Andrew Morris, former interim executive director of the Disability Screen Office (DSO), has launched his own Toronto-based independent production company with several projects in development.

Hitsby Entertainment is focused on producing television, film, digital media, and immersive audio programs, according to a press release sent exclusively to Playback Daily.

The prodco’s full-service film and TV unit develops projects in the scripted and documentary genres that focus on the company’s values of “authenticity, diversity, and inclusion,” said the release. Its audio storytelling division “develops IP by making dramatic audio programs where the screen is your imagination,” it added.

Hitsby Entertainment’s first project is satirical, half-hour news format The Squeaky Wheel, which is currently in development with Accessible Media Inc.’s (AMI) AMI-tv and will begin auditions for cast members this summer.

The Canadian series is based on the U.S. satire publication The Squeaky Wheel, which focuses on the experience of having a disability. Presented by disabled, comedic writers and performers, “The Squeaky Wheel’s irreverent perspective pokes fun at the ableist society that people with disabilities face every day,” said the release.

Hitsby also has several long-form scripted drama and comedy projects in development, which will be announced later this year.

Morris (pictured) has extensively collaborated with the independent production community across Canada, and been a leading advocate for authentic representation of people with disabilities in the media through his work with both AMI-tv and the DSO, according to his bio.

As manager of independent production at AMI-tv until his departure in August 2022, he launched and led the independent production business unit, overseeing the development, production, and business affairs of more than 30 shows. He also negotiated co-commissioning partnerships with CBC, TVO, Sportsnet, OUTtv, CHEK and AMI-télé.

“I’m very fortunate to have worked with so many talented individuals, many of whom happen to be from Deaf and disability communities, because that’s primarily who I’ve worked with over the years,” said Morris in a statement.

Morris continued working with AMI as interim director of the DSO to help oversee its transition into an independent organization as it looked for a permanent head.

As announced last month, disability advocate, 2SLGBTQI+ activist and film industry leader Winnie Luk has been hired as the DSO’s inaugural executive director and assumed the role this week.

“Now that the DSO has a permanent executive director, I am so excited to start my new chapter as an independent producer,” Morris said. “I’m really looking forward to putting my development skills to work with Canada’s top and emerging talent.”