Project History
Producer Susan Nation of Hop To It Productions is pleased to announce early Development and Export Funding for a new series YOLO Bistro. This funding comes from ECG and the Canada Media Fund.
Susan has always seen potential for shows in restaurant settings. So many young people work as servers, cooks and bartenders. Drama, hook ups and funny moments are always taking place in restaurants. Susan herself has many memories of working at restaurant/nightclub The Cauldron while attending University.
Ten years ago Susan and business partner Nina Beveridge experimented with Cupid’s Cafe (CBC and Telefilm), an award-winning serialized sexy Cinderella story web series set in a cafe featuring Shay Mitchell and other future stars, plus an innovative interactive site and games.
The Series
With all the new opportunities to appeal to niche audiences with authentic stories, the timing seemed right for a new very different show set in a restaurant. A workplace comedy featuring the staff and customers at the YOLO Bistro. Aimed at 18-34 year olds the series shows a sexy, heightened look at #serverlife today. The series also focuses on authentic millennial issues such as finances, careers, sexuality, gender and relationships.
Next Steps
Hop To It is using the funding to hire a strong creative team and develop pitch materials including a 2-minute sizzle video. Hop To It is working with aspiring actors, servers, and writers Jamie Hart, Jonathan Neil Alexander, and Sophie Nation. Long-time Hop To It collaborator and digital series guru Carrie Cutforth is coming on board as a researcher and mentor. Further Mentors will be announced soon.
Susan is planning to take the pitch package to take to international markets. Thank you to ECG and the CMF for supporting female-driven indie production companies like Hop To It. We appreciate you providing women with the opportunity to thrive in an increasingly competitive global market.
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