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jward221984.substack.com]]>https://jward221984.substack.com/s/49-degrees-north-writers-podcastSubstackMon, 19 Oct 2026 01:07:24 GMThttps://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/1647407/s/133229.rssJohn WardThe 49 Degrees North podcasit is an informal conversation with Canadian writers about their creative process and working in the Canadian film & TV industry.episodicJohn Wardjward221984@substack.comNo<![CDATA[49 degrees north #33 - David Moses]]>Writer-producer David Moses (Emergency Room: Life + Death at VGH) discusses his new documentary series Paramedics: Life on the Line, and the storytelling challenges in unscripted television. You can watch episodes of the show here on Knowledge Network.



Get full access to The Data-Driven Creator at jward221984.substack.com/subscribe]]>https://jward221984.substack.com/p/49-degrees-north-33-david-moses-927a6cf468ce66b4322a56752cbbb2b8d5eWed, 08 May 2019 04:30:00 GMTJohn WardWriter-producer (Emergency Room: Life + Death at VGH) discusses his new documentary series Paramedics: Life on the Line, and the storytelling challenges in unscripted television. You can watch episodes of the show on Knowledge Network.No3495<![CDATA[49 degrees north #32 - Roslyn Muir]]>Writer Roslyn Muir (The Birdwatcher, Washed Away) discusses her journey from intern to story-editor on Ransom, and how writing Movies of the Week can be a great way to break into the industry.  



Get full access to The Data-Driven Creator at jward221984.substack.com/subscribe]]>https://jward221984.substack.com/p/49-degrees-north-32-roslyn-muir-9ae28b0f677e1ef4f44a73f36b84d9ffb6eWed, 10 Apr 2019 04:30:00 GMTJohn WardWriter (The Birdwatcher, Washed Away) discusses her journey from intern to story-editor on Ransom, and how writing Movies of the Week can be a great way to break into the industry.No2871<![CDATA[49 degrees north #31 - Sam Wiebe]]>Crime-novelist Sam Wiebe talks about his latest book “Cut you down.” We also discuss the Vancouver crime-fiction scene, the challenges/benefits of writing by hand, and how he came to edit Vancouver Noir. For more information about Sam and his work, visits his website and buy his books at your local book store!



Get full access to The Data-Driven Creator at jward221984.substack.com/subscribe]]>https://jward221984.substack.com/p/49-degrees-north-31-sam-wiebe-1e991bb6eeadb5f41cda2c18fa5339d074aWed, 03 Apr 2019 04:30:00 GMTJohn WardCrime-novelist talks about his latest book “Cut you down.” We also discuss the Vancouver crime-fiction scene, the challenges/benefits of writing by hand, and how he came to edit Vancouver Noir. For more information about Sam and his work, visits...No2331<![CDATA[49 degrees north #30 - Robert C. Cooper]]>Showrunner Robert C. Cooper (Stargate, Dirk Gently) discusses his powerful new drama Unspeakable, and its incredible journey from pitch to screen. We discuss the process of creating a story spanning decades, and challenges arising from the real-life scandal the show is based upon. You can find the show in Canada through the CBC, and it will also be on Sundance TV.



Get full access to The Data-Driven Creator at jward221984.substack.com/subscribe]]>https://jward221984.substack.com/p/49-degrees-north-30-robert-c-cooper-05def1ccad930d7421eb30d650a621fd344Wed, 27 Mar 2019 04:30:00 GMTJohn WardShowrunner Robert C. Cooper (Stargate, Dirk Gently) discusses his powerful new drama , and its incredible journey from pitch to screen. We discuss the process of creating a story spanning decades, and challenges arising from the real-life scandal the...No4461<![CDATA[49 degrees north #29 - Katherine Collins]]>Writer-producer Katherine Collins (Blindspot, Lost in Space) talks about her upcoming feature film Riot Girls and the importance of knowing your story. Along the way we discuss story-breaking, writing by hand, and legendary riot grrrl band Bikini Kill.



