Episode 6: Behind the Buy - Sharon Stevens of Hollywood Suite on Programming, Passion, and Persistence
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 hitSharon’s insights into how Hollywood Suite curates Canadian films across their four decade-themed channelsWhat Hollywood Suite actually looks for in a pitch, from story strength to script polish to financial strategyThe importance of relationships: why networking (in person or virtually) is key to long-term successCommon mistakes filmmakers make and how to avoid themAdvice for new filmmakers on reaching out via cold emails and initiating meaningful conversationsEmerging vs seasoned talent: why Hollywood Suite prioritizes the story over the résuméHow Sharon’s team supports co-productions, early-stage projects, and second-window partnershipsContactsSharon 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.CREDITSHosted by: Justine Gamez Huckabay & Brent KawchukThank You to Our SupportersThis podcast is proudly presented by the Alberta Media Production Industries Association (AMPIA)Produced in collaboration with Metamorphosis Media GroupStudio space and internship support provided by Mount Royal University, Broadcast Media StudiesPromotional support courtesy of the Alberta Film CommissionSeries trailer edited by Joe Media GroupWe’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.
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Episode 5: Oral Histories & Bold Truths - Saxon de Cocq on Treaty Road and Story Sovereignty
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 wayThe unexpected shift from directing to hosting why Saxon stepped in front of the camera to tell a story only he could tellHow Three Story Pictures was founded across three provinces to access diverse funding and amplify storytelling reachWhy balancing funded and passion-driven development is critical for sustainable creative workMeaningful collaboration with Indigenous communities: from tobacco gifting to ceremonial protocol, trust, and long-term reciprocityTactical insights for filmmakers navigating broadcaster relationships, pitch cycles, and creative-business alignmentHow visualization, rest, and intuition support Saxon’s creative longevityKey Topics:Indigenous storytelling and cultural responsibilityOral history versus written recordTreaty history and Métis identityDocumentary and scripted storytellingBuilding and sustaining an independent production companyCultural protocol and trust-based collaborationDevelopment pipelines vs in-house content incubationAvoiding creative burnout and honoring natural cyclesMulti-provincial funding strategiesEmbedding personal narrative in broadcast storytellingContactsSaxon de Cocq: Emmy-winning writer, director, and co-founder of Three Story Pictureshttps://3storypictures.com/saxon-de-cocqhttps://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.CREDITSHosted by: Justine Gamez Huckabay & Brent KawchukThank You to Our SupportersThis podcast is proudly presented by the Alberta Media Production Industries Association (AMPIA)Produced in collaboration with Metamorphosis Media GroupStudio space and internship support provided by Mount Royal University, Broadcast Media StudiesPromotional support courtesy of the Alberta Film CommissionSeries trailer edited by Joe Media GroupWe’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.
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Episode 4: Framing the Vision - How Directors Guide Producers, Crew, and Story with Grant Harvey
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 televisionThe value of being typecast early and when to break outDirecting across genres: horror, sci-fi, family drama, and documentaryWhy Alberta’s screen community shaped his efficiency and creativityThe importance of pitching with a clear creative ideaThe challenge of finding your voice and the value of curiosityBehind the scenes of How We Ended Us and its student mentorship modelTips for emerging directors: know every role on set, but lead with storyContacts: Grant HarveyDirector | Producer | Visual Storytellerhttps://www.grantharveydirector.com/abouthttps://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.CREDITSHosted by: Justine Gamez Huckabay & Brent KawchukThank You to Our SupportersThis 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 GroupWe’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.
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Episode 2: Canadian Always - Don McDonald on Super Channel’s National Vision
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 episodeThe unique origin and evolution of Super Channel, from its Alberta roots to its current four-channel offeringHow each of Super Channel’s brands (Fuse, Vault, Heart & Home, Quest) serves a specific audience and content nicheThe value of exclusive Canadian content, and why Super Channel recently rebranded with a maple leaf and “Canadian Always” taglineHow producers can pitch effectively to Super Channel: know the brand, be confident, and demonstrate audience awarenessThe difference between commissioning vs acquiring, and what “late-stage development” means in Super Channel’s contextReal-world insight into projects like the Only Up documentary, which Don greenlit from an impromptu pitch on an airplaneWhy producers need more than just a story; they need a platform plan, promotional energy, and audience fitBehind-the-scenes content and marketing support now becoming a priority for acquisition and promotionContact:Don McDonald, President & CEO of Super ChannelWebsite: www.superchannel.caLinkedIn: 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 McDonaldThis 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.CREDITSHosted by: Justine Gamez Huckabay & Brent KawchukThank You to Our SupportersThis podcast is proudly presented by the Alberta Media Production Industries Association (AMPIA)Produced in collaboration with Metamorphosis Media GroupStudio space and internship support provided by Mount Royal University, Broadcast Media StudiesPromotional support courtesy of the Alberta Film CommissionSeries trailer edited by Joe Media GroupWe’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.
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Episode 1: Homegrown and World-Class - SEVEN24Films and the Alberta Advantage with Tom Cox & Jordy Randall
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 companyThe origin story of Heartland, and how it became a Canadian cultural exportWhy Alberta, not Quebec, became the home for Heartland, and what it took to convince CBCBuilding a production company in Alberta when there was no studio infrastructureThe 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 itWhy Alberta’s film crews are “filmmakers first,” and what that means for production cultureThe risk and reward of producing in a province where the business is still catching up to the passionHow 724 has created thousands of jobs over two decades and why mentorship matters now more than everTips for emerging talent: what Tom and Jordy look for in new collaboratorsContactsGuests: Tom Cox & Jordy RandallTitles: Executive Producers & Managing Partners, SEVEN24 Films Filmshttps://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 CoxThis 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.CREDITSHosted by: Justine Gamez Huckabay & Brent KawchukThank You to Our SupportersThis podcast is proudly presented by the Alberta Media Production Industries Association (AMPIA)Produced in collaboration with Metamorphosis Media GroupStudio space and internship support provided by Mount Royal University, Broadcast Media StudiesPromotional support courtesy of the Alberta Film CommissionSeries trailer edited by Joe Media GroupWe’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.
The Alberta Screen Impact Podcast takes you behind the scenes of Alberta’s vibrant and fast-evolving screen industry, spotlighting the people, productions, and stories that are defining the province’s creative future. From emerging talent to seasoned industry leaders, each episode dives into thebreakthroughs, challenges, and big ideas driving Alberta’s film, television, and digital media landscape. Presented by the Alberta Media Production Industries Association (AMPIA), this series draws in listeners from Alberta, across Canada, and beyond, offering fresh perspectives, inspiring conversations, and real-world insights into the creative community making waves on screens at home and around the globe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Canada - english