Insightful Commentary from and on the Canadian Film World by Lesley Diana

Source: Hollywood North Magazine

We’ve had many insightful conversations with Canadian producers, directors, performers, and composers. One area we have not explored is publicity. Lesley Diana has extensive industry experience and has found her calling as a publicist. Here is our conversation with Lesley.  

HNMAG: Are you originally from Vancouver?

Lesley Diana: No, I’m not. I was born in England, grew up in Regina, and then moved to Saskatoon. I had a TV show there on the CTV affiliate CFQC for eleven years. It was a talk show and a fitness show. I then owned four ladies’ wear stores, one in Vancouver. I got so much press for my stores that other stores and people hired me to do their publicity. It made sense to become a full-time publicist and sell my stores. 

HNMAG: What were your shows in Saskatchewan?

Lesley Diana: My talk show was Feminine Focus, and my fitness show was Fitness Fun with Lesley. 

HNMAG: Did you produce both shows?

Lesley Diana: I did. CFQC hired me. They had the camera, crew, equipment and the director. I came up with the concept and segments. 

HNMAG: How did you get involved in local TV?

Lesley Diana: I was a physical education teacher. At the end of a conference, they asked for ideas to help women get fit. I suggested a television show. A man at the conference then got me an audition. After CFQC hired me, Fitness Fun aired every weekday for eleven years, and my talk show was once a week for nine years.

HNMAG: Do you have any performance ambitions before that?

Lesley Diana: Not really, but as a teacher, it was an easy transition. 

HNMAG: What was the appeal of moving to Vancouver from the prairies? 

Lesley Diana: The mountains, the ocean, the climate—I just loved it. I always intended to move to Vancouver once I opened my boutique here. 

HNMAG: What was the transition like to move from owning a retail chain to becoming a publicist?

Lesley Diana: I had a good team, and we did some fantastic fashion events at my boutiques with the most prominent Canadian designers visiting all my stores. I would let the fashion editors know, and they were always interested. I would get full-page articles in all the newspapers. I was well-connected with the designers and did co-op advertising. Jacquelyn Renner, who managed my stores, became a production manager in the film industry. She was working on a movie called Stag. The producer/director, Gavin Wilding, needed a publicist for the premiere. She recommended me as a publicist even though I hadn’t done Film before. The producer was pleased with the press I garnered, and he continued working with me, hiring me as a unit publicist for his feature films starring significant celebrities. Since then, I’ve worked as a unit publicist on over a hundred productions. 

HNMAG: Was Stag a Canadian movie?

Lesley Diana: Yes, it was an independent movie with a star-studded cast. 

HNMAG: That led to a lot more work as a publicist.

Lesley Diana: Yes, I continued to work on feature films. Actor Emmanuelle Vaugier, who starred in a few early movies I worked on, hired me as her publicist, and we still work together. Since then, I’ve worked with hundreds of actors.

HNMAG: What are the differences between working as a unit publicist and a personal publicist?

Lesley Diana: A unit publicist works with the production when it’s being filmed. On set, I’ll coordinate Electronic Press Kits (EPK) days, still photography days, and press visits, write production notes and coordinate press visits to interview the talent about their roles. I’ll get all the information required to market the film. I’ll also help write the press kit, which includes character descriptions, actor bios, movie synopsis…etc. 

HNMAG: What would be the basis of your work as a personal publicist?

Lesley Diana: Personal publicity is when an actor will hire me when they have a role in a movie or TV series coming out. I contact all media outlets (magazines, talk shows, podcasts, newspapers, etc.) and introduce them to the performers for interviews. The big difference from unit publicity is that this happens for a production during the shoot, but I also promote TV series and feature films as they are being released. 

HNMAG: How does the pay work?

Lesley Diana:  I often work on a retainer or an hourly rate set by my union, IASTE 669. Productions and clients come and go, hiring me for two or three months when a publicist is needed, either during production or upon release. Some actors, like Douglas Vermeerenwho are always busy, will hire me annually. 

