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Helen Shaver, Gabrielle Miller, Jennifer Spence and Colleen Rennison star in actor/writer/director Ben Ratner’s feature film Down River screening at the Vancouver International Film Festival, Cinefest Sudbury and the Calgary International Film Festival

Down River has been selected to be the Gala Film for the October 5th spotlight on BC screening at the Vancouver International Film Festival

Gossamer Creative and Haven Films are pleased to announce that Down River has been selected to be the Gala Film for the October 5th Spotlight on BC Screening at the Vancouver International Film Festival.

Vancouver International Film Festival – Showtimes
October 05, 6:30 pm
Vancouver Playhouse
600 Hamilton St, Vancouver, BC

October 09, 4:30 pm
Rio Theatre
1660 E Broadway, Vancouver, BC

Down River will also be screening at Cinefest Sudbury on September 22nd and the Calgary International Film Festival on September 28th and 29th.

Calgary International Film Festival – Showtimes
September 28, 7:00 pm
Globe Theatre
617 8 Ave SW, Calgary, AB

September 29, 1:30 pm
Eau Claire
200 Barclay Parade SW, Corner of 2nd St & 2nd Ave SW, Calgary, AB

Written and directed by multiple award-winning writer/director Ben Ratner (Moving Malcolm), Down River is the emotionally stirring story of three young women teetering on the edge between creative breakthroughs and personal breakdowns, and their connection with the older woman they rely on for guidance, support and inspiration.

Gemini award-winning Gabrielle Miller (Corner Gas, Call Me Fitz, Moving Day) portrays an in-demand but insecure actress. Gemini award-winning Colleen Rennison (DaVinci’s City Hall and lead singer of fast-rising band Nosinner) plays a gifted but self- destructive rock singer. Ratner’s real-life wife, Leo award-nominated Jennifer Spence (Continuum, Stargate Universe, The Killing) plays a dynamic abstract artist hiding under a paint-stained hoodie. And Gemini award-winning Helen Shaver (The Color of Money, Desert Hearts) plays their charismatic and caring neighbour who eventually leaves them to face the future on their own.

Inspired by Ben Ratner’s long-time comradeship with actress Babz Chula who passed away in 2010, Down River is a film about mentorship, friendship, living life to the fullest, and ultimately letting go.

Other actors joining this first-rate cast include Jay Brazeau (Fathers and Sons, Insomnia), Ali Liebert (Bomb Girls, Harper’s Island), Brian Markinson (Continuum, Mad Men) and Teach Grant (Cult, Gunless).

Written and Directed by Ben Ratner. Produced by James Brown. Director of Photography is Larry Lynn. Edited by Rob Wenzek. Executive Producer is Jack Ong. Original songs by Kevin House, Colleen Rennison and The Boom Booms. Down River was shot in Vancouver.

Social Media Handles

Website: downrivermovie.com
Twitter: @DownRiverMovie
Facebook: facebook.com/DownRiverMovie
YouTube: Down River Movie Teaser

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

Tammy Gillis Returns to Television Screens Across North America With Roles in ABC’s New Series “Motive” and the Award Winning “Less Than Kind”

Acclaimed Canadian actress Tammy Gillis guest-stars in an episode of the new television series “Motive”, set to premiere on ABC on May 23rd, 2013. Tammy’s performance received rave reviews when her episode (entitled “Detour”) aired in Canada. “Detour” will air this summer on ABC. “Motive” has become a quick hit; it was recently being picked up by CTV for a second season, and was recently acquired by Universal Channel UK. The buzzed-about series stars Kristin Lehman, Louis Ferreira, Brendan Penny, Roger Cross and Lauren Holly.

Tammy will also be returning to her hilarious recurring role for the fourth and last season in the multiple Canadian Screen Award winning, television series “Less Than Kind”. The final season of this fan favorite show premieres on June 2nd, 2013 in a 2-episode event. Tammy will be appearing in the premiere event, in the episode titled “Girl Trouble”. The original comedy series airs on DirectTV and HBO Canada. The role has Tammy starring as Barbara, a new mother and trophy wife to Jack. Barbara is young, pretty and full of life—maybe a little too full of life with her Jekyll and Hyde personality.

One of the roles that Tammy is most proud of is her leading role in the independent feature film “Under the Apple Box” which screened and won Honorable Mention at the 2013 New Jersey Film Festival as well as screened at the Women’s International Film Festival in Miami. “Under the Apple Box” written, produced and directed by Ellie Fox, is a compelling and beautifully-filmed feature about an Iranian woman Leila, played by Tammy, who is forever tormented by her past.

