BYUtv, Shaftesbury, and Beta Film partner on Canadian veterinary procedural ‘Barton Vet’
Blending medical drama, romance, and heartfelt storytelling, grounded in a deep connection to animals and community, Barton Vet is currently being filmed in Ontario, Canada. Beta has picked up world-wide distribution rights for this cozy veterinary procedural drama by Hudson & Rex producers Shaftesbury.
Barton Vet stars Georgina Reilly (Quantum Leap) as Dr. Kate Barton, an adventurous and driven veterinarian who takes over their rural family veterinary clinic following the death of her father. Saving the lives of animals while juggling love and hardship, Kate must learn to heal herself along the way.
“We’re thrilled to be working with Shaftesbury and Beta Film on Barton Vet,” says Andra Johnson Duke, Content Director at BYUtv. “The series has so many wonderful elements, from the writing and direction to the incredible cast of both humans and animals. As a heartfelt family drama that embraces the inherent value in every life, Barton Vet brings something truly special for our viewers!"
“Nearly 70 per cent of households in North America own pets. Barton Vet is sure to resonate with viewers who understand the strong bond between humans and animals,” says Christina Jennings, Chairman and President of Shaftesbury. “Barton Vet showcases the world of animal medicine in a way that is seldom seen on television. We are excited to bring it to the market.”
Oliver Bachert, Chief Distribution Officer Beta Film says: “Barton Vet stands out for its unique blend of medical drama, positive vibes, and deeply human, character-led storytelling. With Dr. Kate Barton and her family-led team saving the lives of many different animals, be warned — you probably find yourself wanting to adopt every single one you see! We are very excited to bring this brand-new series from our trusted partners at Shaftesbury to the market and are convinced that Barton Vet has the potential for a long-running franchise success.”
Alongside Georgina Reilly stars Nadeem Umar-Khitab (The Handmaid’s Tale, Robyn Hood), Sonja Smits (Better Days, Pretty Hard Cases), Katia Edith Wood (The Borderline), Carson A. Egan (Suits: LA), Kristopher Turner (Brilliant Minds), and Noah Zulfikar (Zombies 3), among others.
Barton Vet is directed by Felipe Rodriguez (Hudson & Rex, The Good Doctor). Ken Craw (Heartland), Adam Pettle (Nurses), and Felipe Rodriguez (Virgin River) executive produce alongside Christina Jennings and Scott Garvie for Shaftesbury, Oliver Bachert for Beta Film and Andra Johnson Duke and Erik Christensen for BYUtv.
Six months after her father’s death, Dr. Kate Barton finds herself stretched thin after taking over his country vet clinic. Luckily, her family is right in there with her: her fierce yet loving Clinic Manager mother, Mirabel, her empathetic brother with Down Syndrome, David, and her fun-loving found-family member, Vet Tech Ollie. But despite all they do to keep the business going, it soon becomes evident that the practice is in great financial distress. Kate shoulders the brunt of the responsibility, and her job is made tougher as one of the only professional women in this rural enclave. Amid all this, Kate must train up a new vet, navigate the unexpected arrival of a young woman full of spirit but lacking direction, and explore a – potentially messy – renewed chance at love. Kate’s father was a legend in the area. Now Kate not only finds his vet boots tough to fill, but also his role as the rock of the Barton family.
Barton Vet is produced by Shaftesbury in association with BYUtv and Beta Film and with the participation of the Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit and Ontario Creates. Beta Film handles international distribution.