Latest news with #AMI-tv
Cision Canada
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Cision Canada
Partial sight and albinism become comedy gold in AMI-tv's new series, Pretty Blind
TORONTO, June 24, 2025 /CNW/ - 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 and SOURCE Accessible Media Inc. (AMI)
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
AMI-tv announces 2025-26 production slate
TORONTO, June 17, 2025 /CNW/ - 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+. Follow AMI on social media: Facebook X Instagram TikTok YouTube About Accessible Media Inc. 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 and SOURCE Accessible Media Inc. (AMI) View original content: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Cision Canada
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Cision Canada
AMI-tv announces 2025-26 production slate
TORONTO, June 17, 2025 /CNW/ - 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+. Follow AMI on social media: About Accessible Media Inc. 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 and SOURCE Accessible Media Inc. (AMI)
Cision Canada
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Cision Canada
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+
TORONTO, June 10, 2025 /CNW/ - 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. 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 and SOURCE Accessible Media Inc. (AMI)
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
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+
TORONTO, June 10, 2025 /CNW/ - 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. EasternA 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. EasternTherapy 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 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 EntertainmentThe 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. About AMIAMI 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 and SOURCE Accessible Media Inc. (AMI) View original content: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
