by Pat Chau

Pat Chau
As an actor in Alberta, you need to wear a few hats if you want to be on set all the time. I recently worked as a background casting assistant on the new First Nations crime drama series Tribal, which is shot and set in beautiful Calgary, Alberta. Please enjoy my interview with two of the leads, Jessica Matten, who plays police officer Sam Woodburn and Michelle Thrush, who plays Sam’s mother Jackie.

‍Pat: What does it mean to you to be in Tribal?

Jessica:
I am deepIy honoured to be playing Sam Woodburn in Tribal. She’s an Indigenous female hero who protects people every day. She’s chosen to live a life of integrity as a woman of colour in a man’s world. For decades, there have been many native women in the police force – sergeants, lieutenants and leaders. My Sam character exists in the real world.

Marika Sila, Brian Markinson, Jessica Matten, Jaren Brandt Bartlett. Photo: Michelle Faye Fraser

Michelle:
Creator and showrunner Ron Scott and I worked together on Blackstone and Mixed Blessings. Prior to the production of Tribal, we talked about me shadowing him as a director on the show. He later offered me a role on the show too, which I wasn’t expecting. While shadowing, I was able to learn so much from both Ron and Jonathan Benny, our director of photography. At the same time, I was also challenged by my role as Jackie as she’s a type of character I’ve never played before.

Michelle Thrush. Photo: Derek Heisler

My community is demanding to see ourselves reflected back at us on screen.

Do you see enough of your culture reflected back on the airwaves?

Jessica:
We are in a brilliant time right now where diversity is being honoured, admired, appreciated and respected. When I first started in this industry 10 years ago, they didn’t know what to do with my “look,” meaning my ethnicity. I don’t have that problem anymore with storytellers being given the opportunity to tell their truth. My community is demanding to see ourselves reflected back at us on screen.

‍Michelle:
I’m beginning to see it, but our airwaves have not yet caught up. A lot of my friends are working on Indigenous projects, so I feel it’s going to get better. We have brilliant Indigenous writers, directors and actors breaking out in the industry and who are really shaking things up. It’s an interesting time for storytelling and it feels like we are just beginning to start creating change.

Jessica Matten and Brian Markinson. Photo: Photo: Michelle Faye Fraser

As actors, do you feel respected in the industry?

Jessica:
I feel like people need to remind each other about how to respect each other — in every field of work and in every industry. I’ve had many careers outside of acting and I especially feel this way as a woman. I’m grateful to women AND men who stand up for equality. Yes, I do feel respected in this industry, but that’s also because I demand respect (in a respectful way!). And I don’t care what your job title is – everyone deserves to be treated equally on set.

Michelle:
I can only speak for myself. I feel respected by my peers and I have had the chance to work with some amazing crews over the last 30 years. I have had to deal with issues of cultural importance, but a lot less now than I had to years ago.

Do you see yourself as a role model?

Jessica:
I do. As a teenager, I spent my time outside of school running wellness workshops with my mother to help native women combat self-esteem issues and set goals in their lives. At the age of 15, I set up my own workshops across Canada called “Positive Beauty” to help female, male, LGBTQ, non-binary and two spirit individuals figure out what they wanted to do with their lives. My entire life, I’ve always known it’s my job to help my Indigenous communities.

Brian Markinson with Julian Black Antelope who plays “Daniel Crowchild”. Photo: David Brown

Now we have this new generation of actresses rising up because women like Tantoo Cardinal kicked the door down for us.

Should Tribal be seen around the world, or do you feel its Indigenous focus means it really should be directed primarily at Canadians… or even more tightly focused on Indigenous Canadians?

Jessica:
I do believe Tribal is a show for international audiences. It will help to inform everyone we are all one in the same. Simply put, we are products of our geographical origins. The pigment of our skin is reflected by where our ancestors, our family members, were raised and our bodies are shaped based in that. In my opinion, all of the labelling and categorizing is just another form of trying to separate us. At the end of the day, we are all stronger together.

Michelle:
Tribal needs to be seen beyond our borders. It’s about human stories with female Indigenous leads. When I was a kid, I never saw Indigenous women portrayed in a strong, kick-ass proud way. Now we have this new generation of actresses rising up because women like Tantoo Cardinal kicked the door down for us.

If you had the power, what would you change about Canadian television?

Jessica:
I would love to see larger Canadian networks support grittier shows. My producing friends have pitched such shows but they’ve never been picked up because they are deemed “too edgy.” I want Canadian shows to compete with American and international shows. I want Canada to be respected.

The more screen space we inhabit, the more voices we bring to the conversation and the less space there is for racism.

What’s the importance of showing diversity on screen?

