Ann Martin is a seasoned broadcaster, producer, and the president of World Life Video Productions. Renowned not only in Canada but also internationally, she has made a significant mark in the world of television. Learn more about her life and career below, courtesy of torontoski.info.
Beginning Her Career in Toronto
Ann Martin was born in Kent County, England, and moved to Toronto in 1965. With prior experience at Lloyd’s of London, she initially worked in the investment industry. However, after appearing on TV and radio as an employment expert, Ann transitioned into broadcasting.
Between 1970 and 1979, Ann worked as a host and producer for the programs Working and World Positively Speaking on Channel 47. These shows focused on sharing business success strategies with viewers. Her programs captivated millions, and Ann became a role model for many aspiring professionals.
From TV Host to Producer
In 1984, Ann became the host of a new sports and entertainment show, Matinee Magazine, where she interviewed guests ranging from corporate executives to athletes and artists. During this time, she expanded her expertise by producing over 1,000 hours of programming and raising more than $1 million for new productions.
A year later, in 1985, Ann founded World Life Video Productions, her own company specializing in creating television content. By 1988, she had produced the series In Search of Our Heritage, sponsored by Mobil Oil. Inspired by this success, Ann developed an international documentary about pets, which received praise from both critics and audiences.
Another major milestone was her collaboration with Vision TV, National Film, and the Board of Canada to produce the documentary Canadian History. This project, which explored Canada’s history from nomadic peoples to immigrants, was filmed in various cities and aired in the fall of 1991.
In 1991, Ann produced On Top of Canada, a special program commemorating Canada’s 125th anniversary. It was the first of her works to be released in multiple languages, including English, French, Japanese, and Spanish. The following year, she filmed a continuation of the Canadian History documentary.
Her passion for storytelling extended beyond television. Ann collaborated with tourism boards and corporations, crafting national advertising campaigns and promoting travel. In 1995, she became the travel editor for the weekly publication Tandem, refining her production skills while traveling to Asia, Europe, and North America.
In 1996, Ann was elected president of the Travel Media Association of Canada, an organization uniting Canada’s leading journalists and TV hosts in creating travel-related content.
By 1999, Ann was producing a weekly television show, On Top of the World Too, which aired nationally on Prime. Her success continued as she partnered with Reader’s Digest and PBS Television in 2004, creating four television programs.
Ann Martin’s contributions to Canadian television and tourism earned her numerous accolades. In 2005, she received the Starwood Award for Outstanding Achievement for promoting Canadian tourism in the United States. The following year, she was honored with the AMTEC Award for advancing media technology in Canadian education.
Today, Ann Martin remains active in the industry, producing engaging and educational programs for viewers. Her dedication to her craft and passion for storytelling continue to leave a lasting impact on Canadian television.