Oh, what a week it was!
In late February and early March of 2026, the fabulous film crew put together by Joe Media Inc. filmed the footage for the “sizzle reel” (2-minute promo video) for the “Complacent” documentary series project. It was an amazing experience!
Over a 10-day period (five full days of filming interviews plus several partial days of capturing b-roll footage), the crew visited multiple locations in the Calgary area and interviewed several of the participants who will be featured in the TV series.
From a funky diner in Olds to a beautiful home in Lake Bonavista to a bone-chillingly cold evening at Queen’s Park Cemetery, the experience of filming the different people at all the different locations was incredible. The sheer range of emotions experienced over the 10-day shoot was staggering…sorrow, anger, outrage, anxiety, stress, frustration, exhaustion, relief, gratitude. You name it, somebody (behind the camera or in front of it) probably felt it.
From the human perspective, we asked an awful lot from the people we interviewed…and every single person shared with us their heart, soul, experience & knowledge. The candour & courage shown by those who have experienced horrific personal tragedies and/or who have spent decades of their life tackling, in one way or another, the workplace safety issue was beyond inspiring.
The humanity, kindness, skill and professionalism of the filmmaking team – the director, DOP, crew & producers – was truly beautiful to witness.
From a technical & creative perspective, the film shoot was a resounding success in terms of the team capturing exactly the footage & soundbites needed to put together what will no doubt be an emotionally impactful, visually stunning & highly effective sizzle reel.
What is the “Complacent” series?
The “Complacent” documentary limited series will be 4 (or more) one-hour episodes (aired on TV and/or streaming service). It will be a character-driven series about the human cost of workplace death in Canada. Each year, close to 1,000 Canadians die because of their job. Thousands more suffer from life-altering injuries and occupational illnesses. This series sets out to understand WHY?
What will the “Complacent” sizzle reel used for?
The “Complacent” sizzle reel/promo video is an important development tool that, once it is produced (it will likely be ready in April), will be used to pitch the series to potential broadcasters, streamers & funders.
A huge shout-out to the entire team at Joe Media Inc, including Matt Gillespie (Executive Producer), Sheila Rae (Executive Producer), Sam Coombs (Director of Photography), Jack Chapman (Director) and Kendrey Gillespie (producer).
And a big heartfelt thank you to all the people we interviewed for the sizzle reel: Braeden Baragar, Julie Hamilton, Emily Gofton, Rob Stewart, Deputy Chief Cliff O’Brien, Rebecca Orr & Caitlin Orr.
Many thanks, as well, to Sarah Hourihan for spreading the word about the project on social media.
Here are some more photos taken from the sizzle reel film shoot (with a big thank you to our film shoot photographer, Sam Richey!):
And that’s a wrap!
Thanks for reading & take care,
Maryanne & the JPMF Team
About Const. John Petropoulos & the JPMF
Calgary Police Const. John Petropoulos died on Sept 29th, 2000. John was investigating a break and enter complaint when he stepped through a false ceiling, fell nine feet into the lunchroom below and died of a brain injury. There was no safety railing to warn him of the danger; the complaint turned out to be a false alarm. He was 32.
The John Petropoulos Memorial Fund was started shortly after John’s death by members of his recruit class. The JPMF is a Canadian charity that raises public awareness about workplace safety issues and educates people about why & how to ensure their workplaces and the roads are safer for everyone, including emergency responders.
Please visit jpmf.ca for details.
