Maritime made television

Of all the skills that Terri Lynn Kearsey gained in the Radio Television Journalism Program, the Ivany Campus grad says that professionalism, adaptability and a good work ethic were the most important.

“Every show and set I’ve worked on is different,” says Terri Lynn, who has worked on The Curse of Oak Island, Atlantic Journal, Eyes for the Job and Field to Fork. “There’s definitely nothing ‘average’ about a day in film and television. No matter the size of a production, things can change, and you have to be able to roll with it.”

Under a variety of titles, Terri Lynn says that whether she’s interviewing an actor on a red carpet or handling bookings and paperwork, her role is always to ensure that the many stories, cultures and traditions of Atlantic Canada make it to the screen.

“One of the greatest things about this job is the opportunity to meet and talk to so many people from so many cultures and walks of life,” says Terri Lynn. “They invite us into their communities and even their homes, and I feel privileged to be welcomed this way everywhere I go.”

Supportive industry

Drawing on skills gained through the Television Production Concentration route of her program, the Newfoundlander says she felt confident, ready and supported as she entered the industry. That feeling remains today.

“I worked part-time through the program with Chuck Calder, the owner of 45 North Broadcast Group and an NSCC grad,” says Terri Lynn. “I met him when he gave my class the chance to work on the Canada Winter Games. I guess I left the right impression, because he hired me for full time work when I graduated.”

In addition to this real, hands-on experience, Terri Lynn says her classmates and faculty are a big part of her success today. “We’re everywhere. I see NSCC grads on every production I’m on and industry event I attend. They were there for me in the program and it’s great to have so many grads and friends as part of my network now.”

She adds, “The teachers were so supportive too. I was able to go to incredible professionals like Steve Melanson, Yvonne Colbert, Erin Moore and Dave Bannerman at any time — then and now — and ask for help, advice and guidance.”

Spirit Talker

Terri Lynn is currently working on a new show for the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN). The show, Spirit Talker, follows Aboriginal medium Shawn Leonard on a live show tour across the Maritimes, Newfoundland and Quebec while he uses his abilities to bring healing to Indigenous communities.

As part of a crew from Halifax production companies Tell Tale Productions and Rebel Road Films, Terri Lynn was on the road — working in communities including Miawpukek First Nation, NL and Listuguj Mi'gmaq First Nation, QC. “We’ve been welcomed into communities and been part of ceremonies and traditions, and that's an honour I'll always remember.”

Terri Lynn says she deeply enjoys talking to people and hearing their stories. She believes that it’s important to ensure that the diversity of Canada is reflected on screen and in the media and finding these stories is essential.

“My family jokes that I haven't stopped talking and asking people questions about themselves since I was five years old. Fortunately, I’ve I managed to turn that into a career. I’m pretty grateful.”