Tag Archives: ABC

Meet ‘Game of Homes’ celebrity guest judge this week Realtor Todd Talbot from ‘Love It or List It Vancouver’ March 24 on W Network 10 pm et/pt

Celebrity guest judge Todd Talbot from Love It or List It Vancouver joins Emmy^® nominated actor and host Cameron Mathison on the Game of Homes that airs on W Network Tuesday, March 24 at 10 p.m. et/pt. The Vancouver-based series follows four teams of amateurs as they transform four tear downs into their dream homes in their pursuit of a once in a lifetime final prize of a lifetime – a house and a plot of land to put it on.

The show features contestants with larger-than-life personalities for whom this prize means a lot more than just a great renovation, it will truly be life changing. The action-packed series pits each team’s skill, ingenuity and teamwork against each other. Every week, two expert judges, Cheryl Torrenueva (Restaurant Impossible, Restaurant Makeover, Colin & Justin’s Home Heist) and Jeremy MacPherson (The Re-Inventors) assess the design and workmanship of each team’s room transform The Promotion People - Game of Homes ation and each week they are joined by a celebrity guest judge.

This week Kitchen Crisis premieres at Tuesday, March 24 at 10 p.m. ET/PT  Todd Talbot is the guest judge. Teams have just 72 hours to completely transform their kitchen – the heart of the house. Disa and Russell bite off more than they can chew; Char and Sean’s design may not be everyone’s taste; and Crystal and Ray’s popular decision in the first challenge may be their downfall in the second challenge.

In W Network’s Love It or List It Vancouver, co-host Todd Talbot is best known for his real estate savvy, keen sense of style and quick wit. A native of Vancouver, this is Todd’s latest venture in a long and diversified journey that has brought together his passion for real estate, investing, renovations and design, as well as film, television and live theatre performance.

A real estate entrepreneur at a young age, Todd has owned and renovated multiple properties. He has also created and operated several real estate companies in marketing, design and staging and has worked with many clients to buy and sell homes. His other calling as a performer came when he was a teenager with a starring role on the hit TV series Fifteen. A veteran of the Canadian theatre community for more than two decades, he has starred in dozens of award-winning productions, a path that helped set the stage for his latest role as TV personality.

With his many accomplishments and interests, Todd is never happier than with his family or when he has been tasked with renovating or building his next project. Recently, he launched a new website, toddtalbot.ca, where he takes visitors on a journey through his own home renovation and offers a behind the scenes glimpse into his life both on and off the screen.

Social Media Handles

Website: toddtalbot.ca, corusent.com, greatpacifictv.com, Wnetwork.com
Twitter: @toddtalbot, @GameOfHomesTV, @CameronMathison, @CorusPR, @GreatPacificTV, @w_network
Facebook: facebook.com/gameofhomes, facebook.com/wnetwork

Contact The Promotion People

Lesley Diana – Founder, President and Publicist
lesley@thepromotionpeople.ca
604.726.5575

Website: thepromotionpeople.ca
Twitter: @PromotionPeople
Facebook: The Promotion People
Instagram: @thepromotionpeople

MEET EXPERT JUDGE JEREMY MacPHERSON on W Network’s Biggest Competition Show Ever Gives Away a House and the Land to put it on Game of Homes Premieres March 17

Hosted by Emmy® nominated actor Cameron Mathison (All My Children, 54), the Vancouver-based series follows four teams of two amateur home renovators as they compete for the prize of a lifetime – a house and a plot of land to put it on. Produced by Great Pacific Media in association with W Network, Game of Homes premieres Tuesday, March 17 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on W Network. The action-packed series pits each team’s skill, ingenuity and teamwork against each other. Every week, two expert judges, Cheryl Torrenueva (Restaurant Impossible, Restaurant Makeover, Colin & Justin’s Home Heist) and Jeremy MacPherson (The Re-Inventors) assess the design and workmanship of each team’s room transformation.

As president and chief creative at JMAC Productions Ltd. for the past 15 years, Jeremy MacPherson always takes a hands-on approach, whether he and his team are building a custom-designed kitchen for a major client, or in his studio—based in Toronto’s trendy Leslieville neighbourhood—honing handcrafted furniture.

Jeremy is hands-on in front of the camera too: He made his foray into television as co-host of The Re-Inventors, where he built and tested historic inventions. It was a perfect fit for Jeremy, tapping into his carpentry skills, as well background as special effects artist for television and film, including blockbusters X-Men, Chicago, Resident Evil and The Incredible Hulk. The Re-Inventors ran for three seasons on History Television in Canada and was picked up by Smithsonian Channel in the U.S. It now airs around the globe in several languages and on Netflix.

Jeremy landed a gig as an online host with Innovation Nation TV, where he starred in a popular segment testing the latest and greatest tech devices for the home. Armed with a keen eye, wry humour and easy-going attitude, Jeremy is hit both on and off screen.

Designers and clients turn to JMAC for his creative and carpentry talents: Jeremy’s custom kitchens, unique built-ins and inspiring furniture are regularly featured in top design magazines, including House & Home; Style at Home; and Cottage Life.

This spring, catch Jeremy back on screen, as he joins the cast of W Network’s big competition series, Game of Homes.