Last year, Tammy co-starred in a steamy episode of Showcase’s “Lost Girl”. Tammy’s other television roles include CW’s “Supernatural” and the SpikeTV comedy “Blue Mountain State”. She has been seen on Global TV series’ “Endgame” and “Shattered”, and played Rachael Leigh Cook’s best friend in the thriller “Stealing Paradise”, which aired on The Movie Network, Movie Central and Super Écran.

This talented actress has amassed a number of impressive credits throughout her career, including roles in feature films such as “Shooter”, and “White Noise 2: The Light”. Her television appearances include the critically acclaimed CBC series “jPOD”, “Reaper”, “The L Word”, and the final season of “Battlestar Galactica”. Tammy has worked on a number of MOW’s as well: one opposite Linda Hamilton in “Home for Christmas”, and another with Kim Basinger in “The Mermaid Chair”.

This gorgeous performer was one of Femme Fatale’s ‘Fresh Faces of the Year’ and has been featured in UMM and Sharp for Men. Her successful career began as a model, and led to her being one of the main spokesmodels for underwear Ginch Gonch. This role had her representing the line around the world, from Canada to France to El Salvador. Since then, she has moved on to film and television, not only in front of the camera, but behind it as well. Gillis has acted as a producer on a couple of short films, including “Dealing with Jerks” and “Din”. She currently has a number of projects in development that she has written, including two feature films and a webisode series titled “Goodnight Tammy”.

Since the move from her Manitoba farming roots to pursue her dream of acting, Tammy has become a successful and respected member of the entertainment industry in Canada. Tammy currently splits her time between Vancouver and Toronto, and travels to LA (and around the globe) for projects.. When she isn’t busy on set, the multifaceted performer loves to stay active—she loves skiing and is currently addicted to some dance Kundalini yoga!

Social Media Handles

Website: tammygillis.com
Twitter: @Tammy_F_Gillis
Youtube: Under the Apple Box Trailer
Facebook: Tammy Gillis

Contact The Promotion People

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

Jasmyn Pozzo – Publicist
jasmyn@thepromotionpeople.ca
705.255.6887

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

Acclaimed pop-culture artist & alluring performer Elisabetta Fantone returns to Canada to display unique artwork at Vancouver’s Kurbatoff Gallery April 11th to 23rd, 2013

Italian-French Canadian actor, artist and author Elisabetta Fantone continues to impress with her talent in many mediums; excelling in artistic, film and literary projects. The international beauty is not only a talented actor, widely recognized reality television personality, model and author, but a gifted painter as well. Elisabetta has been garnering attention across North America for her engaging Youtube videos, which capture her creating her dynamic art pieces, from start to first. To personally view some of Elisabetta’s pieces come to life, visit her Youtube channel: youtube.com/user/OfficialElisabetta

Currently, Elisabetta is gearing up for her next show (her first solo show on Canada’s West Coast) at the Kurbatoff Gallery from April 11th-23rd, 2013. Her recreations of the images of iconic figures are widely popular, and are often acknowledged by the subject of her pieces! She was notably commissioned by the Kardashian sisters to showcase a piece of her art in their famed clothing boutique “DASH”, in Miami.

This latest art show comes after Elisabetta’s well-publicized tour of her artwork across North America last year. She had her pieces displayed at the Kurbatoff Gallery, The Thompson Landry Gallery in Toronto during TIFF, the Soho Gallery in Montreal and the Myra Galleries in Miami. Her shows paid homage to classic icons, including Marilyn Monroe, Mick Jagger, Audrey Hepburn and Marlon Brando.

Her artistic work isn’t the only aspect of her career on the rise: The vivacious actor is starring in the original feature film “Havana 57”. The noir mystery marks the first co-production between Canada and Cuba, and touched upon the subjects of the mob, revolutions and a beautiful dancer, played by Elisabetta.

“Havana 57” follows Rubén Velez (Juan Reidinger), a newly appointed homicide detective in the Havana police force of the 1950s, before the Cuban revolution. Velez is working on the case of a murdered chorus girl with connections to the mob, but soon finds himself in danger when his idealistic principles of justice meet head-on with the corrupt and brutal practices of the police force. Elisabetta plays Juliana in the film, a torrid Cuban dancer and roommate to the murdered chorus girl. Juliana seduces detective Velez and reveals secrets that lead him to the killer, but also puts herself in the mob’s line of fire. She finds herself torn between her need to survive and her love for Velez.

