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TORONTO, ON/ September 11, 2026 – Co-Founders Justin Trudeau and Katie Telford today announced the launch of Hope & Hard Work, a multidisciplinary media and entertainment enterprise dedicated to developing and producing engaging stories across film, television, audio and live experiences. From original concepts to existing popular stories, Hope & Hard Work is currently developing a diverse slate spanning scripted and unscripted projects, creating a home for storytelling that entertains audiences, inspires conversation and resonates in Canada and internationally.
Proudly Canadian, Hope & Hard Work’s foundational vision centres on investing in exceptional creators and stories that bring more hope, humanity and possibility into the world. Titles in active development include CLOSER BY SEA, a national best-seller by writer and producer Perry Chafe (Republic of Doyle, Son of a Critch) optioned by Hope & Hard Work; DETECTIVE AUNTY by the critically acclaimed and best-selling novelist Uzma Jalaluddin optioned by Neshama Entertainment and producer Todd Berger, with Trudeau and Telford serving as Executive Producers.
By optioning popular literary works alongside the development of original concepts, Hope & Hard Work is building a slate that reflects the complexity of the modern world, while offering a mix of optimism and joyful entertainment.
“At a time when the world can feel increasingly divided, we believe in the power of great storytelling to bring people closer. 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,” said Justin Trudeau and Katie Telford, Co-Founders. “As a Canadian company, we have an opportunity to bring values including kindness, optimism, openness and a belief in one another to everything we make, wherever the story comes from and wherever it ultimately finds its audience.”
As part of today’s launch, Hope & Hard Work also announced a strategic partnership with Earth Tones, a purpose-driven media company founded by Aliya Jasmine and Aliza Sovani. Jasmine and Sovani will lead the unscripted division of Hope & Hard Work and produce projects to build a robust slate of premium documentaries and docuseries. Projects currently under the Earth Tones banner, including TAKE A HIKE! and NORTH COUNTRY, will be co-developed with the company.
Several projects are in active development, with key creative talent attached and production timelines to be announced in the coming months. Highlights from Hope & Hard Work slate include:
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.
Hope & Hard Work and its principals are represented by 3 Arts Entertainment.
About Hope & Hard Work
Hope & Hard Work is a multidisciplinary media and entertainment company founded by Justin Trudeau and Katie Telford. Across scripted and unscripted film and television, audio and live experiences, Hope & Hard Work backs creators, innovators and entrepreneurs whose ideas have the power to move culture forward and bring people closer. Grounded in the belief that stories can shape how we see ourselves, understand one another, and imagine what is possible, Hope & Hard Work develops and supports projects that invite curiosity, challenge convention and expand our understanding of one another and the world we share.
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