In this special Banff World Media Festival edition of the Alberta Screen Impact Podcast, hosts Brent Kawchuk and Justine Gamez Huckabay sit down with Andrew Addison, Senior Vice President of Communications and Marketing at the Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA). Andrew shares a national perspective on how Alberta fits into Canada’s evolving screen industry and why IP ownership, collaboration, and professional development are crucial to future growth.

In this Episode:

• CMPA’s role in connecting Canadian producers with global partners and opportunities.
• Why intellectual property ownership is the cornerstone of building sustainable production companies.
• Insights from the Online Streaming Act (Bill C-11) and CRTC hearings.
• Strengthening pipelines between provincial and national organizations.
• How Alberta’s emerging producers can connect, collaborate, and compete nationally.

Contact

Andrew Addison

• Website: https://cmpa.ca
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_cmpa/ 
•  X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/CMPAnational

This podcast is brought to you by the Alberta Media Production Industries Association (AMPIA), championing Alberta’s screen sector for over 40 years through advocacy, industry events, and professional development. Learn more or become a member at ampia.org.

Help amplify Alberta’s screen industry: rate, review, subscribe, and download the Alberta Screen Impact Podcast on your favourite platform.

Share this episode with your network and keep the conversation going.

CREDITS

Hosted by: Justine Gamez Huckabay & Brent Kawchuk

Thank You to Our Supporters

• Presented by the Alberta Media Production Industries Association (AMPIA)
• Produced in collaboration with Metamorphosis Media Group
• Studio space and internship support provided by Mount Royal University, Broadcast Media Studies
• Mount Royal University Students: 

Editors & Camera – Kade Stevens, Victor Labeaume; Set Photographer – Maia Mabiasen

• Promotional support courtesy of the Alberta Film Commission
• Series trailer edited by Kade Stevens, Mount Royal University

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special Banff World Media Festival edition of the Alberta Screen Impact Podcast, hosts Brent Kawchuk and Justine Gamez Huckabay speak with Rod Butler, Vice President of Content and Regulatory at the Canada Media Fund (CMF). From kids’ content to Indigenous storytelling and emerging tech, Rod shares how the CMF is adapting funding strategies to meet changing industry needs while ensuring Alberta creators have the resources to thrive.

In this Episode:

• How the CMF is evolving to meet industry shifts, from streaming to global competition.
• Key funding programs Alberta producers should know about, including the Broadcaster Envelope and English Regional Production Bonus.
• Strategies for supporting vulnerable genres and underrepresented voices.
• CMF’s approach to AI, immersive media, and emerging technologies.
• Why partnerships with organizations like AMPIA are key to national impact.

Contact

Rod Butler

• Website: https://cmf-fmc.ca
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cmf.fmc/ 
• X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/cmf_fmc

This podcast is brought to you by the Alberta Media Production Industries Association (AMPIA), championing Alberta’s screen sector for over 40 years through advocacy, industry events, and professional development. Learn more or become a member at ampia.org.

Help amplify Alberta’s screen industry: rate, review, subscribe, and download the Alberta Screen Impact Podcast on your favourite platform.

Share this episode with your network and keep the conversation going.

CREDITS

Hosted by: Justine Gamez Huckabay & Brent Kawchuk

Thank You to Our Supporters

• Presented by the Alberta Media Production Industries Association (AMPIA)
• Produced in collaboration with Metamorphosis Media Group
• Studio space and internship support provided by Mount Royal University, Broadcast Media Studies
• Mount Royal University Students: 

Editors & Camera – Kade Stevens, Victor Labeaume; Set Photographer – Maia Mabiasen

• Promotional support courtesy of the Alberta Film Commission
• Series trailer edited by Kade Stevens, Mount Royal University

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Film, TV, Music, and More: How Alberta is Building a Creative PowerhouseIn this special Banff World Media Festival edition of the Alberta Screen Impact Podcast, hosts Brent Kawchuk and Justine Gamez Huckabay sit down with the Honorable Tanya Fir, Alberta’s Minister of Arts, Culture, and Status of Women. From her roots as a self-proclaimed “high school drama nerd” to her leadership in shaping Alberta’s creative economy, Minister Fir shares her vision for a vibrant, inclusive, and globally recognized screen industry.

