Ocean Warriors: Mission Ready – Season 2 Premieres January 8, 2026

OCEAN WARRIORS: MISSION READY Season 2

Broadcast Premiere January 8, 2026

English version: 7 pm PT/10 pm ET on APTN

Nisga’a version: 7:30 pm PT/10:30 pm ET on APTN Languages

Same-day streaming on APTN+

Gripping APTN series dives deep into the thrilling world of ocean rescues along BC’s coastline

Kwassen Productions is excited to announce the second season of Ocean Warriors: Mission Ready, premiering January 8, 2026, on APTN and APTN Languages, and streaming on APTN+.  The 13-episode series immerses viewers in the powerful stories of the Coastal Nations Coast Guard Auxiliary (CNCGA), highlighting the hope and heroism of the Quatsino, Nisga’a and Gitxaala First Nations.

Directed and produced by Steve Sxwithul’txw and Martin de Valk, Season 2 of Ocean Warriors brings audiences to the remote and rugged West Coast, following search and rescue teams as they navigate the unpredictable waters of their territories. Viewers are introduced to the distinctive cultures and local traditions of each nation through stories, dance, and drumming passed down from generation to generation.

The men and women of the CNCGA feel a deep sense of commitment and responsibility to their team members, their community and to boaters of all cultures who navigate the BC coastline. Their presence makes these remote waters safer and provides a sense of comfort to all classes of marine traffic.

If the radio crackles… PAN PAN, the Ocean Warriors will be the first to jump in and help before tragedy strikes. 

Season 2 of Ocean Warriors is produced in association with APTN, the Canada Media Fund and CHEK, and with the participation of Rogers Cable Network, Rogers Telefund, the Province of British Columbia Film Incentive BC and the Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit.

For more information, visit Ocean Warriors: Mission Ready

Trailer: Ocean Warriors: Mission Ready | Season 2 Trailer

Facebook: Facebook  Instagram: @aptn_ca

Photo credit: Left to right: Bev Michel, KCFN, Harry Alred, ‘Namgis, Russell Hanson.  Kwassen Productions Inc.

About APTN

APTN launched in 1999 as the first national Indigenous broadcaster in the world. Since then, the network has become a global leader in programming that celebrates the rich diversity of Indigenous Peoples at home and abroad. A respected non-profit media company, APTN inspires audiences by sharing bold and authentic stories. APTN’s programming is available across multiple platforms: APTN (English and French channel), APTN Languages (Indigenous language channel), APTN+ (streaming service) and APTN Beyond (FAST channel).

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Media Contacts:  Helen Yagi  hyagimedia@gmail.com 604 813 4883

And Lesley Diana  lesley@thepromotionpeople.ca 604 726 5575

Gifted actress, dancer, and model Ella Lucas is cast in the feature film ‘Camp Rock 3’ for Disney+ and Disney Channel

Gifted actress, dancer, and model Ella Lucas is cast as Danielle in the feature film ‘Camp Rock 3’ for Disney+ and Disney Channel, set to release in 2026.

Ella and her dance group were Lily Singh’s Golden Buzzer winners on Canada’s Got Talent. She also earned a gold medal at the Pacific Qualifiers for the World Dance Crew Championships with Identity Dance Company in New Zealand.

Ella Lucas, a gifted actress, dancer, and model, has wrapped her co-starring role as Danielle in the upcoming American musical television feature film Camp Rock 3, serving as a sequel to Camp Rock (2008) and Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam (2010). The Jonas Brothers —Joe, Kevin, and Nick and Maria Canals-Barrera reprise their roles from the previous films, starring alongside Sherry Cola, Liamani Segura, and Malachi Barton. Demi Lovato, along with the Jonas Brothers, is executive producing the highly anticipated Disney Channel Original Movie.

Ella plays Danielle in the Disney feature film Camp Rock 3, set to release in 2026. Directed by Veronica Rodriguez (The Slumber Party, Betty, Let’s Get Married) and written by Eydie Faye (Slumber Party), Camp Rock 3 is produced by Disney Branded Television, featuring choreography by Jamal Sims. Tim Federle (High School Musical: The Musical: The Series) executive produces, along with Joe, Nick, Kevin, Lovato, Betsy Sullenger, Spencer Berman, and Gary Marsh.

At Camp Rock, the Connect 3 are looking for a new opening act for their tour. Among campers like Sage, Desi, Rosie, and others, the competition to win the coveted spot sparks rivalries and romances as everyone fights to stand out. Connect 3 lost their opening act for a major reunion tour, returning to their beloved Camp Rock to discover the next big thing. As campers vie for the chance to open for their favourite band, tensions rise and friendships are tested, leading to unexpected alliances, revelations and romances.

