Mainspring Documentary Premieres on TELUS' "Stories for Caregivers"

A new film by Mainspring Agency Launched on Stories for Caregivers

Care Beyond the City Lights: An Inside Look at Our New Documentary


We’re thrilled to announce the launch of the pilot episode of Care Beyond the City Lights, now available on TELUS’ “Stories for Caregivers” platform

As an Ottawa video production company, this project has been really meaningful for our team at Mainspring Agency, working closely with local community organizations in rural communities just outside of the nation's capital. We’re excited to give you an inside look into the making the pilot episode of this inspiring web series.



A Story from the Heart of Rural Caregiving

At the centre of Care Beyond the City Lights is Susan Kemp, a 75-year-old caregiver living in rural Ontario. Susan’s dedication to caring for Bill, a man with developmental disabilities, is the focus of the pilot episode, and her story shines a light on the unique challenges facing rural caregivers.

For Susan, living far from urban centers means finding help isn’t always easy. 

“I think some of the unique challenges living in the rural area that we live in is finding people that are willing to drive this far out of town to stay here with Bill” 

Susan’s words reflect the reality of rural caregiving. It is a life filled with love, yet one that’s often isolated and physically demanding. 


Susan Kemp helps Bill walk over a bridge in Smiths Falls, a production still from Mainspring Agency's Care Beyond the City Lights documentary


Why We Love Filming in Rural Communities

We've filmed all over the world, across various landscapes and on many continents, but filming a story so close to home was uniquely rewarding. 

Filming in Lanark County, the commute wasn't too bad for this Ottawa video production crew. The people in Lanark County are real salt-of-the-earth folk, they'll go out of their way to make you feel warm and welcome and the collaborators, characters, and communities on this shoot were no different.

Ben Hemmings, Director on the project, and Executive Director at Mainspring Agency stated:

“I’ve always been drawn to stories that aren't getting the media attention, and rural caregivers are definitely overlooked in that regard. These are the people holding communities together, and we wanted the filming process to reflect that quiet strength.” 

The remote setting also allowed us to incorporate the beautiful landscapes of rural Ontario, contrasting the isolation of the area with the warmth and love that define Susan’s care. The scenes where Susan interacts with Bill, asking him if he remembers his hospital visits, show the tender care involved in looking after someone with special needs in such an environment. These small, intimate moments were central to our storytelling.


Robert Eves looks through paperwork, a still taken from Mainspring Agency's Care Beyond the City Lights

Expert Voices Shape the Story

One thing that makes Care Beyond the City Lights unique is the inclusion of expert voices, who bring vital historical context to Susan's story. In the pilot we hear from Robert Eves, CEO of Lanark Community Alliance, who speaks about the broader issues facing rural caregivers across Canada. 

Another key voice is Julie Golding, a retired administrator who played a key role in transitioning individuals like Bill from institutions like the Rideau Regional Center into community-based care. 

“Deinstitutionalization was a positive move, but what happened when people actually landed in communities wasn’t always smooth.” 

Julie’s words emphasize the ongoing challenges faced by caregivers, particularly in areas where access to services is limited.


Bill looks straight at the camera, Care Beyond The City Lights, filmed by Mainspring Agency

Video Production Focussing on Humanity

What we think stands out most in Care Beyond is the human connection required to be a great caregiver. Susan’s care for Bill has not only shaped both of their lives but has also impacted everyone in Susan's family. 

While he's not related to them by blood, over the years, Bill has become part of the family. Susan’s grandchildren have grown up with Bill and this has been instrumental in shaping who they are becoming as they enter adulthood.

“Once we got used to it, it just became normal for us. We’ve all learned empathy and compassion, but the greatest gift, I think, is to watch your grandchildren learn it right at home.”

These personal, heartfelt moments reveal the real impact caregivers have.

It's not just about the individuals they care for, but about how love and care can shape the people around us and ultimately build stronger, more resilient communities.


Susan, Bill, and their son Jackson make smores by the fire, from the documentary Care Beyond the City Lights

How You Can Support Care Beyond the City Lights

The future of Care Beyond the City Lights depends on the success of this pilot episode. The feedback and engagement we receive from viewers like you will help determine whether the series gets commissioned for a full 8 episode season, exploring further stories of care from across Lanark County. 

These stories are repeated across the nation, from Saint John's to Victoria - and we hope the films can provide support, hope, and solutions for rural caregivers across Canada.

"The challenges of caregiving in rural communities is often overlooked. Caregivers in rural communities face unique challenges, and generally experience significant disparities in health and healthcare resources compared to their city-dwelling counterparts."


An aerial shot of the town of Perth with the waterpower in the middle of the image, the surroundings are largely green with trees, with occasional spires poking out and the town hall and gore street leading off into the distance

Watch the Film and Engage

We need your help to ensure the success of this project. Head over to TELUS’ “Stories for Caregivers” platform and watch the pilot episode of Care Beyond the City Lights. Once you’ve watched, please share the film with friends, family, and anyone who might be interested in rural caregiving stories. Your engagement—whether it’s watching, sharing, or leaving feedback—will make a difference in whether we can continue this series.

At Mainspring, we're a video production company that believes in the power of storytelling to connect people and make a difference. Care Beyond the City Lights is a reflection of that belief, bringing important, untold stories to light. We can’t wait to see where this journey takes us and are grateful to everyone supporting the series’ launch.


susan kemp looks out across the locks in smiths falls, ontario, a production still from the mainspring documentary care beyond the city lightsThe Vital Role of Partnerships in Video Production

Care Beyond the City Lights wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible partnerships that helped bring the project to life. Our collaboration with TELUS Fund, Carebridge Community Support, and Lanark Community Alliance was instrumental in making this pilot episode a reality. Each organization brought a unique perspective and critical resources to the project, ensuring that rural caregivers have an opportunity to share their stories with authenticity, compassion, and expertise. 

These partnerships highlight the importance of community collaboration in developing video storytelling that speaks to underserved populations like rural caregivers.


behind the scenes at mainspring agency filming in downtown Ottawa, the shoot is in the top floor of a high-rise and Parliament can be seen in the background, an ottawa video production crew is in the foreground, interviewing a woman with cameras, lights and microphones set up around her

More About Mainspring Agency – Ottawa Video Production Company

Mainspring Agency is a top Ottawa video production company, providing video production services in Canada and the US. We’re a passionate team of storytellers and visual artists committed to delivering exceptional video content.

We approach each project with a blend of creativity and strategy, ensuring that every video not only looks stunning but also drives meaningful results. Our work is driven by a desire to elevate our clients’ brands, connect with audiences, and make a positive impact on the world.

Whether it’s corporate video production, testimonial advertising, or documentary production, Mainspring Agency consistently ranks among the top Canadian production companies.

Reach out and see what’s possible today!

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