A new comedy anthology TV series, 'I'm Also Here', premieres on February 12 on Bell Fibe TV1, showcasing stories from six small Ontario towns including Lindsay, Bobcaygeon, and Cobourg. Created entirely by women and non-binary artists, the six-episode show highlights everyday tales with unique local settings. Showrunner Naomi Snieckus drew inspiration from anthology films like 'Paris, je t'aime' to craft standalone yet connected narratives.
Produced by Firecracker Department and C'mon Mort Productions, 'I'm Also Here' features episodes set in Lindsay, Bobcaygeon, Cobourg, Cornwall, Arnprior, and Brockville. Each story unfolds in distinct local spots: a cornhole tournament at Lindsay's Cornapalooza for an indecisive bride's pre-wedding dilemma, directed by Hannah Cheesman; a massage therapy clinic in Cobourg where anthropomorphized emotions clash, helmed by Winnie Jong; and the lunchroom of Bobcaygeon's Senior Centre, following a quirky caregiver's comedic aspirations, directed by Aleysa Young.
Naomi Snieckus, founder of Firecracker Department launched a decade ago, wrote the three Kawarthas-based episodes and appears in all six. The series involves four writers, six directors, 11 cast members, and three directors of photography, all female or non-binary. Co-creator Liesl Lafferty penned the Arnprior episode, while Robin Duke wrote and starred in Cornwall's, and Wendy Litner scripted Brockville's, featuring actress Linda Kash.
"I wanted to do something that’s not just a typical series of following one person’s journey through the series," Snieckus explained, emphasizing the anthology format. Linking elements include a drifting plastic bag, narration by Kathryn Greenwood, and each town's slogan as opening dialogue. The team researched communities to capture unique traits, with Snieckus noting the Cornapalooza filming was "hilarious" and reflective of small towns' vibrancy.
Firecracker Department, born from Snieckus's podcast interviewing women and non-binary voices in comedy, prioritizes mentorship. "I can mentor people because I’ve had experience, but the person standing next to me with less experience can also be my mentor," she said. Snieckus hopes for a second season, viewing the project as a celebration of collaboration and humor.
The premiere airs February 12 on Bell Fibe TV1, Bell Canada's community network. A Toronto launch party at El Mocambo that evening includes a screening, cast meet-and-greet, and a set by comedian Ava Val, with free tickets via Eventbrite.
