Justin Trudeau launches production company Hope and Hard Work

Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is officially pivoting from governance to the entertainment industry. Trudeau has launched a brand-new film and television production banner titled Hope and Hard Work, according to reports from various outlets. The venture was co-founded alongside Katie Telford, who served as Trudeau's longtime chief of staff during his time in office. The newly minted production company was unveiled at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Political Roots and Corporate Vision

The moniker of the enterprise carries distinct political resonance. According to reporting by sources, the title Hope and Hard Work serves as a direct reference to a political slogan and a cornerstone phrase frequently deployed in public speeches across the former leader's nine years as Prime Minister and with the Liberal Party of Canada. In a joint statement, Trudeau and Telford outlined their guiding philosophy for the private sector venture:

"At a time when the world can feel increasingly divided, we believe in the power of great storytelling to bring people closer. As a Canadian company, we have an opportunity to bring values including kindness, optimism, openness and a belief in one another to everything we make, wherever the story comes from and wherever it ultimately finds its audience."

Justin Trudeau and Katie Telford, Co-founders

Far from limiting itself to traditional motion pictures, Hope and Hard Work is structured to develop and produce projects across an expansive range of media formats. These include film, television, audio content, and live events or immersive experiences.

Venture Detail	Information
Founders	Justin Trudeau and Katie Telford
Debut Venue	Toronto International Film Festival
Initial Projects	Closer by Sea and Detective Aunty
Media Formats	Film, Television, Audio, Live Experiences

Initial Project Slate

Hope and Hard Work is wasting little time establishing its creative footprint, entering the market with a roster of already active adaptations. Among the initial projects in development is Closer by Sea, an adaptation of the book authored by Perry Chafe. Additionally, the company is producing an adaptation of Uzma Jalaluddin’s novel Detective Aunty. Trudeau and Telford are slated to take on executive producer credits for both of these foundational titles.

The company's debut aligns with a broader post-political trend. Trudeau's transition into the media production landscape bears close parallels to the path forged by former United States President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, who established Higher Ground Productions and subsequently inked a multi-year content agreement with Netflix.

Political Background and Personal Life

Trudeau began dating Katy Perry in 2025, shortly after her split from actor Orlando Bloom. The relationship has frequently intersected with the global spotlight. Perry recently recounted experiencing unusual nervousness when Trudeau attended one of her concert stops in Montreal during her tour.

"I always create a super special fan experience. But I don't typically get nervous. Maybe I get some butterflies on the first show because it's all the things coming together, and because of social media, you want to kind of get it right. But in Montreal, you know, this is the tour. This is the Lifetimes Tour. When the documentary comes, y'all might see me in a different way because … in Montreal, I was like, 'I can't look at him.' A lot of energy."

Katy Perry

"I think in the beginning of this tour, from the outside, everyone that wants to have a hot take, there were a lot of people betting against me, right, in the very beginning, and this and that. I'm having fun. I'm living my whole life. You want to call me the queen of cringe? I'm gonna suck the juice out of every single one of these fruits in this life. I'm gonna never have any regrets. I'm gonna leave no stone unturned. I'm going to live my life to the fullest. I am not scared."

Katy Perry