What I enjoyed most about judging GOH?
I loved seeing how well the teams dealt with the amazing amount of pressure ..

What surprised you most about the teams?
My biggest surprise was seeing the teams tackle some very difficult and complex style choices and in some cases pulling it off.

Were you impressed by the teams creativity and workmanship?
The creativity from the teams very surprising! They had some very strong design ideas and they stuck to em.

What was the best advise that you gave the teams renovating?
The advise that a would tell anyone on covering a Reno is work to completion! Unfinished details drive me crazy. It’s really hard to enjoy a newly finished room if there is a hole in the wall.

You have been dubbed ‘Cheremy’ by all the teams, was it hard to give criticism to the contestants?
I found it difficult to criticize the teams only when I new it was becoming a sore spot. It was hard to see them upset by our decisions.

How did you enjoy working with Cameron and the rest of the cast and crew?
Working with Cameron on GOH was such an awesome experience. His energy level is out of this world and he would keep that enthusiasm going from dean till dusk.

Social Media Handles

Website: corusent.com, greatpacifictv.com, Wnetwork.com
Twitter: @jermacpherson, @GameOfHomesTV, @CameronMathison, @CorusPR, @GreatPacificTV, @w_network
Facebook: facebook.com/gameofhomes, facebook.com/wnetwork
YouTube: http://youtu.be/2I27ZUr6Kj4

Contact The Promotion People

Lesley Diana – Founder, President and Publicist
lesley@thepromotionpeople.ca
604.726.5575

Website: thepromotionpeople.ca
Twitter: @PromotionPeople
Facebook: The Promotion People
Instagram: @thepromotionpeople

Meet Expert Judge Cheryl Torrenueva on W Network’s Biggest Competition Show Ever Gives Away a House and the Land to put it on. Game of Homes Premieres March 17

Hosted by Emmy^® nominated actor Cameron Mathison (All My Children, 54), the Vancouver-based series follows four teams of two amateur home renovators as they compete for the prize of a lifetime – a house and a plot of land to put it on. Produced by Great Pacific Media in association with W Network, Game of Homes premieres Tuesday, March 17 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on W Network. The action-packed series pits each team’s skill, ingenuity and teamwork against each other. Every week, two expert judges, Cheryl Torrenueva (Restaurant Impossible, Restaurant Makeover, Colin & Justin’s Home Heist) and Jeremy MacPherson (The Re-Inventors) assess the design and workmanship of each team’s room transformation.

Designer, Cheryl Torrenueva has become a hot commodity in the TV design world! She graduated with a Bachelor of Interior Design from Ryerson University and could have never predicted what was yet to come.

On a whim she entered HGTV’s Superstar Challenge, made it to the finals, and the rest is TV history. Cheryl’s big break came when she was chosen to be the feisty on-camera Design Manager for HGTV’s Colin & Justin’s Home Heist. A few years later, she started working in the USA as a design producer for HGTV USA’s Secrets From A Stylist, with her work featured on The Rachel Ray Show. She holds the throne as one of the top on-camera designers in demand on Food Network USA’s uber-successful Restaurant Impossible and Food Network Canada/Cooking Channel USA’s Restaurant Takeover.

For the past decade, she has continued her TV career as a designer, creating both elegant and innovative spaces for HGTV Canada’s hit shows Home To Go, Rooms That Rock, and Food Network’s Restaurant Makeover; art directed for HGTV’s Disaster DIY, Design Interns and SLICE’s Superstar Hair Challenge. In between shows, she is a regular contributor to The Marilyn Denis Show, Blanco Canada’s Kitchen Design Council, Metrie’s Design Council, and has designed feature spaces for IDS Toronto, Sony Canada and various Home + Interior Design Shows.

What did you enjoy most about being judges on Game of Homes?
I think the best part about being a judge was the fact that I could share some of the lessons that I have learned from my past design projects during the evaluations each week, and watch each team take those concepts, apply them and make it their own.

What surprised you most about the teams?
I was really impressed with how they managed to complete each task within the time frame, and basically living in a parking lot. They were taken out of their element, their normal daily routines and had to overcome a lot of obstacles. Imagine having to wake up every day to over 100 strangers with cameras in your face? That takes a lot of guts, determination and patience to be on our show. And in such a competitive atmosphere, I was surprised that all the teams seemed to get along with their neighbours, how Canadian! But then again, I haven’t seen the episodes yet, so I can’t wait to hear what all the contestants have to say!

Where you impressed by the teams creativity and workmanship?
Absolutely! I would think about the short timelines that they had to complete a challenge and think to myself, there’s no way that they can finish this on time. I’m used to having a large team of people help me when I’m renovating, so to be able to watch each team do everything from the design, to the build to the final accessorizing is completely mind blowing.

What is the best advise that you gave the teams renovating.
Communication is key! This is the best skill to have because even with the best design in the world, if your team doesn’t have a cohesive game plan, then you will never succeed. Even now, after a decade of working in television and design, I need to make sure that I’m always communicating with my trades, figuring out the best possible solutions and checking my ego at the door.

What can the audience expect watching Game of Homes?
Prepare to be shocked! Each week, the teams really surprised us with their renovations. There was never a clear winner, and I think that’s what is going to make this show great. I can only imagine the stress that they are under to produce high quality designs while living through the renovation, and knowing that your biggest competition is next door.