HNMAG: Are there any performers or productions that you are excited about right now?

Lesley Diana: I am thrilled to be working on the hit Hallmark TV series When Calls the Heart as a Unit Publicist to help with the EPK days and Gallery Shoots. This is my second year with such a fantastic cast and crew. I have a great relationship with Tyson Media, which produces “Pets & Pickers” and other TV series when the series is in production and airing on Bell Media networks. Vancouver has a very supportive group of independent producers and directors who continue to produce feature films with the support of our talented cast and crew. Pitfall is a feature film that just wrapped.

HNMAG: Is Pitfall Canadian?

Lesley Diana: Yes, Pitfall is a Canadian film. I am also promoting a feature film, Get Fast, which will be available on digital platforms and on-demand on November 15. It isproduced by IndustryWorks Pictureswhom I have worked with for over 20 years.I’m working with talented industry professionals who have created a Haunted House at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds. It’s called Dreadworks. It runs through November 3rd. They use a lot of film aspects to create a memorable experience. On November 12 at 4:30 pm, UBC Wingspan will premiere the documentary Wings Rising: Disability Art, Education at UBC Ponderosa Commons Ballroom, free to the public.

HNMAG: Are there more movies and TV shows that are now set in Canada?

Lesley Diana: Vancouver is still set to be many American cities. CBC has (Wild Cards (Vancouver) and Allegiance (Surrey)). There is also Law and Order Toronto: Criminal Intent.

HNMAG: What can be done to have more productions set here?

Lesley Diana: We have so much to offer that you would think producers would be eager to do that. The US is a big market; we rely on them to bring production to BC. Creative BC & the Unions meet regularly with studios and promote the province. Sadly, it all comes down to economics in trying to attract production. We are less competitive than we used to be in this global market. We have some of the world’s best crew, talent, and locations, making producing TV series and feature films in our beautiful province attractive.

Lesley Diana is a hard-working and successful publicist. She has a diverse background and found her career through another business that allowed her to shine by using her tremendous marketing skills. She is passionate about helping others find success by promoting the Canadian film and television industry. 

Ed de Rivaz has joined Tyson Media as SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF FACTUAL AND SERIES

Former A+E executive Producer Ed de Rivaz has joined Tyson Media as SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF FACTUAL AND SERIES

EXCLUSIVE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tyson Hepburn is pleased to announce that former A+E Executive Producer Ed de Rivas has joined Tyson Media in Vancouver, BC.

Ed de Rivaz was formally the head of development at Great Pacific Media (2019-2023). Ed led the creation of various series, including DEADMAN’S CURSE (History, Hulu), MUD MOUNTAIN HAULERS (Discovery), WILD ROSE VET (APTN, Blue Ant) STYLED (HGTV), and GUT JOB (HGTV). 

His tenure as executive producer at History Channel US (2014-2016) saw him develop and commission original series and oversee legacy shows, including ALASKA OFF-ROAD WARRIORS, AX MEN, BIKER BATTLEGROUND PHOENIX, COUNTING CARS, DOOMSDAY: 10 WAYS THE WORLD WILL END, and MILWAUKEE BLACKSMITH, as well as various standalone historical documentaries.

“Ed brings vast experience on both sides of the media aisle as a broadcast executive and production development lead. We are grateful he has joined Tyson Media and brought that solid experience to our expanding team,” states Tyson Hepburn.

“I have great admiration for what Tyson has built, and I am excited to add my experience to his, as well as bring to the table my background in the survival, history, automotive and documentary genres as we grow the business in Canada and the US.” Adds Ed de Rivas.

Tyson Hepburn was a former executive on ‘RUST VALLEY RESTORERS’ (Netflix) with Mayhem Entertainment. In 2020, he stepped out on his own and formed ‘Tyson Media’ which has two television series currently in production with Bell Media- ‘Pets & Pickers’ and the spin-off series ‘My Pet Ate What?!’. Seasons One and Two of ‘Pets & Pickers’ were sold to Warner Bros/ Discovery last year, and it is currently offered on HBO Max and ROKU in the USA.’ ‘MY PET ATE WHAT?!’ was recently announced and is waiting on air dates to premiere on Animal Planet this fall season. 

