I collaborated with so many talented people at the CBC - during a time where I had ZERO CLUE as to how to produce a documentary or sound design it! Ira Basen, Steve Wadhams, Karen Levine all taught me the ropes and gave me opportunities that would later pave the way to my work as a documentary producer for the national programs. They all taught me so much, and eventually became great lifelong friends, too. What a gift!
Oh wow I love the challenge you've thrown down here, Steve! I'm gonna start with my mom -- who in the 70s would spend ages setting up craft materials for me and my sister to do art at the kitchen table, and who read so many Dr.Seuss books to me that I could not help becoming obsessed with words and how they worked. Next I'd have to mention my sister Amy Moss -- an art teacher in Richmond now -- but just a hugely creative soul who was my duet partner, co-conspirator on many skits at family dinner parties, and late night idea-discussing buddy all through university and into adulthood. Just one of those people whose opinion I respect. On that note -- I should probably mention my husband Doug Heselgrave -- a music critic and teacher with whom I often "check in" to better understand if the flow of my writing is working, and if the ideas are hitting home. My early work in Theatre taught me a LOT about collaboration, too. I studied theatre and creative writing at UBC in the 90's and I recall people like Lee Henderson (now an author and teacher), Denise Ryan (author and journalist), and Kevin Chong (author and teacher) added so much to the "mix" in that department, and inspired me to take my writing more seriously. Professionally -- I had incredible mentors and peers at the CBC: Yvonne Gall and Kathleen Flaherty come to mind immediately, both women who respected my vision and talent before I did, and showed me the definition of good female mentorship, which I try to pass on now in my roles as a university instructor and boss. They were great "story" co-conspirators -- always adding fresh ideas to the pot -- never dulling the cooking flame. Yvonne literally sat beside me for hours and taught me to be a better audio editor. Theresa Lalonde at CBC showed me there was a place amongst journalists for those with a penchant for telling stories that were a little bit quirky or wacky -- and that a sense of humour is ALWAYS welcome in the workplace. We collaborated on various stories for a national show called "Sounds Like Canada" (hosted by Shelagh Rogers) and on that show we did things like send a puppet across the country -- or host a national competition to determine "Canada's Favourite Sandwich." At the National Film Board Digital Studio -- Dana Dansereau and Vince McCurley taught me to collaborate with technologists and programmers -- which is like a kind of cross cultural exchange for someone like me with an arts degree who had previously mentally hung a big "there be dragons" sign overtop of the entire field of programming and digital development. Jeremy Mendez was an inspiring designer there -- who helped me understand more about UX and graphic design "by osmosis" than anyone before or since -- and collaborated to integrate story ideas and text into visual interactive experiences. At Roundhouse Radio I worked closely as a producer with radio hosts Kirk LaPointe and Minelle Mahtani -- both of whom inspired me to aim high in terms of both the kinds of stories I was highlighting, and the professionalism with which I delivered my work under pressure. MInelle in particular opened my eyes to what it means to tell stories for a BIPOC audience. Finally -- I am lucky these days at JAR Audio (my podcasting company) to have great collaborators like Chris O'Keeffe (a gifted consulting creative director -- seriously -- people should hire him!), Roger Nairn (an ambitious business partner who demonstrates true collaboration and respect for creativity daily), and of course, yourself -- someone who I now consider a kind of "business collaborator" who speaks my own creative language.
This is amazing to read, Jen - thanks for sharing all this. Lots of familiar names for me in here, too - Yvonne, Kathleen, Theresa, Kirk, Chris, Roger, and Jeremy (Just saw Jeremy this week at a high school graduation ceremony!). What a great group of people!
I came out of retirement to write screenplays. I joined a few on-line writers groups but after each meeting I felt like (and probably was) the old man. So, I formed my own group. We meet once a month and share ideas, talk about challenges and celebrate each other's successes. I want to thank Greg, Patrick and John. Thanks guys.
Barry - I think Geoff needs to tell your story about coming out of retirement to write screenplays and building your own creative group! This is really inspiring.
Barry, I'm writing a book featuring those building a post-retirement writing career. (I have a contract with a major publisher.) I'd love to chat with you about your screenwriting adventurers. May I reach out?
Steve, collaborating with you has made a huge impact on my life! Our amazing discussions, brainstorm sessions, and fun trips always leave me so energized, and your passion is contagious. I wouldn't be where I am now without you!
