With its premiere almost a decade ago, peopleWatching soon became much-loved amongst its viewers. This show chronicles the lives of 20 to 30-year-olds and the day-to-day scenarios that they face. From the woes of current-day dating to adult loneliness, peopleWatching depicts heartfelt stories about relatable problems in the current age. After two seasons, the show went on hiatus for a few years in 2017 and is now back with its third season, which premiered in 2025. In this interview, producer Bracken Burns opens up about peopleWatching and the Season Three premiere episode titled “…Almost” which will be showcased at the WIFT+ Showcase on May 13th, 2026.
peopleWatching is a mini-series with a first and second season that came out in the mid 2010s. What initially drew you to this project when you decided to come on board for its third season?
I originally joined peopleWatching as an actress. I auditioned for the role of Flossy, and I now play her. After meeting Geoff Lapaire and Winston Rowntree for Season One, I knew I wanted to contribute more, so I moved into producing as well as acting.
There is a lot of love and appreciation from the audience for the series. The first season premiered in 2017, followed by a second season in 2018. The third season was then released in August 2025. What caused this long hiatus?
Without going into too much detail, we actually had HBO on board and were developing with them. However, we decided after many different changes to come back to Canada and produce Season Three here.
Between the release of Seasons Two and Three, the entire world experienced the COVID-19 pandemic. This period resulted in a lot of changes in social behaviours and interactions that left a long-lasting impact on us as a society. How did the issues that you address in the show evolve or change due to this?
Our characters are constantly dealing with isolation and the challenges of society as it pertains to our mental health. I don’t think we comment directly on COVID-19 pandemic but I’m sure you could see some relatable themes in there.
The series tackles heavy themes like depression and self-doubt while still feeling very relatable, engaging, and at times, humorous, in animation. How did you approach supporting that balance from a producing standpoint?
I think that the heavy themes were brilliantly tackled by our writer and creator, Winston Rowntree. When we were recording the radio play, I can speak from an actor‘s point of view that the script in itself was therapeutic. Uncommon in animation was the fact that we had a day of rehearsal where we sat in the circle and came together around these themes and took time for the words on the page without microphones present.
The Season Three premiere “Almost…” explores uncertainty, self-imposed isolation, yet the underlying need for human interaction and connection. How did you help shape the tone and direction of this episode during development?
As a producer, my job is to make sure the actors are all taken care of and the crew is taken care of. I believe that would help shape the tone. I was also in charge of producing 10 mental health PSAs with Damon McLean of Tipping Hand Media. This was a brilliant way to connect to our audience, the community that watches this brilliant show.
In terms of the direction of this episode, all kudos go to Winston Rowntree and Geoff Lapaire, who are both exceptional.
PeopleWatching features characters that challenge stereotypes in unexpected ways. As a producer, how important was it for you to ensure those perspectives felt authentic?
We hired actors with lived experiences. Maybe not exactly the same but they each had an experience in their own lives to pull from.
Keeping the animation aspect in mind, what were some of the biggest production challenges in bringing Season Three, and especially the premiere episode “Almost…”, to screen?
The animation pipeline has a lot of moving parts. For this, Lakeside Animation was just incredible and made our jobs much easier!
For this episode specifically, I would talk about the recording process. We like to record as a radio play and when there are 5 plus characters that means a big recording space where we can all be together but without bleed. We ended up having to switch off mics just due to the number of actors in any one given scene. Otherwise, it was anywhere from 2-5 actors present at one time.
Being selected for the WIFT Toronto Showcase is a significant milestone. What does this recognition mean for you as a producer and for the future of peopleWatching?
I am super proud to be part of this showcase. I like that it celebrates the women behind these incredible projects. I’m hoping the showcase helps to connect me to talented writers and creators for future collaboration!
Quick Takes
Q. What projects are you currently pitching or developing?
I have a full scripted slate with my production company, where I am Head of Scripted. However, I also Pitch and help with development in the unscripted side(with our Head of Unscripted, Harriet Luke). I am currently in development with a book adaptation. We optioned the novel HAIR FOR MEN by Michelle Winters.
A comedy with Romeo Candido, finishing up development and going out to buyers called “BAREBACK AND THE MEDIUM”. I’m also working with Scott Farley and Matthew Finlan on their sketch comedy HOMOMILK, which we are filming a pilot for in the coming months. “
I have incredible female-led/written feature films on the slate, including “TO ALL THE WITCHES I HAVE KNOWN” by Ola Rivlin, “BINGO NIGHTS” by Jessie Anthony, and “ONE BULLET” by Katrinka Scott.
Q. What stage are these projects in (writing, pre-production, post-production)?
They are in the pitching and developing stages. In terms of production –
I have a new Animated series in pre-production. I have an ultra-marathon documentary in post-production. A short film going to camera on Monday. And a feature documentary finishing up our festival run with Imaginative (June) before arriving on CBC GEM.
Q. What kind of collaborators are you looking for right now? (writers, actors, producers, crew, etc.)
Creators. Looking for passionate storytellers with something unique to say. Always taking pitches and happy to connect with emerging talent.
Also looking for a development producer for our scripted department.
Q. How can people get in touch if they want to collaborate or learn more?
Please email me Bracken.burns@cuttingclassmedia.com
Q. Are you looking for submissions, funding, or other opportunities?
Yes – looking for submissions for comedy and drama. Animation and live action.
Q. Any upcoming events, screenings, or launches readers should know about?
My documentary:
IMAGINATIVE 2026
What We Carry
Thursday June 4, 2026 | 1:00 PM
TIFF Lightbox, Cinema 1
Photo Credit: Damon McLean