“Ed led the team that launched WILD ROSE VET, which is great as animal-based programming is one of our areas of focus right now-“Tyson Media is also announcing a pilot project for yet another animal-based series focused on veterinarian schools and animal education. Tyson Media partnered with the University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and will film on campus throughout the fall. 

About Tyson Media Productions  

Tyson Media Productions Inc. was started in Vancouver, BC, in 2009 by award-winning Producer Tyson Hepburn. With over 15 years of experience in unscripted television, Tyson strives to turn Tyson Media into one of Canada’s premiere production companies. Tyson Media is focused on producing unscripted television programs for various broadcasters, focusing on strong characters and compelling stories. Tyson always carries the momentum aggressively forward into the development of unique character-driven concepts primed to be significant hits both domestically and internationally. They seek out the most diverse subjects nationwide to entertain and educate viewers in Canada and worldwide. Tyson Media produces powerful unscripted and docu-series, including global phenomenon RUST VALLEY RESTORERS, COLD WATER COWBOYS (Co-Executive Producer with David Paperny), and THE DOG DUDES. Learn more at tysonmedia.ca

For more information and interviews, please contact:

Lesley Diana | lesley@thepromotionpeople.ca | 604-726-5575

IMDb

Ed’s headshot photo credit: Anita Lee.

DREADWORKS HAUNTED HOUSE COMES TO CLOVERDALE, B.C. FAIRGROUNDS FALL 2024

THE GROUNDBREAKING DREADWORKS HAUNTED HOUSE COMES TO CLOVERDALE, B.C. FAIRGROUNDS FALL 2024

Talented Filmmakers, Makeup Artists, Costume Designers, and Actors create live immersive theatre with advanced production techniques, creating an unforgettable, spine-chilling immersive experience.

Somnara Studios is thrilled to announce its bold foray into live immersive theatre with the debut of Dreadworks Haunted House at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds in Surrey, BC, this September 27th – November 3rd, 2024. Dreadworks Haunted House is a groundbreaking live event meticulously crafted to merge cutting-edge storytelling with advanced production techniques, creating an unforgettable, spine-chilling immersive experience. www.dreadworks.ca 

Dreadworks Haunted House represents a collaborative venture between Alexander J. Baxter and Jonkman family, co-founders of Somnara Studios. Baxter and The Dreadworks team, hailing from the acclaimed Constellate Films, brings a wealth of experience in the horror genre. Renowned for their dynamic storytelling and innovative film productions, they have set new standards in indie film with genres spanning dark fantasy, horror, drama, documentary, and science fiction.”

Alexander is also a producer, writer, actor, and director in the film industry. He has ten years of experience as CEO and Founder of Constellate Films, a Vancouver-based production company. His acting credits include the TV series The Man in the High Castle, DC Legends of Tomorrow, and the feature film Jikirag.

Joining the Dreadworks team as a co-owner of the haunted house is Ken Honigman of the acclaimed Anmore Manor, which is closing this year. Honigman brings years of haunted house expertise, enhancing the team’s creative prowess. Alongside him, Austin Trapp, Media Director, brings a wealth of experience as a Producer at Constellate Films and the founding of Vancouver and Toronto Film & TV Tours. Trapp is also an actor, having appeared in ‘Yellowjackets,’ ‘The Man in The High Castle,’ ‘So Help Me Todd,’ and ‘Christmas on Candy Cane Lane,’ among others. Make-up artist Shelly Baxter, renowned for her work on notable shows such as Creepshow and Two Sentence Horror Stories, will lead makeup and SFX. The creative team includes seasoned professionals who will bring their expertise to live events to ensure an unparalleled immersive experience.

