I am a Toronto-based media producer and storyteller focused on documentary, podcasting, and social justice. As Co-Founder/Producer at Innerspeak Media, I secure funding and develop stories across film, TV, theatre, and podcast productions, including Unascertained (Amazon Music’s Best Canadian Podcast, 2021). I lead storytelling, writing, and production for original projects while overseeing global marketing and promotion across festivals and platforms. My work has been covered by The Guardian, Al Jazeera, and CBC, and has earned recognition from the United Nations, Doctors Without Borders, UNHCR, and the Government of Canada. I develop pitch packages for networks such as CBC, TVO, and Netflix, recruit and manage production teams, and coordinate outreach for high-profile interviews and national cases.

Yusuf Zine

I am a Toronto-based media producer and storyteller focused on documentary, podcasting, and social justice. As Co-Founder/Producer at Innerspeak Media, I secure funding and develop stories across film, TV, theatre, and podcast productions, including Unascertained (Amazon Music’s Best Canadian Podcast, 2021). I lead storytelling, writing, and production for original projects while overseeing global marketing and promotion across festivals and platforms. My work has been covered by The Guardian, Al Jazeera, and CBC, and has earned recognition from the United Nations, Doctors Without Borders, UNHCR, and the Government of Canada. I develop pitch packages for networks such as CBC, TVO, and Netflix, recruit and manage production teams, and coordinate outreach for high-profile interviews and national cases.

Available to hire

I am a Toronto-based media producer and storyteller focused on documentary, podcasting, and social justice. As Co-Founder/Producer at Innerspeak Media, I secure funding and develop stories across film, TV, theatre, and podcast productions, including Unascertained (Amazon Music’s Best Canadian Podcast, 2021). I lead storytelling, writing, and production for original projects while overseeing global marketing and promotion across festivals and platforms.

My work has been covered by The Guardian, Al Jazeera, and CBC, and has earned recognition from the United Nations, Doctors Without Borders, UNHCR, and the Government of Canada. I develop pitch packages for networks such as CBC, TVO, and Netflix, recruit and manage production teams, and coordinate outreach for high-profile interviews and national cases.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Co-Founder/Producer at Inner Speak Media
March 1, 2016 - Present
Co-Founder/Producer at Inner Speak Media; secured over $1M in production financing through grant writing and partnership development; leads story development, writing and producing of original film, TV, theatre, and podcast productions, including Unascertained (Amazon Music’s Best Canadian Podcast, 2021). Oversees global marketing and promotion of Unascertained, with international festival screenings in North America, Europe, and Asia; coverage in The Guardian, Al Jazeera, and CBC; recognized by the United Nations, Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), UNHCR, and the Government of Canada. Develops pitch packages and concepts for networks including CBC, TVO, and Netflix; leads full-cycle recruitment; manage payroll, budgeting, bookkeeping, and team management.
Producer/Wrtier/Host at TVO
July 1, 2023 - October 17, 2025
Hosted and narrated two award-winning podcast series—Unascertained and Extradition; conducted interviews with key experts and witnesses including current and former members of the Canadian government; wrote multiple 40–60 minute scripts and incorporated editorial feedback; researched themes including mental health, corrections, and forced labour.
Producer/Writer at Three Valleys Media
December 1, 2024 - October 17, 2025
Helped craft story structure on a feature documentary for CBC’s The Passionate Eye, My Brother, Soleiman; oversaw outreach and coordination for interviews with key experts, lawyers, and eyewitnesses; scouted and booked locations for b-roll filming; reviewed rough cuts to ensure narrative integrity.
Director’s Assistant at MakeSay
August 1, 2022 - October 17, 2025
Worked closely with the director on a $3M feature film, coordinating casting and cross-department collaboration; provided on-set support and notes to produce a final cut after reviewing rough cut.
Front of House Assistant at Toronto International Film Festival
March 1, 2020 - October 17, 2025
Supported TIFF team by coordinating access for staff and stakeholders; managed and trained line volunteers; assisted with setup and striking of festival elements and equipment at venues.
Coordinator at Gallery TPW
December 1, 2017 - October 17, 2025
Collaborated on development of interventions launching alongside the exhibition Special Works School; brainstormed arts-based activities for high school youth; provided creative consultation on gallery interventions and exhibition.
Program Coordinator at Muslim Social Services Waterloo Region
August 1, 2016 - October 17, 2025
Helped raise over $500,000 in coordination with Islamic Relief Canada; worked with the Rohingya refugee community to develop a play about forced migration and resettlement; led a Computer Basics workshop for newcomers; redesigned promotional materials and built a social media presence.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Coordinator at Wilfrid Laurier University
September 1, 2015 - October 17, 2025
Collaborated with Rainbow Centre, Centre for Women & Trans People, Black Students Association, and Multi-Faith Resource Team to plan events and volunteer management; assisted with Diversity Certificate Program development and facilitation; helped craft marketing plan for the Diversity & Equity Office.
Teacher at Jump! (Educational Program)
December 1, 2014 - October 17, 2025
Taught psychology courses during the summer; coordinated and created the curriculum with other teachers; engaged elementary students with activities to illustrate course themes.
Producer/Wr iter/Host at TVO
October 1, 2017 - July 1, 2023
Hosted and narrated two award-winning podcast series – “Unascertained” and “Extradition.” Led interviews with key experts and witnesses, including high-profile current and former members of the Canadian government. Researched themes such as mental health, corrections, and forced labour; wrote multiple 40–60 minute scripts and incorporated editorial feedback through revision rounds.
Producer/Writer at Three Valleys Media
September 1, 2021 - December 1, 2024
Helped craft story structure on feature documentary for CBC’s The Passionate Eye, “My Brother, Soleiman” – nominated for a 2025 Canadian Screen Award. Coordinated outreach for high-profile national interviews; scouted locations for b-roll filming; reviewed rough cuts to ensure narrative integrity.
Front of House Assistant at Toronto International Film Festival
August 1, 2016 - March 1, 2020
Supported the team in providing access to authorized staff and TIFF stakeholders; managed and trained line volunteers and festival team members; assisted with setup and striking of TIFF elements and equipment at the venue.
Program Coordinator at Muslim Social Services Waterloo Region
June 1, 2015 - August 1, 2016
Helped raise over $500,000 in fundraising in collaboration with Islamic Relief Canada; engaged Rohingya refugee community to develop a play; led a Computer Basics workshop; redesigned promotional materials and built social media presence.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Coordinator at Wilfrid Laurier University
September 1, 2014 - September 1, 2015
Collaborated with Rainbow Centre, Centre for Women & Trans People, Black Students and the Multi-Faith Resource Team to plan events, meetings, and volunteer management; contributed to Diversity Certificate Program; supported DEI marketing efforts.
Teacher at JUMP!
January 1, 2013 - December 1, 2014
Taught psychology courses during the summer to elementary school students; helped develop curriculum and engaged students with related activities.

Education

Master of Arts - MA, Social Justice & Community Engagement at Wilfrid Laurier University
January 1, 2015 - January 1, 2016
Bachelor of Arts - BA, Global Studies at Wilfrid Laurier University
January 1, 2011 - January 1, 2015
Master of Arts - MA at Wilfrid Laurier University
January 1, 2015 - January 1, 2016
Bachelor of Arts - BA at Wilfrid Laurier University
January 1, 2011 - January 1, 2015

Qualifications

Together Against Islamophobia - Acting for Human Rights (FEMYSO + Council of Europe)
January 11, 2030 - October 17, 2025
Together Against Islamophobia - Acting for Human Rights
January 11, 2030 - December 30, 2025

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services, Government