Her ability to blend acting with movement artistry has quickly established her as one of Canada’s most exciting young performers. Ella is best known for her vibrant screen presence in The J Team (Paramount+) and Prom Pact (Disney+), as well as in the feature film Re: Uniting (Amazon Prime Video), which received multiple Leo Awards, including best picture in 2024. In this film, Ella shared the screen with Jesse L. Martin and Michelle Harrison. Past roles also include Deepa & Anoop (2022) and The Simone Biles Story: Courage to Soar (2018).
Off-screen, Ella inspires a global following through her creative content and dance videos, with more than 760K followers on TikTok (@ellalucas00) and over 225K followers on Instagram (@ellalucas00).

Trained in all styles of commercial dance — jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, and lyrical — Ella brings precision, power, and emotional depth to every performance. Her background in choreography and live performance makes her a natural fit for the music-driven world of Camp Rock 3.  Ella first gained recognition in the dance world when her team, Grvmnt from Vancouver, BC, earned Lily Singh’s Golden Buzzer pick at Canada’s Got Talent in 2022.  They subsequently reached the finals that year, finishing 4th.

Since then, Ella has performed at the World Of Dance Finals in Los Angeles in 2025 with The Collective Dance Crew, earning a bronze medal.  She also trained with Identity Dance Company in New Zealand, earning a gold medal at the Pacific Qualifiers for The World Dance Crew Championships, as well as a Silver Medal in the first World Dance Crew Championships World Finals Competition in New Zealand in 2025.  While in New Zealand, she honed her commercial dance skills through the Conservatory Performing Arts Dance Training Program.

With her dynamic talent, authentic spirit, and captivating screen presence, Ella Lucas is fast emerging as one of the next generation’s standout stars to watch.

Ella is available for interviews, photographs and more information. Please contact:

Publicist – Lesley Diana | lesley@thepromotionpeople.ca | 604-726-5575
Agent – Jayson Marshall – jayson@thecharacters.com

Photo credits: Ella’s headshot – Charles Zuckerman  Dance photo: @djknightphoto

Ella’s social media links:

IMDb Ella Lucas: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm12772257/

IMDb Camp Rock 3: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6743524/

Actor Dean Redman Guest Star in CBS/CTV Series Boston Blue

Actor Dean Redman is a guest-star in the Pilot Episode of the new CBS/CTV series “Boston Blue,” which premieres on October 17 at 10:00 p.m.

For Immediate Release:

Actor Dean Redman is a guest star as Marquis in the pilot episode of the new TV series “Boston Blue.” Dean’s character is brought in for questioning regarding a murder. “Boston Blue” premieres Friday, October 17 at 10:00 PM ET/PT on the CBS Television Network, streaming on Paramount+ and on CTV and CRAVE in Canada.

“Boston Blue” stars Donnie Wahlberg as he reprises his role as NYPD Detective Danny Reagan in a universe expansion of the long-running top drama Blue Bloods.”  In this new series, Reagan takes a position with the Boston Police Department and is paired with Detective Lena Silver (Sonequa Martin-Green), the eldest daughter of a prominent law enforcement family. The Silver family is comprised of Boston District Attorney Mae Silver (Gloria Reuben), Boston PD Detective Lena Silver, Police Superintendent Sarah Silver (Maggie Lawson), rookie cop Jonah Silver (Marcus Scribner) and renowned Baptist pastor Reverend Edwin Peters (Ernie Hudson). As Reagan settles into his new city, he also hopes to reconnect with his younger son, Sean (Mika Amonsen), who is beginning his own career in Boston.

Dean Redman was born in Birmingham, England.  He and his elder brother were born to Jamaican parents.  He is a well-known, accomplished actor with over 100 film, television and voice acting credits to his name. He is most notable for his strong performances in major Hollywood Blockbusters, such as Legendary/Blizzard Films’ “Warcraft,” where he took on not one but two major character roles alongside Travis Fimmel, Dominic Cooper, and Paula Patton.  He is equally known for his aggressive performance in 20th Century Fox’s Oscar-nominated epic “War For The Planet Of The Apes,” where he played a supporting role alongside Woody Harrelson and Andy Serkis. Redman has an extensive background in martial arts, weapons, firearms and stunts, all of which prepared him for such roles. 

