In this episode of the Alberta Screen Impact Podcast, we sit down with Tom Cox and Jordy Randall, the executive producers behind SEVEN24 Films. With Heartland as Canada’s longest running one-hour drama and one of the most-watched shows on Netflix globally, these two Alberta industry leaders reflect on building a production company that’s helped define the province’s screen identity. From early days of advocating for local infrastructure to managing major productions like Wynonna Earp and Brokeback Mountain, Tom and Jordy share lessons on longevity, leadership, and the work ethic that drives Alberta-made storytelling.

In this episode:How Tom and Jordy’s shared birthday sparked the name of their production companyThe origin story of Heartland, and how it became a Canadian cultural exportWhy Alberta, not Quebec, became the home for Heartland, and what it took to convince CBCBuilding a production company in Alberta when there was no studio infrastructureThe evolution of Alberta’s screen sector and what’s changed since the “late 1900s”A behind-the-scenes look at Wynonna Earp, and the global fan campaign that saved itWhy Alberta’s film crews are “filmmakers first,” and what that means for production cultureThe risk and reward of producing in a province where the business is still catching up to the passionHow 724 has created thousands of jobs over two decades and why mentorship matters now more than everTips for emerging talent: what Tom and Jordy look for in new collaborators

Contacts

Guests: Tom Cox & Jordy Randall

Titles: Executive Producers & Managing Partners, SEVEN24 Films Films

https://seven24films.com/about/

https://gem.cbc.ca/heartland

“We’ve always said we’re building one season at a time. You’re only as good as your last year.” 

– Jordy Randall

“We didn’t just want to make shows; we wanted to build a business in the place we love to live.” 

– Tom Cox

This podcast is brought to you by the Alberta Media Production Industries Association (AMPIA), championing Alberta’s screen sector for over 40 years through advocacy, industry events, and professional development. Learn more or become a member at ampia.org.

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CREDITS

Hosted by: Justine Gamez Huckabay & Brent Kawchuk

Thank You to Our SupportersThis podcast is proudly presented by the Alberta Media Production Industries Association (AMPIA)

Produced in collaboration with Metamorphosis Media Group

Studio space and internship support provided by Mount Royal University, Broadcast Media Studies

Promotional support courtesy of the Alberta Film Commission

Series trailer edited by Joe Media Group

We’re grateful to these organizations for helping bring Alberta’s screen stories to life and into the world.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Id. d’épisode : 1000712338537

GUID : 683a8e11708e9fc9b47533ee

Date de publication : 10/6/2025 à 23:00:00