You have been dubbed ‘Cheremy’ by all the teams, was it hard to give criticism to the contestants?
When I heard that we were dubbed “Cheremy”, I had a good laugh. It’s way better than “Jerryl”. LOL. Among my friends, when you get a nickname, you know that you’re family. It was definitely hard to give our comments to the contestants, especially at the beginning because they don’t know us personally. Both Jeremy and I are super fun, but when we are in our Judging zone, we are serious, passionate and focused on trying to make sure that we are giving the best possible advice. Yes, it may come across as harsh, but it was all about “tough love”. We really wanted to make sure that we pushed them as much as possible because at the end of the day, they could be the team that wins their own house.

How did you enjoy working with Cameron and the rest of the cast and crew?
First of all, to work with Cam (he’s such a pro) and my hilarious co-judge Jeremy was an absolute dream. They are both so down to earth and I learned so much from them both professionally and personally. Coming from Toronto, I knew that I would be able to experience the West Coast hospitality and I was excited to come to set every morning and feel like I was seeing my Game of Homes family. Even when it rained, we managed to find time to laugh and have fun.

What did you take away from being on Game of Homes?
I learned that even after years of mastering your own craft, there is still so much more that you can learn from others. I loved hearing all the guest judges comments, being inspired by the contestants, and being able to figure out what my core values are as a designer.

Social Media Handles

Website: corusent.com, greatpacifictv.com, Wnetwork.com
Twitter: @Cher_Torrenueva, @GameOfHomesTV, @CameronMathison, @CorusPR, @GreatPacificTV, @w_network
Facebook: facebook.com/gameofhomes, facebook.com/wnetwork
YouTube: http://youtu.be/2I27ZUr6Kj4

Contact The Promotion People

Lesley Diana – Founder, President and Publicist
lesley@thepromotionpeople.ca
604.726.5575

Website: thepromotionpeople.ca
Twitter: @PromotionPeople
Facebook: The Promotion People
Instagram: @thepromotionpeople

W Network Launches New Digital Series Cameron’s House Rules Starring Game of Homes Host and Emmy®-Nominated Actor Cameron Mathison

Cameron’s House Rules premieres Tuesday, March 17 on com, W View and W Network’s YouTube channel to compliment the broadcast series Game of Homes

Click here to watch a trailer
All five webisodes available on March 17

Photo Credit: W Network

On Tuesday, March 17, W Network launches Cameron’s House Rules, a digital series starring Game of Homes host Cameron Mathison. Produced by Great Pacific Media, Hodgee Films and developed in association with W Network and with the participation of the Bell Fund, Cameron’s House Rules gives fans a behind-the scenes look at the Canadian actor’s home life as he takes on a difficult renovation of his own. The web series complements Game of Homes and gives fans even more access to Game of Homes host Cameron, with an inside look at his Los Angeles home. All five 3 to 5 minute webisodes of Cameron’s House Rules premiere Tuesday, March 17 on WNetwork.com, W View and W Network’s YouTube channel, the same day as W Network’s biggest competition series ever, Game of Homes, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on W Network.

“I was so inspired and I had so much fun on Game of Homes that I wanted to do some work myself, on my own home. I knew that my family would love the idea, so I brought them in on it and we tackled the home renovation together,” said Cameron Mathison, star of Cameron’s House Rules and host of Game of Homes. “I’m very excited to have people see this side of me, unscripted and working at home with my family”.

In the digital series, Cameron’s House Rules, Cameron Mathison rolls up his sleeves and takes on a renovation of his own. Challenged by the toughest of clients – his wife Vanessa and children Lucas and Leila – Cameron sets out to transform their dilapidated garage into a beautiful family room for their weekly movie nights. Before Cameron became a TV host, a regular on All My Children and a contestant on Dancing with the Stars, he received a university degree in Structural Engineering from McGill, so he is definitely up for the challenge. But with only five days to get the renovation done, Cameron gets a taste of what the contestants faced on Game of Homes as he handles surprises, tight deadlines, and an unexpected living situation.

About W Network

W Network is the leading destination for Canadian women delivering/with a range of compelling entertainment from original programming to lifestyle series, blockbuster movies and popular dramas. W Network’s online offerings include WNetwork.com, W Dish and W View. With its extensive research capabilities and consumer insights, W Network is recognized as a leading expert in marketing to women. W Network is owned by Canadian-based media and entertainment company Corus Entertainment. For more information, visit WNetwork.com and corusent.com.

Social Media Handles

Website: corusent.com, greatpacifictv.com, Wnetwork.com
Twitter: @GameOfHomesTV, @CameronMathison, @CorusPR, @GreatPacificTV, @w_network, #cameronshouserules
Facebook: facebook.com/gameofhomes, facebook.com/wnetwork
YouTube: http://youtu.be/2I27ZUr6Kj4

Contact The Promotion People

Lesley Diana – Founder, President and Publicist
lesley@thepromotionpeople.ca
604.726.5575

Website: thepromotionpeople.ca
Twitter: @PromotionPeople
Facebook: The Promotion People
Instagram: @thepromotionpeople

Meet W Network Game of Homes Contestants Vancouver Couple Charlotte Fenton and Sean Duncan TO PREMIERE ON MARCH 17TH 10 PM EST/PST

W Network’s biggest competition series yet, Game of Homes hosted by Emmy® nominated actor Cameron Mathison (All My Children, 54), follows four teams of two amateur home renovators as they compete for the prize of a lifetime – a house and a plot of land to put it on premieres Tuesday, March 17 at 10p.m. ET/PT on W Network.