Get full access to The Data-Driven Creator at jward221984.substack.com/subscribe]]>https://jward221984.substack.com/p/49-degrees-north-29-katherine-collins-da81d9e302c1289416583083ad3d0f27f78Wed, 20 Mar 2019 04:30:00 GMTJohn WardWriter-producer (Blindspot, Lost in Space) talks about her upcoming feature film and the importance of knowing your story. Along the way we discuss story-breaking, writing by hand, and legendary riot grrrl band .No2295<![CDATA[49 degrees north #28 - Thomas Pound]]>Writer-producer Thomas Pound (Motive) talks story-breaking on The Flash, writing episodes as a team, and how Memento led him to a writing career.



Get full access to The Data-Driven Creator at jward221984.substack.com/subscribe]]>https://jward221984.substack.com/p/49-degrees-north-28-thomas-pound-5c589a38a6da33841be84d7e8ea1aba73e3Wed, 25 Jul 2018 04:30:00 GMTJohn WardWriter-producer (Motive) talks story-breaking on The Flash, writing episodes as a team, and how Memento led him to a writing career.No3451<![CDATA[49 degrees north #27 - Brynn Peebles & Brianna Wiens]]>Writer-performers Brynn Peebles and Brianna Wiens (AKA GirlonGirlHumor) stop by to discuss writing and producing season two of their digital series Girls vs. The City. You can keep up to date with all their work via their website, and you can subscribe to their YouTube channel where you’ll find the show.



Get full access to The Data-Driven Creator at jward221984.substack.com/subscribe]]>https://jward221984.substack.com/p/49-degrees-north-27-brynn-peebles-79f88561adb28604390931ea84fde578f30Wed, 18 Jul 2018 04:30:00 GMTJohn WardWriter-performers Brynn Peebles and Brianna Wiens (AKA ) stop by to discuss writing and producing season two of their digital series Girls vs. The City. You can keep up to date with all their work via their , and you can subscribe to their channel...No2694<![CDATA[49 degrees north #26 - Will Pascoe]]>Writer-producer-director Will Pascoe (Da Vinci’s Demons, Chicago Med) discusses his recent stint on Hulu's Shut Eye, the importance of “the cards,” and how documentary filmmaking led to the start of his writing career. Will’s documentary film about Canadian comics Lost Heroes is available here.



Get full access to The Data-Driven Creator at jward221984.substack.com/subscribe]]>https://jward221984.substack.com/p/49-degrees-north-26-will-pascoe-ab70490e0c4978041328eed68ab8f1a23d1Wed, 11 Jul 2018 04:30:00 GMTJohn WardWriter-producer-director Will Pascoe (Da Vinci’s Demons, Chicago Med) discusses his recent stint on Hulu's Shut Eye, the importance of “the cards,” and how documentary filmmaking led to the start of his writing career. Will’s documentary film...No4591<![CDATA[49 degrees north #25 - Diana Frances]]>Talented writer Diana Frances stops by to discuss the writing process on both The Beaverton and Corner Gas: the animated series. We also talk comedy, failure, and the need for late-night Canadian TV. Be sure to check out Diana’s website to stay up to date on her work.



Get full access to The Data-Driven Creator at jward221984.substack.com/subscribe]]>https://jward221984.substack.com/p/49-degrees-north-25-diana-frances-0623ef628fcfaa24df49c25683c4b2ab9edWed, 27 Jun 2018 04:30:00 GMTJohn WardTalented writer stops by to discuss the writing process on both The Beaverton and Corner Gas: the animated series. We also talk comedy, failure, and the need for late-night Canadian TV. Be sure to check out Diana’s to stay up to date on her work.No2641<![CDATA[49 degrees north #24 - Jordan Hall]]>Writer and creator Jordan Hall talks about the Carmilla movie, looks back on her play Kayak and her journey from playwriting to webseries. Check out Carmilla the webseries on YouTube, and you can find the movie here. Be sure to keep up to date with Jordan’s work on her website.



Get full access to The Data-Driven Creator at jward221984.substack.com/subscribe]]>https://jward221984.substack.com/p/49-degrees-north-24-jordan-hall-ce9058e2f9caedb48cdbc930344ac13c523Wed, 20 Jun 2018 04:30:00 GMTJohn WardWriter and creator talks about the Carmilla movie, looks back on her play Kayak and her journey from playwriting to webseries. Check out Carmilla the webseries on , and you can find the movie . Be sure to keep up to date with Jordan’s work on her .No2942<![CDATA[49 degrees north #23 - Andrew Williamson]]>Producer Andrew Williamson talks about his digital series Spiral, his thoughts on finding the story in unscripted formats, and we discuss how film school rejection set him up for subsequent success. Check out Andrew’s work on his production company website.



