Watcher, a new dramatic television movie with strong indigenous roots completed filming in North Bay, Ontario

WATCHER, a powerful new dramatic television movie with strong Indigenous roots, has completed filming in North Bay, Ontario.

Some stories are told. Others are carried by land, by memory, by spirit. 

Photo: Jason Barbeck and Gerald Auger

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE North Bay, Ontario — Watcher Pilot Productions Inc., in association with 

4 Directional Studios has officially completed filming this week on WATCHER, a powerful new dramatic television movie inspired by real events. Filming took place in North Bay, Ontario, in early December 2025 and wrapped on January 9, 2026.

When a young Indigenous girl (Geneva Waye) goes missing from a First Nations reserve, a Woodland Cree tracker (Gerald Auger) reluctantly partners with a former city detective (Jason Barbeck) with a colourful past. As the search intensifies, the two unlikely allies must confront cultural divides, personal demons, and the cost of justice in a race against time to bring the child home. With a history of bad blood between them, they must put aside their differences for the greater good – without killing each other in the process.

WATCHER stars Gerald Auger (Hell on Wheels), Jason Barbeck (A History of Violence), Brian Kaulback (Murdoch Mysteries, Shazam!), Georgina Lightning (Older Than America), Colm Feore (Landman, Dana Solomon (Anne with an E, Blood Lines), Umbrella Academy) and Patricia Hegedus (Hercules), bringing together a formidable cast of acclaimed performers. Strong storytellers such as Auger and Lightning lend cultural credibility and authenticity to the project, grounding the story in lived experience while delivering a compelling, character-driven drama.

Photo: Colm Feore with Patricia Hegedus

The first episode of WATCHER will be released as a Movie of the Week in April 2026, with plans to produce seven more episodes for a television series. Canadian broadcaster WIN HD TV has signed on to premiere WATCHER. 

“I am so excited to have the privilege of sharing these stories with incredible actors who bring such boldness and honesty to the piece.” Jason Barbeck, writer/director.

“WATCHER for me is when historical injustices meet modern-day reality and reveal many hidden truths in Western society and Indigenous communities.” Gerald Auger, 4 Directional Studios.  

About Watcher Pilot Productions Inc.

Watcher Pilot Productions Inc. is a Canadian production company committed to telling bold, socially relevant stories rooted in character, place, and authenticity. (Executive Producers: Dale Hildebrand, Brian Kaulback, Nicholette Williams and Gerald Auger.)

About 4 Directional Studios

4 Directional Studios is an Indigenous-owned production company dedicated to authentic storytelling and Indigenous-led narratives, supporting projects that reflect cultural truth, integrity, and community-driven perspectives.

Trimuse Entertainment will serve as WATCHER’s sales agent and distributor. The film was supported by the Canada Media Fund and the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation.

The producers and actors of Watcher are available for interviews upon request.

Media contact: Lesley Diana | lesley@thepromotionpeople.ca

Production contact: Jason Barbeck | newbourne11@gmail.com

Photo credits: Watcher Pilot Productions Inc.