Vancouver-Island Shot Surf Bay, côte Ouest Launches This Month

Locomotive Media and Reign Films announced today that Surf Bay, côte Ouest (10 episodes x 22 minute) will launch nationally on TV5+ on 24 April 2025 and on Crave in 2027.

The team is hosting a special public screening in Vancouver on 17 April 2026. Three episodes will be presented at L’Alliance Francaise at 7pm followed by a Q&A. The series had a sold out world premiere in Montreal on 9 April. It will be the opening night selection at the Festival Courts d’un Soir.

Surf Bay, côte Ouest stars Camille Felton as Margot Swann. A professional surfer, who sees her life upended when she is driven to take radical action to protect the wild nature of her hometown on Vancouver Island. Once admired, she suddenly finds herself at odds with much of the community – including her own family – who favor tourism development over the preservation of an old forest. With her career now at risk, Margot must find her balance as the storm she has set in motion threatens to sweep away her Olympic dream.

Check out the trailer below

https://www.tv5unis.ca/videos/bande-annonces/151219

Producer Anthony Cauchy developed the series, originally from France, who fell in love with BC and its surf community.

The Beauty of BC

“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 clichés. With a strong Francophone presence and the energy of local youth, we’re telling a generational story driven by contemporary environmental issues.”

Director of the series Dominic Desjardins (Paris Paris, The Dollhouse) continues, “Surf Bay is a series about high-performance sport, but also about active environmentalism that isn’t defeatist at all, which feels refreshing these days, when we’re so often made to feel like it’s already a lost cause.”

First bilingual drama produced in BC

Surf Bay, côte Ouest is the first bilingual French-language drama series shot in British Columbia. Set in Tofino, the series highlights the area’s unique surf culture and natural beauty, providing a visually compelling backdrop rarely seen on television. The series showcases local talent, both in front of the camera and behind—supporting the growth of the BC indie scene and Francophone representation in the entertainment industry, work on the series led to the creation of Creaxion and event dedicated to fostering local French-language content and connection.

“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,” says Jérôme Hellio, Director of Content for TV5. “This story, led by a strong heroine and an inspiring natural setting, echoes the values we aim to promote. It embodies TV5’s mission: to trust Francophone creators, support regional talent, and tell universal stories deeply rooted in their local communities.”

“This first collaboration with TV5+ marks an exciting step forward, giving us the opportunity to bring to the screen stories deeply rooted in the heart of Canada and its magnificent landscapes. This project shines a light on the remarkable vitality of Francophone creators across the country, and especially on the next generation of acting talent,” adds Sophie Parizeau, General Director of Fiction at Bell Media.

Anthony Cauchy, director, writer created Surf Bay, côte Ouest. Dominic Desjardins (Paris Paris) serves as director, writer and showrunner on the series. The screenwriter teams includes staff from various provinces including Paul Ruban and Dominic Desjardins (Ontario), Marie-Claire Marcotte (Alberta), and Sophie Bernier (Quebec). Anthony Cauchy of Locomotive Media and Magali Gillon-Krizaj of Reign Films produced the series.

Casting News

The cast includes:

• Camille Felton (Noémie: Le Secret)
• Mia Wistaff (Due Process)
• Tony Hiu Joong Giroux (Motherland: Fort Salem)
• Henri Richer-Picard (Youngblood)
• France Perras (Battlestar Galactica)
• Jessica Heafey (Arrow)
• Karl Walcott (Riverdale)
• Émilie Leclerc (Motherland: Fort Salem)
• Jackie Blackmore (The Magicians)
• Everick Golding (The Flash)
• Ben Cotton (The Night Agent)
• Jilena Cori (Travelers)
• Fei Ren (Polar).

Cinematographer is Dany Lavoie and Kane Stewart edits the series. David Suzuki had a cameo in the series. Sponsors include Billabong, Rip Curl, Queen of the Peak, Hotel Zed and Aftanas surfboards.

Surf Bay, côte Ouest shot in and around Tofino, Ucluelet and in Vancouver. The locations used include Britannia Beach, Maple Ridge, Langley, North and West Vancouver. The series blends French and English cast and crew on a bilingual set. Over 60% of the crew speaking French, creating a dynamic and collaborative environment. The BC-based production team hopes this will lead to more French and English language content in BC. With potential cross-border interest and international appeal, elevating regional stories to national and global audiences.

Surf Bay, côte Ouest only exists with the support of the following:

• TV5
• Bell Media (Crave)
• Canada Media Fund
• Creative BC
• Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit

Bell Media will release the series on Crave in French and English in 2027.