Dean has appeared in a multitude of network television series, such as “Dark Angel,”
 “Stargate SG1,” “The X-Files,” “Smallville,” “Superman and Lois,” the Number One Netflix series “Virgin River,” plus notable Hallmark and Lifetime movies “The Yoga Teacher Killer’,
 V.C. Andrews’ four-part mini series “Dawn” and a villain of the Christmas Mega hit “Sugarplummed.”

He is also well known for his distinctive, deep, smooth, and smoky voice, which he has lent to Marvel’s “Nick Fury” in “The Ultimate Wolverine Versus Hulk” series,“ Iron Man Armored Adventures”, Unagami in the Lego Series “Ninjago,” Dutch in the anime series “Black Lagoon”  the villain General Baran in “Dragon Quest” and a long list of animated series over the years. Dean is currently in pre-production on several upcoming movie series and voice projects. 

Dean Redman is available for interviews if you’d like.

For more information, interviews, and photographs, please get in touch with his Publicist:
Lesley Diana | lesley@thepromotionpeople.ca | 604-726-5575
Dean Redman’s Agent: Eric Edwards | eric.edwards@lucastalent.com
Dean Redman IMDb
Boston Blue IMDb  

World Premiere of Jennifer Chiu’s first feature documentary, Clan of the Painted Lady, at VIFF

World Premiere of Jennifer Chiu’s first feature documentary

at the Vancouver International Film Festival October 6 at 6:00 p.m. at Fifth Avenue Theatre and October 9 at 3:30 p.m. at VIFF Center

For Immediate Release: Vancouver, September 3, 2025:  Hakka-Canadian filmmaker Jennifer Chiu’s engrossing feature documentary, Clan of the Painted Lady, will have its World Premiere at the Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) on October 6th and 9th.  In this personal film journey, director/producer Jennifer Chiu reaches into her family’s history to explore the Hakka — a people, a language, and a culture that have been obscured for far too long. 

Tracing her own lineage back from Canada to China to Kolkata, India, the director creates an illuminating, bravely personal film. Through her own story, Jennifer explores the weight of parent-child separation, which migration often entails, and the loss and disconnection between generations that must somehow be healed. Thought to hail from the north of China, the Hakka settled in the southern part of the country, where they were known as the “guest people.” In the face of war, poverty and social marginalization, many of them dispersed to places such as Mauritius, India, Jamaica, and Canada — including BC’s Lower Mainland, where Chiu spent much of her childhood.

The director’s reach is as expansive as her people’s migratory spread: Using found Super 8 footage, she explores the Hakka’s history in India, and through candid, probing interviews with relatives and community leaders, she brings forth a search for belonging in a centuries-long story of migration.Chiu has made a warm and introspective film that is never weighed down by its explorations of family secrecy, the costs of assimilation, or the very uncertain future of Hakka culture. 

Clan of the Painted Lady follows Jennifer’s personal journey from China to Canada to India, as she discovers why her family moved and how they keep their heritage alive while adapting to new places. With an ensemble of Hakka voices from around the world, the film explores how culture is transmitted from one generation to another, and the challenge of defining identity within a diaspora.

Clan of the Painted Lady is produced by Jennifer Chiu’s company, Amino Acid Technology, and commissioned by Knowledge Network, British Columbia’s public broadcaster and streaming service.

Jennifer Chiu is an award-winning writer, director, producer and documentary researcher living in Vancouver, British Columbia. Her dramatic feature INEDIA, and short films Memory of the Peace and CABBIE, have screened at festivals around the world, including DOK Leipzig, the Edinburgh Film Festival, Festival du Nouveau Cinéma, the Mill Valley Film Festival, and the Vancouver International Film Festival.  Clan of the Painted Lady is her first feature documentary.

Chiu’s production team includes Creative Producer Bradley Keeling, Consulting Producer Sarah Jane Flynn, Cinematographer Antonia Ramirez, Co-writer and Editor: Aynsley Baldwin and Co-Composers and Co-Sound Designers Scott Gailey and Oscar Vargas.

Clan of the Painted Lady is produced by Amino Acid Technology in association with Knowledge Network.  Developed and produced with the participation of The Canadian Media Fund, Creative BC and the Province of British Columbia Film Incentive BC. Produced with the Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit.  Developed with the financial participation of Telefilm Canada and the Bell Fund. 

Jennifer Chiu is available for interviews upon request.

