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What is Crackerjacks Inc?

Crackerjacks Inc. is a diverse group of videojournalists who produce high quality information programs from a youthful, multicultural perspective. Members of this Toronto-based group hail from around the world and from a range of cultural backgrounds. The multilingual team has already won awards for the production of Culture Shock, a bilingual, multicultural magazine airing on CBC Newsworld, Radio-Canada and RDI.

The show won a multi-culturalism award at the Gemini’s in Québec. For 2 consecutive years - Culture Shock was awarded the cable industry’s Galaxi award for Best Lifestyle Program.

We believe that Crackerjacks’ strength lies in the diverse mix of cultures and languages within our group. In addition to French and English, some of us are also fluent in Spanish, Hindi, and Arabic. We’re a culturally and geographically diverse team: our members hail from Québec, Saskatchewan, as well as India and Morocco. And how does this diversity shape our work? According to Bombay-born reporter Sachin Deshpandé: "My cultural background makes me see stories where conventional journalism might not. And these are the stories I’m keen to tell. New journalism is journalism about new Canadians, by new Canadians, and for new Canadians."

Crackerjacks don’t lack professional experience. Over the past three years the team has produced nearly 150 segments under the guidance of independent producer Jean Ménard, a former producer on CBC’s The Journal. And it’s been quality work, meeting the CBC’s journalistic standards.

Crackerjacks Inc. has perfected the art of multi-skilling. All team members have been trained to research, write, shoot, and report their own stories. A Crackerjack is a one-person outfit using the latest in digital camera equipment. The result is a more cost effective production. And there are other benefits. Reporter Michelle Smith notes "As a one-person team, I’m ready to shoot anytime, anywhere and I’m able to develop a special relationship with my subject... I don’t think you get the same sort of access and intimacy with a full crew."

In finding out new stories and new ways of telling those stories, Crackerjacks still have one thing in common with traditional television journalism: a commitment to providing solid, well-researched stories. Michelle Smith sums it up best: "Canadian media has earned an international reputation for good journalism. Crackerjacks is here to continue that tradition."

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