The “organizer” in me loves producing documentaries. There are so many parts to the puzzle and bringing it all home is a big challenge. I am also committed to having a good time while working on a production, which often seems impossible as the budgets get squeezed and the number of projects dwindle each year. Still, everything seems possible at the beginning of each new production.
• Producer, The Trouble with Experts – a 60 minute documentary by Josh Freed about society’s increasing reliance on “experts” and the industry that creates them. CBC/Radio Canada 2011-2012
• Co-Producer, Growing Up Cold – a 60-minute documentary exploring how different “cold” countries handle their weather – do they love it or leave it? Co-produced with Morag Loves Company in Newfoundland. In production for CBC/Radio Canada 2012.
• Head of Development – Responsible for seeking new projects, analysis of potential broadcasters and funding sources, manage talent database, attend markets and develop relationships with broadcasters and international co-producers; Handel Productions, Montreal, QC 2009
• Producer, My Messy Life – a 60 minute documentary by Josh Freed in defense of chaos (and in defense of how he lives); for CTV & Canal D; 2008.
• Producer in charge of Descendants – Find and organize 300 descendants to participate in large re-enactment series for CBC/Radio Canada, The Great War, directed by Brian McKenna. Manage database of 6,000 applicants, create guidelines for choices, prepare group of 13 for initial shoot in Europe, find and prepare 300 for shoot in Quebec. July, 2005 – January 2007.
• Head Producer, Documentary Unit, Galafilm Productions: Responsible for developing new projects, keeping productions on track, keeping staff happy, negotiating contracts with creative and technical crews, broadcaster and union liaisons.
The Great War, a 6 hour series, directed and written by Brian McKenna, being developed for CBC TV. Producer in charge of development; Production to commence Spring, 2005.
Red Dawn on Main Street: The Harry Gulkin Story, a 60 minute documentary for BRAVO!, Documentary Channel, Radio Canada. In production, Broadcast dates: Fall 2004.
The Origin of AIDS, a 90 minute Canada-French co-production, November 2003; winner of the Silver Hugo Award; Director’s award at Hot Docs 2004: Selected for Tribeca Festival (NYC).
In Search of Sleep, A 60 minute documentary, written and directed by Josh Freed for CBC Witness, Broadcast date: June 2004 2004.
Robin Hood: The First Outlaw Hero, a 60 minute documentary for History Channel, March, 2004.
• Series Producer: Oversee content and logistics of production; hire and fire, make sure everyone is on track, manage budget and deal with broadcast comments and demands.
Just for Laughs All Access Pass, 5-30 min packaged shows, 60 min Live show, CBC National, broadcast July, 2002.
The Ex-Files: 13 half hour episodes, produced by PTV Productions in Toronnto; in pre-production. I was contracted to put the production on track.
• Line Producer: Manage crews and logistics of overseas and local film shoots; manage budgets, negotiate deals, oversee post-production and try to keep everyone’s spirits up.
Crime & Punishment, Galafilm, 2 hour special for CBC Witness on justice systems around the world. In production; broadcast date: January, 2003.
Technopolis, Pixcom Productions, 10 one-hour episodes for Discovery Channel and Canal D on the science & technology used to keep big cities afloat. Broadcast September 2001.
Insectia, Pixcom Productions,13 part series for Discovery Channel and Canal D on insects world, featuring George Brossard, founder of the Insectarium du Montreal.. Broadcast January 2001.
• Field Producer: In charge of shooting details on foreign ground: find and organize resources in local community, ensure crews have everything they need to film, keep tract of budget, petty cash and payments, keep everyone in a friendly mood.
Origin of AIDS, Galafilm & MFP (France), 2 hour special for Radio Canada, France 2, Channel 4 (Britain). In charge of 2 week, 10 city shoot in US. In production.
Insectia, Pixcom Productions. Managed 15 person crews in Morocco, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic.
At Your Service, Galafilm. Managed New York City shoot (including driving the streets).
• Associate Producer: Responsible for completing everything from pre-production research to post-production schedule, hiring contract workers when needed.
Inside the Great Magazines, DLI Productions for Global TV, in production.
Polar Bear Safari, written and directed by Josh Freed, produced by Galafilm for CBC Witness. Broadcast November 2000.
The Coat of Many Countries, written and directed by Tom Puchniak and Josh Freed, produced by Galafilm for CBC Witness. Broadcast March 1999.
Castro’s Gold, film documentary by Josh Freed, produced by Galafilm for CBC Witness. Broadcast March, 1998.
• Archivist: Responsible for finding & selecting archives, organizing material for director’s ease of use, completing and negotiating all agreements, keeping things on budget.
G-Spot, Inside the Great Magazines, The Life & Times of Rex Harrington, Endgame in Kosovo, Technopolis, Performance, The Pill, The Life & Times of Margaret Trudeau, The War of 1812, Jackie Robinson