Source Article: Shoutout LA

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lesley Diana and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lesley, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?

I have been an entrepreneur starting in my twenties. My first business came unexpectedly as I was a high school physical education teacher. I attended a conference on the lack of physical fitness in women. I was asked what would be beneficial to help women I suggested a TV show for women at home. A gentleman at the conference said, “I think that I can get you a fitness show on TV if you are serious”. I was, auditioned, and got the job. My TV show entitled “Fitness Fun with Lesley” led to me opening a fitness studio with aerobic classes. I then leased a 5,000-square-foot downtown location and expanded the services offered with a ladieswear boutique, massage therapist, jewelry designer, seamstress, and esthetician to offer a spa-like atmosphere and services for all the women attending.

I also organized a trade show/fashion show day for women entitled Feminine Focus that focused on all areas of a women’s life. The show was such a success that it expanded into a weekly talk showon CTV also entitled “Feminine Focus” with guests who were experts in their fields of beauty, fashion, lifestyle, careers, childcare, hobbies outdoor activities, chefs, on and on. The show aired for 9 years and I learned so much from my guests.

After a decade I sold the fitness studio and opened 4 ladieswear boutiques called “Lesley’s” across Western Canada. I garnered so much press for my shops in newspapers, TV, and magazines. After selling and closing the boutiques I didn’t know what was next for me. I sent a package of my press clippings and marketing materials to designers I worked with and some of my competition and within a month I had one of Canada’s top fashion designers, Timberland stores, and shopping malls as clients.
A film producer/director was looking for a publicist for the premiere of his feature film “Stag” starring Mario Van Peebles, Andrew McCarthy, Kevin Dillon, Taylor Dayne, and more. This launched my career as an entertainment publicist.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have been so blessed that every career I have had has been perfect for me at the time and I can honestly say I have been very enthusiastic at each stage of my work. My first career as a high school physical education teacher brought me joy as I was able to introduce many new programs to the curriculum. I wanted to introduce lifetime sports to our students. My years as a fitness instructor both on TV and in my fitness studio were enlightening and established many lifetime friends and associates and gave me the confidence to expand my business. I also wrote a fitness book and expanded into opening 4 fashion boutiques which was very exciting.
Being an entertainment publicist has taken me to places I could have never imagined going. I have been to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with my client David Sancious when he was inducted with the E Street Band, I have been on press junkets in New York and the Toronto Film Festival with clients in movie premiering. I have worked with Oscar-winning actors and coordinated Red Carpets with hundreds of actors walking the carpet.
Most of my journey as an entrepreneur wasn’t planned, many of the opportunities were presented to me and I took on the challenge. If there is one message I would like to pass on to your readers is to be open, and adventurous. If someone presents an idea to you and you think that it is something that you would like to do – Go for it! I am so grateful for all the stages of my career. Was it easy? Not always but that is what helps you grow as a person and an entrepreneur. I often pinch myself for all the wonderful opportunities that have come my way, ones that I never expected or envisioned when I graduated from University thinking that I would be a teacher for the rest of my life.
The Promotion People has been well respected over the years which I am so grateful for. Most of our clients come to us by being referred by and recommended by other clients who have been happy with our work.
Another suggestion or recommendation I would like to share is it is so important to take care of yourself, and your health, both physically and mentally. A few years ago when Covid hit and work slowed down I decided to become one of my clients. What I mean by that, is I can spend several hours a day on a client but not on myself. I made the decision to slot in at least an hour a day working out and also changing my eating habits as well as daily meditation and tapping. I am a positive person but these changes have helped me in so many ways. I seldom get stressed anymore and I have a better body image as the healthy habits have helped me lose weight. I strongly recommend that entrepreneurs don’t forget about themselves.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Vancouver is a fantastic city with beaches, ocean, mountains, parks shopping so there is no end to places to take visitors. I am lucky to live in the heart of the city close to Granville Island which has a wonderful market selling almost any food you can imagine. Along with a fabulous view of the city and great restaurants that is a great start to an exciting adventure. False Creek adjacent to Granville Island has ferries that go from Science World to Olympic Village (Vancouver hosted the 2010 Olympics) to English Bay and a wonderful way to see Vancouver from the water. I would then take them to Stanley Park, West Vancouver, up Grouse Mountain to view Vancouver from a mountaintop. Van Dusen Gardens is a wonderful place to walk and see flowers throughout the year as well as walking the seawall for those who love scenic walks.
Whistler is one of the world’s top resorts known for skiing and snowboarding in the winter and mountain biking in the summer. The mountains, lakes, golf, and scenery are second to none so a 90-minute drive has us in a magical and unforgettable place.
I feel blessed daily to live in such a special place in the world. And if there is any time left a ferry trip to Vancouver Island is another adventure that will please any visitor. 

