Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is launching a production company with his former Chief of Staff Katie Telford, and it will be called Hope & Hard Work.
The pair will officially launch the company at this year’s Toronto Film Festival. They will be repped by 3 Arts.
In their official announcement, Trudeau and Telford have described the company as a “multidisciplinary media and entertainment enterprise dedicated to developing and producing engaging stories across film, television, audio and live experiences.”
The company is currently developing a slate of projects, including an adaptation of Perry Chafe’s Closer by Sea, from writer and producer Perry Chafe (Republic of Doyle). Trudeau and Telford will also serve as executive producers on Detective Aunty, an adaptation of novelist Uzma Jalaluddin’s book, which has been optioned by Neshama Entertainment and producer Todd Berger.
“At a time when the world can feel increasingly divided, we believe in the power of great storytelling to bring people closer,” Trudeau and Katie Telford said in a statement announcing their company.
“In building Hope & Hard Work, we are finding stories that evoke empathy and understanding that can reach audiences in transformative ways; stories that transcend our own beliefs, and help us see the world through someone else’s eyes, and remind us of what we share. The projects we are working on reflect this ambition, and we are excited to bring these stories to the screen.”
The full slate of Hope & Hard Work projects can be found below:
CLOSER BY SEA by Perry Chafe – Series
From the writer and producer of the hit TV shows Republic of Doyle and Son of a Critch, a poignant coming-of-age debut novel about the mysterious disappearance of a young girl and the fragility of childhood bonds, set against the backdrop of a small island community adapting to an ever-changing landscape.
DETECTIVE AUNTY by Uzma Jalaluddin – Series
Produced by Neshama Entertainment and Todd Berger with Trudeau and Telford as executive producers, Detective Aunty by Uzma Jalaluddin is a witty, warm-hearted cozy mystery about Kausar Khan, a widowed South Asian mother who returns to Toronto after her daughter is accused of murder. Convinced of her innocence, Kausar puts her keen observational skills—and talent for getting people to talk—to work, uncovering secrets, lies and betrayals within the close-knit community she once called home.
LE COLLÈGE written by Jessie Gabe (North of North, Workin’ Moms, Mr. D) and Shebli Zarghami (North of North, Late Bloomer, Kim’s Convenience) – Original Series
At Montreal’s most prestigious private high school, two codependent best friends navigate relationships, class and identity among the city’s elite. Set against Montreal’s unique culture and layered history, their coming-of-age story is distinctly local—and universally relatable.
POWER MOVES by Leesa Ronald – Series
A sharp, witty rivals-to-lovers romantic comedy set in the high-stakes world of politics and media. Ambitious political adviser Millsy Hatton is focused on getting her boss re-elected—until persistent journalist Archie Cohen threatens to derail both her campaign strategy and carefully controlled life. As professional rivalry turns into undeniable attraction, Millsy is forced to reconsider what she’s willing to sacrifice for success.
BACKCHANNELS (Working title) – Series
Based on the book The Right Hand: Conversations with the Chiefs of Staff to the World’s Most Powerful People by Phoebe Saintilan-Stocks, and in development with Phoebe’s twin sister Chloe Saintilan, Backchannels is a fast-paced scripted series that follows the life and work of a new Chief of Staff as they learn to navigate the environment of politics and power. The adapted series reveals an intimate and behind-the-scenes view of what it takes to both protect and serve the leaders and decision-makers who shape the world around us.