Get full access to The Data-Driven Creator at jward221984.substack.com/subscribe]]>https://jward221984.substack.com/p/49-degrees-north-23-andrew-williamson-d8e9298967ca58e16621f7c433b6a4cc968Wed, 04 Apr 2018 04:30:00 GMTJohn WardProducer talks about his digital series , his thoughts on finding the story in unscripted formats, and we discuss how film school rejection set him up for subsequent success. Check out Andrew’s work on his production company .No2571<![CDATA[49 degrees north #22 - Gemma Holdway]]>In part two of my conversation with writer Gemma Holdway we discuss the National Screen Institute (NSI) Totally Television Program, Gemma’s transition from journalism to TV writing, and her thoughts on the industry.  



Get full access to The Data-Driven Creator at jward221984.substack.com/subscribe]]>https://jward221984.substack.com/p/49-degrees-north-22-gemma-holdway-532f0a20352c05691e0f386aa807f259ad3Wed, 28 Mar 2018 04:30:00 GMTJohn WardIn part two of my conversation with writer we discuss the (NSI) Totally Television Program, Gemma’s transition from journalism to TV writing, and her thoughts on the industry.No1840<![CDATA[49 degrees north #21 - Gemma Holdway]]>In part one of this two-part discussion, writer Gemma Holdway talks about her role as story editor on Cardinal and Ghost Wars, reveals the painful origin story of her short film Dog Bite, and explains the rules of writing movies of the week (MOWs).



Get full access to The Data-Driven Creator at jward221984.substack.com/subscribe]]>https://jward221984.substack.com/p/49-degrees-north-21-gemma-holdway-198fdfefde1cdeaf23bbfbe51749d73ec1bWed, 21 Mar 2018 04:30:00 GMTJohn WardIn part one of this two-part discussion, writer talks about her role as story editor on Cardinal and Ghost Wars, reveals the painful origin story of her short film Dog Bite, and explains the rules of writing movies of the week (MOWs).No2040<![CDATA[49 degrees north #20 - Jackie May]]>Writer-producer Jackie May (Strange Empire, 19-2) talks about the writing process on Van Helsing and how Twitter plays an interesting role in the discussion. She also looks back on Strange Empire, and provides some great insight for writers looking to break into the business.



Get full access to The Data-Driven Creator at jward221984.substack.com/subscribe]]>https://jward221984.substack.com/p/49-degrees-north-20-jackie-may-4742da488c1a0037923317f3476804c8b30Wed, 14 Mar 2018 04:30:00 GMTJohn WardWriter-producer (Strange Empire, 19-2) talks about the writing process on Van Helsing and how Twitter plays an interesting role in the discussion. She also looks back on Strange Empire, and provides some great insight for writers looking to break...No3360<![CDATA[49 degrees north #19 - Brianne Nord-Stewart]]>Writer-producer-director Brianne Nord-Stewart (Trolls, Young & Reckless) discusses the creation of her webseries The Dangers of Online Dating, and her path to becoming a director. You can keep up to date with Brianne’s work on her website, and you should watch The Dangers of Online Dating on YouTube.



Get full access to The Data-Driven Creator at jward221984.substack.com/subscribe]]>https://jward221984.substack.com/p/49-degrees-north-19-brianne-nord-93ed0a2df0e22f906452bf40270cf06b66cWed, 28 Feb 2018 05:30:00 GMTJohn WardWriter-producer-director (Trolls, Young & Reckless) discusses the creation of her webseries The Dangers of Online Dating, and her path to becoming a director. You can keep up to date with Brianne’s work on her , and you should watch The Dangers...No3092<![CDATA[49 degrees north #18 - Ken Craw]]>Writer and producer Ken Craw (Heartland) makes time to chat about writing on Heartland, how the X-files led him to Vancouver, and how he made his own indie one-hour pilot.