You're the best, Jonas! I have loved all our time working together ,too - I hope we get to do it again sometime. Or at least work on our golf games together :-)
So many great collaborative shout outs I could make but recently over Covid began collaborating with a photography colleague of many years but translated our creative urges into sewing and dyeing projects and somehow a wee business ‘belove unlimited’ was formed, the collaboration and shift in mediums felt a total improv ‘Yes and….’ liberating encouragement/no rules just pleasure and fun. Another brilliant collaborator has been Holly Venable who opened a one of a kind space called The Orchard Lyceum…. I couldn’t believe my fortune. Three years ago after teaching an art journaling class for the elementary kids at her Montessori school….she subsequently opened a middle school for grades 6/7/8 on Queen west which is also a contemporary art gallery…. I became a co creative pioneer of the space as artist in residence and photography mentor for the students in its first two formative years ….I was able to have a studio, curate exhibitions, teach and have my kids attend, felt like home schooling but in an incredible space and community while my kids witnessed me in my full swing art practice. These collaborations have reminded me that the best pathways are the ones you could never possible map out….luck is being ready kind of thing 🤩✨🤩
100% agree about the best pathways being the ones you could never map out - amazing how being open to opportunities when they show up leads you to amazing experiences, eh? Your time at the gallery/school sounds phenomenal!
I'd like to celebrate the crew from Playwrights' Workshop Montreal (including Geoff). I learned about how to create a positive workplace and how teams can do more than individuals. And, from Pete Smith, in particular, the power of positivity, enthusiasm, and fun.
My great creative collaborator is my lifelong friend Brian Gallucci. In addition to being an actual author, we spent out childhood, teens and 20s writing screenplays, designing and re-designing board games, recreating Star Trek ship battles with a VHS camera, wooden models and amateur pyrotechnics, and generally just letting our imagination run wild.
All the way from rural Australia - I want to celebrate Maggie MacKellar - who writes The Sit Spot on SubStack - for an easy, thoughtful collaboration for a podcast called The a farm Diaries. In fact, we never met during this work, it was all over the phone but the outcome has been a growing friendship and for me a wonderfully talented writer to work closely with in the future.
Also had the pleasure of working with and knowing the inimitable, luminous Elizabeth Lancaster. Lucky us! But my shout out must go to Matt Watts. We made some fun radio plays together. Never been more in tune collaboratively with anyone. Close runner ups: editors Arleane Ralph and Robert Runte. I've been very fortunate.
I collaborated with so many talented people at the CBC - during a time where I had ZERO CLUE as to how to produce a documentary or sound design it! Ira Basen, Steve Wadhams, Karen Levine all taught me the ropes and gave me opportunities that would later pave the way to my work as a documentary producer for the national programs. They all taught me so much, and eventually became great lifelong friends, too. What a gift!
Those are some legends as mentors and friends, Ashley - love it!
Oh wow I love the challenge you've thrown down here, Steve! I'm gonna start with my mom -- who in the 70s would spend ages setting up craft materials for me and my sister to do art at the kitchen table, and who read so many Dr.Seuss books to me that I could not help becoming obsessed with words and how they worked. Next I'd have to mention my sister Amy Moss -- an art teacher in Richmond now -- but just a hugely creative soul who was my duet partner, co-conspirator on many skits at family dinner parties, and late night idea-discussing buddy all through university and into adulthood. Just one of those people whose opinion I respect. On that note -- I should probably mention my husband Doug Heselgrave -- a music critic and teacher with whom I often "check in" to better understand if the flow of my writing is working, and if the ideas are hitting home. My early work in Theatre taught me a LOT about collaboration, too. I studied theatre and creative writing at UBC in the 90's and I recall people like Lee Henderson (now an author and teacher), Denise Ryan (author and journalist), and Kevin Chong (author and teacher) added so much to the "mix" in that department, and inspired me to take my writing more seriously. Professionally -- I had incredible mentors and peers at the CBC: Yvonne Gall and Kathleen Flaherty come to mind immediately, both women who respected my vision and talent before I did, and showed me the definition of good female mentorship, which I try to pass on now in my roles as a university instructor and boss. They were great "story" co-conspirators -- always adding fresh ideas to the pot -- never dulling the cooking flame. Yvonne literally sat beside me for hours and taught me to be a better audio editor. Theresa Lalonde at CBC showed me there was a place amongst journalists for those with a penchant for telling stories that were a little bit quirky or wacky -- and that a sense of humour is ALWAYS welcome in the workplace. We collaborated on various stories for a national show called "Sounds Like Canada" (hosted by Shelagh Rogers) and on that show we did things like send a puppet across the country -- or host a national competition to determine "Canada's Favourite Sandwich." At the National Film Board Digital Studio -- Dana Dansereau and Vince McCurley taught me to collaborate with technologists and programmers -- which is like a kind of cross cultural exchange for someone like me with an arts degree who had previously mentally hung a big "there be dragons" sign overtop of the entire field of programming and digital development. Jeremy Mendez was an inspiring designer there -- who helped me understand more about UX and graphic design "by osmosis" than anyone before or since -- and collaborated to integrate story ideas and text into visual interactive experiences. At Roundhouse Radio I worked closely as a producer with radio hosts Kirk LaPointe and Minelle Mahtani -- both of whom inspired me to aim high in terms of both the kinds of stories I was highlighting, and the professionalism with which I delivered my work under pressure. MInelle in particular opened my eyes to what it means to tell stories for a BIPOC audience. Finally -- I am lucky these days at JAR Audio (my podcasting company) to have great collaborators like Chris O'Keeffe (a gifted consulting creative director -- seriously -- people should hire him!), Roger Nairn (an ambitious business partner who demonstrates true collaboration and respect for creativity daily), and of course, yourself -- someone who I now consider a kind of "business collaborator" who speaks my own creative language.