Over the past six years, the creative team at Somnara Studios and Constellate Films have honed their skills in the seasonal live event and immersive theatre space. This extensive experience has laid the foundation for the debut of Dreadworks Haunted House, promising a blend of horror and innovation that will push the boundaries of traditional haunted attractions.

Alexander J. Baxter, CEO and Founder of Dreadworks Haunted House & Somnara Studios, reflects on this journey: “Dreadworks Haunted House has been a journey of intense growth, learning, and international networking, particularly with the Haunters of America. 2024 marks a significant milestone as we partner with Yonkman, the City of Surrey, Sunbelt Rentals (formerly William F. Whites), Fibertek, and Phoenix tents for Dreadworks Haunted House.” Dreadworks Haunted House promises to be a seasonal highlight, offering a unique, spine-chilling adventure that horror enthusiasts will not want to miss.

Alexander and the Dreadworks Team would happily share their experience and expertise with the media.

For interview and photograph requests, please contact:

Lesley Diana | lesley@thepromotionpeople.ca | 604-726-5575

Website and social media links:

Dragon Bear Pictures Announces Production of the Action Thriller Feature Film Pitfall August 2024

Dragon Bear Pictures 
action thriller feature film ‘Pitfall’ starring Randy Couture, Richard Harmon, Alexandra Essoe, Marshall Williams and Jordan Clair Robbins
 wraps production in Vancouver, BC, 

The Thriller stars Randy Couture, Marshall Williams, Alexandra Essoe and Richard Harmon.

Producers Alex Bogomolov and Wai Sun Cheng of Dragon Bear Pictures are pleased to announce that the production of the action thriller feature film ‘Pitfall’ shot in and around Vancouver, BC, has wrapped. James Kondelik (Behind the Walls) directed the film. ‘Pitfall’ stars include Randy Couture (‘The Expendables,’ ‘Big Stan’), Marshall Williams (‘The Ice Road,’ ‘Exile’), Alexandra Essoe (‘Midnight Mass,’ ‘The Pope’s Exorcist’)  and Richard Harmon (‘The 100,’ ‘The Age of Adeline’).  Jordan Clair Robbins (‘The Umbrella Academy’) and Matt Hamilton (‘The Actress Diaries’) round out the key cast. 

After a young man, Scott Williams (Marshall Williams), gets separated from his friends in the woods, he falls into a 10-foot-deep pit of spikes, impaling him through his leg and leaving him trapped. He quickly learns that his fall was not an accident but the beginning of a deadly hunt. He must battle the elements to escape and save his friends from The Hunter (Randy Couture) before they, too, fall victim. 

Key Crew include cinematographer Rob Zawistowski, stunt coordinator/fight choreographer Brian Ho (‘Deadpool,’ ‘Skyscraper,’ ‘Tron: Ares’), and Emmy award-winning special effects makeup artist Todd Masters (‘Alien Stole My Body’). Emmy-Award Post Sound Designer Hugh Wielenga (‘Invincible,’ ‘Knight of the Zodiac,’ ‘Julie and the Phantom’) is in post-production.

Pitfall’s sales agent, The Exchange, is a leading worldwide sales, finance, and production company committed to creating solid relationships between filmmakers, film financiers, and distributors. 

Producers Alex Bogomolov and Wai Sun Cheng will be releasing the action thriller ‘Ruthless Bastards,’ which stars Sean Patrick Flanery, Casper Van Dien, and Parmish Verma this fall of 2024,

For more information, interviews, and photographs, please get in touch with Unit Publicist Lesley Diana | lesley@thepromotionpeople.ca | 604-726-5575

Sales agent; The Exchange |  Nat McCormick | info@theexchange.ws | www.theexchange.ws

Marshall Williams is represented by Trina Allen at Play Management – Photo credit: Kristine Cofsky

Randy Couture is represented by Brett Norensberg at Gersh Agency

Alexander Essoe is represented by Deb Dillistone at Red Management. Photo credit: Tiziano Luigi

Richard Harmon is represented by Melanie Turner at Pacific Artists Photo credit: Dylan Gollub

