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:
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:
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
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/
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/
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.
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.
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
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:
PETS & PICKERS *Season 3; Premieres July 14 at 8 p.m. ET on Discovery in Canada
Seasons 1 and 2 are streaming on ROKU and YouTube worldwide.
– The eight-episode docuseries follows the lives of pets in need and the veterinarians and animal lovers who are dedicated to helping them
VANCOUVER, BC (June 19, 2024)—Discovery takes viewers on an uplifting mission to help animals in need with the Canadian original series PETS & PICKERS. The series debuts its third season on Sunday, July 14, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Discovery in Canada. It follows a weekly release schedule, with new episodes airing Sundays. The eight-episode docuseries follows a one-of-a-kind animal hospital, the story of animals, their owners, and the exceptional team of veterinarians who care for them.
Motivated by extraordinary compassion and a singular belief that all animals deserve treatment, the heartfelt Animal Planet Canadian original series PETS & PICKERS reveals how the Regional Animal Protection Society (RAPS) Animal Hospital works tirelessly to offer pet families affordable access to top healthcare. RAPS has a unique solution to fund these treatments: their thrift store. An energetic and dedicated group of animal-loving “pickers” comb through donated mystery bins containing abandoned storage locker items; all money raised goes to pay for vet care and lifesaving surgeries. It’s a one-of-a-kind “pets and pickers” relationship with an uplifting mission: to help animals and their people.
In Episode 1 of PETS & PICKERS Season 3, Myla, the hairless Sphynx, plagued by persistent bouts of vomiting, has Dr. Ward, a fresh face at RAPS, tasked with uncovering the cause behind Myla’s mystery ailment. With a recommendation for exploratory surgery, hopes are high for locating the source of Myla’s distress. Kai, a spirited three-legged rescue dog, injures her spine after a rat chase, prompting RAPS’ other new vet, Dr. Homer, to investigate. While Dr. Martinez, the exotic animal expert, determines the ambiguous sex of a bearded dragon.
PETS & PICKERS was created and produced by Tyson Media in association with Bell Media for Discovery. Tyson Hepburn and Kelly McClughan are Executive Producers, Jennifer McCauley is the Showrunner, Eyal Litchmann is the Co-Producer, and Andrew Vacheresse is the Director.
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/
Pets and Pickers Seasons 1 and 2 stream on ROKU and YouTube worldwide.
Tyson is the creator, showrunner and executive producer of several successful docuseries, including global phenomenon Rust Valley Restorers (Netflix International, History Canada), Cold Water Cowboys (Discovery Channel Canada), The Dog Dudes (Amazon Prime, Apple Plus), and Backroad Truckers (History Canada). Tyson always carries the momentum aggressively forward into the development of unique character-driven concepts primed to be major hits both domestically and internationally.
Tyson began his career by partnering on projects with established production companies. When he was just 27, he teamed up with Omnifilm Entertainment to create Pyros and then with Pixcom to create Jacked! (both for Discovery Channel Canada). He then found even more success with Discovery on Cold Water Cowboys, which he co-created with Oscar-winning producer David Paperny.
Tyson creates and executive produces his projects and ensures he puts his stamp on them, leading the projects as a showrunner, series producer, and series director.
In 2020, Tyson won two Leo Awards for Best Direction and Best Series on Rust Valley Restorers. He was also nominated for Best Direction on the series at that year’s Canadian Screen Awards. In 2022, Pets & Pickers won ‘Best Documentary Series’ award at the Golden Telly Awards, and in 2023, Pets & Pickers was nominated for three Leo Awards, including Best Direction, Best Screenwriting, and Best Series.
ANDREW VACHERESSE – Series Director
Andrew Vacheresse is a freelance Director who has helped share people’s stories for over a decade. Having built his way up through every aspect of production, Andrew has sat in the director’s chair for multiple successful docuseries such as Border Security: America’s Front Line and Highway Thru Hell. His passion for storytelling began as an Assistant Director in 2011 where Andrew worked with and learned from some of the most talented Directors in factual television. From hospital settings on Emergency Room: Life or Death at VGH to welcoming people into their new homes and communities on Worst to First and Holmes Family Effect‘, Andrew is devoted to capturing unforgettable moments in people’s lives.
EYAL LICHTMANN – CEO & Executive Director
A successful entrepreneur with a knack for fundraising, Eyal was introduced to RAPS by his animal advocate wife, Mandy, who had already been with the organization for 5 years. When the Executive Director/CEO job was first floated, Eyal initially dismissed it. “I said ‘No way. I’m not working where my wife works. Forget it.’” But he was convinced by the cause – and after serious family discussions about keeping work and home separate, signed on. He set an ambitious goal of caring for every animal in need. He knew to do it, the organization had to think bigger – and expand its fundraising vision beyond what one RAPS director described as “pub nights and bake sales.” In the past five years, Eyal’s uncanny ability to see opportunities where others see risk has served RAPS well. When a storage company offered to donate the bins from abandoned storage lockers to charitable organizations so they could sell the goods for profit, other non-profits were leery, viewing it as a potential liability. Eyal saw the picking as a potential gold mine to help raise money for animal care. Another goal is to foster a culture where everyone feels like family, something newcomers to the organization and pet families often remark on. Under his leadership, RAPS has grown from treating 1200 animals yearly to 15,000. Its Cat Sanctuary houses and cares for wild and abandoned cats – with the goal of finding forever homes for as many as possible.
