Bruce McDonald stands among Canada’s most respected directors. Rather than dwell on his film achievements, he has focused his energy on directing select episodes of the live action Teletoon series My Babysitter’s a Vampire, following the 2010 TV movie. His résumé also includes work on teen favorites such as Ready or Not, Flash Forward, Degrassi, and Instant Star.
Recently he spoke about his experience on the show, the arc of Canadian teen sitcoms, the allure of supernatural elements, and what keeps him engaged in this corner of television.
McDonald has a long track record in teen comedies. What draws him to My Babysitter’s a Vampire? “I’ve always liked horror and creatures and all that sort of stuff when I was growing up. And I liked the cheekiness and the smartness of the script as well. It reminded me a little bit of Mad Magazine, poking fun at pop culture and things like Twilight; that sort of thing. That really appealed to me.” — Bruce McDonald
Directing a supernatural show for younger audiences brings specific challenges. “I guess… being careful not to turn kids onto Satan, you know? When you have any supernatural things, in television especially, there are fast days for the effects, nighttime shoots, animals and different things… it’s a lot of juggling. It’s a big, busy production that must stay on track through the whole shoot. It’s like an extra level of production for the magical elements.” — Bruce McDonald
Growing up, he was a fan of supernatural stories. “Oh yeah, stuff like The Twilight Zone, Planet of the Apes, Count Dracula, The Wolf Man, Frankenstein, I loved all those guys. You know, I love sci-fi and horror… all that stuff.” — Bruce McDonald
On directing tween and teen shows, he emphasizes balance over didacticism. “No, I’m always a big fan of the issue being slipped in there and trying to let it first tell a good story. With kids’ television, it’s often treated as a lesson, and I’ve always felt good about making the story and the character first, with the issue addressed as a second layer if it fits.” — Bruce McDonald
There are elemental issues for young viewers, such as internet safety, he notes. “There are important topics for kids today, internet included. I remember the first Degrassi episodes about a girl who meets someone on the internet. Those issues can be the backbone of a great story, but when handled badly, kids sense they’re being taught something and may resist. Striking a balance is key.” — Bruce McDonald
When asked if any characters on the show mirrored his own youth, he replies that he identifies with the group but was never the sporty or cool type. “I was more the intellectual type, making superhero and zombie movies in my own quirky way. I was a nerdy, intense kid who loved Monty Python and surreal humor. Deep down I wished to be part of the popular crowd, but it never quite happened.” — Bruce McDonald
In the episode Friday Night Freights, the character Coach Ed, played by Cle Bennett, was a focal point for the jocks versus nerds theme. “Cle Bennett was fantastic as the coach. Was there a specific person you drew his character from?” — Bruce McDonald
The director recalls Bennett delivering a superb performance and notes that Cle is a fine actor. He remembers no single real-life model for the coach, just a strong collaboration that brought the role to life. “We lucked out with Cle; he did a superb job.” — Bruce McDonald
Other favorite characters included Ari Cohen as the dad and the grandma who cooks up potions. The atmosphere on set felt buoyant and creative, with many guest stars joining the show because the scripts were smart and the main cast was generous and hardworking.
Looking back at Canadian teen sitcoms since the mid 1990s, he sees shifts but remains cautious about sweeping claims. He notes that newer shows like LA Complex hint at edgier storytelling, yet wonders whether some portions of the landscape feel more conservative or locked down than expected. “I’m not sure I can give a definitive answer, but the landscape certainly keeps evolving.” — Bruce McDonald
When asked about his all-time favorite Canadian kids show, he leans toward Degrassi for its enduring impact, while noting The Forest Rangers also left a strong impression from his younger years. He emphasizes that the task is primarily to create, not simply to consume, and often the making process is where the joy comes from.
As for what comes next, he points to a slate of projects in development. A scary movie, a musical movie, and a few other ideas are in the mix as plans take shape and permissions are considered. The next steps will unfold as the production world weighs the options.
In closing, the conversation underscores a steady curiosity about teen storytelling, a love of genre, and a commitment to keeping character and story at the center of every project. The chat wraps with thanks to Bruce McDonald and a reminder of My Babysitter’s a Vampire airing windows, a nod to the ongoing legacy of Canadian teen television.
Photo credits: Teletoon Canada.