our audiences to SKYMED, a Canadian story set against a truly spectacular part of our country,” said Vanessa Case, Vice President of Content, Paramount+ and Pluto TV Canada. “Julie Puckrin created something really special, and Vanessa Piazza and the team at Piazza Entertainment brought it to life. Originally developed with the CBC, we’re excited to continue the series as we partner with Piazza Entertainment to deliver a fourth season of this fresh and Canadian take on the medical procedural.”

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Paramount+ in Canada and to continue our relationship with P+ globally,” said Vanessa Piazza, Executive Producer and President at Piazza Entertainment. “It’s also exciting that a new audience will be able catch up on previous seasons of SKYMED – and get ready for Season 4 – all in one place on Paramount+ in Canada.”

Returning to SKYMED are series regulars Natasha Calis (Nurses) as Hayley, Morgan Holmstrom (Outlander) as Crystal, Mercedes Morris (Ghosts) as Lexi, Sydney Kuhne (Ginny & Georgia) as Stef, and Aaron Ashmore (Ginny & Georgia) as Wheezer. Additional casting announcements will be made in the future.

SKYMED Season 4 will be produced by Piazza Entertainment in association with Paramount+ in Canada and CBS Studios. The series was created by Julie Puckrin and inspired by her sister and brother-in-law, who met flying air ambulances. Puckrin also serves as executive producer, along with Gillian Hormel and Vanessa Piazza. From Manitoba, Rhonda Baker, and Carrie Wilkins serve as producers. SKYMED is distributed internationally by Paramount Global Content Distribution.

The first three seasons of SKYMED were produced by Piazza Entertainment in association with the CBC and CBS Studios. Seasons 1-3 are currently available to stream on CBC Gem and will be available on Paramount+ in Canada this fall.

About Paramount+
Paramount+ is a global digital subscription video streaming service from Paramount that features a mountain of premium entertainment for audiences of all ages. Internationally, the streaming service features an expansive library of original series, hit shows and popular movies across every genre from world-renowned brands and production studios, including SHOWTIME®, BET, CBS, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures and the Smithsonian Channel™, in addition to a robust offering of premier local content. The service is currently live in Australia, Austria, Canada, the Caribbean, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latin America, Switzerland, the U.K. and the U.S.

For more information about Paramount+, please visit www.paramountplus.com and follow @ParamountPlusCA and @skymedtvseries on social media.

About CBS Studios
CBS Studios is one of the world’s leading producers of entertainment programming, with dozens of globally popular series for broadcast and streaming. The Studio’s expansive portfolio includes a diverse slate of commercially successful and critically acclaimed programming which includes genre-defining franchises such as NCIS and the STAR TREK universe, fan-favorite comedies such as The Neighborhood and Ghosts, the newly reimagined Matlock, and buzzy international co-productions such as COLIN FROM ACCOUNTS and upcoming King & Conqueror.

About Piazza Entertainment
Piazza Entertainment was founded in 2016 by Executive Producer, Vanessa Piazza (SkyMed, Lost Girl, Dark Matter, Nurses, XIII, The Other Half). Piazza Entertainment is a film and television production company established to create premium television programming for the domestic and international markets. Piazza’s partnerships included a multi-year first look deal with international distributor and studio Entertainment One, which concluded in 2019. In addition to SkyMed, Piazza Entertainment has several other projects actively in development.

Featured, Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary

Learn more about the unique relationships between children and service animals on AMI’s Collar of Duty Kids, debuting June 23 on AMI-tv and AMI+

June 10, 2025 Greg David

From a media release:

Dogs are said to be human’s best friend, but what about pigs, horses, turkeys and snakes? Accessible Media Inc. (AMI), in partnership with Summerhill Media Inc. and in association with Fifth Ground Entertainment, is excited to announce the debut of the eight-episode Collar of Duty Kids, Monday, June 23, at 8 p.m. Eastern on AMI-tv and AMI+.

A spinoff of the successful original series Collar of Duty, Collar of Duty Kids takes young viewers into the lives of amazing children who have been matched with extraordinary service animals.

Whether it’s a therapy horse helping a 13-year-old boy with Down Syndrome to find his voice, emotional support chickens acting as a cheery distraction for a young girl with Type 1 diabetes, or a service dog teaming up with a young girl with a limb difference, this series immerses viewers into the world of children and the animals that assist them.

“This inclusive, fun and touching documentary series is all about the powerful pairings between children and animals, as well as the life adventures they experience together,” says Cara Nye, Director, Content Development and Production at AMI. “We know our young viewers and their families will love learning these stories.”

“Animals are making our world more accessible for kids, and the impact is both profound and undeniable. It is also needed,” says Laura Lillie, series creator and executive producer, Summerhill Media Inc. “This first all-kids season is as playful as it is educational. Get ready for the best season yet.”

Companies featured in Season 1 of Collar of Duty Kids include PetSmart, SARI Therapeutic Riding, Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides, CNIB, Horse Discovery, Dancing Goat Therapy Farm, Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory, Partners with Paws, CHEO and Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital.

The first three episodes of Collar of Duty Kids include:

Puppy Bath Time – Monday, June 23, at 8 p.m. Eastern
A horse named Ace helps a 13-year-old boy with Down Syndrome find his voice. Meanwhile, it’s bath time for future dog guide puppies, and things go swimmingly when service dog Atlas teams up with a young girl with a limb difference.

Foster Puppy Pick Up – Monday, June 30, at 8 p.m. Eastern
Therapy horses Shaemus and Soleil join 17-year-old Sam as they take new steps forward on a snowy trail. It’s puppy pick up day and time for eight-week-old puppy Eloise to head home with her foster family, and study buddies Lucy and service dog Elwood are crushing their first year of campus life together.

Learning with Horses – Monday, July 7, at 8 p.m. Eastern
A chattering of emotional support chickens is a cheery distraction for a young girl with Type 1 diabetes. Meanwhile, children are learning and feeling with horses at Horse Discovery, and William takes on his first solo musical performance with service dog Wander by his side.

Collar of Duty Kids airs Mondays at 8 p.m. Eastern on AMI-tv. Stream episodes anytime, for free, on AMI+.

About Summerhill Media Inc.
While our goal is pure entertainment, our passion is connection through story. Inspired by subtext and the sublime, we are on a mission to tell life-affirming stories, in both unscripted and scripted original programs. Our flexible and caring approach allows us to continue to work and play in an ever-evolving marketplace. Our series and award-winning docs have appeared in every major market around the world.

About Fifth Ground Entertainment
The Fifth Ground Entertainment (FGE) team brings stories to life on every screen — from factual and documentary to scripted to branded content. Toronto-based FGE is known for its award-winning television including scripted comedy series Rent-A-Goalie (Showcase, 22 industry awards noms), music documentary series The Rawside Of… (IFC, 2 Gemini noms), and critically lauded documentary series Reelside (TMN/Crave, 2 Canadian Screen Awards noms — best doc series and best directing). FGE produced kids’ science adventure series Leo’s FishHeads and Leo’s Pollinators (nominated for a Best Children’s Non-fiction CSA) for TVOkids, with Secrets of the Forest on air now and The Screen Team in production. Cloudy and The Booligans are in development. Additionally, FGE produces digital and branded content including collaborations with Spin Master, Deloitte, BlackBerry, Yahoo! and the NHLPA. FGE is also heavily involved in documentary production with a social conscience.