Recorded against the backdrop of one of the most influential gatherings in the media world, this conversation explores In this Episode: 

• The value of Banff as a “reverse trade mission” bringing global media executives to Alberta’s doorstep.
• Recent enhancements to Alberta’s Film and Television Tax Credit, including incentives for rural production and new eligible genres like reality and game shows.
• How scholarships and targeted programs are opening doors for women and emerging talent in technical and applied arts.
• The connection between film, television, and music and how the upcoming Alberta Music Commission will create new creative synergies.
• Alberta’s commitment to fostering industry collaboration, training pipelines, and opportunities that keep local talent working and thriving at home.

From global studio meetings with companies like Amazon, Sony, and Paramount to celebrating the power of Alberta’s local producers, this episode offers insight into how cultural policy, industry partnerships, and creative ambition come together to shape the future of Alberta’s screen scene.

Whether you’re a seasoned producer, a first-time filmmaker, or simply curious about how Alberta is positioning itself on the world stage, this conversation will inspire and inform.

Contact

The Honorable Tanya Fir, Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women, Government of Alberta

• Website: https://www.alberta.ca/arts-culture-and-status-of-women.aspx
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tanyafirMLA
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tanyafirab
• X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/tanya_fir

This podcast is brought to you by the Alberta Media Production Industries Association (AMPIA), championing Alberta’s screen sector for over 40 years through advocacy, industry events, and professional development. Learn more or become a member at ampia.org.

Help amplify Alberta’s screen industry: rate, review, subscribe, and download the Alberta Screen Impact Podcast on your favourite platform.

Share this episode with your network and keep the conversation going.

CREDITS

Hosted by: Justine Gamez Huckabay & Brent Kawchuk

Thank You to Our Supporters

• Presented by the Alberta Media Production Industries Association (AMPIA)
• Produced in collaboration with Metamorphosis Media Group
• Studio space and internship support provided by Mount Royal University, Broadcast Media Studies
• Mount Royal University Students: 

Editors & Camera – Kade Stevens, Victor Labeaume; Set Photographer – Maia Mabiasen

• Promotional support courtesy of the Alberta Film Commission
• Series trailer edited by Kade Stevens, Mount Royal University

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special Banff World Media Festival edition of the Alberta Screen Impact Podcast, hosts Brent Kawchuk and Justine Gamez Huckabay speak with Jenn Kuzmyk, Executive Director of the Banff World Media Festival and Publisher of Playback. Recently named to the Hollywood Reporter’s inaugural list of the most powerful women in Canadian entertainment, Jenn has been instrumental in transforming Banff into a hub where creative and business leaders from around the globe connect, collaborate, and chart the future of media.

In this Episode:

• Why “Flip the Script” became this year’s festival theme and what it signals about industry change.
• How Banff blends creative and business communities to spark career-defining opportunities.
• Global trends influencing programming, from international co-productions to audience demand for local stories.
• The impact of signature programs like Diversity of Voices, the Spark Accelerator, and the Indigenous Screen Summit.
• Career-making stories from the festival floor and why access is Banff’s biggest value.

Contact

Jenn Kuzmyk, Executive Director of the Banff World Media Festival

• Website: https://banffmediafestival.playbackonline.ca
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/banffmedia/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennkuzmyk/

This podcast is brought to you by the Alberta Media Production Industries Association (AMPIA), championing Alberta’s screen sector for over 40 years through advocacy, industry events, and professional development. Learn more or become a member at ampia.org.

Help amplify Alberta’s screen industry: rate, review, subscribe, and download the Alberta Screen Impact Podcast on your favourite platform.

Share this episode with your network and keep the conversation going.

CREDITS

Hosted by: Justine Gamez Huckabay & Brent Kawchuk

Thank You to Our Supporters

• Presented by the Alberta Media Production Industries Association (AMPIA)
• Produced in collaboration with Metamorphosis Media Group
• Studio space and internship support provided by Mount Royal University, Broadcast Media Studies
• Mount Royal University Students: 

Editors & Camera – Kade Stevens, Victor Labeaume; Set Photographer – Maia Mabiasen

• Promotional support courtesy of the Alberta Film Commission

Series trailer edited by Kade Stevens, Mount Royal University

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Alberta Screen Impact Podcast is back with a Banff Special Edition, recorded live at the Banff World Media Festival.

