TV5 Québec Canada’s specialty channel Unis TV on Tuesday announced filming has started on the first locally created French-language drama series in British Columbia.
The new original series from Unis TV, in collaboration with Bell Media’s Crave, Surf Bay, côte Ouest, is a coming-of-age drama that “blends the thrill of surfing, the urgency of environmental activism, and the intensity of family drama, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of Vancouver Island,” reads a description in a TV5 press release.
The series will premiere on the TV5Unis free streaming platform in spring 2026, followed by its linear debut on Unis TV. A broadcast on Crave is scheduled for 2027, according to the press release. This project marks the first collaboration between Bell Media and Unis TV.
Directed by Dominic Desjardins, the 10 23-minute episodes are co-produced by Reign Films’ Magali Gillon-Krizaj and Locomotive Média’s Anthony Cauchy, both based in Vancouver. The series is written by a team of screenwriters from various provinces, including Paul Ruban and Dominic Desjardins from Ontario, Marie-Claire Marcotte from Alberta, and Sophie Bernier from Quebec.
The cast includes actors from British Columbia and across Canada, including Camille Felton, Mia Wistaff, Tony Hiu Joong Giroux, Henri Picard, France Perras, Jessica Heafey, Karl Walcott, Emilie Leclerc, Jackie Blackmore, Everick Golding and Ben Cotton.
Felton plays Margot Swann, a professional surfer deeply attached to her hometown of Surf Bay. “When tourism development threatens an ancient forest, she takes a stand — risking her career and clashing with her community, including her own family. As tensions rise, Margot must face the waves, as the storm she has stirred up could sweep away her Olympic dream,” a synopsis says.
The landscapes of his adopted region inspired co-producer Cauchy to develop this story, he said in the press release. “The surf beaches of Vancouver Island are truly unique — the forest merges with the ocean, creating a sense of being at the edge of the world. I saw an opportunity to create a drama series that breaks away from typical surfing cliches. With a strong Francophone presence and the energy of local youth, we’re telling a generational story driven by contemporary environmental issues,” Cauchy said.
“Surf Bay, côte Ouest stands out for its production quality, the commitment of its Francophone creators from the West, and the relevance of its timely subject matter,” said Jérôme Hellio, director of content for TV5 and Unis TV. “This story, led by a strong heroine and an inspiring natural setting, echoes the values we aim to promote. It embodies Unis TV’s mission: to trust Francophone creators, support regional talent, and tell universal stories deeply rooted in their local communities.”
“It is a great source of pride to offer our audiences the first French-language fiction series produced in British Columbia. Unis TV has long worked to develop emerging talent and energize French-language production nationwide. This series represents the culmination of that effort,” added Yann Paquet, president and CEO of TV5 and Unis TV.
“We are very pleased with this first collaboration with Unis TV, which allows us to bring to the screen stories rooted in the heart of our Canada and its breathtaking landscapes. It highlights the exceptional talent of Francophone creators across Canada, particularly young actors,” said Sophie Parizeau, general director of fiction at Bell Media.
Surf Bay, côte Ouest is produced with the financial participation of the Canada Media Fund, Creative BC, and the Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit.
Photos (left to right, top to bottom) of Mia Wistaff, Henri Picard, Camille Felton, Karl Walcott; Jessica Heafey, France Perras, Tony Hiu Joong Giroux, Emilie Leclerc, courtesy of TV5.