If you had to describe Charlotte and Sean in two words you would probably start with “Hot and Awesome.”

Charlotte is a sassy, vibrant and confident 29-year-old with an amazing sense of style. She runs a business with her girlfriend selling up cycled vintage furniture.

Known as “The two Fleas” they rummage flea markets for trash to turn into treasure and they do it very successfully! What started as upcycling furniture has now evolved 2 Fleas into interior styling and design.

Sean may work in finance but he works equally as hard coming up with zingy one-liners to put Charlotte in her place. He’s the first to admit that he “barks” at Char if she bosses him around, especially under stressful situations with time constraints.

Sean and Char are the couple at the top of your invite list. They bring the dance moves, they pour the drinks and they’ll start the epic game of drunken charades. This power couple isn’t necessarily looking to make friends, they have a ton of those, but people will fight to get on their “friend roster” or alternatively, plot their demise.

Was the production what you expected?
The production was way more then we expected. We really had no idea what we were getting ourselves into and it was such a major operation that totally blew us away. The amount of hardworking production and crew involved on an everyday basis was totally unexpected but so cool to see. They all seemed to truly love their jobs; they were a great group of people to work with and made us feel so comfortable.

How was living in the home while it was under renovation?
Surprisingly not as bad as we thought it would be. We might have been the only team whose air mattress didn’t leak so that definitely helped. The smell of the old carpet in the master bedroom was a bit pungent but once renovated it was fine. Each week the house got better and better to live in. We don’t mind a little ‘glamping.’ from time to time.

What did you like most about being on Game of Homes?
During the entire taping we felt like we were living out our dream! We felt in our element and loved all of the designing and hands on work! We already had such a close relationship but found we grew even closer throughout this whole process – we had such a blast together.

Has your life changed since being on the show?
This experience definitely confirmed to Char that this is what she wants to do. Prior to the show Char ran a small furniture upcycling company called 2Fleas and wants to gear this more towards interior design and styling spaces. She is currently enrolled in an Interior design program and is excited to get her career started.

What room did you enjoy renovating the most?
The Kitchen. It is such a hub of our home and we spend all of our time in it cooking, entertaining and dance parties. We have a karaoke machine in our kitchen at home!!

Of the guest judges, which judges were you most excited to meet?
Of course always great to see our local gal Jillian! Also Colin and Justin, such characters with spunk and we love that! We’re very enthused to have them over for a dinner party.

What did you learn about home renovation while you were on the show?
That it is not easy but it is do-able if you put your mind to it. Such respect gained for such physically and mentally exhausting work. And Char will never paint another ceiling or wall again.

What would you tell others who are considering applying to be a participant on a reality show?
Do it! But brace yourself and seriously… remember to have SO much fun and love every moment of it. It flies by.

Social Media Handles

Website: corusent.com, greatpacifictv.com, Wnetwork.com
Twitter: @Char_Dijon, @SeanDijon, @2fleas, @GameOfHomesTV, @w_network
Facebook: facebook.com/gameofhomes, facebook.com/wnetwork
YouTube: http://youtu.be/2I27ZUr6Kj4

Contact The Promotion People

Lesley Diana – Founder, President and Publicist
lesley@thepromotionpeople.ca
604.726.5575

Website: thepromotionpeople.ca
Twitter: @PromotionPeople
Facebook: The Promotion People
Instagram: @thepromotionpeople

MEET W NETWORK GAME OF HOMES CONTESTANTS ENGAGED COUPLE DISA (HJORDIS) OTTOSDOTTIR and RUSSELL SCHAPER-KOTTER  TO PREMIERE ON MARCH 17TH 10 PM EST/PST

W Network’s biggest competition s The Promotion People - Game of Homes eries yet, Game of Homes hosted by Emmy® nominated actor Cameron Mathison (All My Children, 54), follows four teams of two amateur home renovators as they compete for the prize of a lifetime – a house and a plot of land to put it on premieres Tuesday, March 17 at 10p.m. ET/PT on W Network.

Disa (Hjordis) Ottosdottir is originally from Reykjavik, Iceland and Russell Schaper-Kotter was born and raised in Vancouver. Putting the “U’R” in Quirky is Disa and Russell. They may look all business but these two are young, playful and full of idiosyncrasies. Recently engaged they are SO excited to begin their lives together.

Disa is a commercial designer who admits she can be too structured and too  focused on the tiny details. That’s where Russell comes in! Loud, gregarious and full of gusto he has no problem telling Disa to start having fun! He’s the hard working muscle of the duo and will binge watch YouTube DIY Videos all night long if that’s what it takes to get the job done!

You can’t help but root for these two and you become emotionally invested in the pair from the very moment they introduce themselves and their Rhyme Time last names. It’s cuteness overload but without the sugar coma, proving that you can be sweet but still possess the drive to destroy the competition!