Please contact: Lesley Diana | lesley@thepromotionpeople.ca

Or Helen Yagi  hyagimedia@gmail.com

Photo credit: Betsy Chiu

Vancouver Entrepreneur, Natalie Boll, Launches Tribela: A Digital Platform Reimagining Online Connection

Vancouver Entrepreneur Natalie Boll Launches Tribela: A Digital Platform Reimagining Online Connection. In a digital world shaped by infinite scrolls, algorithmic traps, and increasing mental health concerns, a new platform is challenging the industry to rethink what connection truly means.

Tribela, a purpose-driven digital media platform, launched its private beta this summer. Founded by Vancouver-based entrepreneur Natalie Boll and incubated through Oxford University Innovation, Tribela is designed to create a calmer, safer, and more intentional online experience.
“We set out to build a platform where people feel seen, not sold to,” said Boll. “Tribela is for those craving a healthier, more respectful way to engage online. One that values their time, their privacy, and their well-being.”

Boll’s decision to build Tribela was rooted in a profoundly personal experience. After stepping back from social media in 2018, she spent years examining how technology affects mental health, attention, and trust. That reflection ultimately inspired the development of a platform built around user autonomy and creative connection.

Unlike traditional social platforms focused on growth at all costs, Tribela is structured to reduce manipulation and maximize authenticity. The platform removes public like counts, autoplay, and algorithmic pressure. Users control what they see, who sees their content, and how they engage. Feeds are interest-based and designed to encourage meaningful expression.
Creators are invited to share long-form videos, voice notes, and articles. All posts are reviewed by an AI moderation system that has been trained since February on social media harms, ensuring safety without sacrificing freedom of expression.

The platform has already attracted attention from a new generation of creators, independent filmmakers, and educators looking for a digital space that supports deeper storytelling and thoughtful interaction.

An experienced team of women leaders joins Boll. Sakshi Chadha, formerly of Meta and Pinterest, brings expertise in platform growth and trust and safety. Rachel Bautista, who has held leadership roles at Meta and Visa, joins as advisor with a strong background in consumer product marketing.

Tribela’s private beta is now live in the UK, Canada, and the United States, with early adopters currently testing key features. The team is gradually onboarding waitlisted users ahead of a wider release later this year.

“We’re building something that people can believe in again,” said Boll. “This isn’t just another app. It’s a movement toward reclaiming our digital spaces for creativity, care, and connection.”

For interviews or media inquiries, please contact:Lesley Diana | The Promotion People | lesley@thepromotionpeople.ca

To join the waitlist, visit: www.tribela.com

Tribela Online:

Founder & Team Profiles:

Douglas Vermeeren and John Ozuna team up to star in the action-packed feature film COWBOY BLOODBATH

Douglas Vermeeren and John Ozuna team up to star in the action-packed feature film COWBOY BLOODBATH, filming in Sacramento, California, and Victoria, B.C, this summer.

The Western could be one of the bloodiest films, full of revenge.

Magnificent Motion Picture Works is pleased to announce that production of the Western “Cowboy Bloodbath” is underway in California in July and will complete filming in Victoria, BC, in August 2025. “Cowboy Bloodbath” is produced by Douglas Vermeeren and Jared Vermeeren. The film is directed by Rene Perez (Playing with Dolls: Havoc, Death Kiss) and written by Douglas Vermeeren and Rene Perez. “Cowboy Bloodbath” stars Douglas Vermeeren (Mafia Spies, Jack Knife, Tenants), John Ozone (The Infinity Project, Return to Death Park) and introduces Kirsten Normand.

A retired bounty hunter who is known only by the name “The Cowboy” (Douglas Vermeeren) is found hanging by his neck from a tree. But he’s not dead yet. In fact, he’s got one thing to do that might just change the course of his blood-soaked, bullet-ridden life… That’s to save Sarah (Kristen Normand). Sarah has escaped the clutches of a power-hungry cattle baron (John Ozone) who has killed her family and is now after her in an effort to steal her family’s land. She is on the run when she discovers “The Cowboy” swinging from a tree. She frantically frees him and puts a gun in his hand as her only hope of defence. Little does she know that she has not only unleashed her salvation, but she has let loose hell. “Cowboy Bloodbath” has been described as “John Wick in the West.” It is considered one of the bloodiest Western movies ever created.

Release dates and distributors are to be determined. Douglas Vermeeren is available for interviews upon request.

For more information, interviews, and photographs, please contact unit publicist Lesley Diana | lesley@thepromotionpeople.ca | 604-726-5575

Photo credit: Rene Perez

IMDb links:

World champion Canadian dancer Orlando Lucas is boosting the Award-Winning Legacy. 