Jessica:
To reflect the truth of our world as human beings.

‍Michelle:
As artists, we have the ability to enter into people’s hearts, to create change and break down barriers. I am a firm believer the arts hold much power to shape society, whether it’s theatre, print, film or television. For many years, that power has been largely held for white actors but it’s now being called out and we are shifting forward.

Brian Markinson and Jessica Matten. Photo: David Brown

What is great about shooting in Alberta?

‍Michelle:
The landscape is breathtaking with the mountains and the badlands. The crews are friendly and hard working. The facilities and our brand-new, world-class film centre is bringing in a number of international productions. And we’re just cool people here in Alberta.

Michelle, when will we see your directorial debut?

Michelle:
Not sure yet… still honing my skills but looking towards next year to start throwing my hat in the mix!

Pat Chau is a Calgary-based actor known for his work on Hudson, El Chicano and Still/Born. He is the Vice-President of ACTRA Alberta South. In addition to performing, Pat is an assistant director, a casting director and a background performer wrangler.

Jessica Matten can be seen on Frontier, Blackstone, Mohawk Girls and Burden of Truth. She also starred in the short film A Red Girl’s Reasoning where she embodied vengeance against the very real problem of missing and murdered aboriginal women in Canada. This year, the Hollywood Reporter named Jessica to its list of Canada’s Emerging Entertainment Talent.

Michelle Thrush is a Calgary-based performer and producer known for her work on Pathfinder, Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee, Dead Man and Jimmy P: Psychotherapy of a Plains Indian, which was nominated for Palme D’Or and César awards. Michelle won a Gemini Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Continuing Leading Dramatic Role for her portrayal of Stoney in Blackstone.

Top Image: Brian Markinson plays Chuck “Buke” Bukansky and Jessica Matten plays Samantha “Sam” Woodburn. Photo: Michelle Faye Fraser. Photos courtesy of Tribal Productions Ltd.

Blackstone creator Ron E. Scott filming First Nations crime drama Tribal in Calgary

There are worse dilemmas for a television creator.
But Ron E. Scott’s previous project, the Edmonton-shot TV drama Blackstone, was so dark and singular that it’s hard to imagine how he might top it with a followup. The series ran for five seasons on Showcase and APTN, offering an unflinching and often harrowing look at the corruption, addiction and violence that plagued a fictional Alberta First Nations reserve.

While it may be a stretch to suggest his new crime drama Tribal, which began filming last week on the Tsuu T’ina First Nation outside of Calgary, finds him lightening up, he will say that it has a different tone than his former series.

“It’s not in the same kind of vein as Blackstone,” says Scott, who is writer, producer and showrunner of the new series. “It’s a little more accessible, less confrontational, less aggressive in its narrative. That was how we shaped the show. At the same time, it does have a social relevance and definitely a commentary that is definitely interesting in our day and age.”

There is some other obvious overlap, including star and Blackstone alumni Jessica Matten. She plays Samantha Woodburn, interim chief of the Tribal Police Force. When the department of Federal Justice take control of the force, she finds herself tangled in political red tape and butting heads with a new partner, Chuck “Buke” Bukansky (played by Mad Men’s Brian Markinson), a seasoned detective from the Metro Police.

Scott, who is a member of the Metis Nation of Alberta, says the idea was to present a TV crime drama through a First Nations perspective. As with Blackstone, the stories will touch on racism, corruption and sexism and often centres on real crimes.

“I love to ground any show I do in reality,” he says. “They are inspired by true events. They’ll definitely have some relevant topics that some people recognize and some that they may not recognize or realize this is actually happening. For example, some of the pipeline issues. We also go after some of the native justice and go over healing lodges and how they relate to native justice and the criminal justice system.”

Eight episodes will be filmed on both the Tsuu T’ina First Nation and in various areas of Calgary. It is scheduled to air on APTN in the fall. Justin Rain, Garry Chalk, Adam MacDonald and Julian Black Antelope will also star. Calgary actress Michelle Thrush, who won a Gemini Award for her turn as troubled alcoholic Gail Stoney in Blackstone, plays Woodburn’s mother in Tribal. That character is world’s away from Gail Stoney.

“She is a very different kind of character,” Scott says. “She is very polished and refined, which is something that we haven’t always seen. There are other aspects of Indigenous people. There are successful Indigenous people, they don’t all live on reserves. Although that’s important to for our story purposes, that’s not Michelle’s character in this.”

Scott is the founder of Prairie Dog Film and Television, which is now based in Calgary. He says he hopes to produce more projects in town and “put people to work” while continuing to tell stories through an Indigenous lens.