What attracted you to apply to be on Game of Homes?
It was honestly at the suggestion of one of Disa’s coworkers to apply. Supposedly we were the perfect couple for the job! I ended up pushing Disa to apply because I thought we might have a chance to get on with our combined skills. We have always wanted to take on a project together but hadn’t found the time to. This was the perfect opportunity!

How was living in the home while it was under renovation?
It was like camping! We slept on air mattresses, used flashlights and portable heaters. Haha, it was kind of eerie in the beginning, being in a very empty, dirty and smelly house that was scheduled for demolition.

What did you miss the most when you were on set for the month?
We definitely missed having some personal space. It can be quite exhausting having cameras and crew constantly around, in our faces, in our spaces. We barely had a minute to just breath. We also really missed our families. We are so close with our families and not being able to speak with them for weeks was really hard. It felt like forever when we finally got to see them!

What room did you enjoy renovating the most?
The kitchen, by far, was the most fun to renovate. We had a lot of limitations to work around so we really needed to tap into our creativity. Those limitations ended up driving our design decisions. We had the most inspired ideas and our creativity really shined through…we never thought late nights and lack of sleep could bring us such creative last minute ideas!

Which room was the most challenging?
The most challenging room was probably the bathroom. We had a very short amount of time to finish it and some large challenges along the way. We will never look at grouting tiles the same again….nor will we ever grout again! Another major challenge was our living room…we had to spend a full day reinforcing our ceiling as it nearly collapsed on Russell. A huge delay we didn’t expect.

What did you learn about home renovation while you were on the show?
Well, neither of us have ever done the actual hands on reno work before. So every part, excluding the design stage and painting, of the renovation was completely new to us. It was sometimes embarrassing to have the cameras on us while we were trying to figure out the most simple task like changing a drill bit! We also learned that you can do anything if you put your mind to it. Especially with a limited budget and time constraint. It truly inspires creativity. Would I renovate a house again, you bet! We’re hooked!

Have you done any home renovations since the show finished production?
Yes, we built a kitchen island and some great counter stools. We are currently in the process of building a wall mounted credenza for our living room…and then we’ll tackle our bedroom!

What would you tell someone considering applying for a renovation show?
Be ready for the curve balls. Be ready for the challenge and don’t be afraid to dive in head first. Being on a reality show is nothing you can prepare for. You just have to take it all in, make good choices, and hope for the best!

Social Media Handles

Website: corusent.com, greatpacifictv.com, Wnetwork.com
Twitter: @russrockvan, @Disa_O, @GameOfHomesTV, @w_network
Facebook: facebook.com/gameofhomes, facebook.com/wnetwork
YouTube: http://youtu.be/2I27ZUr6Kj4

Contact The Promotion People

Lesley Diana – Founder, President and Publicist
lesley@thepromotionpeople.ca
604.726.5575

Website: thepromotionpeople.ca
Twitter: @PromotionPeople
Facebook: The Promotion People
Instagram: @thepromotionpeople

MEET THE W NETWORK GAME OF HOMES CONTESTANTS FATHER AND DAUGHTER TEAM – RAY AND CRYSTAL MOON TO PREMIERE ON MARCH 17TH 10 PM EST/PST

Fiery and competitive are just a few words to describe this father/daughter team from Tswasssen, British Columbia.

Crystal is Ray’s first born and as he puts it ‘was a challenge’ growing up. She is incredibly strong-willed, believes in her ideas and stubborn to a fault. Ray is the quintessential big hearted, blue collared worker and handyman extraordinaire.’ At 3-years-old, Crystal was hammering away eager to assist her father in home renovations and they’ve been doing it ever since.

Crystal wants a chance to win a house as she plans to start a family with her boyfriend and living in a 500-sq./ft.-apartment wont cut it. Ray wants to provide for his daughter by helping her get a leg up in Vancouver’s expensive housing market. He also doesn’t want her “moving home” he say’s jokingly.

Crystal is passionate about design and has a confident sense of what she likes. She sees her home project having a ‘crisp’ gallery feel while Ray envisions more of a rustic feel. But Ray knows to take a back seat in design and allow Crystal to take the wheel. He has no choice! He knows he’ll stick to his role as ‘builder’.

The two bring a playful father/daughter banter that’s both hilarious and endearing. Ray and Crystal Moon have the competitive drive and experience to take on this challenge.

What attracted you to apply to be on Game of Homes?
Crystal: The opportunity to do what I love and potentially grow my business, and of course WIN A HOUSE where I could build a family.

Ray: My daughter Crystal found out about it and asked me to be her partner

How was living in the home while it was under renovation?
Crystal: We were literally eating, sleeping and breathing renovations in a house that should have been condemned. It was very trying at times, but also fun, like camping inside – no running water or electricity. Oh and then there’s the matter of sharing a bedroom with my Dad…

Ray: Living in the house was frustrating especially with the limited electrical & water supply. I could deal with the dirt and the messy living conditions but I found it very frustrating having the newly renovated areas walked through while renovating the rest of the house, keeping it clean took time away from other projects.

What did you like most about being on Game of Homes?
Crystal: The people we met and worked with were such great support. Everyone was warm and friendly which made being away from family and friends all that much easier.