This multi-talented beauty has been busy with acting roles since she was discovered in 2006 when she won over the hearts of French speaking Canadians thanks to the insatiably popular docu-reality TV series “Loft Story”, of which she quickly shone as the break out star. Since then, Elisabetta has accomplished numerous artistic endeavors, including film and television, modeling, music, painting and literature. She has already released her first book entitled “Journal intime d’une Lofteuse”. Just a few short years later, she had added celebrated pop-art painter and vocalist as additions to her already impressive repertoire.

Elisabetta decided that she would marry her two passions of painting and performing, and head to the U.S. to further both talents. Born in Montreal to Italian parents, Elisabetta grew up with her three older brothers and made the move to Italy at the age of four where she caught the acting bug. Elisabetta, a true animal lover, now lives in Miami with her two small dogs, a Chihuahua named “Dolce” and a Mini-Pin named “Topolina”.

When not gracing the covers of magazines around the globe, doing TV interviews, or working, Elisabetta enjoys reading, working out, playing 80‟s video games and baking. She is also passionate about charity and has been associated with Breast Cancer and Aids charities as well as The Children’s Foundation in Montreal. Elisabetta continues to volunteer her time hosting events, doing commercials and auctioning her paintings to raise awareness and money for charity.

Social Media Handles

Website: elisabetta.ca
Facebook: ELISABETTA FANTONE
Twitter: @elisabettatweet 
YouTube: OfficialElisabetta

Contact The Promotion People

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

IndustryWorks Pictures announces U.S. distribution deal for what’s being called ‘today’s modern day horror film’ – “American Mary”

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IndustryWorks Pictures has an exciting announcement to make as they bring their widely praised thriller/horror feature “American Mary” to the US market. The festival circuit gem, stars “Ginger Snaps” alum Katharine Isabelle and was the recent recipient of 11 awards at top genre festivals across North America, including the honors for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actress.

XLrator Media has acquired all U.S. rights to the horror sensation, AMERICAN MARY, produced and represented worldwide by IWP. This female- centric surgical horror-thriller will be released on XLrator Media’s newly announced Screamfest label in Fall 2013.

IndustryWorks Pictures is excited to bring the film to the US market with XLrator Media and their Screamfest label where American Mary picked up five awards including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Cinematography and Best Makeup. It also won six awards at the Toronto AfterDark festival including Best Director, Best Actress, Best Cinematography and Most Disturbing Film.

Evan Tylor, President of IndustryWorks Pictures says, “American Mary was a risky film to take on but we believed in the talent, the material and our ability to get the film in the right hands and get audiences talking about it. We went for it based on the uniqueness of the creative package. More cool films coming from IWP in 2013.”

“American Mary” stars Katharine Isabelle (Ginger Snaps’ franchise) and Antonio Cupo (Dark Angel, Bomb Girls) in a story of medical student, Mary Mason (Isabelle), as she grows increasingly broke and disenchanted with medical school and the surgeons that she once admired. The allure of easy money and notoriety sends Mary into the messy world of underground surgeries that leaves more marks on Mary than her so-called ‘freakish’ clientele. The film is directed by Jen & Sylvia Soska and produced by Evan Tylor and John Curtis.

ABOUT XLRATOR MEDIA, LLC

XLrator Media, LLC is a multi-platform releasing company founded by industry veteran Barry Gordon. It is focused on acquiring feature films, event programming and libraries, in addition to producing programming for enthusiast genres and categories that are under-served by the major studios and most independents. Recent XLrator Media releases include Ironclad, John Carpenter’s The Ward, Bunraku, Killing Bono, the Sundance documentary Knuckle, We The Party, 96 Minutes, Assassin’s Bullet, Blood Money, Brawler, Bigfoot: The Lost Coast Tapes and Outpost: Black Sun.

About IndustryWorks – Canada, International

IndustryWorks Pictures theatrically releases feature films in North America and provides international distribution for those films. IWP provides independent productions with the support and ability to strategically market, schedule, budget and ultimately have their product released theatrically. IndustryWorks also produces feature films, TV product and other new media formats. IndustryWorks Pictures has been developing its releasing strategies with Independent Booking Services and most recently Landmark Cinemas whose strong exhibitor relationships have been instrumental in positioning the company’s up and coming motion pictures with major theatrical chains. These theatre chains include; AMC, Cineplex Entertainment, Landmark, Regal and Cinemark.

“American Mary” follows in a long line of recent productions found, developed, produced and released by IndustryWorks. Other recent projects of note include the new TV series “The Lost Legion” (also picked up by Alliance, NBC/Universal, Super Channel and other major distributors, announced at TIFF), the animated feature “Back to the Sea” with a holiday exclusive window at Walmart co-distributed with Viva Pictures, and the upcoming feature film TOXIN 3D, to name a few.

