A professional development association for people who work in factual, lifestyle & documentary television.
FW25 Conference
Returning for the tenth year on November 7 & 8, 2025 with a two-day event, FactualWEST is a one-of-a-kind conference for producers and crew working in factual, lifestyle, reality and documentary television. This year’s theme, “Global Shows with Canadian Roots” is all about celebrating Canada’s world-class hub for reality and factual TV, with large-scale multi-cam shows leading the charge.
From pitching and selling, to boots-on-the-ground production, challenge producing, and fast-paced post, we’re diving into the entire multi-cam pipeline. Hear directly from the executives and creatives shaping the future of the genre, and gain the real-world insights and skills you need to get in the game—or level up your play. Our crews are booked and busy, the world is watching, and Canada is delivering. If you want to be part of the boom, this is where your journey begins. Join us and be part of the movement.
This year’s sessions cover the whole journey of making great content: from development and directing to production, post, and even the behind-the-scenes business. Our practical, hands-on workshops are led by top talent from LA, Toronto, and Vancouver, and you’ll hear directly from the creators, showrunners, and producers behind The Snake, Beast Games, and Extracted.
And of course, the crowd-pleasers are back: our high-energy Pitch Thunderdome, one-on-one network pitch sessions, and plenty of opportunities to mix, mingle, and make deals.”
PRESENTED BY
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.
Dana Johl, President
Dana has been in the business of creating factual and reality television for over 25 years, most recently as Line Producer on large-scale American reality series for Netflix and Fox. She has been in management positions in the industry several times, including as VP Production at Great Pacific Media and as Head of Production at Force Four Entertainment.
She has been Series Producer or Line Producer on a wide variety of shows for all of the major broadcasters, from reality to lifestyle to doc-series.
Dana is passionate about putting great teams together and using any possible influence to attract production work to BC. She co-founded FactualWEST with Kate Green and Rob Hardy, for this purpose.
Sophie Morgandinho, Treasurer
Anuj Tyagi, Co-Secretary
Anuj launched his career in India, where he spent eight impactful years contributing to various TV and film projects, honing a robust understanding of the entertainment industry. Upon moving to Canada, he continued to shape the media landscape over the next 16 years, playing key roles in high-profile productions such as Dead Man’s Curse (History Channel), Extracted (FOX), Highway Thru Hell (Discovery), The Amazing Race (CTV), and The Bachelor Canada (W Network).
Recently, Anuj’s innovative storytelling and production expertise have been recognized by major platforms, including Netflix and FOX US, where he has contributed to groundbreaking series. Alongside these accomplishments, he is developing a suspense thriller for a prestigious network in India and spearheading new Canadian projects for networks like History and Discovery, further demonstrating his versatility and dedication to delivering impactful, globally resonant narratives.
Félicia Couturier
Félicia is a Québécoise storyteller and producer based in Vancouver. With a background in communications and marketing, she designs innovative strategies that make creative work accessible and engaging for audiences in Canada and internationally.
She began in unscripted as an Assistant Editor and Story Associate on docuseries like Highway Thru Hell, Rocky Mountain Wreckers, and Underdog Inc., quickly advancing to Post-Production Coordinator. She now drives scheduling, operations, and broadcaster deliveries across post-production.
Rooted in a people-first mindset, she is also training in Mental Health and Intimacy Coordination to help foster safe, wholesome environments where stories can shine.
Amber Orchard
Amber Orchard began her producing career at the age of nine on the school playground and has been driven by a passion for entertainment and storytelling ever since. For over 30 years, she produced events across the non-profit, corporate, and private sectors, building a reputation for thoughtful, high-impact experiences. She also previously served as the Association Manager for Screen BC supporting advocacy and industry-wide initiatives for British Columbia’s film and television community.
In 2020, Amber shifted her focus to screen production, joining Kate Green Productions as Production Manager on Murphy’s Law (CBC), Co-Producing Season 2 of Narcoleap, and Menopause: Coming in Hot. Her screen credits have since grown to include Bush Wreck Rescue (Discovery), Pamela’s Garden of Eden (HGTV), Million Dollar Secret (Netflix), and Extracted (Fox), along with several acclaimed short films.
Most recently, Amber joined Industrial Light & Magic as Studio Operations Manager, bringing her production and operation experience to one of the world’s most iconic studios.
Sheona McDonald, Co-Secretary
Kelly Morris
Kelly Morris brings his experience as an editor in documentary,
natural history, investigative journalism, and factual series to the
Factual WEST board. Based in Vancouver with deep roots in British
Columbia’s screen industry, he has served as senior editor on multiple
series produced in the province.
Known for stepping into complex productions, locking in story, and
guiding teams under pressure, Kelly has built a reputation as both a
steady creative partner and a mentor to emerging editors. He also
directs in the field and contributes to development, bringing a
broader story perspective to his work.
He’s eager to bring that same energy to Factual WEST — supporting
professional development, championing local talent, and helping the
factual sector grow in Western Canada. He developed this approach
during four years as President of Canadian Cinema Editors, where he
strengthened the organization’s presence in Vancouver through
workshops, festival support, and industry partnerships.
Adhar Sharma
Adhar is a versatile unscripted TV producer with nearly a decade of experience turning creative ideas into impactful visuals for global brands and leading networks. He has worked on 13 TV series productions, spanning from story and challenge to delivery, for networks such as Netflix, FOX, Discovery Channel, National Geographic, and CTV.
In addition to managing complex production processes, Adhar has helped shape intellectual properties for top Western Canadian companies through format development, casting, access, and story research.
At Underknown, Adhar plays a key role in shaping the production and editorial strategy for How to Survive, a fast-growing factual entertainment brand across digital and FAST platforms.
Get Involved in FactualWEST
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.