Get full access to The Data-Driven Creator at jward221984.substack.com/subscribe]]>https://jward221984.substack.com/p/49-degrees-north-18-ken-craw-6a65f07589e9b58e2d2b49776e5bd501d48Wed, 21 Feb 2018 05:30:00 GMTJohn WardWriter and producer (Heartland) makes time to chat about writing on Heartland, how the X-files led him to Vancouver, and how he made his own indie one-hour pilot.No3451<![CDATA[49 degrees north #17 - Amanda Verhagen]]>Award-winning indie producer Amanda Verhagen (The Devout) talks about filmmaking, life as an indie producer, and why we should all watch The Dressmaker. You can find more information about Amanda and her myriad projects on her website, and you should watch The Devout on iTunes.



Get full access to The Data-Driven Creator at jward221984.substack.com/subscribe]]>https://jward221984.substack.com/p/49-degrees-north-17-amanda-verhagen-98bad1feb82d3591fdc509308072234a267Wed, 14 Feb 2018 05:30:00 GMTJohn WardAward-winning indie producer (The Devout) talks about filmmaking, life as an indie producer, and why we should all watch The Dressmaker. You can find more information about Amanda and her myriad projects on her , and you should watch The Devout on .No2610<![CDATA[49 degrees north #16 - David Elver]]>Animation writer David Elver (Nerds and Monsters, Pirate Express) breaks down the animation writing process, his trajectory from actor to writer, and reminisces about helping Bruce Willis find an elevator.



Get full access to The Data-Driven Creator at jward221984.substack.com/subscribe]]>https://jward221984.substack.com/p/49-degrees-north-16-david-elver-eff7248b93091c00403508b261b9d785569Wed, 07 Feb 2018 05:30:00 GMTJohn WardAnimation writer (Nerds and Monsters, Pirate Express) breaks down the animation writing process, his trajectory from actor to writer, and reminisces about helping Bruce Willis find an elevator.No2281<![CDATA[49 degrees north #15 - Jennica Harper]]>Award winning writer, producer & poet Jennica Harper (Cardinal, Motive) discusses back-to-back stints in the Somewhere Between and Cardinal writing rooms, her approach to storytelling and her monkey spy movie!!



Get full access to The Data-Driven Creator at jward221984.substack.com/subscribe]]>https://jward221984.substack.com/p/49-degrees-north-15-jennica-harper-d0c58e1b45192ec99e17d5a659b5db26429Wed, 22 Nov 2017 05:30:00 GMTJohn WardAward winning writer, producer & poet (Cardinal, Motive) discusses back-to-back stints in the Somewhere Between and Cardinal writing rooms, her approach to storytelling and her monkey spy movie!!No4243<![CDATA[49 degrees north #14 - Jason Filiatrault]]>Screenwriter Jason Filiatrault discusses his new feature film Entanglement, the importance of letting story ideas percolate, and the need for writers to be more pro-active in taking control of their material. Please follow him on Twitter and check out his website for more information. He also tweets as Sarcastic Rover.



Get full access to The Data-Driven Creator at jward221984.substack.com/subscribe]]>https://jward221984.substack.com/p/49-degrees-north-14-jason-filiatrault-2166d4fb6f2411dd80fe08e5d1a51b7cd98Wed, 15 Nov 2017 05:30:00 GMTJohn WardScreenwriter discusses his new feature film , the importance of letting story ideas percolate, and the need for writers to be more pro-active in taking control of their material. Please follow him on Twitter and check out his for more information....No4091<![CDATA[49 degrees north #13 - Sarah Dodd]]>Writer and Showrunner Sarah Dodd (Cardinal) talks Cardinal season two, writing the perfect index card on Ransom, and breaking into the industry.



Get full access to The Data-Driven Creator at jward221984.substack.com/subscribe]]>https://jward221984.substack.com/p/49-degrees-north-13-sarah-dodd-0d7f99affa5b3a0df0b590fc581bb806fdeWed, 08 Nov 2017 05:30:00 GMTJohn WardWriter and Showrunner (Cardinal) talks Cardinal season two, writing the perfect index card on Ransom, and breaking into the industry.No3330<![CDATA[49 degrees north #12 - Rachel Langer]]>Award-winning writer Rachel Langer (Ghost Wars, This Life) chats about her time on Ghost Wars, and what she learned from This Life. Check out Rachel’s website for news and updates and also visit the Aeternus webseries site for more information on that project.



