Baldwins, Slater Launch HKT with Thessalon First Nation Backing
HKT Entertainment & Sports Group has launched with support from Thessalon First Nation and plans a Roots-style First Nations epic series.
Howard Baldwin, Karen Baldwin and Todd Slater have launched HKT Entertainment & Sports Group, a new media and content company backed by Thessalon First Nation, according to Deadline. It is the Ojibwe community's first investment in a film fund and media-based content company.
HKT will develop content related to First Nation stories and culture alongside a broader slate of projects. Among its first major projects is a Roots-style epic series exploring the history and origins of the First Nations, developed with their members.
The company's strategy extends beyond film and television into digital, podcasts, Broadway and live entertainment, sports-related programming and other media. HKT is a co-producer on the Broadway revival of the musical Damn Yankees, spearheaded by Haley Swindal.
Producers' track record
Howard and Karen Baldwin's producing credits include the Academy Award nominated film Ray, Sahara, Mystery, Alaska, Sudden Death, Mr. Hockey: The Gordie Howe Story, Swimming Upstream and The Game of Their Lives. Slater has more than two decades of experience and 150 motion picture credits, including recent productions The Optimist, Bella and Lunar Colony.
Thessalon First Nation is among 21 First Nations included in a 2023 CAD$10 billion settlement with Canada and Ontario over the 1850 Robinson Huron Treaty annuities.
Quick answers
Who launched HKT Entertainment & Sports Group?
Howard Baldwin, Karen Baldwin and Todd Slater launched the media and content company.
Who is backing HKT Entertainment & Sports Group?
Thessalon First Nation is backing the company, its first investment in a film fund and media-based content company.
What is among HKT's first major projects?
A Roots-style epic series exploring the history and origins of the First Nations, developed with their members.