From Durham Region to Prime Time: Camille Lawrence’s Roles in Canada’s Top TV Shows

Written by Abigail Guevara, Senior Content Writer, Freelance

Born and raised in Durham Region, Camille Lawrence has become a sought-after creative talent in Canadian television. She has worked as a Story Producer, Story Editor, Casting Producer, Director, and Writer for some of the country’s most high-profile nationally broadcast Canadian TV shows, including Amazing Race Canada, Still Standing, Canada’s Ultimate Challenge, and MasterChef Canada!

“As a Story Producer in unscripted television, I step into people’s lives, becoming a curious guest or temporary expert in their world—whether it’s travel, sports, cooking, the arts, tragedy, social justice or something unique and niche,” Camille explains. “My job is to help shape the story by uncovering interesting things about a person and how their passions or expertise can bring more depth to the show while keeping the story moving forward.” 

Currently, Camille is working on Amazing Race Canada, which follows contestants as they face physical and skill testing challenges while traveling across the country.

In unscripted television, staying curious is key. Camille never assumes how someone will respond or react. “I might know a cast member has a certain fear and when they may have to face their fear, I can’t assume they’ll quit or back down. Whatever happens, especially if they overcome it, it's incredible to watch!” says Camille with a smile.

She recalls standing right next to someone about to bungee jump, asking pressing questions in the moment: “What are you feeling right now? Do you think you can do this? What’s at stake for you if you don’t? What will it mean if you do?”

The responses Camille draws out in these moments help to build the story and heighten the drama. They offer viewers deeper insights and create a stronger emotional connection to the people and the show.

Balancing authenticity and entertainment in reality TV

Unscripted shows require as much support as scripted ones to make them exciting and engaging.

“Television production is a big group project,” explains Camille. “Every step of production is connected. From choosing and caring for the cast, to the skilled camera, audio, and tech teams, different types of producers, travel/transport teams, to the post-production department and more—it's a whole ecosystem that comes together to create the captivating programming that ends up on your TV at home."

To help ensure unscripted TV shows remain true to their brand of authenticity, Camille has learned the importance of balance while producing, not to push too hard, but not to back off too much either, to uncover the real story.   

She also understands that different reality shows call for different approaches. Sometimes, adding more content can complicate or block the bigger story they are trying to tell, and that is where Camille’s story instincts come in.

“If it’s a lighter, more entertaining show, I’m often working with big personalities who add levity. If it’s a docuseries with more serious content, it’s about empowering that person to speak their truth; reminding them that this is their moment to share their story.”

Turning unexpected moments into must-see TV

Of course, unscripted TV shows are full of surprises. Things can, and do, take unexpected turns quickly. 

“In unscripted TV, you can outline the framework of an episode, but no one can predict exactly how events will unfold,” says Camille. “We just have to roll with it—production, cameras, everyone.”

However, it is in post-production where Camille’s other talent shines. Moving from Story Producer in the field to Story Editor behind a desk, she carefully shapes episodes by deciding which stories make it into the show, how much of each scene to use, and who says what, creating a complete and compelling story.

“I spend a lot of time watching and reviewing footage, not only from the current episode, but also from previous ones. I’m piecing the puzzle together with a team of editors to make sure it all fits within the tight deadlines we have.” 

Spotlighting local voices in Durham Region

While Camille has worked in television for ten years and on nationally and internationally televised shows, she’s also intentional about story producing local projects.

“It’s important that I use my skills and experience to support Durham talent because there are so many people doing great work here. I want these stories to shine, too,” she explains.

Camille has produced and directed The Drawing Board, a web series spotlighting young Black entrepreneurs in Durham Region. She also produced and directed another web series called the Black Business Catalyst Project, which highlights the eCommerce journeys of four Black-owned businesses in the region. This series won a GOLD Telly Award in 2024.

No roadmap, just passion for building a career in television

Camille has always been interested in film and television production, and it’s certainly not a typical 9 to 5 job.

“On set, hours can be long—12 to 16 hours isn’t uncommon, depending on the show. Sometimes we work weekends and might shoot for weeks straight, starting as early as 4 a.m. until late into the night. Sometimes, we’re even filming across different provinces within a couple of days,” she explains.

Camille also discovered that finding a mentor willing to share industry knowledge can be a challenge, but it is extremely helpful.

“The television industry doesn’t have the same structure as most corporate environments, and the roles can be quite niche,” explains Camille. “Mentorship is something I had to actively seek out through industry development programs and organizations dedicated to supporting Black creatives.”

She says that as a freelancer, she had to learn about pay rates, roles, and tasks through other people and mentors; it's very much about networking and word of mouth.

Despite the challenges, Camille loves working in the television industry.

“My television career has taken me to parts of Canada I never would have seen otherwise,” says Camille. “I love working with people from all walks of life. When I interview them, sometimes I’m laughing in my chair, sometimes I’m crying, sometimes I’m just nodding, giving them the space to tell their story. It's really beautiful work.”