A professional development association for people who work in factual, lifestyle & documentary television.
2024 FactualWEST Workshop Series
Join us for a series of online workshops designed to help you grow your career. Registration for each workshop is just $10 for non-members, or free for FactualWEST Members. If you’re planning on taking more than one workshop, we recommend joining FactualWEST to enjoy all the membership benefits.
Presented with the support of:
MEMBERS WATCH FOR FREE
So You Want to Be a Reality TV Director?
ONLINE WORKSHOP
Tuesday, February 27th, 2024 | 5:30-6:30 pm PST | 8:30 – 9:30 pm EST
Join us in conversation with award winning director, producer and showrunner Mike Bickerton (Blown Away, Canada’s Drag Race, Canada’s Got Talent, The Amazing Race Canada, Real Housewives of Vancouver) as we learn about a story-first approach and the ins and outs of what it takes to be a director on some of Canada’s biggest series and formats.
This session will be moderated by Maddy Cristall, (Fireworks Media, CBC, Disney +, Tyson Media Beatroute, Network Entertainment) development producer and writer.
How to Develop and Produce the Next True Crime Hit
ONLINE WORKSHOP
Tuesday, March 5th, 2024 | 5:30-6:30 pm PST | 8:30 – 9:30 pm EST
Prepare to dive deep into the world of true crime storytelling with Emmy and NAACP Image Award-winning writer, producer and director Brad Bernstein.
This online event will offer aspiring creators unparalleled insights into crafting compelling narratives and navigating the ethical complexities of the genre.
From concept to execution, Brad will share the strategies and techniques that have made his company successful after ten years of true crime producing, providing participants with the tools they need to elevate their storytelling to new heights.
This session will be moderated by director and story editor Stephanie Rosloski (Wild Rose Vets, Pamela’s Garden Of Eden, Big Timber, Restored).
How To Cast for Lifestyle & Reality TV
ONLINE WORKSHOP
Tuesday, Jan 30, 2024 | 5:30 – 6:30 pm PST / 8:30 – 9:30 pm EST
Join us in conversation with top casting producer Heather Muir (Big Brother Canada, Canada’s Drag Race, The Bachelor Canada) as she discusses the ins and outs of finding the perfect characters for some of Canada’s most recognizable reality series. Moderated by Anna Wasylenki (Amazing Race Canada, Pamela’s Cooking with Love).
To watch a recording of this event, JOIN FACTUALWEST for just $25/year, then click the link below.
So You Want To Be A Showrunner?
ONLINE WORKSHOP
Tuesday, Feb 6, 2024 | 5:30 – 6:30 pm PST / 8:30 – 9:30 pm EST
What does it take to become a factual or lifestyle television showrunner? What’s involved in doing the job, what are the tricks to success, and what are the things that surprise you? Join showrunners Cheryl Binning (Bush Wreck Rescue, Pamela’s Garden of Eden, Jade Fever) and Bryce Quan (Highway Thru Hell) in a candid discussion about their own paths and valuable expeirences on their journey to becoming a factual showrunner. Moderated by producer Jessica Young.
To watch a recording of this event, JOIN FACTUALWEST for just $25/year, then click the link below.
FactualWEST Conference
November 1 & 2, 2024 | Vancouver
Every November since 2016 the Canadian factual, lifestyle and documentary television community has been coming together in Vancouver for the FactualWEST Conference.
This annual two day conference provides professional and project development opportunites for creators, producers and crew, and brings together hundreds of people to celebrate our industry.
Registration fees are kept low to make the FactualWEST Conference accessible for everyone, and members of FactualWEST receive a discount to attend.
Stay tuned for details on the 2024 FactualWEST Conference.
Join us for professional development & networking.
FactualWEST is a non-profit, member driven organization created in 2013 to bring together creators, producers, crew and suppliers who work in factual, lifestyle & documentary television.
Originally known as Field & Post, we are based in British Columbia but welcome anyone active in the industry to join us.
We organize the FactualWEST Conference every November, the StoryLab for writers/story editors, Field & Post Pub Night networking events; and workshops offering skills development.
We also work with other industry organizations, schools and the community to promote the genres we work in, and encourage people to pursue a career in this business.
Our goal is to offer members the chance to network with peers, increase their skills and build their careers in a social environment – while promoting project development and production, and contributing to the growth of the Canadian television industry.
Membership is just $25/year, includes free admission to most events & workshops (plus a discount to the conference). Membership is open to anyone working in the business, so please join us.
Get Involved in FactualWEST
2024 – 2025 Board of Directors
Franz Gjula-Lyonnais, Director of Post Production – Vice President
Anuj Tyagi, Production Manager – Co-Secretary
Amber Verville, Supervising Producer – Co-Secretary
Sophie Morgadinho, Line Producer – Treasurer
David Freeman, Producer
Robert Hardy, Executive Producer
Niamh Kennedy, Development Manager
Sheona McDonald, Series Producer
Amber Orchard, Producer & Production Manager
Anna Wasylenki, Development Executive & Story Producer
Jeff Wonnenberg, Line Producer
Volunteers Needed
If you’re a member of FactualWEST and you’d like to volunteer, please send us an email and we will be in touch. Volunteers are needed for everything from working the door at events to helping plan and raise sponsorships for new initiatives.
Join The Board
Our membership elects a new board every spring. If you’re interested in running for the board, please email us and we would be happy to talk you through what’s involved.