When filmmaker, writer, and director Vanessa Magic joined CBC’s long-running series Heartland as part of her observership through the Black Screen Office’s Black Women Directors Accelerator, she knew she was stepping into something rare. Nineteen seasons in, the show carries a strong sense of community and rhythm—but for Vanessa, it also offered an opening into a world of horses, outdoor locations, and the unique challenges of keeping a beloved series fresh for its fans.

Feeling at Home on Set

From the very first day, Vanessa felt like she belonged. Her name was on the call sheet, she had her own office, and she was welcomed into production meetings, table reads, and even the edit suite. She credits much of that experience to Michelle, the director she shadowed—an actor-director hybrid who led with kindness, precision, and deep respect for both story and crew.

“Michelle made sure I was always included,” Vanessa recalls. “She’d invite me into conversations, run scenes with me, and even check that I had lunch. Watching her protect her vision while still being collaborative showed me exactly the kind of director I want to be.”

Lessons in Craft and Leadership

On a show that moves at such a fast pace, Vanessa quickly saw the value of preparation and backup plans. With multiple locations and story beats per episode, pacing is key. Sometimes, that meant leaning on creative efficiencies like a perfectly executed oner that saved time without sacrificing impact.

“It reminded me that TV directing is both creative and highly logistical,” she says. “You need vision, but you also need adaptability. Seeing that balance in action was invaluable.”

She also appreciated how the longevity of Heartland shaped a culture of trust and generosity on set. Cast and crew not only knew each other well but also took the time to learn her name, making the observership less about standing in the background and more about becoming part of the team.

Personal Discoveries

Beyond the technical lessons, the observership reshaped Vanessa’s perspective on herself as a director. She describes herself as “very much a story-driven director,” and the experience confirmed her passion for both strong narratives and creating magical worlds led by women.

It also sparked an unexpected interest: “Being around the horses and seeing Western culture in Alberta made me curious about Black rodeo traditions in the U.S. That’s something I want to explore further,” she says.

Another takeaway was the confidence she gained documenting behind-the-scenes moments for fans of Heartland. “It pushed me out of my comfort zone,” she admits, “but it made me realize how powerful it can be to spotlight the crew who make the show shine.”

The Impact of BSO’s Black Women Directors Program

Vanessa is clear about how much the BSO program has mattered in her journey: “There aren’t many Black women in Canadian television directing roles. Having the support of this program gave me the confidence to step onto set knowing I had a community behind me.”

As she looks ahead, Vanessa is eager to move from shorts and digital series into directing television and feature films. “I love being on set. Anything that gets me closer to long-form directing is where I want to be,” she says.

Advice for the Next Wave

For other Black women directors stepping into their first observership, Vanessa offers straightforward guidance: “Come prepared. Watch past episodes, ask for scripts, know what you admire about the show. But also bring your own rituals of calm and keep an open mind. The learning will come from being present.”

Vanessa Magic’s experience on Heartland is a powerful reminder of what happens when access meets opportunity. With support from programs like BSO’s Black Women Directors Accelerator, more Black women directors are not only stepping onto sets—they’re stepping into their power.