Ray: The competition, I’m an individual that likes to be challenged and throughout my life I have competed in various events. It forces you to push yourself past your comfort zone to feel a sense of accomplishment. Plus I enjoyed working with my daughter (most the time).

Which room was the most challenging and why?
Crystal: By far the Kitchen. It was our largest room and had the least room for error. Add a few hiccups and the stress level went thru the roof.

Ray: The kitchen, it was the biggest mess, it required the most work, and during the reno of that room we had a bit of a conflict with our contractor. Also I ended up having to go to the hospital emergency (blood poisoning in my arm). I required daily treatments at the hospital during that challenge and because of that I wasn’t able to help Crystal with the renos as much as was needed.

What did you enjoy most about working with host Cameron Mathison?
C & R: Cameron is a very kind and genuine person, incredibly considerate and empathetic and we appreciated his energy.

What did you learn about home renovation while you were on the show?
Crystal: I learned that every project, regardless of the size, begins with a first step–then another and another. And when that project becomes too overwhelming keep your head down and focus, at the end you will be blown away by your accomplishments.

Ray: Mostly I learned a couple of tricks of the trade from the contractors on how to do various renovations projects. But the biggest education for me was learning how to redo the roof and cut and install bathroom tiles.

Have you turned this experience into a career since completing the show?
Crystal: In 2012 I opened Crystal Moon Design, a small residential design firm. Since filming Game of Homes it’s reaffirmed in my mind that this is my calling.

Ray: Nope, I’m semi-retired and I Coach High School Football.

Social Media Handles

Website: corusent.com, greatpacifictv.com, Wnetwork.com
Twitter: @crystal2moon, @raymoon62, @GameOfHomesTV, @w_network
Facebook: facebook.com/gameofhomes, facebook.com/wnetwork
YouTube: http://youtu.be/2I27ZUr6Kj4

Contact The Promotion People

Lesley Diana – Founder, President and Publicist
lesley@thepromotionpeople.ca
604.726.5575

Website: thepromotionpeople.ca
Twitter: @PromotionPeople
Facebook: The Promotion People
Instagram: @thepromotionpeople

MEET CONTESTANTS ON W NETWORK’S GAME OF HOMES PJ (PAWAN) AND NINA JOHAR TO PREMIERE ON MARCH 17TH 10 PM EST/PST

It was love at first sight for Nina and PJ when they met in Australia seven years ago. Strong-willed and tenacious, this Indo Canadian couple has all the design and renovation experience to take on this show.

Nina and Pawan have done numerous home renovation projects together including gutting and refurbishing an entire heritage home. They love to use bold, bright colors that reflect their heritage purples, reds, and yellows. Nina credits her design eye to her mother who always made a space feel warm and beautiful. A single mother with little money raised Nina and they constantly moved from rental house to rental house. Every home they lived in was’ uniquely designed by her mother and it inspires Nina in her own projects.

In Indian culture, being a single mother can be frowned upon and some of her own community never accepted her, says Nina. The couple wants to win the house so that they can give back to her mother. They want to provide her a wonderful space that is “rent free”.

With Nina’s strong design background and Pawan’s patience in structural work, the two have a passionate reason to win this house.

What attracted you to apply to be on Game of Homes?
The opportunity to fulfill our dream to design & create our dream home and of course the opportunity to win a mortgage free home & a piece of land to put it on! We support Nina’s mum also who has been through so much in her life that giving her a rent/mortgage free permanent roof over her head to call home would mean more than the world for all of us.

Was the production what you expected?
Yes and No. We had no idea how the show or competition would work…we thought we would have weeks to do the whole place as one big challenge not each space/room/area being a separate challenge and in such a short time. We didn’t think we’d be kept in the dark so much as to what would happen next… We seriously didn’t know what was happening that day until 8am the day of! It was cray-cray!!

Also with no set criteria or point system, it was a real guessing game as to what the judges and guest judges were looking for each week. It felt like we were chasing our tail a lot!

What did you like most about being on Game of Homes?
The idea of have some ‘us’ time was good in theory before we went on the show but that was way too long away from our kids!

The cast & crew were wildly awesome! Production took really good care of us and looking back we are so proud of the effort we put in and how we truly went all-in for each and every challenge by really pushing our design ideas and physical abilities to the absolute limits. We really took risks stretching what is even possible in a rooms/space in such a short time frame. Many sleepless nights and long long days. It was worth it!

What did you miss the most when you were on set for the month?
Most definitely our spunky, beautiful kids, our favourite vegetarian restaurant and contact with the outside world!

Which room was the most challenging and why?
The bathroom was the most challenging, as it was really ass end backwards compared to how you normally do a bathroom renovation. Not only were we waterproofing, dry walling and tiling before we even had a shower base onsite, we also had zero knowledge about how to tile. Nina decided to chose small tiles as the main tiles which took literally all night to finish as we literally used them to cover the walls and floor. Full respect to rulers out there and we will never tile again!

What did you enjoy most about working with host Cameron Mathison?
He was so chilled & had a calming ora & energy around him that gave us a sense of calmness amongst all the madness! I know he must have hated delivering the twists in the challenges and calling “time’s up” for the challenges when there was still so much to do.

