Laura Power
Northern News Services
Published Friday, February 15, 2008

YELLOWKNIFE - If Chris White at Western Arctic Moving Pictures (WAMP) has his way, a few new shows will be added into the mix on community access television (channel 20).

White came up with the idea for a new cooking game show one day in the supermarket, and has since brainstormed a few possibilities involving live music and local film broadcasts.

Adam Bowick, left, and Paul Gordon, both former members of Western Arctic Moving Pictures, entertained Yellowknifers on community television earlier in the decade with their irreverent variety show Dump Talk. WAMP wants to hit the airwaves with a few new shows this year. - NNSL file photo

"We're just looking to encourage more production here in Yellowknife," White said. "Why not try and revive the age-old custom of community access television?"

E-mails are beginning to circulate about the new projects and interest has already been expressed by several members of the community.

Corby Lacroix of Northwestel Cable has been in touch with WAMP about the ideas, and said he thinks they will work.

He said Channel 20 usually will play programming such as commercials, bingo and the legislative assembly, and that new shows will attract more interest.

"I'm trying to attract more viewers to Channel 20, so it's kind of beneficial to both parties," he said. "Everybody enjoys a good cooking show."

White said community access television is sort of like a "gateway drug" in that it can provide up-and-coming filmmakers with an opportunity to get their foot in the door.

"We've got a couple of projects that have been shot throughout the year and we just want to have a showcase to exhibit people's projects," he said.

WAMP hopes to get feedback from the community as well as applications from people who would like to either host a show or take part in the behind-the-scenes productions of them.

"Right now we're going to try and get five episodes done if there's enough interest," White said.

He said he thinks the shows will be of great interest to the community.

"There's something really fun about seeing your friends, your neighbours competing against each other blindfolded," he said, adding "there might be a couple of gems in there that'll get picked up for broadcasting on one of the many specialty channels."

WAMP is accepting applications. The deadline to get in touch is Friday, Feb. 22.