This is amazing to read, Jen - thanks for sharing all this. Lots of familiar names for me in here, too - Yvonne, Kathleen, Theresa, Kirk, Chris, Roger, and Jeremy (Just saw Jeremy this week at a high school graduation ceremony!). What a great group of people!
Yep I've been pretty lucky!
I came out of retirement to write screenplays. I joined a few on-line writers groups but after each meeting I felt like (and probably was) the old man. So, I formed my own group. We meet once a month and share ideas, talk about challenges and celebrate each other's successes. I want to thank Greg, Patrick and John. Thanks guys.
Barry - I think Geoff needs to tell your story about coming out of retirement to write screenplays and building your own creative group! This is really inspiring.
Barry, I'm writing a book featuring those building a post-retirement writing career. (I have a contract with a major publisher.) I'd love to chat with you about your screenwriting adventurers. May I reach out?
Steve, collaborating with you has made a huge impact on my life! Our amazing discussions, brainstorm sessions, and fun trips always leave me so energized, and your passion is contagious. I wouldn't be where I am now without you!
You're the best, Jonas! I have loved all our time working together ,too - I hope we get to do it again sometime. Or at least work on our golf games together :-)
So many great collaborative shout outs I could make but recently over Covid began collaborating with a photography colleague of many years but translated our creative urges into sewing and dyeing projects and somehow a wee business ‘belove unlimited’ was formed, the collaboration and shift in mediums felt a total improv ‘Yes and….’ liberating encouragement/no rules just pleasure and fun. Another brilliant collaborator has been Holly Venable who opened a one of a kind space called The Orchard Lyceum…. I couldn’t believe my fortune. Three years ago after teaching an art journaling class for the elementary kids at her Montessori school….she subsequently opened a middle school for grades 6/7/8 on Queen west which is also a contemporary art gallery…. I became a co creative pioneer of the space as artist in residence and photography mentor for the students in its first two formative years ….I was able to have a studio, curate exhibitions, teach and have my kids attend, felt like home schooling but in an incredible space and community while my kids witnessed me in my full swing art practice. These collaborations have reminded me that the best pathways are the ones you could never possible map out….luck is being ready kind of thing 🤩✨🤩
100% agree about the best pathways being the ones you could never map out - amazing how being open to opportunities when they show up leads you to amazing experiences, eh? Your time at the gallery/school sounds phenomenal!
I'd like to celebrate the crew from Playwrights' Workshop Montreal (including Geoff). I learned about how to create a positive workplace and how teams can do more than individuals. And, from Pete Smith, in particular, the power of positivity, enthusiasm, and fun.
I have to ask Geoff about the Playwrights' Workshop! Thanks for sharing this, Rebecca!
My great creative collaborator is my lifelong friend Brian Gallucci. In addition to being an actual author, we spent out childhood, teens and 20s writing screenplays, designing and re-designing board games, recreating Star Trek ship battles with a VHS camera, wooden models and amateur pyrotechnics, and generally just letting our imagination run wild.
This sounds epic!
All the way from rural Australia - I want to celebrate Maggie MacKellar - who writes The Sit Spot on SubStack - for an easy, thoughtful collaboration for a podcast called The a farm Diaries. In fact, we never met during this work, it was all over the phone but the outcome has been a growing friendship and for me a wonderfully talented writer to work closely with in the future.
Also had the pleasure of working with and knowing the inimitable, luminous Elizabeth Lancaster. Lucky us! But my shout out must go to Matt Watts. We made some fun radio plays together. Never been more in tune collaboratively with anyone. Close runner ups: editors Arleane Ralph and Robert Runte. I've been very fortunate.
That’s so awesome that you worked with Liz, too! And Matt Watts is a legend! Thanks for going first in the comments :-)