What did you learn about home renovation while you were on the show?
We are a great team and so grateful to have the different skills we have and appreciate the others role more.

Nina learnt that power tools are very heavy & not fun and don’t know why guys call them ‘boy toys’ as they are not toys but instead potentially harmful machines. She hopes to never touch one Again! you’ll certainly see why in the spare room episode.

How have you transferred what you learned to life after Game of Homes?
We are into the next reno project through PNJ Property Investment Group and looking forward to the exterior envelope repairs and changes and re-siding the house. I have a huge appreciation for Nina’s vision &design style & choices and trust her entirely in that department. Each time she designs a home, it “wow’s” people & the houses sell so quickly! She has not lifted a hammer onsite however, nor will I let her.

Have you turned this experience into a career since completing the show?
Absolutely! Through our company PNJ Property Investment Group we are enroute to re-develop a few houses each year partnering with investors as well as providing interior design services & managing renovation projects for others. This will create more beautiful neighborhoods, bringing new life back into homes that need some love and attention and provide designer yet affordable homes for families in the greater Vancouver & lower mainland areas.

What did you take away the most from appearing on the show?
We both have a suitcase full of paint covered clothes, a couple of extra pounds for me eating all those ruffles but Nina somehow always seems to look amazing even when covered in teal paint!

This show is going to be crazy as challenges went every which way, lots of tears and triumphs and expect the unexpected on judgment days! We hope that you enjoy watching it as much as we enjoyed being a part of it!

Social Media Handles

Website: corusent.com, greatpacifictv.com, Wnetwork.com
Twitter: @PNJPropInvestG, @NinaJohar, @GameOfHomesTV, @w_network
Facebook: facebook.com/gameofhomes, facebook.com/wnetwork
YouTube: http://youtu.be/2I27ZUr6Kj4

Contact The Promotion People

Lesley Diana – Founder, President and Publicist
lesley@thepromotionpeople.ca
604.726.5575

Website: thepromotionpeople.ca
Twitter: @PromotionPeople
Facebook: The Promotion People
Instagram: @thepromotionpeople

W Network’s Biggest Competition Show Ever Gives Away a House and the Land to put it on. Game of Homes Premieres March 17

This March, Corus Entertainment presents the premiere of W Network’s biggest competition series yet, Game of Homes (8X60). Hosted by Emmy® nominated actor Cameron Mathison (All My Children, 54), the Vancouver-based series follows four teams of two amateur home renovators as they compete for the prize of a lifetime – a house and a plot of land to put it on. Produced by Great Pacific Media in association with W Network, Game of Homes premieres Tuesday, March 17 at 10p.m. ET/PT on W Network.

“Game of Homes is the biggest series of its kind for W Network,” said John MacDonald, Vice President, Television, Head of Corus Women and Family, Corus Entertainment. “We’ve taken over the harbourfront of downtown Vancouver and challenged four teams of amateurs to transform four tear downs into their dream homes. They’ll be joined by renowned guest judges including Property Brothers Drew and Jonathan Scott, and Jillian Harris and Todd Talbot of Love It or List It: Vancouver in their pursuit of a once in a lifetime final prize. The show features contestants with larger-than-life personalities for whom this prize means a lot more than just a great renovation, it will truly be life changing.”

In Game of Homes, host Cameron Mathison guides the teams as they compete for the ultimate prize. The teams save rundown houses that are marked to be torn down and revive them into their dream homes, room- by-room. These condemned houses slated for the wrecking ball, are uprooted and transported by truck and barge to downtown Vancouver. Here in public view teams will work side by side, around the clock, to completely transform these dumps into show homes while living in them. They will battle small budgets, tight deadlines cramped quarters and each other for a chance to win a home and change their lives forever.

The action-packed series pits each team’s skill, ingenuity and teamwork against each other. Every week, two expert judges, Cheryl Torrenueva (Colin & Justin’s Home Heist, Restaurant Makeover, Restaurant Impossible) and Jeremy MacPherson (The Re- Inventors) assess the design and workmanship of each team’s room transformation. They will be joined by celebrity guest judges including: Jillian Harris and Todd Talbot from W Network’s Love It or List It Vancouver; Drew and Jonathan Scott from W Network’s Property Brothers; CMT’s Kortney and Dave Wilson; Colin and Justin (Colin and Justin’s Home Heist, I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here); Kelly Deck (Take it Outside); and Dee Dee Eustace (Love By Design, Real Designing Women). In the grand finale, the public will also cast their vote on which team has achieved the most spectacular home renovation.

“Securing a 60,000 square foot waterfront site in the heart of Vancouver, and moving four houses at 88,000 lbs. each was a monstrous undertaking. The results are a mesmerizing new setting for home renovation competition, with the highest stakes of all; a new home,” said Blair Reekie Series Producer of Great Pacific Media.

The teams include fiery and competitive father/daughter duo Ray and Crystal Moon, who want to help Crystal get a leg up in Vancouver’s expensive housing market; PJ (Pawan) and Nina Johar who want to win the house so that they can provide Nina’s mother a wonderful space that is rent free; vibrant and confident couple Charlotte Fenton and Sean Duncan; and recently engaged pair Disa Ottosdottir and Russell Schaper-Kotter who are hoping to begin their lives together in a new home.