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have several people to credit for my success as an entertainment publicist. Firstly, Gavin Wilding the producer/director trusted me to promote his film to the press at the premiere. As I had connections with the press we had a great turnout out and articles written. From there Rampage Entertainment hired me for Gavin’s next film “Christina’s House” and then my big break came with Rodney Dangerfield’s “My Five Wives” also co-starring Gerry Stiller and Andrew Dice Clay. I was then hired by Keystone Entertainment the production company behind the “Air Bud” movies for several films. I have since worked on close to 100 films as a unit publicist (when films and TV series are in production) and a publicist for films and TV series when they are being released. I credit actress Emmanuelle Vaugier for starting the division of personal publicists for actors when their films and TV series are being released. Emmanuelle had been co-starring in 3 films I had worked on and came to my office to ask if I would be her personal publicist and I said ‘Of course!’. We have been working on and off for over 20 years. Emmanuelle went on to work on ‘”Two and A Half Men”, “CSI NY”, and “Saw !!”. My company The Promotion People has since worked with over 200 actors and continues to grow.
Jasmyn Rowley has been working with me as our other senior publicist for many years and Josephine Grant as our social media strategist rounds out my team. I am so grateful for their support and talent to help our company grow.
I of course have to thank all the producers, directors, actors, musicians, and the entertainment press that have been so supportive over the years. Many of our clients keep coming back when they have another role to promote. We also work with UBCP/ACTRA in British Columbia to promote their members.
The Promotion People has coordinated Red Carpets for the Vancouver International Film Festival, The Leo Awards, The Canadian Country Music Awards, and UBCP/ACTRA Awards which has been very exciting. Lighthouse Pictures, Brightlight Pictures and others have been so supportive and trusting us with their big nights, it has been very rewarding. 

Website: www.thepromotionpeople.ca

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/promotion.people/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/ Lesley Diana and The Promotion People

Twitter: https://twitter.com/promotionpeople

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/promotionpeople/

Image Credits
Courtesy of The Promotion People Counterparts Show – credit Counterparts Show
Headshot – Mitchell Parsons
Fashion photo – Phillip Chin
Fitness photo – Marilyn Kulhmann

Sean Patrick Flanery Casper Van Dien and Parmish Verma team up to star in the action-packed feature film “Ruthless Bastards” which wrapped in Vancouver BC

Former partners in crime reunite for a final mission against a ruthless crime boss in a partnership that could be the death of them

Production has wrapped for the action thriller feature film “Ruthless Bastards” starring Sean Patrick Flanery, Casper Van Dien, and Parmish Verma. Producer Alex Bogomolov and Wai Sun Cheng announced the film was in production in and around Vancouver BC. “Ruthless Bastards” was written by Varinder Jhattu. With a budget of $3 million USD, director Bruce Fontaine (Beyond Redemption) is creating an edge-of-your-seat, action-packed film showcasing his Hong Kong style action roots. Action Lab Productions, Pandapix Pictures, and Early Ignition Entertainment are producing the feature film. “Ruthless Bastards” is being distributed by Brian Sweet of APL Film. 

Joining Sean Patrick Flanery (Boondocks Saints 1 &2, Born a Champion, Young Indiana Jones) and Casper Van Dien (Starship Troopers 1 & 2, Tarzan & the Lost City, Sleepy Hollow) are  Indian singer/actor Parmish Verma (Rocky Mental),  Sydney Scotia (Frank and Penelope, Some Assembly Required, Reboot: The Guardian Code), Theresa Lee Lee Hung (You’re Hired, Psych) and Hasleen Kaur (CAT, Tu Jhooti Main Makkar, Mili Cat)

Former partners in crime, Nico (Van Dien) and Rick (Flanery) reunite for a final mission against a ruthless crime boss. Amidst infighting, corrupt police, and a hostage situation, they must set aside their hatred and work together to succeed. Two men each have $5 Million worth of reasons to put aside their hatred of one another. At the center of everything are Sunny Gill (Parish Verma) & the Sergeev brothers. As Nico & Rick are trying to uncover the deal that the unlikely partners are brewing, Rick’s old resentment towards Nico resurfaces, complicating their ability to work together. 