This special four-part series brings you exclusive conversations with industry leaders and decision-makers, including:

• The Honourable Tanya Fir, Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women
• Jenn Kuzmyk, Executive Director, Banff World Media Festival
• Rod Butler, Canada Media Fund (CMF)
• Andrew Addison, Canada Media Producers Association (CMPA)

Together, they explore Alberta’s role in the global creative economy, key funding programs, co-production opportunities, and the growing power of cross-sector collaboration.

Hosted by Justine Gamez Huckabay and Brent Kawchuk, and produced by Metamorphosis Media Group.

The first episode drops Thursday, October 2nd.

This podcast is brought to you by the Alberta Media Production Industries Association (AMPIA), championing Alberta’s screen sector for over 40 years through advocacy, industry events, and professional development. Learn more or become a member at ampia.org.

Help amplify Alberta’s screen industry: rate, review, subscribe, and download the Alberta Screen Impact Podcast on your favourite platform.

Share this episode with your network and keep the conversation going.

CREDITS

Hosted by: Justine Gamez Huckabay & Brent Kawchuk

Thank You to Our Supporters

• Presented by the Alberta Media Production Industries Association (AMPIA)
• Produced in collaboration with Metamorphosis Media Group
• Studio space and internship support provided by Mount Royal University, Broadcast Media Studies
• Mount Royal University Students: Editors & Camera – Kade Stevens, Victor Labeaume; Set Photographer – Maia Mabiasen
• Promotional support courtesy of the Alberta Film Commission
• Series trailer edited by Kade Stevens, Mount Royal University

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Alberta Screen Impact Podcast, we sit down with Katherine Penhale, Executive Director of the Calgary International Film Festival (CIFF). Katherine shares her remarkable journey from a last-minute venue coordinator in 2016 to leading one of Canada’s most celebrated festivals through its 25th anniversary and beyond. She dives into the strategic vision behind CIFF’s Constellation Plan, challenges with Calgary’s venue infrastructure, the importance of filmmaker experience, and her mission to ensure cinema remains vibrant in the city’s core. Whether you’re a filmmaker, industry professional, or festival fan, this episode offers a masterclass in leadership, adaptability, and the power of community-driven film culture.

In this episode:

• Katherine shares how she went from working her first CIFF shift at age 20 to becoming Executive Director and spearheading its 25th anniversary
• The story behind the Constellation Strategic Plan and how it’s solving Calgary’s DCI projector and cinema infrastructure crisis
• Why streaming can't replace the magic of the in-person film experience
• CIFF’s dual identity: a filmmaker-first and audience-first festival
• Tips for emerging filmmakers submitting to CIFF and how to stand out
• The importance of fit when submitting to festivals and why every film has one
• A look ahead at new venue activations, potential pitch competitions, and more for CIFF 2025
• The Alberta Spirit Shorts showcase and what makes it the most joyful night of the festival
• What Katherine is watching now and why she always runs the mics at local screenings

Contacts

Guest: Katherine Penhale

Title: Executive Director, Calgary International Film Festival (CIFF)

Website: https://www.ciffcalgary.ca/

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-penhale-380303138/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katherine_at_ciff/

This podcast is brought to you by the Alberta Media Production Industries Association (AMPIA), championing Alberta’s screen sector for over 40 years through advocacy, industry events, and professional development. Learn more or become a member at ampia.org.

Help amplify Alberta’s screen industry: rate, review, subscribe, and download the Alberta Screen Impact Podcast on your favourite platform.

Share this episode with your network and keep the conversation going.