Jordan Clair Robbins is represented by Kalee Harris at Play Management

Matt Hamilton is represented by Candace Fulton at Integral Artists

Pitfall on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32338122/

Lights, Camera, Action feature in Jessel Magazine

Vancouver and British Columbia’s film industry remains a multibillion-dollar business, third behind Los Angeles and New York. The industry is reaping the rewards of our homegrown talent in front and behind the camera. I am thrilled to contribute a regular column, ‘Lights, Camera, Action,’ in Jessel Magazine. You can pick up the magazine at Brian Jessel dealership in Vancouver or read more at www.brianjesselbmw.com/magazine/

Source: https://www.brianjesselbmw.com/magazine/

From Good Boy to Wonder Man – Jessel Magazine Feature

Interview with Award-winning actor Jacob Tremblay by Lesley Diana

Vancouver actor Jacob Tremblay has an impressive resume that includes working with Academy Award-winning Brie Larson, Julia Roberts, and many other A-list actors in major feature films.  I had the opportunity to sit down with Jacob to discuss his acting career and graduating from high school in my article recently published in Jessel Magazine and now available at Brian Jessel BMW dealership in Vancouver, BC. www.brianjesselbmw.com/magazine/

Source: https://www.brianjesselbmw.com/magazine/

Award-winning actor Douglas Vermeeren is making waves with roles in “Unnatural 2,” “Clean Right Hook,” and “Deadly Endings” in 2024

Award-winning actor Douglas Vermeeren is making waves in nearly every film genre on both sides of the Atlantic with roles in “Unnatural 2,” “Clean Right Hook,” and “Deadly Endings” this year.


Douglas takes on the role of an FBI agent in “Mafia Spies,” based on the book ‘Mafia Spies: The Inside Story of the CIA, Gangsters, JFK, and Castro,” now streaming on Paramount+.

To say that Douglas Vermeeren is one of the busiest actors filming roles in feature films in Europe and the USA is an understatement. To keep up with his roles in productions in 2024, let’s start with the Western “Unnatural 2,” Douglas plays Lucifer, directed by Whit Whitman and shot in Kentucky in May 2024 for Little Monsters Productions. He then flew to attend the Cannes Film Festival before booking a role as gangster Archie Baker in “Clean Right Hook,” shot in London, UK, in Late May /early June 2024, directed by Sam Purewal for Black Coppice Productions, Then back to the US for “Deadly Endings”  shot in New Haven CT in June 2024. Douglas plays Bradley West with filmmaker Richard Harlost. Douglas also found time to shoot the role of Raynard in “Alien Horde,” his second film with Mahal Empire.

Forbes Celebrity magazine pays attention to Douglas’s successful acting career, as he is included on Forbes’ top ten list. The magazine states, “The Forbes top celebrity list is only complete with Douglas Vermeeren. Vermeeren is an actor and stuntman making waves in nearly every film genre.”

And if that’s not enough, Douglas takes on the role of an FBI agent in Paramount+’s six-episode documentary series “Mafia Spies,” now streaming. Based on the book “Mafia Spies: The Inside Story of the CIA, Gangsters, JFK, and Castro” by Thomas Maier, the docuseries dives into the plot to kill Fidel Castro during the Cold War. Spies, gangsters, mistresses, Sinatra, JFK, even James Bond! Unbelievable but true.  “Mafia Spies” reveals the startling tale of the CIA’s, the mob’s, and Sinatra’s Rat Pack’s connections from Vegas to Miami to Havana, exploring America’s most amazing espionage operations ever.

On the film festival circuit, Douglas is proud of two independent feature films, “Jack Knife” and “Tenants,” which are winning awards worldwide.  Both films are in discussions with distributors. Douglas won a Best Actor Award for his portrayal of Billy Lachance in “Jackknife” and a Best Supporting Actor Award for his portrayal of Leonard in “Tenants.” He is also nominated for best supporting actor at the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival from September 8 to 15, 2024. https://filmmakers.festhome.com/f/2454/1

Other roles include starring alongside former WWE star Al Snow in “Homeless for the Holidays.” As Callum in “Bikers Vs. Werewolves” with Robert LaSardo and Michael Pare. As Denver Haywood in “The Boy From Below” with Dee Wallace and Leah Voysey. As Neal in “Skate to Hell” with Eric Roberts, Todd Bridges, Jenna Jameson and Robert Carradine.  And Bradley in “Deadly Endings” with Felissa Rose.   