“Ruthless Bastards” was produced under the jurisdiction of ACTRA and had an interim agreement by SAG-AFTRA to shoot during the strike.

Sean Patrick Flannery is represented by April Lim of GAA, Casper Van Dien is managed by Jeff Goldberg Management, and Sydney Scotia’s agent is Kendra Naka at The Characters.

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

For sales and distribution please contact:

Brian Sweet |brian@aplfilm.com |https://aplfilm.com

Actress Lisa Chandler returns to the role of Susan McSween in the second season of the renewed drama TV series, Billy the Kid

BILLY THE KID SEASON TWO: Part One airs four episodes this fall with Part Two following in 2024

Actress Lisa Chandler portrays Susan McSween in the second season of the renewed drama series Billy the Kid which stars Tom Blyth as the eponymous character. “William H. Bonney.” The epic romantic adventure is based on the life of Billy the Kid, from his humble Irish roots and his early days as a cowboy and gunslinger in the American frontier to his pivotal role in the Lincoln County War and beyond. It also stars Daniel Webber as “Jesse Evans”, Eileen O’Higgins, Sean Owen Roberts, Dakota Daulby, Ryan Kennedy, and Ian Tracey among its ensemble cast.

Lisa’s role as Susan McSween, the wife of lawyer Alexander McSween (Luke Camilleri) was introduced in Season One and has expanded to a recurring Guest Star in Season Two. Susan was a prominent key figure in the Lincoln County War where the war took place in her and Alexanders’ home. After the passing of Alexander during the Lincoln County War, Susan McSween became a well-established cattle owner in New Mexico known as ‘The Cattle Queen’ of New Mexico. Lisa will be filming the second part of season two in Calgary in early 2024. 

Lisa Chandler is a multi-talented actress whose past roles include Altered Carbon, Fire Country, Nancy Drew, Suits, The Detour, Lucifer, and the film adaptation of Sonic the Hedgehog.  In addition to her on-screen acting performances, Lisa’s athletic talents shine as she fearlessly tackles her stunts on shows such as Supergirl, The Flash, and  Batwoman and The Fall Of The House Of Usher to name a few.  Lisa just recently had the newly released Buddy Games 2: Spring Awakening as ‘Tabatha’ starring Josh Duhamel released in June as well as Longlegs starring Nick Cage as Mother Camera being released in winter 2023. 

Lisa Chandler’s remarkable journey showcases her unwavering dedication and versatility with a genuine passion for both the arts and sports, inspiring others to pursue their dreams.

About Billy The Kid

The epic romantic adventure inspired by the life of America’s most infamous outlaw continues in Season Two, as Billy and his allies square off against his oldest friend Jesse Evans, and the corrupt powers of the Santa Fe Ring. When shots are fired, the conflict erupts into the bloody Lincoln County War. Amidst the fighting, Billy will struggle to hang onto his soul—and to the love of his life.

Creator, writer, and executive producer Michael Hirst will return for the second season alongside executive producers Donald De Line (De Line Pictures), Darryl Frank, and Justin Falvey (Amblin Television). The series is produced by MGM+ Studios and Amazon Studios: Pan-English Scripted TV, in association with Amblin Television and De Line Pictures. Billy the Kid is internationally distributed by MGM.

Lisa is available for interviews upon request.  For more information and photos please contact: Publicist: Lesley Diana | lesley@thepromotionpeople.ca

Agent contacts: Morgan Myers-Cavangh |  morgan@pacificartists.com |Melanie Turner: melanie@pacificiartists.com

• Lisa on IMDB
• Lisa on Instagram

Photo credits:  

Headshot – Jenna Bergman 

Billy the Kid photo – Courtesy of MGM

Episodes 201-204 are now available via MGM’s ROAR or upon request by emailing MGM+@id-pr.com 

Click HERE for Billy the Kid Trailer

Actor Douglas Vermeeren lighting up the indie circuit in 2023

This year has been an eventful year for filmmaker/actor Douglas Vermeeren who stars in several independent feature films throughout North America.

Douglas is the recipient of BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR at the Hollywood Blood Horror Film Festival for his role in the feature film Tenants

Currently, on the Film Festival circuit, the compelling horror anthology feature Tenants recently premiered at the LA Film Festival, winning Best Horror Anthology. It isn’t the first win for the feature, which also took home the coveted Best Picture award at the LA Crime & Horror Festival. 