“I think it’s critical,” he says. “I think Tribal has some characters who are real people operating in the real world. I don’t think we put them in a box. There’s compelling drama, entertaining drama set in an Indigenous world with an Indigenous voice. The lead character is a rock-solid hero type. It’s going to be interesting to see how that plays out. There will be an Indigenous voice on screen, at the same time it is still an entertaining show that strives to be true to the genre.”

– From the Creator of BLACKSTONE –


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CALGARY, AB – May 29, 2019 – APTN and Prairie Dog Film + Television’s new one-hour crime drama series, TRIBAL begins production today in Calgary.

TRIBAL follows a First Nation Tribal Police Force as they navigate a controversial new Chief amid allegations of corruption and takeover from the federal government. TRIBAL’s award-winning cast includes Jessica Matten (Frontier, Blackstone) and Brian Markinson (Mad Men, Unspeakable). The series will also feature the talented Michelle Thrush, Justin Rain, Garry Chalk, Adam MacDonald and Julian Black Antelope.

In TRIBAL, the department of Federal Justice attempts to save political face under the mask of inclusion and collaboration as they take control of the Tribal Police Force. Interim Tribal Chief Samantha Woodburn (Matten) attempts to overcome political red tape, and must also prove herself amongst the old-white-boys club of the Metro Police. Thrust into an unfamiliar world, she navigates politics and procedure as she clashes with her new partner, Chuck “Buke” Bukansky (Markinson), a seasoned but broken-down Metro Police detective. This season examines First Nation crime stories based on real world cases, including mistaken identity, pipeline controversy, healing lodge justice, social services, tobacco and missing Indigenous Peoples.

TRIBAL Showrunner and Director Ron E. Scott is a prolific producer and innovator, who has contributed to over 190 episodes of TV that have broadcasted globally on Netflix, including the ground-breaking one-hour dramatic series Blackstone, now streaming on APTN and CBC.

TRIBAL is a fresh take on the dramatic crime genre and is told from a First Nation perspective,” says Ron E. Scott. “The narrative voice reflects relevant and universal dynamics, including racism, sexism, corruption and social futility – all within a world of political correctness and posturing. The show challenges the perceptions of the relationships between different cultures, generations and genders.”

Filming locations include Calgary and the Tsuu T’ina First Nation in Alberta, Canada.

TRIBAL is produced by Ron E. Scott, Janet Hamley, Adam Frost and Nancy Laing from Prairie Dog Film + Television. The series will broadcast in Canada on APTN.

TRIBAL is produced in association with APTN, in participation with the Canada Media Fund and the Rogers Cable Network Fund, with assistance from the Government of Alberta, the Screen-based Production Grant and the Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit.

DIGITAL & SOCIAL MEDIA
TRIBAL

Website: www.tribaltvseries.com
Facebook: facebook.com/tribaltvseries
Twitter: @tribaltvseries
Instagram: @tribaltvseries

APTN
Website: www.aptn.ca
Facebook: facebook.com/aptntv
Twitter: @APTN
Instagram: @aptn_ca

ABOUT PRAIRIE DOG FILM + TELEVISION
Founded by Ron E. Scott, Prairie Dog Film + Television is a world-class independent production company. With over 190 episodes of television produced, Prairie Dog’s content has streamed worldwide on Netflix and Hulu, and its programs have aired on major networks across North America (APTN, ABC, CBC, City TV, CTV, Global and Showcase). It is also active in global markets, including New Zealand, Australia, China, Europe, Russia and South Africa. In addition, their programming is used as an educational resource and has been donated to numerous universities, educational institutions and libraries around the world.

Prairie Dog’s programming has been recognized and awarded for excellence in Canadian drama through the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television, the Leo Awards and the Alberta Media Production Industry Association – with over 140 nominations. Selected wins include Best Dramatic Series, Best Writing for Television Drama and Best Performance by an Actress at the Canadian Screen Awards.

ABOUT APTN
APTN launched in 1999 as the first national Indigenous broadcaster in the world, creating a window into the remarkably diverse mosaic of Indigenous Peoples. A respected non-profit and charitable broadcaster, it’s the only one of its kind in North America. The network is Sharing Our Stories of authenticity in English, French and a variety of Indigenous languages to approximately 11 million Canadian subscribers. With over 80% Canadian content, APTN connects with its audiences through genuine, inspiring and engaging entertainment on multiple platforms.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Justine Gamez
Publicist, Intercommunicate
justine.gamez@intercommunicate.co

For more information about TRIBAL or Prairie Dog Film + Television, please contact:
Carmen Bachez
Associate Producer, Prairie Dog Film + Television
carmen@prairiedog.ca
(403) 457-7735

For more information about APTN, please contact:
Emili Bellefleur
Manager of Communications, APTN
ebellefleur@aptn.ca
(514) 544-6124 ext. 227

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Congratulations to Prairie Dog Film + Television’s Janet Hamley, for being elected as one of AMPIA’s newest Board of Directors.