CREDITS

Hosted by: Justine Gamez Huckabay & Brent Kawchuk

Thank You to Our Supporters

This podcast is proudly presented by the Alberta Media Production Industries Association (AMPIA)

Produced in collaboration with Metamorphosis Media Group

Studio space and internship support provided by Mount Royal University, Broadcast Media Studies

Promotional support courtesy of the Alberta Film Commission

Series trailer edited by Joe Media Group

We’re grateful to these organizations for helping bring Alberta’s screen stories to life and into the world.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Alberta Screen Impact Podcast, we sit down with Kaitlan Stewart, founder of Fenix Film & Television and executive producer of the hit docuseries Push (CBC Gem) and Only Up (Super Channel). Kaitlan pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to bring a series from concept to screen. She shares how to build pitch-ready ideas, partner with showrunners, cast compelling talent, and navigate the changing demands of unscripted and scripted television. Whether you’re emerging or experienced, this is a behind-the-scenes look at producing with purpose, tenacity, and vision.

In this episode:

• Kaitlan shares how she launched Fenix Film & Television in 2019 and built an award-nominated, multi-genre slate
• The origin stories of Push (CBC) and Only Up (Super Channel)—and what it took to get them greenlit
• Why casting strong on-screen talent is non-negotiable in unscripted TV
• How partnerships with established showrunners and production companies help new producers level up
• Pitching tips: what makes a project stand out to Canadian and U.S. buyers
• Why “leaving your ego at the door” is essential for cold outreach and growth
• How Kaitlan and Fenix prioritized accessibility and inclusion in all aspects of Push
• The “chicken and egg” challenge of creating sizzle reels vs. leading with a clear, paper-based vision
• What she learned from trade missions, mentorships, and making the leap into international markets
• Advice for emerging producers and students trying to build real connections in the industry

Contacts:

Guest: Kaitlan Stewart

Title: Executive Producer, Founder of Fenix Film & Television

Website: https://www.fenixfilmtv.ca/

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaitlan-stewart-0129085b/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fenixfilmtv/

This podcast is brought to you by the Alberta Media Production Industries Association (AMPIA), championing Alberta’s screen sector for over 40 years through advocacy, industry events, and professional development. Learn more or become a member at ampia.org.

Help amplify Alberta’s screen industry: rate, review, subscribe, and download the Alberta Screen Impact Podcast on your favourite platform.

Share this episode with your network and keep the conversation going.

CREDITS

Hosted by: Justine Gamez Huckabay & Brent Kawchuk

Thank You to Our Supporters

This podcast is proudly presented by the Alberta Media Production Industries Association (AMPIA)

Produced in collaboration with Metamorphosis Media Group

Studio space and internship support provided by Mount Royal University, Broadcast Media Studies

Promotional support courtesy of the Alberta Film Commission

Series trailer edited by Joe Media Group

We’re grateful to these organizations for helping bring Alberta’s screen stories to life and into the world.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, seasoned producer Bruce Harvey (Champlain Media West) offers a no-nonsense look into sustaining a career in screen production. From navigating the shrinking mid-budget space to producing over 30 films a year, Bruce shares lessons learned, the realities of volume production, and advice for emerging talent who want to move beyond passion projects into a viable long-term career in film and TV.

In This Episode:

• Bruce’s career journey from entertainment law to large-scale production
• The model behind Champlain Media West and how it’s evolved
• Producing for streamers like Lifetime and TF1: timelines, budgets, expectations
• Why “one or two indie films” isn’t a career and how to scale sustainably
• Challenges of today’s market: reduced mid-budget content, streamer contraction, and shrinking broadcaster opportunities
• Why film schools, peer networks, and consistent crews are the secret sauce to production volume
• Tips for building production relationships, managing burnout, and directing with professionalism
• The difference between real opportunity and unsustainable one-offs
• Advice for students, emerging directors, and those trying to break into the business

Guest Contact:

Guest: Bruce Harvey – Head of Production, Champlain Media West

Website: https://champlainmedia.com/

This podcast is brought to you by the Alberta Media Production Industries Association (AMPIA), championing Alberta’s screen sector for over 40 years through advocacy, industry events, and professional development. Learn more or become a member at ampia.org.

Help amplify Alberta’s screen industry: rate, review, subscribe, and download the Alberta Screen Impact Podcast on your favourite platform.

Share this episode with your network and keep the conversation going.