For interviews, please get in touch with Lesley Diana | lesley@thepromotionpeople.ca | 604-726-5575

Photo credit: Darren Ballingall
For more information about Douglas:

Entrepreneur and Documentary Producer Natalie Boll is launching Tribela

Entrepreneur and Seasoned Film and Documentary Producer Natalie Boll is launching Tribela, a ground-breaking social media and e-commerce platform.

With the success of “Maker of Monsters: The Extraordinary Life of Beau Dick,”Natalie is currently filming two documentaries, “Code Shift” and “WasteWise.”

Entrepreneur and seasoned film and documentary producer Natalie Boll is inspired by her personal experiences and the pervasive issues within current social media platforms to create Tribela, an innovative online platform dedicated to the safety and well-being of its users. Natalie is an award-winning producer from Vancouver, BC, who has been a dynamic force in the entertainment industry for over two decades. Her extensive experience managing large teams and significant budgets has prepared her for the challenge.

Splitting her time between Germany and Canada, Natalie chose to prototype Tribela in Germany, working with the Heidelberg-based tech firm in partnership with Microsoft for Startups. She remarks, “Germany is at the forefront of technology and innovation, particularly in regulating technology with strong legislation and data privacy policies. Harnessing this advanced German technology to build a new platform at this scale could be very special.”

Natalie has led the development of Tribela. Her journey includes comprehensive research and development phases, where she engaged in educational programs to deepen her expertise. These encompass Harvard Business School’s online courses in Launching Tech Ventures and Leading with Finance studies through the Center for Humane Technology in San Francisco on the Foundations of Human Technology and a course on the Well-being of Teens at Yale University. She further honed her leadership and management skills at Oxford University’s Saïd Business School Advanced Management and Leadership Programme. Additionally, she was invited to join The Break Fellowship, which supports female entrepreneurs in the EU, providing mentoring and support that helped accelerate Tribela’s development during a company development period in San Sebastian, Spain. This fall, Natalie will return to Oxford University to participate in their Innovation Incubator and further develop the foundations of Tribela.

Tribela’s platform design, influenced by extensive research, aims to disrupt the industry with a focus on ethical and transparent AI and algorithm development. Natalie’s daughter, who will attend Western University, played a crucial role in the research and design tailored to the Gen Z market. Natalie explains, “What we’re creating is truly extraordinary. With my daughter’s insight and research, we are entering the market with a deep understanding of what this generation needs. Safety is a given with our design, but the features must be genuinely useful.”

Natalie’s entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond media; she has successfully owned and operated businesses in real estate and the restaurant industry. Her business acumen was recognized with Vancouver’s 40 under 40 award.

Natalie is the co-owner of Athene Films, a Vancouver-based production company. Their recent work includes “Maker of Monsters: The Extraordinary Life of Beau Dick,” which continues to air on CBC Gem. Production is underway on “Code Shift” ” exploring the creation of Tribela where Natalie leads a pivotal movement to redefine social media, weaving together her battles and behind-the-scenes insights into the industry’s urgent need for change” by documenting her journey to build Tribela in a male-dominated tech industry and the future of ethical technology through a female lens. 

Natalie has also completed the pilot episode of WasteWise, which will be released on July 1. The first season will be filmed in Rome during the fall of 2024. This engaging and inspiring half-hour YouTube original series focuses on sustainable home organization. Hosted by Ottavia Belli, CEO of Sfusitalia and an Italian-based environmental educator and speaker, the series aims to inspire viewers to adopt a zero-waste lifestyle through manageable steps.

