Southern Time Productions (STP) is a Toronto-based media-tech company dedicated to creating and distributing socially conscious music and film. Through storytelling and a mission-driven streaming and social media platform, we aim to inspire community, raise awareness, and drive action on pressing global health, social justice, and environmental issues.
The name comes from “Southern Time,” a song by our founder, Timothy Bartsch. It means it’s time for the Global South to shine: time for a fairer world, where the many no longer carry the cost of the few. “The Global South” usually refers to the lower-income countries of Africa, Latin America and much of Asia, but we use it more broadly. For us, it means everyone who has been exploited, impoverished, underserved, marginalized, discriminated against or traumatized, including here in Canada and other wealthy countries. In short, equality for all.
Founded in 2005 with the groundbreaking stage production of Southern Time—a rock musical drama written and performed by openly HIV-positive musician Timothy Bartsch in Vancouver, BC—STP has grown into an independent music, film and technology company. That original work has since become the Dreamer series, now in development as a TV drama series that challenges stigma and celebrates resilience.
Today, Southern Time Productions is seeking partners and funding to:
With a unique blend of art, advocacy, and technology, Southern Time Productions works to make music and film catalysts for cultural change.
At Southern Time Productions, our social impact mission is as vital as our creative vision. We hold our health, social, and environmental goals on par with profit—proving that art can drive change.
Through The Promise, we amplify messages of hope and advocacy by:
A portion of all proceeds will support the Southern Time Foundation (STF), founded by Timothy Bartsch in 2020, which will fund global HIV/AIDS-reduction initiatives. STF is actively seeking funding to begin its operations and then deepen its impact worldwide.
Through revenue streams such as memberships and subscriptions, album and concert sales, merchandise, and sponsorships, STP will not only bring the Dreamer series to the screen throughout the remainder of the 2020s and 2030s, but also invest in meaningful cultural and social progress.
Looking ahead, as the Dreamer series is released and gains momentum, Southern Time Productions will empower independent artists to create and distribute their music and film in harmony with our core mission—making socially conscious storytelling a catalyst for healing and global change.