Directed by Buz Wallick, Sean Messer, and Johnathan Louis Lewis for Exit 19 Productions and Wallick Productions, Tenants takes viewers on a unique horror anthology in an apartment building with bizarre situations that provoke several unusual supernatural suspense stories. Filmed in Los Angeles, Douglas has the role of Leonard, the manager of this strange apartment building – a position that has put him in dangerous situations that end in tragedy. 

Of the film, Douglas said: “Tenants is a film that brings to mind many of the great horror anthologies from the past like Stephen King’s Cat’s Eye, Twilight Zone: the Movie, and Creepshow. However, Tenants takes a very unique approach in how the stories are all interconnected. That’s something that hasn’t been done before in this way for an anthology.”

Elsewhere in the indie world, Douglas plays Billy Lachance, the villain in the Canadian feature film Jack Knife, now in post-production. After Billy’s brother is accidentally killed and his drugs are stolen, he embarks on a determined path of revenge.

Filmed in and around Toronto, Jack Knife is a co-production with Adam Jack’s Eat Your Eggs Production and Jason Lumpish & Erica Sherwood’s Jarico films. Multiple award-winning filmmaker Adam Jack (The Lurker, An All-American Fairytale) wrote the screenplay and directed the film. Erica Sherwood (Fight!, A Kind of Wonderful Thing) and Douglas star alongside first-time teen actors Tivon Charles and Payton Mills.

In Jack Knife, a fun afternoon of fishing turns frightening when a young black brother and sister are attacked in the woods by a drifter. While fighting him off, the brother accidentally kills their would-be molester with a jackknife. The film deals with many of the current race issues in our world and an incredible case of mistaken identity.

Douglas states, ”This was a very special film to work on. It was very strong in its portrayal of the racial challenges, stereotypes, and misunderstandings that so often happen in our society today.”

In the feature Fresh Meat, a group of influencers break into an abandoned prison and release an evil that has intentionally been locked away far from the public and now no one will be safe. Douglas plays Sherriff Bellamy in the film, who is dedicated to keeping the influencers out of the prison and when that fails he must decide how to contain the evil which has escaped. Produced by Pageman Productions and directed by Daniel Turres the film is currently in post-production. Other actors include Mika Amonsen (Thanksgiving, Impulse, Reacher, Designated Survivor), Jorja Cadence (Priscilla, Reacher, Rabbit Hole, Sex/Life), and Hannah Galway (Sex/Life, Under the Banner of Heaven, Guillermo Del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities).

“Fresh Meat was a very bloody project. It is a project that definitely lives up to the name. What you see on the label is definitely a reflection of what you experience in the project. Fresh Meat is destined to become one of the classics in horror slasher films right up there with Friday the 13th, Halloween, and others,” says Douglas.

Also in post-production, Black Creek is a feature directed by Shannon Lanier for the production team of CRRC Productions and the Marlowe-Pugnette Co. Inc. filmed in Tuscan, Arizona. A sheriff’s sister seeks revenge against the terrifying leader of a group of outlaws after discovering he brutally murdered her brother, his wife, and other family members in a gritty southwestern town.

Douglas plays Hank Winslow, a slimy corrupt businessman in the town of Black Creek and the right-hand man of the sadistic villain, Damien Sinclair (Richard Norton), who runs the gambling and bare-knuckle-brawling ring of Black Creek. Hank Winslow has a very special and unique position in this martial arts film. He runs the fighting ring and plays a central part in antagonizing the fights.

Martial arts legend Cynthia Rothrock (The Martial Arts Kid, In Search of the Last Action Heroes, Diary of a Lunatic) who has been featured in over 70 films is joined by many legends of the martial arts film world including Don “The Dragon” Wilson (Batman Forever, Ring of Fire), Benny Urquidez (Con Air, Grosse Point Blank, The Contract, 1408), R. Marcus Taylor, (Straight Outta Compton, Baby Driver, Luke Cage) and Keith Cooke (Mortal Kombat, Alita: Battle Angel) in the film.

Not one to slow down, Douglas is in talks with international filmmakers for a number of new feature films in pre-production alongside some very recognizable names – so stay tuned for what’s next for this talented filmmaker.

Douglas is available for interviews and photographs upon request.