World champion Canadian dancer Orlando Lucas is joining Elektro Dance Academy, LLC as a principal dancer, boosting the Award-Winning Legacy. 

As an actor, he has shared the screen with Sandra Bullock and Viola Davis in The Unforgivable and has appeared in roles on CBS, The CW, Hallmark, and Netflix series.

Elektro Dance Academy LLC, a prestigious Mesa, Arizona–based hip-hop powerhouse founded by alumni of America’s Best Dance Crew winners, has officially announced the arrival of Orlando Lucas as one of its lead dancers—the only Canadian among the elite team. Joining their Emmy-caliber faculty, Orlando is bringing his global dance pedigree, innovative choreography, and teaching acumen to an organization renowned for performance excellence and industry distinction.

Orlando Lucas is an exceptional, multi-talented individual, both on screen and on stage since childhood.  His most recent successes include capturing a silver medal with International Dance Champions IDCO and winning gold and silver medals with Crew 24 at The World Dance Crew Championship Finals and Hip Hop International in Auckland, New Zealand, in April 2025.  Orlando will join Crew 24 to represent New Zealand at the World Finals in Phoenix, Arizona, this summer.  He has also been asked to join the New Zealand dance team, The Collective, to help them secure top ranking in Los Angeles at World Of Dance Finals this July.

As an actor, he has shared the screen with Sandra Bullock and Viola Davis in The Unforgivable and has appeared in roles on CBS, The CW, Hallmark, and Netflix series.

Orlando is set to relocate to the U.S. to immerse himself fully in Elektro’s ecosystem at Elektro Dance Academy. A Key Addition to a Proven Powerhouse, he will teach, lead, and compete across their programs. His presence will support the academy’s mission: “catapult the next generation of dancers into their careers,” backed by pro-level production and performance systems.

The only Canadian, Orlando Lucas, joining Elektro Dance Academy LLC is more than a roster addition—it’s a cultural and creative alignment. His professional rigor, choreographic originality, and digital influence mark him as a key driver of Elektro’s continuing success and artistic evolution.

Orlando is a Game-Changer with International star power; he adds global flair. With medals from international championships and viral choreography across platforms, Orlando strengthens Elektro’s competitive standing. Orlando’s experience in teaching and choreographic innovation brings a skill set ideally suited to each company level. At Elektro, Orlando will compete alongside adult and teen crews in top-tier events, guide their preparation, and craft choreography that fuses hip‑hop athleticism with contemporary nuance.

Elektro’s legacy includes TV dancers and talent from reality shows. Orlando bridges physical excellence with digital reach—his content creation skills will amplify Elektro’s visibility, aligning with their social media strategy.

Orlando’s arrival marks a significant step for Elektro Dance Academy as it continues to expand its presence on the national and international stages. His experience competing at the highest levels, combined with his fresh choreographic ideas and digital influence, will play a significant role in helping the academy maintain its position as one of the top training grounds for competitive and professional dancers. As he begins working with Elektro’s award-winning crews, Orlando will be instrumental in helping prepare them for upcoming competitions and performances, while also guiding the next generation of dancers through teaching and mentorship.

Elektro Dance Academy was born from the original Elektrolytes Dance Crew—winners of America’s Best Dance Crew season  7—and champions of Hip Hop International USA (2011) and World Hip Hop International 7th place (2011). The academy officially launched in 2019 to nurture the next generation. Elektro Dance Academy Award-winning teams include Elektrolytes Mega Crew (adult) champions at Hip Hop World Dance Championships 2018, World of Dance Finals 2019, Collaboration 2017,  Elektro Crew (teens) – excel at Hip Hop World Dance Championships, World of Dance, featuring NBC’s World of Dance participants LUX Contemporary – premiere adult contemporary company performing at Urban Street Jam, World of Dance, and The Rise. 

Orlando is looking forward to this next step in his career as he continues to expand his talent, knowledge, and experience in dance and entertainment worldwide.

Orlando Lucas on IMDB:
https://pro.imdb.com/name/nm9131335/?ref_=instant_nm_1&q=orlando%20Lucas
Instagram@theorlandolucas
TikTok@notorlandolucas
Photo credits: @dantek4l and @henkrt
Website: www.elekrodanceacademy.com
Elektro Dance Academy / Electrolytes / 1130 Gilbert Rd, Gilbert, AZ
Instagram: www.instagram.com/elektrodanceacademy