Series host, Cameron Mathison has graced the screen in both film and television projects. Mathison, a Sarnia, Ontario native, made his feature film debut in 54, opposite Salma Hayek and Ryan Phillippe, he followed that role up with the independent movie Washed Up and the feature film The Surrogate, which was released in 2013. A man of many talents, Mathison, is a featured contributor for ABC’s Good Morning America and Entertainment Tonight, and has also appeared on the fifth season of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars, where he advanced all the way to Week nine.

During production, Nickel Bros. LLC moved the homes to their renovation location on the picturesque Vancouver waterfront. The Brick, Benjamin Moore and 3M are sponsoring the series and supply teams with renovation and design materials throughout the competition. The Brick is the official retail sponsor and supplied all four teams with furniture, mattresses, appliances and big screen TV’s. As part of the series, competitors visited a Brick location with shopping spree access for their appliances and to furnish the bedrooms, dens, and dining rooms. All featured furniture in the room renovation reveals were provided by the Brick. Both Benjamin Moore and 3M products were available throughout the series to the teams from a custom paint and supply station. All of the paint was supplied by Benjamin Moore with additional colour consultations and product selection advice provided to the teams. Teams worked with 3M products including ScotchBlue(TM) Painter’s Tape, Command(TM) hooks and Scotch-Brite(TM) sponges.

For more information on these series, please visit wnetwork.com/GameofHomes.

About W Network
W Network is the leading destination for Canadian women offering a range of compelling entertainment ranging from original programming to lifestyle series, blockbuster movies and popular dramas. Award-winning WNetwork.com offers an appealing second-screen experience with in depth show information featuring articles, videos, photo galleries, recipes and resource guides. With its extensive research capabilities and consumer insights, W Network is recognized as a leading expert in marketing to women. W Network is owned by Canadian-based media and entertainment company Corus Entertainment. For more information, visit WNetwork.com and corusent.com.

Social Media Handles

Website: corusent.com, greatpacifictv.com, Wnetwork.com
Twitter: @GameOfHomesTV, @CameronMathison, @CorusPR, @GreatPacificTV, @w_network
Facebook: facebook.com/gameofhomes, facebook.com/wnetwork
YouTube: http://youtu.be/2I27ZUr6Kj4

Contact The Promotion People

Lesley Diana – Founder, President and Publicist
lesley@thepromotionpeople.ca
604.726.5575

Website: thepromotionpeople.ca
Twitter: @PromotionPeople
Facebook: The Promotion People
Instagram: @thepromotionpeople

Rebecca Marshall shows her range in acting with roles on Cedar Cove, Supernatural, Raze and just wrapped Lockdown

Rebecca is currently filming a guest star role on CTV/ABC’s Motive

Rebecca Marshall has been working non stop in 2014. Having completed a recurring role on CBC’s popular series “Artic Air” Rebecca was cast in a number of other television series including a guest-starring role as “Lola” on the CW’s Supernatural and is currently filming an episode of CTV/ABC’s Motive in Vancouver.

With an Estonian, Ukrainian and English background this green eyed Canadian can also be seen in a recurring role on Hallmark Channel’s “Cedar Cove” as Alex, the sexy new cowgirl who comes to town and stirs up a little bit of trouble.

Rebecca also played Marika, a recurring pill junkie, and supermodel on the new USA Network show “Rush” and plays Tenley Lark on Season 4 of “Franklin and Bash”.

Rebecca’s most challenging role to date has been one of the leads in Horror Action feature film “Raze” directed by Josh Waller. Starring along side Rachel Nichols, Zoe Bell, Tracie Thompson and Rosario Dawson this action, thriller is about women that are abducted into an underground fighting system and forced to fight each other for their survival. Raze is currently airing on SHOWTIME and can be purchased on iTunes.

Just wrapped Rebecca stars in “Lockdown” alongside Roger Cross and WWE wrestler Dean Ambrose in a non-stop action packed cop chase movie with British director Stephen Reynolds at the helm. Rebecca plays Ellen Matthews the Captain of the police force, who is a no nonsense boss, that has to deal with a complete lockdown at her precinct over night to catch her criminal.

Rebecca lives in Los Angeles and continues to travel to Vancouver for television and movie roles. A huge lover of animals and the environment Rebecca lives with her rescue dog Sophie who joins her on long hikes daily. She spends a lot of her time in Africa with close friends and traveling when she’s not working. In her spare time she paints in her art studio in the back of her home and works out everyday with her trainer Patrick Murphy. Rebecca prefers to do most of her own stunts so she eats extremely healthy and stays in shape. Rebecca just finished writing her first screenplay and is looking forward to directing the feature film next year.

Social Media Handles

Website: rebeccamarshallofficial.tumblr.com
Twitter: @becksinla
Facebook: facebook.com/rebeccamarshallfanpage
Instagram: @becksinla
IMDb: imdb.com/name/nm1503911

Contact The Promotion People

Lesley Diana – Founder, President and Publicist
lesley@thepromotionpeople.ca
604.726.5575

Website: thepromotionpeople.ca
Twitter: @PromotionPeople
Facebook: The Promotion People