IndustryWorks is quickly proving that the size of the company isn’t a determination of success, as they continue to produce quality, unique, audience-pleasing projects that sell. IndustryWorks sets itself apart from its competition by having the keen sense of seeing potential in the right projects, and turning that potential into a production to take notice of—which is why they have major international distributors paying close attention.

Social Media Handles

Facebook: Industry Works Pictures, American Mary
Twitter: @IWPictures, @_American_Mary
Website: industryworks.com

Contact The Promotion People

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

IndustryWorks Pictures’ Acclaimed Horror Feature “American Mary” Takes Home 11 Awards At Top Genre Festivals

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The indie horror “American Mary” from IndustryWorks Pictures has ravaged competition at festivals and left audiences and critics alike talking about the thriller, which has taken home top honors at North America’s biggest genre festivals. Directed by The Twisted Twins (Jen & Sylvia Soska), the film, which stars “Ginger Snaps” alum Katharine Isabelle, has been garnering rave reviews internationally, and is leaving a noticeable mark on all the festivals it is screening within. Most recently, IndustryWorks Pictures brought the film to the screens of the Toronto After Dark Festival and Screamfest LA, where it was awarded 11 awards in total, including the top honor of Best Picture at Screamfest and Best Director at both festivals.

Awards

Toronto After Dark 2012
Best Canadian Feature Film
Best Director (Jen & Sylvia Soska)
Best Leading Actress (Katharine Isabelle)
Best Cinematography (Brian Pearson)
Best Antihero (Mary Mason, played by Katharine Isabelle)
Most Disturbing Film

Screamfest 2012
Best Picture
Best Director (Jen & Sylvia Soska)
Best Actress (Katharine Isabelle)
Best Cinematography (Brian Pearson)
Best Makeup (Masters FX)

The film has played at festivals around the world to outstanding reviews, and IndustryWorks is currently representing the film at the American Film Market. “American Mary” was recently picked up by Universal Pictures at Cannes and is set for distribution in a number of international territories, including UK and Germany, Bounty in Australia & New Zealand and Anchor Bay for Canada’s Home Entertainment.

Some of the press “American Mary” has garnered includes accolades from international media outlets, including Fangoria, Total Film, Dread Central, Twitch Film, Bloody Disgusting and Daily Dead; along with mainstream trades such as mentions in The New York Times, Screen Daily and Time Out.

“American Mary” stars Katharine Isabelle (Ginger Snaps’ franchise) and Antonio Cupo (Dark Angel, Bomb Girls) in a story of medical student, Mary Mason (Isabelle), as she grows increasingly broke and disenchanted with medical school and the surgeons that she once admired. The allure of easy money and notoriety sends Mary into the messy world of underground surgeries that leaves more marks on Mary than her so-called ‘freakish’ clientele. The film is produced by IndustryWorks Pictures, Evan Tylor and John Curtis and was written and directed by, The Twisted Twins, Jen & Sylvia Soska.

This feature follows in a long line of recent productions found, developed, produced and released by IndustryWorks. Other recent projects of note include the new TV series shooting this fall “The Lost Legion”, the animated feature “Back to the Sea” with an exclusive window at Walmart through Viva Pictures, and the upcoming feature film TOXIN 3D.

IndustryWorks is quickly proving that the size of the company isn’t a determination of success, as they continue to produce quality, unique, audience-pleasing projects that sell. IndustryWorks sets itself apart from its larger competition by having the keen sense of seeing potential in the right projects, and turning that potential into a production to take notice of—which is why they have major international distributors paying close attention.
About IndustryWorks – Canada, International

Social Media Handles

Facebook: Industry Works Pictures, American Mary
Twitter: @IWPictures, @_American_Mary
Website: industryworks.com

Contact The Promotion People

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

Actor Nicole Oliver Co-Stars In The MOW “Taken Back”

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Multi-talented and multi-faceted Nicole Oliver is in demand as an actor, director and in the competitive voice-over market. Not prepared to slow down anytime soon, Nicole has had multiple roles in MOW’s, television series and animated cartoons. She recently completed her MBA and was a contributing blogger training for the Vancouver Sun Run, the second largest timed 10K in the world.

Her acting career is busier than ever. Nicole is co-starring in the thriller ‘Taken Back’ with Amanda Tapping (Sanctuary), Kacey Rohl (The Killing, Red Riding Hood), Moira Kelly (One Tree Hill) and David Cubitt (Medium). ‘Taken Back’ is the story of a mother, unable to get over the abduction of her daughter, convinced she has finally found her, but is she simply a mother obsessed? ‘Taken Back’ was released in the US in August on the Lifetime Network and is airing in Canada on Movie Central on September 19th, 2012.