CREDITS

Hosted by: Justine Gamez Huckabay & Brent Kawchuk

Thank You to Our Supporters

This podcast is proudly presented by the Alberta Media Production Industries Association (AMPIA)

Produced in collaboration with Metamorphosis Media Group

Studio space and internship support provided by Mount Royal University, Broadcast Media Studies

Promotional support courtesy of the Alberta Film Commission

Series trailer edited by Joe Media Group

We’re grateful to these organizations for helping bring Alberta’s screen stories to life and into the world.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Sharon Stevens, Vice President of Programming at Hollywood Suite, offers rare behind-the-scenes insights into what it really takes to get a project greenlit. With over 20 years of industry experience, Sharon shares how passion, persistence, and great storytelling drive selection and how filmmakers at every level can position themselves for success. From genre trends to pitch tips to financing advice, this episode is packed with practical wisdom for Canadian creators navigating the road to broadcast.

In this episode:

• The power of persistence: how one producer turned 12 rejections into a greenlight and a festival hit
• Sharon’s insights into how Hollywood Suite curates Canadian films across their four decade-themed channels
• What Hollywood Suite actually looks for in a pitch, from story strength to script polish to financial strategy
• The importance of relationships: why networking (in person or virtually) is key to long-term success
• Common mistakes filmmakers make and how to avoid them
• Advice for new filmmakers on reaching out via cold emails and initiating meaningful conversations
• Emerging vs seasoned talent: why Hollywood Suite prioritizes the story over the résumé
• How Sharon’s team supports co-productions, early-stage projects, and second-window partnerships

Contacts

Sharon Stevens, Vice-President, Programming at Hollywood Suite Inc.

Website: ​​https://hollywoodsuite.ca/

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenssharon/

This podcast is brought to you by the Alberta Media Production Industries Association (AMPIA), championing Alberta’s screen sector for over 40 years through advocacy, industry events, and professional development. Learn more or become a member at ampia.org.

Help amplify Alberta’s screen industry: rate, review, subscribe, and download the Alberta Screen Impact Podcast on your favourite platform.

Share this episode with your network and keep the conversation going.

CREDITS

Hosted by: Justine Gamez Huckabay & Brent Kawchuk

Thank You to Our Supporters

This podcast is proudly presented by the Alberta Media Production Industries Association (AMPIA)

Produced in collaboration with Metamorphosis Media Group

Studio space and internship support provided by Mount Royal University, Broadcast Media Studies

Promotional support courtesy of the Alberta Film Commission

Series trailer edited by Joe Media Group

We’re grateful to these organizations for helping bring Alberta’s screen stories to life and into the world.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Saxon de Cocq joins us to explore the powerful journey behind Treaty Road, the growth of his company Three Story Pictures, and the challenges of balancing personal story with public impact. Saxon shares what it means to build a culturally grounded production company, how oral histories shaped his view of truth and integrity, and why meaningful collaboration is at the heart of telling Indigenous stories. From personal ancestry to practical advice for emerging creators, this episode is a must-listen for anyone invested in storytelling, reconciliation, and Alberta’s screen future.

In this episode:

• The personal story behind Treaty Road, tracing Saxon’s Métis ancestor’s involvement in Canada’s treaty process and the truths uncovered along the way
• The unexpected shift from directing to hosting why Saxon stepped in front of the camera to tell a story only he could tell
• How Three Story Pictures was founded across three provinces to access diverse funding and amplify storytelling reach
• Why balancing funded and passion-driven development is critical for sustainable creative work
• Meaningful collaboration with Indigenous communities: from tobacco gifting to ceremonial protocol, trust, and long-term reciprocity
• Tactical insights for filmmakers navigating broadcaster relationships, pitch cycles, and creative-business alignment
• How visualization, rest, and intuition support Saxon’s creative longevity

Key Topics:

• Indigenous storytelling and cultural responsibility
• Oral history versus written record
• Treaty history and Métis identity
• Documentary and scripted storytelling
• Building and sustaining an independent production company
• Cultural protocol and trust-based collaboration
• Development pipelines vs in-house content incubation
• Avoiding creative burnout and honoring natural cycles
• Multi-provincial funding strategies
• Embedding personal narrative in broadcast storytelling

Contacts

Saxon de Cocq: Emmy-winning writer, director, and co-founder of Three Story Pictures

https://3storypictures.com/saxon-de-cocq

https://www.instagram.com/saxondc/

This podcast is brought to you by the Alberta Media Production Industries Association (AMPIA), championing Alberta’s screen sector for over 40 years through advocacy, industry events, and professional development. Learn more or become a member at ampia.org.

