Original Programs
Big Soul Productions has produced one season of its own original award-winning series, The Seventh Generation, an Aboriginal youth role model currently airing on the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network. The series has been acquired by the Saskatchewan Communications Network for the Fall 2001 season. The Seventh Generation received the award for Best Television Program at the imagineNative Aboriginal Media Arts Festival 2000 and was nominated for Best Public Service at the American Indian Film Festival in San Francisco. In 2001, The Seventh Generation was screened at the Sundance Film Festival in Salt Lake City, Utah.

A second season of The Seventh Generation is currently in production for the January 2002 lineup. A new series, Into The Music, is currently in production. In May 2001, Big Soul completed post-production on a pilot for a dramatic series entitled, repREZentin’ and is seeking a license to produce 12 more episodes.

Services
Big Soul expanded its services in 2001 to include production, post-production and creative services for PSA’s, corporate videos and commercials.
Big Soul offers equipment rentals on digital video cameras and lighting packages.
Big Soul also runs film and video workshops for Aboriginal youth.

Technology
Recognizing the budgetary limitations of current industry techniques for television and film, Laura and Jennifer opted to utilize a new technology that is cost-effective and efficient. They currently produce the only television series that is entirely shot on mini-DV and edited on Macintosh G4 systems using a revolutionary new editing tool, FinalCut Pro. This technology provided Big Soul Productions with the competitive edge it needed to establish itself as a viable production company in a saturated market.

Production Equipment
JVC GYDV500 Mini DV Camera
Lighting Package
Various mini-DV and Digital 8 video cameras

Post-Production Equipment & Software
3 Macintosh G4 Editing Systems
Beta SP Player/RecorderProfessional Sony Trinitron 20” Monitor
FinalCut Pro 2.0 Editing Software
Voiceover and Dubbing Capabilities
Closed-Captioning Program
Various Multimedia Software

“Legend has it that the Shamans who predicted the arrival of the white man and the near destruction of our people also foretold the resurgence of the Aboriginal people seven lifetimes after Columbus. We are the seventh generation.”

“THE SEVETH GENERATION” is a unique television series, the first ever of its kind. It is designed to act as a vehicle for young Aboriginal achievers to showcase their excellence in various fields including arts, entertainment, music, business, politics, medicine, science and technology.

“THE SEVENTH GENERATION” profiles our future leaders and casts a positive light on Aboriginal youth everywhere, taking a pro-active role in the breaking-down of stereotypes. There has been a recognized absence of Aboriginal youth in the media. This void can be filled through positive programming that reflects this demographic and appeals to both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal audiences. Each of the thirtenn episodes focuses on two young Aboriginal achievers at their places of work, residence, education and leisure. The show reflects the diverse range of talent within Canada’s three distinct Aboriginal communities: Indian, Inuit and Metis.

“THE SEVENTH GENERATION” is produced, directed, researched, written by an entirely Aboriginal production staff and is hosted by film and television star Jennifer Podemski, most recognized for her leading roles in Bruce McDonald’s Dance Me Outside and the Canadian television series The Rez,now in syndication around the world.

“THE SEVENTH GENERATION” is one of the first series on television to be shot on digital video and edited on Final Cut Pro.

Screened at the Sundance Film Festival in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Awarded Best Television Program at the imagineNATIVE Aboriginal Media Arts Festival.
Nominated for Best Public Service at the American Indian Film Festival in San Francisco.