Get full access to The Data-Driven Creator at jward221984.substack.com/subscribe]]>https://jward221984.substack.com/p/49-degrees-north-12-rachel-langer-c5ff9d85a26805c577a5ce206fb92eb6e7eWed, 01 Nov 2017 04:30:00 GMTJohn WardAward-winning writer (Ghost Wars, This Life) chats about her time on Ghost Wars, and what she learned from This Life. Check out for news and updates and also visit the for more information on that project.No2541<![CDATA[49 Degrees North #11 - Steve Neufeld]]>Writer Steve Neufeld (Coded) discusses the origins of this award-winning web-series, and we dig deep into his personal writing process.

For more details about Coded check out the Coded website and follow them on social media for updates.



Get full access to The Data-Driven Creator at jward221984.substack.com/subscribe]]>https://jward221984.substack.com/p/49-degrees-north-11-steve-neufeld-d60d418973ed0582227b6f9b709d4de6d06Wed, 25 Oct 2017 04:30:00 GMTJohn WardWriter (Coded) discusses the origins of this award-winning web-series, and we dig deep into his personal writing process. For more details about Coded check out the and follow them on social media for updates.No3351<![CDATA[49 Degrees North #10 - Jeremy Smith & Matt Venables]]>Dynamic writing duo Jeremy Smith and Matt Venables (Van Helsing, Continuum) dig deep about their work on Van Helsing, and their writing team origin story. 



Get full access to The Data-Driven Creator at jward221984.substack.com/subscribe]]>https://jward221984.substack.com/p/49-degrees-north-10-jeremy-smith-1aa18fd6329ea9a47ab284287a285398214Wed, 11 Oct 2017 04:30:00 GMTJohn WardDynamic writing duo and (Van Helsing, Continuum) dig deep about their work on Van Helsing, and their writing team origin story.No3305<![CDATA[49 Degrees North #9 - Ryan W. Smith]]>Ryan W. Smith (Volition, Some Assembly Required) talks about his upcoming sci-fi thriller Volition, and shares his thoughts on writing and pitching in TV.



Get full access to The Data-Driven Creator at jward221984.substack.com/subscribe]]>https://jward221984.substack.com/p/49-degrees-north-9-ryan-w-smith-07843ec6d447405727c2e868b6837b5607fWed, 04 Oct 2017 04:30:00 GMTJohn Ward(Volition, Some Assembly Required) talks about his upcoming sci-fi thriller Volition, and shares his thoughts on writing and pitching in TV.No2619<![CDATA[49 Degrees North #8 - Paul Birkett]]>Paul Birkett (Drone) discusses how to build a career writing films. We also go on a deep dive into writing process and discuss how to define “a beat.”



Get full access to The Data-Driven Creator at jward221984.substack.com/subscribe]]>https://jward221984.substack.com/p/49-degrees-north-8-paul-birkett-464c02ba2c84952b4775ac3fd2b02f30dc7Wed, 27 Sep 2017 04:30:00 GMTJohn Ward(Drone) discusses how to build a career writing films. We also go on a deep dive into writing process and discuss how to define “a beat.”No4161<![CDATA[49 Degrees North #7 - Dennis Heaton]]>Showrunner Dennis Heaton (Ghost Wars, Motive) teases the upcoming Ghost Wars, recalls the origins of Fido, and why we should be making short-films and web-series.



Get full access to The Data-Driven Creator at jward221984.substack.com/subscribe]]>https://jward221984.substack.com/p/49-degrees-north-7-dennis-heaton-fa3bf61958e48647a547aa343ea71997949Wed, 20 Sep 2017 04:00:00 GMTJohn WardShowrunner Dennis Heaton (Ghost Wars, Motive) teases the upcoming Ghost Wars, recalls the origins of Fido, and why we should be making short-films and web-series.No3984<![CDATA[49 Degrees North #6 - Ken Kabatoff]]>Ken Kabatoff (Travelers) discusses his experience in the Travelers season two writers room, being Dolph Lungdren’s assistant, and why we need co-productions.