Help amplify Alberta’s screen industry: rate, review, subscribe, and download the Alberta Screen Impact Podcast on your favourite platform.

Share this episode with your network and keep the conversation going.

CREDITS

Hosted by: Justine Gamez Huckabay & Brent Kawchuk

Thank You to Our Supporters

This podcast is proudly presented by the Alberta Media Production Industries Association (AMPIA)

Produced in collaboration with Metamorphosis Media Group

Studio space and internship support provided by Mount Royal University, Broadcast Media Studies

Promotional support courtesy of the Alberta Film Commission

Series trailer edited by Joe Media Group

We’re grateful to these organizations for helping bring Alberta’s screen stories to life and into the world.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode Summary:

Director Grant Harvey brings over three decades of storytelling experience to the Alberta Screen Impact Podcast. With credits ranging from cult classics like Ginger Snaps: Back to hit series like Orphan Black, Heartland, and Pretty Hard Cases, Grant has built a career defined by range, visual style, and story-driven precision. In this candid conversation, Grant reflects on how Alberta’s collaborative and entrepreneurial spirit shaped his early career, the evolving expectations of episodic directing, and why clarity of vision, not technical mastery, is what makes a director stand out. He also shares the story behind his latest feature How We Ended Us, a student-supported, independently produced project that reignited his passion for mentorship and storytelling.

Whether you’re an emerging filmmaker or a seasoned producer, this episode offers real-world insight into navigating the industry, developing your creative voice, and building a career with longevity and integrity.

In This Episode:

• Grant’s 30-year journey from indie features to premium episodic television
• The value of being typecast early and when to break out
• Directing across genres: horror, sci-fi, family drama, and documentary
• Why Alberta’s screen community shaped his efficiency and creativity
• The importance of pitching with a clear creative idea
• The challenge of finding your voice and the value of curiosity
• Behind the scenes of How We Ended Us and its student mentorship model
• Tips for emerging directors: know every role on set, but lead with story

Contacts:

Grant Harvey

Director | Producer | Visual Storyteller

https://www.grantharveydirector.com/about

https://www.linkedin.com/in/grant-harvey-3830b7a/

https://www.instagram.com/grantcombustion/

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0367538/bio/

This podcast is brought to you by the Alberta Media Production Industries Association (AMPIA), championing Alberta’s screen sector for over 40 years through advocacy, industry events, and professional development. Learn more or become a member at ampia.org.

Help amplify Alberta’s screen industry: rate, review, subscribe, and download the Alberta Screen Impact Podcast on your favourite platform.

Share this episode with your network and keep the conversation going.

CREDITS

Hosted by: Justine Gamez Huckabay & Brent Kawchuk

Thank You to Our Supporters

This podcast is proudly presented by the Alberta Media Production Industries Association (AMPIA)

Produced in collaboration with Metamorphosis Media Group

Studio space and internship support provided by Mount Royal University, Broadcast Media Studies

Promotional support courtesy of the Alberta Film Commission

Series trailer edited by Joe Media Group

We’re grateful to these organizations for helping bring Alberta’s screen stories to life and into the world.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Alberta Screen Impact Podcast, we sit down with Tom Cox and Jordy Randall, the executive producers behind SEVEN24 Films. With Heartland as Canada’s longest running one-hour drama and one of the most-watched shows on Netflix globally, these two Alberta industry leaders reflect on building a production company that’s helped define the province’s screen identity. From early days of advocating for local infrastructure to managing major productions like Wynonna Earp and Brokeback Mountain, Tom and Jordy share lessons on longevity, leadership, and the work ethic that drives Alberta-made storytelling.

