Unscripted Television Development

For several years, I owned several small independent production companies that developed, sold, and produced over a hundred episodes of unscripted television.  Over two hundred and fifty episodes of series and TV specials that I developed, or wrote on during the development phases, have been produced. That doesn't include dozens of projects that turned into pilots or development deals with networks or major production companies.

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Highlights

My first endeavor as a creative was in scripted film and television. My company Sugarfilm Canada sold two television concepts in Canada, one to CTV, the other to the CBC. Both of these concepts, one an original series idea, the second a movie-of-the-week based on an unpublished true crime novel, were co-written by me. In addition, I wrote a feature script adaptation based on South Africa's Truth & Reconciliation Commission, funded through development by Telefilm Canada.

I then created and produced 78 episodes of the unscripted series "At the End of My Leash" for Slice Canada and HGTV. The series was nominated for three Gemini Awards, the most prestigious Canadian Television Awards, including for "Best Lifestyle Series." The series has sold in over 100 countries and aired in the United States as "In the Doghouse" on Animal Planet.  My partners and I then created and produced a sequel series called "Puppy SOS."

During this time, I worked for other production companies, as a development executive and writer, creating projects that spanned multiple genres of unscripted television - from weddings to weight loss to live behind-the-scenes music events.

The formation of a new company, Interior Day Entertainment, brought me to the United States, where I developed concepts that were optioned by major production companies including Pilgrim, Asylum, T Group, and others, with talent including Dog the Bounty Hunter.

The series "Stewarts & Hamiltons" was initially developed and packaged by Interior Day and the series aired on E!. Other highlights include producing a pilot for the "Real Housewives" franchise - set in San Diego - with a cast that included Kathryn Edwards and Brandi Roderick.   Interior Day had an overall production deal at TGroup.

While employed at Remedy Television + Branded as Creative Director, a major part of the job description was working with the SVP of Development to create and develop new concepts. Responsibilities included producing sizzle reels, writing new decks, assisting with casting, taking meetings with potential co-producers, network executives and talent, liaising with agents and network development executives and taking part in pitches of new concepts, especially at conferences such as Realscreen. As part of this responsibility, I was showrunner and director on a Shark series pilot produced with National Geographic.