Haliburton’s Kate Campbell is proud of the work she has done to bring the television series Trailbazing Talks with Dini Petty to screens beginning Oct. 13.
“I’m so excited to have this out in the world and to be leading the way with her. It’s a perfect synergy,” Campbell said in a phone interview from Niagara on the Lake Oct. 2.
Campbell was introduced to Petty through a mutual friend in 2018 or 2019. She was keen to meet her as Petty had been a pilot flying out of Buttonville Airport “in the day.” Campbell’s grandmother was also a pilot. Campbell invited Petty to be a part of her short film, Boundless, released in 2021.
“Dini has been a huge source of inspiration to me over the years – not only as a pioneering broadcaster and a pilot, but as a woman unafraid to speak the truth,” said Campbell, who is creator, showrunner and executive producer. She added, “to collaborate with her on Trailblazing Talks is a full-circle moment, and I feel honoured to help carry forward her legacy and bring her voice and presence back to audiences in a new way.”
It’s been intense working on the premiere and the series. She likens it to a masterclass and jokes her brain is fried from the things that she has learned; such as negotiating contracts.
“I had those skills before, but this is like on steroids, which is great. It’s required levelling up. You’re throwing yourself in the fire and going ‘ok, I really want this to happen and I want to learn and grow through this and I believe in it, so how are we going to find solutions to all of the many problems?’ It was a lot of blood, sweat and tears.”
Though only 44, Campbell talks about her legacy, and leaving the world a better place than when she arrived. She thinks the new series contributes to that.
“I created this for an older person to host. I want to see more older women in the mainstream.”
She added the majority of feedback they are getting is that it is comforting for people to have Petty back on television “with the craziness that is going on in the world.”
“Having a woman from their past sharing her perspective in a public way and being visible again makes people feel safe and comfortable.”
She added when they filmed in a St. Catharines studio at night the audience was “captivated by interesting conversation.”
Petty said, “at this point in my life, I am drawn to deeper conversations about resilience, courage, and the true cost of leadership. Trailblazing Talks is about honouring those who dared to lead and reminding us that it is never too late to step forward with purpose”
When the show airs Thanksgiving night, Campbell said they will hold a viewing party.
“It’s the first hour of TV I’ve been a director and show runner of … with more episodes to come.”
Petty had nothing but praise for Campbell.
“Kate is one of the most creative, energetic, brilliant women I’ve met in a long time. She is tireless. She’s been going 24/7 for I don’t know how long on this project. She just doesn’t stop. Meeting Kate has been one of the pieces of good fortune in my life.”
The one-hour television event airs Monday, Oct. 13 at 9 p.m. on The News Forum network and on thenewsforum.ca. It features Tonya Williams, and Olympic gold medalist and Senator Marnie McBean. Channel numbers are different for each TV provider, so the fastest way to find them is by checking your on-screen guide. Featured channels: Bell Satellite: Channel 506; Rogers: Channel 107; Shaw Direct: Channel 253 and Telus: Channel 842