In this episode:

• How Tom and Jordy’s shared birthday sparked the name of their production company
• The origin story of Heartland, and how it became a Canadian cultural export
• Why Alberta, not Quebec, became the home for Heartland, and what it took to convince CBC
• Building a production company in Alberta when there was no studio infrastructure
• The evolution of Alberta’s screen sector and what’s changed since the “late 1900s”
• A behind-the-scenes look at Wynonna Earp, and the global fan campaign that saved it
• Why Alberta’s film crews are “filmmakers first,” and what that means for production culture
• The risk and reward of producing in a province where the business is still catching up to the passion
• How 724 has created thousands of jobs over two decades and why mentorship matters now more than ever
• Tips for emerging talent: what Tom and Jordy look for in new collaborators

Contacts

Guests: Tom Cox & Jordy Randall

Titles: Executive Producers & Managing Partners, SEVEN24 Films Films

https://seven24films.com/about/

https://gem.cbc.ca/heartland

“We’ve always said we’re building one season at a time. You’re only as good as your last year.” 

– Jordy Randall

“We didn’t just want to make shows; we wanted to build a business in the place we love to live.” 

– Tom Cox

This podcast is brought to you by the Alberta Media Production Industries Association (AMPIA), championing Alberta’s screen sector for over 40 years through advocacy, industry events, and professional development. Learn more or become a member at ampia.org.

Help amplify Alberta’s screen industry: rate, review, subscribe, and download the Alberta Screen Impact Podcast on your favourite platform.

Share this episode with your network and keep the conversation going.

CREDITS

Hosted by: Justine Gamez Huckabay & Brent Kawchuk

Thank You to Our Supporters

This podcast is proudly presented by the Alberta Media Production Industries Association (AMPIA)

Produced in collaboration with Metamorphosis Media Group

Studio space and internship support provided by Mount Royal University, Broadcast Media Studies

Promotional support courtesy of the Alberta Film Commission

Series trailer edited by Joe Media Group

We’re grateful to these organizations for helping bring Alberta’s screen stories to life and into the world.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we’re joined by two powerhouses of Alberta’s film industry: Luke Azevedo, newly appointed CEO of Edmonton Screen, and Dorian Rowe, Edmonton’s Film Commissioner. Together, they unpack Alberta’s evolving screen landscape from the global impact of The Last of Us to the growing strength of local IP and talent development in Edmonton. With decades of experience between them, Luke and Dorian share hard-won lessons, the value of relationships, and how Alberta is working as one unified region to build a sustainable, talent-driven, and globally competitive film and television sector.

In this episode:

• Luke reflects on his transition from Calgary to Edmonton and the broader provincial strategy behind his new role
• Dorian shares how Edmonton’s film ecosystem has quietly built a strong foundation in local IP and post-production
• A deep dive into Alberta’s massive success with The Last of Us and why it proved Alberta is “not just one village, but every village”
• What the “Team Alberta” approach means and why collaboration, not competition, between Edmonton and Calgary is key
• How both leaders are working to attract foreign investment and support Alberta-based creators equally
• Advice for students, emerging talent, and new production companies on navigating Alberta’s fast-changing industry
• A look at Edmonton’s untapped location potential, regional tax credits, and how new incentives are fueling rural participation
• Honest reflections on industry volatility, AI, sustainability, infrastructure gaps, and long-term growth strategies
• Why Alberta's content needs to shift from service model to story ownership and how that starts with investing in people

Contacts:

Luke Azevedo, CEO of Edmonton Screen (former Calgary Film Commissioner)

Dorian Rowe, Edmonton Film Commissioner

Website: https://edmontonscreen.com/about/team/

Instagram: ​ https://www.instagram.com/edmontonscreen/

"It’s not just about attracting productions, it’s about building a full-service industry. One that retains talent, grows companies, and makes Alberta a global destination for content creation."

— Luke Azevedo

This podcast is brought to you by the Alberta Media Production Industries Association (AMPIA), championing Alberta’s screen sector for over 40 years through advocacy, industry events, and professional development. Learn more or become a member at ampia.org.

Help amplify Alberta’s screen industry: rate, review, subscribe, and download the Alberta Screen Impact Podcast on your favourite platform.

Share this episode with your network and keep the conversation going.

