Torrens on a full life in Canadian entertainment - The old and the new.

Jonathan Torrens has been a staple in Canadian entertainment for over three decades, evolving from teen TV host to actor, director, writer, and creative force. In a recent conversation, he shared insights into his remarkable journey that continues to unfold in unexpected ways.

Torrens' career began with Street Cents, a consumer affairs show for teens that aired on CBC for fifteen years. As he recalls, it was a total fluke - a producer saw him in a high school musical and invited him to audition. This opportunity launched him into the entertainment industry at a young age, providing him with surrogate parents and helping him discover his passion for asking questions for a living. Unlike the glamorous image some might expect, Torrens notes that hosting "a consumer affairs show on the public broadcaster on Saturday morning" didn't exactly make him the coolest kid in high school.

The conversation turned to the state of Canadian television and the challenges of creating content that resonates both domestically and internationally. Torrens observed that we're in a strange moment in media history where specificity is valued in podcasts and niche content, yet television networks need shows that appeal to broad audiences across increasingly fractured viewing habits. He points to shows like Trailer Park Boys and Letterkenny as examples of distinctly Canadian content that traveled well internationally precisely because of their authenticity and specificity.

One of the most fascinating revelations was about Torrens' venture into the movie trailer business. He purchased a fleet of trailers from a friend who wanted out of the business, seeing an opportunity to help maintain infrastructure for film production in Atlantic Canada. This investment coincided with controversial changes to Nova Scotia's film tax credit, which severely impacted the industry. Torrens provided a nuanced perspective on how policy decisions affect creative industries, noting the economic benefits that film productions bring to local communities - from hotel stays to restaurant meals to employment opportunities.

Torrens spoke passionately about his recent work directing "Pretty Blind," a sitcom starring Jenny Bovard, a woman with low vision and albinism. The show aims to portray life with a disability without making it the character's sole defining trait. "Being visually impaired is not how she self-identifies," Torrens explained, highlighting the show's commitment to authentic representation while avoiding common pitfalls in portraying disability on screen.

Throughout the conversation, Torrens reflected on how his approach to his career has evolved. Now more selective about the projects he takes on, he's focused on creating new characters and telling stories that genuinely interest him. "The thing that I'm interested in at this stage in my career is creating new things," he shared, emphasizing his desire for new experiences rather than retreading familiar territory.

Perhaps the most valuable insight came toward the end of the discussion when Torrens offered advice passed down from his father-in-law: "Instead of doing 13 things half-assed, pick two and go hard at them." This philosophy of focused effort rather than scattered attention seems to guide his current approach to both creative projects and life in general.

For aspiring creators and fans of Canadian media alike, Torrens' journey offers a compelling case study in longevity, adaptation, and remaining true to one's creative vision while navigating an ever-changing industry landscape.