By Rebecca Tinsley
When I first set out to create That Kind of Worked, I knew it would be a journey of trial and error. The concept was simple: take my twin sister Samantha and me, two East Coasters with a healthy dose of sibling rivalry, give us a ridiculous time limit, and throw us into challenges in which we have no expertise. What could go wrong?
The Genesis of an Idea
The idea for the show was born years ago. In our teens, my sister Samantha and I would poke fun at our parent’s fascination with HGTV shows. Extreme Home Makeover, Leave It to Brian, and Flip This House, to name a few. We began wondering what an HGTV show of our own could look like, albeit neither of us had any renovation experience. This idea expanded to include multiple skills and challenges — thus, That Kind of Worked was born.
As East Coast natives, we wanted to highlight the incredible talent and unique attractions of Fredericton while keeping the tone light and relatable. Samantha and my sibling dynamic added the perfect ingredient: authentic chemistry and competitive banter.
Writing the Blueprint
Producing the show started with a lot of planning. We drafted episode themes to challenge our abilities and showcase local businesses and institutions. Each episode required collaboration with local experts, from baking at Buttercream Dreams to designing runway-ready outfits with the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design. We wanted the show to be as much about the incredible people behind these trades as it was about Samantha and me hilariously failing (or succeeding) in our tasks.
Filming Day: Controlled Chaos
Filming the first episode was a mix of excitement and controlled chaos. With Wayne Russell, a contestant from Season 1 of the History Channel’s Alone, as our judge for the wilderness survival episode, we dove headfirst into the woods. It was a humbling experience. Samantha and I quickly learned that building a fire or finding a suitable spot for shelter isn’t as straightforward as it seems, let alone the added element of competition.
Behind the scenes, our crew worked tirelessly to capture both the scenic beauty of New Brunswick and our unscripted antics. One of my favorite behind-the-scenes moments was watching Samantha and I sprint into the forest with backpacks decked out with tiny flames. At the same time, Wayne stood by, shaking his head with amusement and terror — praying we would come out of the forest with the same amount of fingers we entered with.
Editing: Crafting the Story
In post-production, I aimed to edit the show in a style reminiscent of early 2000’s YouTube Buzzfeed videos. Quick cuts, humorous captions, and a dynamic mix of music kept the energy high while ensuring the story flowed smoothly. Balancing authenticity and education with entertainment was key; we wanted viewers to feel part of our adventure without losing the essence of the local expertise we were showcasing.
The Challenges of Producing
Producing That Kind of Worked came with its fair share of challenges. Coordinating schedules with local businesses, dealing with unpredictable weather, and ensuring we had all the necessary supplies and permissions were just a few of the logistical hurdles. On top of that, balancing my dual roles as “creator/producer/craft/editor/on-screen talent” required a level of multitasking I can honestly say I wasn’t entirely prepared for. (Thank you to my friends and family who watched me fully crash out but are still around today. I am forever in your debt.)
However, the support from crew, friends, family, and the community made all the difference. They served as a reminder time and time again why I wanted to create this show: to celebrate the people and places that make Fredericton extraordinary and to work on a fun project with (what I believe is) the dream team.
Lessons Learned
Looking back, one of the biggest lessons I learned was the importance of adaptability. Things rarely go according to plan on a production set, but those unexpected moments often lead to the most memorable footage. I also gained a deep appreciation for the craft and expertise of the people we worked with. Their passion was contagious.
I also learned how vital it is to maintain a sense of humor, especially when things go wrong. Whether it was a wardrobe malfunction, a rainy day, or a significant fumble in the last 10 seconds of a challenge, finding the comedy in the chaos helped keep the energy high and the experience enjoyable for everyone involved.
Lastly, I came to appreciate the resilience and dedication of the crew. Their commitment to capturing the perfect shot, even under less-than-ideal conditions, was a reminder of how much passion and teamwork go into every frame of a production. These lessons have not only made me a better producer but have also deepened my appreciation for the art of storytelling.
What’s Next?
As the show comes close to its release, I’m excited to explore even more ways to highlight what New Brunswick has to offer, whether we showcase local businesses and attractions or bolster the deep pool of talent that resides within it. Each project brings new opportunities to learn, laugh, and sometimes fail spectacularly. I hope that That Kind of Worked entertains and inspires viewers to step out of their comfort zones and support local businesses.
In the end, producing this show has been as much about personal growth as it has been about creating content. While not everything went as planned, I confidently say That Kind of Worked.
Be on the lookout for That Kind of Worked this summer on Bell TV1!