AMPIA had it’s annual AGM on October 21, 2017 in Calgary, at which a slate of board members was elected. The newest Board of Directors also includes Eric Rebalkin and Brent Kawchuk.

The Alberta Media Production Industries Association (AMPIA) is governed by a 15 member volunteer Board elected each year at an Annual General Meeting (AGM).

For a full list of AMPIA’s Board of Directors click here.

CMPA names new Board of Directors

TORONTO, September 26, 2017— The Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA) today announced the new Board of Directors for 2017-19 at its Annual General Meeting (AGM), which took place this afternoon in Toronto. At the AGM, Shaftesbury’s Scott Garvie was again elected CMPA Board Chair, a role he first assumed in June 2016.

“With the impressive talent and experience of those on our board, the CMPA is very well positioned to promote the interests of our members over the coming two-year term,” said Scott Garvie, Chair CMPA Board of Directors and Senior Vice President at Shaftesbury.

The new CMPA Board represents a significant renewal for the organization, with 10 of the 24 incoming directors joining the board for the first time. Furthermore this year’s process reflects an unprecedented level of member engagement, as a record 53 candidates ran for election.

“I’m proud that the group of producers joining our board reflects the diversity within our industry,” Jeremy Spry, Chair of the CMPA Nominating Committee, and Senior Vice President at Muse Entertainment. “These individuals will bring strong direction and fresh ideas to our organization, as we work to develop creative solutions to the challenges facing our sector as a result of the global shift to digital technologies.”

The 2017-2019 CMPA Board of Directors

ALBERTA
Tom Cox (SEVEN24 Films)
Ron E. Scott (Prairie Dog Film + Television)

BRITISH COLUMBIA
Brian Hamilton (Omnifilm Entertainment)
Erin Haskett (Lark Productions)
Cal Shumiatcher (eOne Television Unscripted)
Steven Thibault (Bron Studios)

MANITOBA
Kim Todd (Original Pictures)

NEWFOUNDLAND
Paul Pope (Pope Productions)
Mary Sexton (Rink Rat Productions)

NOVA SCOTIA
Marc Almon (Holdfast Pictures)

ONTARIO
Mark Bishop (marblemedia)
Paul Bronfman (Comweb Corporation)
Vince Commisso (9 Story Media Group)
Lauren Corber (LoCo Motion Pictures)
Jennifer Dodge (Spin Master Entertainment)
Sari Friedland (Factory Films)
Scott Garvie (Shaftesbury)
Anne Loi (DHX Media)
Christina Piovesan (First Generation Films)
Andrew Rosen (Aircraft Pictures)

QUÉBEC
Jean Bureau (Incendo)
Ina Fichman (Intuitive Pictures)
Jeremy Spry (Muse Entertainment)

SASKATCHEWAN
Bob Crowe (Angel Entertainment)

ABOUT THE CMPA
The Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA) is the country’s leading member-based advocacy organization for independent producers, representing hundreds of companies engaged in the development and distribution of English-language content made for television, cinema and digital media channels. The CMPA works to promote the continued success of the Canadian production sector and ensure a future for diverse content made by Canadians for both domestic and international audiences. www.cmpa.ca

 

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I love a far-flung show that takes me to distant lands, or a romantic time-traveling fantasy, or a cartoon horse, or heck, a real-live horse. But now that Sunday nights are bringing me both “Game of Thrones” and “Twin Peaks,” I find myself craving something a little more real — a balance, I guess, to the grandiosity and abstraction of last night.

So this week I’m turning to lived-in shows that depict the genuine wins and losses we all experience. I also picked shows that fly way, way under most people’s radar, because it seems as though a lot of Watchers sometimes have that “I’ve watched everything already” feeling. Human-driven deep cuts, straight ahead! Have a lovely week.  Let the British pony-jockey children in this New York Times Op-Doc inspire you as they have inspired me.

I Want an Intense Drama


‘Blackstone’
Where to watch: Netflix

This gritty, often gutting drama is set on and around the fictional Blackstone First Nation reserve, in Canada, where people are in substantial distress. Drug abuse and suicide, particularly among teenagers, are rampant, and political corruption threatens to destabilize community leadership. Some shows use stories about power, corruption, dynasty, imperiled youth and puppet-master-style scheming from elders to create sweeping fantasy epics. “Blackstone” takes those same ideas and turns them inward, creating a smaller, intimate, grounded show. It’s bleak — but it isn’t gratuitous.

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