About Us
Big Time Decent
Bold Storytellers
Founded in 2020, Big Time Decent is a Vancouver-based production company specializing in original film and television content for top-tier clients including Netflix, Hulu, History Channel, Discovery Channel, MotorTrend, OutTV, INSP, AMI, Corus, and Bell Media.
The company produces unscripted and scripted series, feature documentaries, and digital content, with notable titles including: Rust Valley Restorers, Backroad Truckers, Yukon Rescue, The Last Captains, and Underdog Inc.
In addition to production, Big Time Decent operates Big Time Decent International, a distribution division dedicated to bringing the company’s growing slate of projects to broadcasters, streamers, and platforms around the world, while also representing select third-party content that aligns with the company’s brand.
From movies-of-the-week and independent features to premium television series, Big Time Decent has collaborated with a diverse range of partners including Hallmark, Magnolia Network, and Super Channel. The company’s 5,000 sq. ft. Vancouver headquarters houses 20 edit suites, a 5.1 sound mixing studio, a voiceover/ADR booth, and one of the city’s most advanced color grading suites, enabling Big Time Decent to support projects from development through post-production and global distribution.
Matthew Shewchuk
President - Executive Producer - Creator
Matthew Shewchuk has over 10 years experience in factual and scripted content as both a producer and a director. A multiple award-nominee, Matt has been a mainstay director on factual documentary series such as the hit Discovery Channel series Highway Thru Hell and Heavy Rescue: 401. He also took home a Canadian Screen Award for 'Best Direction in a Documentary Series' for his work on the final episode of Ice Pilots NWT (History Channel).
On the scripted side, Matt has produced a number of projects from feature films to television series, including an original concept for Comedy Central. Matt continues to develop original IP, while spearheading the scripted business development.
René Brar
Head of Development & Sales
René leads creative development and international sales for Big Time Decent, drawing on more than 20 years of experience in film and television. As a creator, he has sold original formats to Netflix, NBCUniversal, Sony Pictures, and Channel 4, and has executive-produced scripted and unscripted series across North America for Corus, Bell, Blue Ant, TVO, and AMI.
As an award-winning writer-director, René has created independent feature films and shorts that have screened internationally, earning recognition for their character-driven storytelling and distinctive visual style.
Earlier in his career, he worked as a story editor for Ridley Scott, contributing to the development of films including Black Hawk Down and Matchstick Men. He holds degrees in film and religion from Yale University.
Jeff Kinnon
Vice President of Factual
Jeffrey Kinnon is an executive producer and showrunner with two decades of experience in unscripted television. He has created, developed, and overseen original series across a range of formats, from documentary and factual to lifestyle and sports, with credits on Crave, CBC, History, Discovery, CityTV, Rogers Sportsnet, and NBC Sports.
With a strong editorial voice and hands-on production expertise, Jeff specializes in character-driven storytelling and high-stakes real-world environments. He has overseen projects from development through delivery, building teams and managing complex shoots across Canada and beyond.
Before stepping into the industry, he was an average drummer in an underrated band - an experience that taught him timing, hustle, and the value of a good backbeat.
EVE ZHOU
Financial Controller
Eve Zhou is an experienced accounting professional with over 20 years in the field. Her background spans public accounting and not-for-profit organizations, bringing broad financial expertise to her role as Financial Controller at BTD. Previously, as Manager of Technical Projects at CGA-Canada (now CPA Canada), she worked with leading CPAs on widely distributed accounting, auditing, and tax publications. Now in the film production industry, Eve is inspired by the creativity around her— even if she still proudly identifies as a traditional, conservative accountant.
FRANCES BOOTH
Development Coordinator
As the Development Coordinator at Big Time Decent Productions, Frances works across scripted and unscripted content, supporting projects from early development through pitch and market, in close collaboration with the Head of Development and Sales.
She holds a BA in Media Production from Toronto Metropolitan University and has a strong interest in story structure and the mechanics behind compelling, market-aware storytelling.
With experience in scripted development and business affairs, Frances brings both creativity and practical development support to the projects she works on, and is excited to be contributing to the growing slate of content at Big Time Decent Productions.
DEAN J. CHENOY
Legal Council
Dean Chenoy is a partner and co-leader of Miller Thomson’s national Entertainment and Media team. His practice focuses on media and entertainment law, specifically film, television, publishing, virtual reality and video gaming.