CREDITS

Hosted by: Justine Gamez Huckabay & Brent Kawchuk

Thank You to Our Supporters

This podcast is proudly presented by the Alberta Media Production Industries Association (AMPIA)

Produced in collaboration with Metamorphosis Media Group

Studio space and internship support provided by Mount Royal University, Broadcast Media Studies

Promotional support courtesy of the Alberta Film Commission

Series trailer edited by Joe Media Group

We’re grateful to these organizations for helping bring Alberta’s screen stories to life and into the world.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Super Channel President & CEO Don McDonald joins the Alberta Screen Impact Podcast to share the broadcaster’s evolving role in Canadian media, how to pitch to Super Channel, and the growing importance of Canadian-first content. From genre channels and licensing models to the power of authentic stories, Don offers crucial insights for emerging and experienced producers alike.

In this episode

• The unique origin and evolution of Super Channel, from its Alberta roots to its current four-channel offering
• How each of Super Channel’s brands (Fuse, Vault, Heart & Home, Quest) serves a specific audience and content niche
• The value of exclusive Canadian content, and why Super Channel recently rebranded with a maple leaf and “Canadian Always” tagline
• How producers can pitch effectively to Super Channel: know the brand, be confident, and demonstrate audience awareness
• The difference between commissioning vs acquiring, and what “late-stage development” means in Super Channel’s context
• Real-world insight into projects like the Only Up documentary, which Don greenlit from an impromptu pitch on an airplane
• Why producers need more than just a story; they need a platform plan, promotional energy, and audience fit
• Behind-the-scenes content and marketing support now becoming a priority for acquisition and promotion

Contact:

Don McDonald, President & CEO of Super Channel

• Website: www.superchannel.ca
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-mcdonald-6282244/

“You never know who you’re sitting beside on an airplane. That’s where a pitch became a five-year journey to a broadcast documentary.”

 – Don McDonald

This podcast is brought to you by the Alberta Media Production Industries Association (AMPIA), championing Alberta’s screen sector for over 40 years through advocacy, industry events, and professional development. Learn more or become a member at ampia.org.

Help amplify Alberta’s screen industry: rate, review, subscribe, and download the Alberta Screen Impact Podcast on your favourite platform.

Share this episode with your network and keep the conversation going.

CREDITS

Hosted by: Justine Gamez Huckabay & Brent Kawchuk

Thank You to Our Supporters

This podcast is proudly presented by the Alberta Media Production Industries Association (AMPIA)

Produced in collaboration with Metamorphosis Media Group

Studio space and internship support provided by Mount Royal University, Broadcast Media Studies

Promotional support courtesy of the Alberta Film Commission

Series trailer edited by Joe Media Group

We’re grateful to these organizations for helping bring Alberta’s screen stories to life and into the world.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the Alberta Screen Impact Podcast, a dynamic new series showcasing the creativity, innovation, and stories driving Alberta’s thriving film, television, and digital media sectors. In this trailer episode, hosts Justine Gamez Huckabay and Brent Kawchuk offer an exclusive preview of what’s ahead: powerful conversations with emerging talent, celebrated industry leaders, and the creative forces shaping Alberta’s screen future. Listeners will discover how Alberta’s creators are navigating new challenges, seizing opportunities, and making a mark on both the national and international stage. Each episode delivers authentic insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and fresh perspectives on the province’s rapidly evolving media landscape. Produced by Metamorphosis Media Group and presented by the Alberta Media Production Industries Association (AMPIA), this podcast highlights the partnerships, voices, and innovations that make Alberta a powerhouse for screen content.

Want to support Alberta’s screen sector?

Subscribe, rate, and review the Alberta Screen Impact Podcast on your favorite platform.

Share this episode with your network and help shine a light on Alberta’s remarkable creative community.

To Learn more about AMPIA or become a member visit ampia.org.

Credits

Hosted by: Justine Gamez Huckabay & Brent Kawchuk

Presented by: Alberta Media Production Industries Association (AMPIA)

Produced by: Metamorphosis Media Group

Studio & Internship Support: Mount Royal University, Broadcast Media Studies

Trailer Editing: Joe Media Group

Promotional Partner: Alberta Film Commission

We gratefully acknowledge these partners for making this project possible and for championing Alberta’s vibrant screen industry.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.