Kootenay-made series Southern Interior launches with national support
A new Nelson-based sketch comedy series is turning everyday Kootenay life into on-screen gold
Southern Interior captures the unique flavour of West Kootenay life. — All photos courtesy of Southern Interior/Watershed Productions
A fresh take on life in the Kootenays is heading from the streets of Nelson to screens across the country. Southern Interior, a sketch comedy series created by Nelson-based filmmaker Amy Bohigian, has officially launched its first season, which is available now on YouTube. The project was backed by a range of local and national supporters—including the Bell Fund and renowned Canadian distributor Shaftesbury. The show combines sharp social commentary with a hyper-local lens, pulling inspiration from real-life Kootenay moments—from overheard grocery store conversations to farmers market quirks and downtown encounters that feel instantly familiar to anyone who’s spent time in the region.
Entirely shot in and around Nelson, the pilot season brought together a dream team of local talent. With writing, acting, and production driven by Kootenay creatives, the series reflects the community’s uniquely inclusive spirit and offbeat charm. Bohigian, a documentary filmmaker by trade, shifts into comedy while staying grounded in what she knows best: telling honest stories with a deep sense of place. We are left with a locally grown show that has national potential, and a roster of inside jokes for Kootenay viewers to catch.
We were fortunate enough to sit down with Bohigian to get an inside take on the series and its creation:
Amy Bohigian brought her vision to life with talented local cast members.
What inspired you to create Southern Interior?
I’ve always felt this place is incredibly unique. I’ve lived and travelled all over, but what stands out about the Kootenays is how it’s historically embraced outliers. We coexist with such different people, side by side.
As a documentary filmmaker, I’ve always been drawn to social issues. Comedy felt like a natural shift—a way to continue that social commentary, just with humour. So I nudged my work a few inches over from documentary and ended up here.
Can you walk us through how the series was funded?
Sure. For the development phase, we had funding from Creative BC, Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance (CKCA), and the Canadian Media Producers Association. That helped us bring writers together and produce a demo. We then used the demo and pilot script to apply for the Bell Fund, which became our main production funder. We also had generous in-kind support from the community and the Kootenay Film Commission.
How did filming in Nelson influence the production process?
We just moved half a block down the street—and that was our location change! That kind of flexibility just wouldn’t happen in a larger centre where everything takes more time, the crew is bigger, and budgets are heavier. We were nimble enough to shoot four different sketches in four different parts of my house, which actually became one of our main filming locations. So yeah—it wasn’t just local, it was uber local.
How was the project received by the community?
The response was amazing. We were allowed to film in the Kootenay Co-op during store hours because one of our cast members works there. We shot all over town—at the Pretorium, the Capitol Theatre, the farmers market, Baker Street, the Hume Hotel, and the Kootenay School of the Arts. People here really support creativity. Even when it wasn’t convenient, they said yes because it was a local project using local talent.
We had 137 people audition. We chose four for the main cast, but invited everyone else to be extras or day players. We literally walked from one location to another—sometimes just a block away.
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Were any of the sketches based on real experiences?
Definitely. Our writing sessions always started with something true. One sketch came from Michelle Hart, one of our writers, who went to the farmers market and couldn’t find anything but pottery. That made it into the show—and people totally related.
Another one: I went to the Co-op for a quick shop and ended up hearing about someone’s threesome. That’s Nelson! People visiting often ask, “Is it really like this every day?” And yeah—it kind of is. Every sketch starts from truth, whether we mirror reality or exaggerate it.
Do you plan to continue the series?
It’s up in the air, but yes—we’d love to. There are lots of variables, of course. But now we know there’s an audience for it, so we hope to keep going.
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Was any of the material improvised?
A bit, yes. Our cast came from different acting backgrounds. Michelle Hart and Lynne Karey-McKenna had lots of improv and sketch experience, so they brought that into their delivery and mannerisms. But most of the script stayed intact—sketches are short and need a quick setup and punchline.
We did keep the cameras rolling sometimes, and those takes became some of my favourites. There was a lot of collaboration during writing and rehearsal. By the time we filmed, we were locked in—but we left room for play.
What were some of the challenges during production?
The entire cast and crew got sick right before filming. We also worked with five dogs, two goats, a tired baby, and a bunch of kids—especially for the elementary school grad scenes.
That said, things went better than expected. People pitched in—even sweeping up goat poop on the street! We supported each other and had fun. That community spirit really carried us through.
What kind of feedback have you received so far?
Nothing but positive feedback—it’s resonated beyond just Nelson. People who live here, or used to live here, love sharing the show and saying, “This is my town.” That’s been the most rewarding part.
Since launching in early May, we’ve had close to a million YouTube views across all episodes. That kind of response speaks for itself.
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