A Nova Scotian actor and director has played a significant role in producing an exciting new series about Canadian Olympic sprinter Ben Johnson. Corey Bowles, known for his portrayal of ‘Corey’ on the beloved show Trailer Park Boys, has transitioned to a successful career behind the camera since leaving the series in 2018.
Corey Bowles: A Rising Talent
Bowles gained recognition in 2017 with his film Black Cop, a gritty drama that garnered him the Best Director Award at the Atlantic Film Festival. The film also received a Screen Nova Scotia Award for Best Feature Film, marking Bowles as a formidable filmmaker.
Since then, he has directed various TV series, including:
- FBI: Most Wanted
- Law & Order: Organized Crime
- Diggstown
Hate the Player: The Ben Johnson Story
Bowles is particularly excited about his latest endeavor, Hate the Player: The Ben Johnson Story. This six-part mockumentary satirizes the rise and fall of the 1988 Olympic champion, known for losing his gold medal due to a steroid scandal. According to Bowles, the series focuses on the complexities of Johnson’s persona while shedding light on the controversy surrounding his athletic career.
“There’s a lot of stories out there about him,” Bowles said. “This one just captures a version of him that shines a light on his character without avoiding the harsh realities.”
Creative Collaboration
The series was created by Emmy-nominated writer Anthony Q. Farrell, recognized for his work on The Office and Shelved. The narrative blends fact and fiction, encapsulating Johnson’s attempt to self-fund a film to reclaim his reputation while exploring themes of unethical coaching and redemption.
Bowles was captivated by the script from the start. “I have got to be a part of this, it’s so good,” he recalled. “It gives a humorous and insightful twist to an event that was significant in sports history.”
Streaming Availability
Now available on GameTV and Paramount+, Hate the Player features Shamier Anderson as Ben Johnson, with a notable supporting cast that includes Mark McKinney and Karen Robinson.
Future Projects
Following the completion of this series, Bowles directed an episode of Chicago Med and is currently planning to return to Halifax. He is working on adapting a project based on a work by local author Andre Fenton. “We’re almost ready to get it going, and I’m really looking forward to coming home,” Bowles noted.
As Bowles continues to expand his creative horizons, his contributions to the world of entertainment remain significant. His commitment to storytelling and unique perspectives is shaping the future of Canadian television.