This past season, Nicole guest starred in the popular television series ‘Supernatural’ episode entitled ‘Repo Man’. She is currently working on the series “Rogue”.

Nicole played a pivotal role in “The Woodcarver”, with Woody Jeffreys (Eureka, Smallville) and John Ratzenberger (Cheers, Toy Story) and up and comer young actor Dakota Daulby in his first starring role.

Another recent role for Nicole on the small screen is a role in the television movie “Innocent” that follows Judge Rusty Sabich (Bill Pullman), who finds himself on trial for the murder of his wife (Marcia Gay Harden). Nicole portrays Elaine Reese, a bitter and brassy TV journalist who discovers some incriminating news about Rusty, and stays on the story for the duration of the roller-coaster trial.

Nicole recently wrapped roles in the Television movie, “Bond of Silence” and can be seen in the popular four-hour miniseries ‘Seven Deadly Sins’, The miniseries is airing on The Movie Network. She also appeared in Lifetime Television’s movie “Mommy’s Little Girl” starring Rebecca Romijn.

The multifaceted Nicole is also in high demand in the competitive voice-over market. She is the voice for Wireless Wave, and provided her voice-over expertise to over 100 companies including American Express, Starbucks, Salon Selectives, Club House, and IKEA to name but a few. In animation, she is currently the voice of Sharazad in ‘1001 Nights’, which just wrapped its second season, and continues her popular roles on the Leo Award nominated shows ‘My Little Pony’, ‘Martha Speaks’, ‘Max Steel’ and ‘Barbie in a Mermaid’s Tale’. Nicole is also the narrator for the feature film ‘Heart of a Dragon’, Executive Produced by Mark Gordon and David Foster, and based on Rick Hansen’s ‘Wheels in Motion’.

Nicole’s credits in film and television include numerous leads in various MOWs and television shows both in Canada and the United States. She is continuously recognized for her 5 seasons as host on the hit Slice Network series ‘Crash Test Mommy’. Nicole’s television appearances and recurring roles include ‘Jpod’, ‘Psych’, ‘Kung Fu’, ‘FX: The Series’, ‘The Collector’, ‘Outer Limits’, ‘The Sentinel’, ‘ Millennium’, ‘Stargate SG-1’, and ‘PSI Factor’, just to name a few.

This incredibly busy mom and professional has mastered the balance between family and work, and has furthered her education with a Masters of Arts in Communication from Royal Roads University. She recently achieved another professional milestone, with the launch of Predator Communications with her husband (and award-winning film and television composer) Chris Ainscough. Predator Communication creates, executes, and delivers specialized production for multi-media platforms. For more information on Predator, visit: www.predcomm.com

Not only is Nicole a successful actor, producer, and director, she is also a mother, a wife, and role model of our time who believes that diversification is the key to success. Nicole is proof that with success in life there can be balance. Nicole resides in Vancouver with her husband and their two sons.

Social Media Handles

Website: nicoleoliver.com
Twitter: @mouthnoize
Facebook: Taken Back: Finding Haley

Contact The Promotion People

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

Rave Reviews for IndustryWorks “American Mary”

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American Mary is a highly acclaimed horror/thriller film, starring Katharine Isabelle (Ginger Snaps) and Antonio Cupo (Dark Angel, Bomb Girls). It recently premiered on the big screen at Fright Fest UK-Europe’s largest Horror Genre Film Festival. The film has been recognized by Universal Pictures and screened at the 65th annual Cannes Film Festival.

American Mary was written and directed by Jen and Sylvia Soska, known as The Twisted Twins. The two Canadian sisters share their passion for filmmaking and cinematography; delivering horror film fanatics with edgy comedy and eccentric style.

The dark plot involves surgery fetishism, underground body modification, and concealed motives. The lead actress, Katharine Isabelle, plays Mary – a corrupted med student who becomes obsessed with her twisted ambitions.

Watch the official American Mary trailer on YouTube!

Movie Reviews

“Weird, Wonderful and Unique, an amazing feature experience that’s entertaining from start to finish.” – Box Office Buz

“What I never expected, in any way, shape or form is to have the movie literally blow me out of the water. There have been few movies this year that have really impressed me, but American Mary is one of those few.” – Views From The Edge

Social Media Handles

Facebook: Industry Works Pictures, American Mary
Twitter: @IWPictures, @_American_Mary
Website: industryworks.com

Contact The Promotion People

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