Join Us: To support Tribela and be part of the movement for safer social media, visit our crowdfunding campaign at https://chuffed.org/project/111154-tribela-building-a-safer-more-inclusive-social-media-platform and make a donation today. Together, we can create a safer digital future.

For more information, please visit https://tribela.com.

Natalie Boll is available for interviews upon request.

Please contact Lesley Diana

 lesley@thepromotionpeople.ca |604-726-5575

Headshot photo credit: Le Kisselaro

Tribela website: Tribela.com

“Maker of Monsters: The Extraordinary Life of Beau Dick” www.athenefilms.com

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4757648/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_1_tt_8_nm_0_q_Maker%2520of%2520Mon

Wastewise: www.wastewisetv.com Launch date June 5th, 2024

Canadian Original ‘My Pet Ate Whats?’ in Production

Principal Photography for the new Canadian Original series “My Pet Ate What?” is in production


For immediate release: Vancouver, June 25, 2024. Tyson Media is pleased to announce that principal photography is underway on “My Pet Ate What?” for Bell Media. The show is being filmed in the Greater Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, Vancouver Island and the Okanagan. Filming started in late March and continues until late July, with anticipated pickup shoots in August and September 2024. Production has shot in over 30 clinics so far this filming season, and it is estimated that they will film in more than 50 clinics across British Columbia by the time production is wrapped. Post-production began in late April and is projected to run until the series is fully delivered in January 2025.

Introduction
“MY PET ATE WHAT?” is a new documentary series for Bell Media that follows the work of Dr. Eugene Gorodetsky, an expert in veterinary care who uses a minimally invasive instrument that combines a camera, light, and grasping tools to reach down animals’ digestive tracts and recover wild, surprising, and dangerous items they’ve ingested. The show ‘My Pet Ate What?!’ was created by Ben Gordetsky, Eugene’s son, who came to British Columbia to work with his father during this period. Ben also serves as the project executive producer.

Photo credit: Robert Truijen

About Dr. Eugene Gorodetsky

One of the only veterinarians in the world known to focus exclusively on this field of endoscopy. Dr. G’s been practicing for more than 20 years. He provides a specialized procedure that prevents invasive, higher-risk surgery when successful. Dr. G is tirelessly motivated by extraordinary love for animals and dedication to their well-being. He’s extracted a 2-carat diamond ring, a hefty chunk of sofa cushion, four baby soothers and assorted brooches, among hundreds of other objects.

The show is unique because Dr. Gordetsky has no ‘home base’ and is a fully remote veterinarian, adding additional access challenges to the crew. Here’s a news article with more information on Dr. G’s practice: This B.C. travelling vet saves animals from swallowed objects.Impact and Awareness

“MY PET ATE WHAT?” presents a unique and heartfelt opportunity for pet owners, veterinary staff, and other participants to make a difference in the lives of animals. Those who are a part of the project will help raise awareness about the benefits of Dr. G’s approach to pets’ health and well-being, as the show aims to highlight the importance of prompt veterinary care, which can mean life or death for a beloved animal. The production also hopes to spread the word about measures to help owners prevent their pets from ingesting foreign objects.Production Team
In partnership with Bell Media, “MY PET ATE WHAT?” is produced by Tyson Media Productions, the Vancouver-based production company behind the Canadian Original series Pets and Pickers. The third season of Pets and Pickers premieres on Sunday, July 14, at 8 p.m. ET on Animal Planet. Seasons 1 and 2 are available on Discovery and Crave.

