BRYAN SMITH — Executive Producer, Writer/Director

Bryan is one of the founding partners of Grasslands Entertainment and has been Executive Producer for the Company’s television projects from its inception.

Before joining Grasslands Entertainment, Bryan had produced, directed and written over 50 television series, specials and documentaries. To date, Bryan has taken television crews to over 25 countries, and he has been presented with over 30 awards, including the Alberta Motion Picture Industries Association's “Best of Festival” award, the IRIS “Special Jury Prize”, and the prestigious Banff Television Festivals “Fellowship” award.

Today, he is currently serving as VP Programming and Head of Production. Bryan’s responsibilities include creating and developing new program content and overseeing all production aspects that come with producing, Prime-time, award-winning programs. Bryan’s amazing creative talent, combined with his aptitude for business have been key components moving Grasslands forward to now being one of the top 20 media companies in Canada with television content airing in over 60 countries.

JIM RIPLEY — Senior Producer, Writer/Director

Jim has a varied and extensive media and communications background spanning more than 27 years. A multi award-winning writer, producer and broadcaster, Jim has extensive television experience in program creation and production. He has also worked extensively within the advertising community as a writer consultant and producer for both radio and television.

Jim is one of the original founders of Grasslands Entertainment and one of the Senior Producers and Directors for the company. His responsibilities also include creative and operational aspects of Grasslands Entertainment including working with new content development, production, legal/business affairs, new media and marketing/promotion teams.

SUSAN CARDINAL - Series Creator, Writer/Director

Susan Cardinal is an award-winning documentary maker. Her various roles as journalist, writer, director, narrator and teacher highlight a dynamic career that started with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation's Radio service on British Columbia's north coast, and has taken Susan around the world.

As Creator and a Writer/Director for The Thirsty Traveler, Susan brings a love of travel and people plus a wealth of documentary experience to every show she does.

Two of her other documentary projects have garnered a string of awards. The Snow Eater (Discovery Channel) about Alberta’s phenomenal Chinook Wind took seven AMPIA awards in 2003, including Best Director and Best Writer. These honours follow on the success of another multi-award winner, God’s Explorers (History Television).

As a teacher, Susan has trained journalists in South Africa, Cambodia and across Canada. She’s also worked with the Institute for the Humanities at the University of Calgary.