Justin Trudeau, Katie Telford launch production company at TIFF

TORONTO — Former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his chief of staff, Katie Telford, are teaming up to launch a production company called Hope & Hard Work at the Toronto International Film Festival. The new venture, announced today, aims to create both scripted and unscripted content, with several projects already in development.

These include Perry Chafe’s Newfoundland-set coming-of-age novel "Closer by Sea" and Uzma Jalaluddin’s cozy mystery "Detective Aunty," both set for executive production by Trudeau and Telford. Trudeau, who stepped down from politics in January 2025, has been involved in various speaking engagements, including the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he discussed the significance of "soft power," which encompasses elements like popular culture.

At Davos, Trudeau was accompanied by his girlfriend, American pop star Katy Perry. The production company's move echoes the endeavors of former U.S. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, who founded Higher Ground Productions in 2018, leading to productions such as the 2023 biopic "Rustin" and documentary "American Symphony."

Additionally, Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, established Archewell Productions following their departure from official royal duties, producing podcasts like "Archetypes" and "Confessions of a Female Founder," as well as the unscripted series "Harry & Meghan" and "With Love, Meghan."