The “MY PET ATE WHAT?” production crew has worked on Pets and Pickers and is very experienced with filming in a clinical veterinary setting. They are sensitive to client care needs and compassionate considerations and are also experts at taking an observational approach and remaining unobtrusive to veterinary practices and procedures.Executive Producer: Tyson Hepburn 
Executive Producer / Creator: Ben Gorodetsky 
Executive Producer / Production Executive: Kelly McClughan
Series Producer: Nicole Tomlinson 
Supervising Producer: Jeff Wonnenberg 
Series Director: Andrew Vacheresse
Director of Photography: Jonny Schmidtgall
Senior Story Producer: Cody Shaw 
Senior Story Editor: Kathy Johnson 
Senior Editors: Jenypher Fisher and Brent J. Rubin
Post-Production Supervisor: Jadene Babcock
Business Affairs: Laura Wheeler
Production Accountant: Richard Raghoo

Media Contact Information: Lesley Diana | lesley@thepromotionpeople.ca | 604-726-5575


For more information on “My Pet Ate What?” 

https://www.tysonmedia.ca/my-pet-ate-what/
Photo credit: Robert Truijen

SOMNARA STUDIOS DREADWORKS HAUNTED HOUSE COMES TO CLOVERDALE FAIRGROUNDS FALL 2024

SOMNARA STUDIOS DREADWORKS HAUNTED HOUSE COMES TO CLOVERDALE FAIRGROUNDS FALL 2024

For immediate release, Vancouver, BC, June 2024 Somnara Studios is thrilled to announce their bold foray into live immersive theatre with the debut of Dreadworks Haunted House at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds this September 27th – November 3rd, 2024. Dreadworks Haunted House is a groundbreaking live event meticulously crafted to merge cutting-edge storytelling with advanced production techniques, creating an unforgettable, spine-chilling immersive experience. 

Alexander J. Baxter 

Dreadworks Haunted House represents a collaborative venture between Alexander J. Baxter and Jonkman family, co-founders of Somnara Studios. Baxter and The Dreadworks team, hailing from the acclaimed Constellate Films, brings a wealth of experience in the horror genre. Renowned for their dynamic storytelling and innovative film productions, they have set new standards in indie film with genres spanning dark fantasy, horror, drama, documentary, and science fiction.”

Alexander is also a producer, writer, actor, and director in the film industry, with ten years of experience as CEO and Founder of Constellate Films, a Vancouver-based production company. His acting credits include the TV series The Man in The High Castle, DC Legends of Tomorrow and the feature film Jikirag.

Joining the Dreadworks team as a co-owner of the haunted house is Ken Honigman of the acclaimed Anmore Manor, which is closing this year. Honigman brings years of haunted house expertise, enhancing the team’s creative prowess. Alongside him, Austin Trapp, Media Director, brings a wealth of experience as a Producer at Constellate Films and the founding of Vancouver and Toronto Film & TV Tours. Trapp is also an actor, having appeared in Yellowjackets, The Man in The High Castle, So Help Me Todd, and Christmas on Candy Cane Lane, among others. Shelly Baxter, renowned for her work on notable shows such as Creepshow and Two Sentence Horror Stories, will lead makeup and SFX. The creative team also includes seasoned professionals such as Christopher Elias, Jenna Meschke, Christine Holloway, Adrian Holloway, Madi Lowrie, James Baxter, and Natasha Spring, who will bring their expertise in live events to ensure an unparalleled immersive experience.

Austin Trapp

Over the past six years, the creative team at Somnara Studios and Constellate Films have honed their skills in the seasonal live event and immersive theatre space. This extensive experience has laid the foundation for the debut of Dreadworks Haunted House, promising a blend of horror and innovation that will push the boundaries of traditional haunted attractions. Alexander J. Baxter, CEO and Founder of Dreadworks Haunted House & Somnara Studios, reflects on this journey: “Dreadworks Haunted House has been a journey of intense growth, learning, and international networking, particularly with the Haunters of America. 2024 marks a significant milestone as we partner with Yonkman, the City of Surrey, Sunbelt Rentals (formerly William F. Whites), Fibertek, and Phoenix tents for Dreadworks Haunted House.” Dreadworks Haunted House promises to be a seasonal highlight, offering a unique, spine-chilling adventure that horror enthusiasts will not want to miss.

Alexander and the Dreadworks Team would happily share their experience and expertise with the media.

For interview and photograph requests, please contact:

Lesley Diana | lesley@thepromotionpeople.ca | 604-726-5575

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