Get full access to The Data-Driven Creator at jward221984.substack.com/subscribe]]>https://jward221984.substack.com/p/49-degrees-north-6-ken-kabatoff-906e3ccea375f0f756ed8eb2b8f004df1faWed, 13 Sep 2017 04:30:00 GMTJohn WardKen Kabatoff (Travelers) discusses his experience in the Travelers season two writers room, being Dolph Lungdren’s assistant, and why we need co-productions.No3217<![CDATA[49 Degrees North #5 - Todd Ireland]]>Todd Ireland (ReBoot: The Guardian Code, Continuum) discusses his journey from comic book creator to TV writer, and his excitement at working on the upcoming show ReBoot: The Guardian Code.



Get full access to The Data-Driven Creator at jward221984.substack.com/subscribe]]>https://jward221984.substack.com/p/49-degrees-north-5-todd-ireland-793b3659d30561f6d7682a8c4669848b49eWed, 06 Sep 2017 04:30:00 GMTJohn Ward(ReBoot: The Guardian Code, Continuum) discusses his journey from comic book creator to TV writer, and his excitement at working on the upcoming show ReBoot: The Guardian Code.No3900<![CDATA[49 Degrees North #4 - Karen Lam]]>Award-winning writer-director Karen Lam (Ghost Wars) discusses cannibal fairy-tales, transitioning from being a lawyer to a creator, and DIY filmmaking. Check out Karen’s website for more information about her current projects.



Get full access to The Data-Driven Creator at jward221984.substack.com/subscribe]]>https://jward221984.substack.com/p/49-degrees-north-4-karen-lam-0e55faf88ce8bff6b8fe46645858512f215Wed, 30 Aug 2017 04:00:00 GMTJohn WardAward-winning writer-director (Ghost Wars) discusses cannibal fairy-tales, transitioning from being a lawyer to a creator, and DIY filmmaking. Check out Karen’s for more information about her current projects.No3478<![CDATA[49 Degrees North #3 - SB Edwards]]>SB Edwards (Travelers) discusses her upcoming feature film Fall Back Down, attending art-school in New Zealand, and the ups-and-downs of working in TV. Check out SB’s website for more information about her current projects.



Get full access to The Data-Driven Creator at jward221984.substack.com/subscribe]]>https://jward221984.substack.com/p/49-degrees-north-3-sb-edwards-4fc6e05b684497756be167bff1d4a74e3ccWed, 23 Aug 2017 04:00:00 GMTJohn Ward(Travelers) discusses her upcoming feature film , attending art-school in New Zealand, and the ups-and-downs of working in TV. Check out SB’s for more information about her current projects.No3574<![CDATA[49 Degrees North #2 - Jennifer Siddle]]>John chats with Jennifer Siddle (Some Assembly Required) about web-series Plaid Men (the lost season of Mad Men), first jobs, Letterman, and the West Edmonton Mall – all while avoiding any mention of the Oilers.



Get full access to The Data-Driven Creator at jward221984.substack.com/subscribe]]>https://jward221984.substack.com/p/49-degrees-north-2-jennifer-siddle-fac21db93337d7c063a0c8e37abff641a6dWed, 16 Aug 2017 04:00:00 GMTJohn WardJohn chats with (Some Assembly Required) about web-series (the lost season of Mad Men), first jobs, Letterman, and the West Edmonton Mall – all while avoiding any mention of the Oilers.No2929<![CDATA[49 Degrees North #1 - Natty Moher]]>Natty Moher (Some Assembly Required) talks about writing his first TV script as a 12 year old, shooting your own TV pilot, and making the transition from comedy to drama.



Get full access to The Data-Driven Creator at jward221984.substack.com/subscribe]]>https://jward221984.substack.com/p/49-degrees-north-1-natty-moher-a00bae1465d7a65bd78551a6c16d7a69a34Fri, 04 Aug 2017 04:25:18 GMTJohn Ward(Some Assembly Required) talks about writing his first TV script as a 12 year old, shooting your own TV pilot, and making the transition from comedy to drama.No3424