Please contact:

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

Talent Agent: | lloydtalent.com | lissa@lloydtalent.com |604-880-9898

Headshot photo credit: Darren Ballingall 

• Douglas Vermeeren website: www.DouglasVermeeren.com
• Douglas Vermeeren IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7283185/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1
• Tenants IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt29538453/reference/.
• Black Creek IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27078378/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
• Fresh Meat IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt29669887/reference/
• Jack Knife IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt28970653/reference/

Rising Talent to Watch: Writer/Actor/Filmmaker Ildiko Susany Lands Her Big Break as a Staff Writer on Netflix Hit Virgin River Season 6

For immediate release – Multi-talented writer, actor, and filmmaker Ildiko Susany has landed her big break as a Staff Writer on season 6 of Netflix’s hit romance drama, Virgin River.

Ildiko started on Virgin River as the script & clearance coordinator in season 4 where she wowed the showrunner and writers with her creative pitches and in-depth knowledge of the series. This led to her writing season 5 episode 9 entitled, “Angel’s Peak” which follows engaged couple Mel and Jack discussing their future together after a devastating miscarriage. This story hit close to home for Ildiko who wrote the episode while preparing for her wedding and future family. 

Season 5 Part 1 of Virgin River dropped on Netflix on September 7, 2023, and debuted at No. 1 in the USA and Canada and No. 2 globally. It remained in Netflix’s Global Top 10 for six weeks with 1.4 million views. You can catch Virgin River’s holiday episodes when Season 5 Part 2 drops on November 30 on Netflix.

Ildiko was born in Australia and wanted to be an actor and writer since she can remember. She moved around a lot as a kid, growing up in Sydney, Melbourne, the Gold Coast Hinterlands, and Brisbane. But despite her ever-changing zip codes her creative ambitions never wavered.

Ildiko started her career as an actor and playwright in Australia performing with the Bell Shakespeare Company, Darlinghurst Theatre Company, and Redline Productions/Don’t Look Away among others. She has performed on almost every major stage in Australia including the Sydney Opera House and Arts Centre Melbourne.

Her existential dystopian play, The Day the Galaxy Inevitably Exploded and Died was shortlisted in Queensland Theatre Company’s Young Playwright’s Program and played at the Backbone Youth Arts 2High Festival and the Sydney Fringe Festival where it was nominated for the Best of Theatre Award. 

After many years working in the Australian arts industry and frustrated with the lack of diversity on screens, Ildiko wrote, produced, directed, and starred in the feature film, Marley, Someone. The story was loosely based on her experiences as a woman of color navigating her creative coming-of-age amidst casual sexism and racism in Sydney. The film won the Audience Choice Award at the Sydney Lift-Off Film Festival 2022, was a Semi-Finalist in the Toronto Independent Film Festival of Cift (November) 2021, and made the Official Selection at the Vancouver Independent Film Festival (Winter) 2021. 

In 2017, Ildiko moved to Vancouver, Canada to pursue more diverse screen roles. Since then, she has appeared in ABC’s Alaska Daily opposite Hilary Swank and directed by Tom McCarthy, as well as NBC’s Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist alongside Skylar Astin and Katie Findlay. Other credits include Lost in Space (Netflix) and Deadly Class (Syfy). Within five years, Ildiko has also worked her way up the production ladder from production assistant to line producer’s assistant, script coordinator to TV writer. 

Ildiko graduated with Distinction with a Bachelor of Theatre Arts – Acting degree from the University of Southern Queensland. She was a recipient of a Marten Bequest Traveling Scholarship where she trained at the Atlantic Acting School (NYC), The Second City (Chicago), and Bramon Garcia Braun (LA). She was also a participant in the Netflix-Banff Diversity of Voices Initiative 2021 where she pitched her dramedy series at the Banff World Media Festival. 

Now, Ildiko has her sights set on Hollywood where she hopes to work in person in the Virgin River writers’ room in LA while furthering her career prospects and networks in the film & TV industry. (Currently, Ildiko works virtually on Virgin River from her home office in Vancouver.) 

As a mixed-race artist of Japanese and Hungarian descent, Ildiko is passionate about creating and championing diverse stories and storytellers. Her dream is to one day create and show-run her own series and enjoy a sustainable career as a writer and actor. 

Ildiko divides her time between Canada and Australia. 

She is available for interviews and photos upon request. 

Please contact publicist:  Lesley Diana | lesley@thepromotionpeople.ca | 604-726-5575

Actor Agent: Kendra Naka | The Characters Talent Agency | kendra@thecharacters.com

Headshot photo credit: Noah Asanias

Award-winning actor Nicole Oliver teams up with Rick Hoffman on Hallmark Movies’ Round and Round starring Vic Michaelis as Rachel with David Attar, and Bryan Greenberg airing on Hallmark Channel and W Network on December 10, 8 PM ET / PT

Vancouver, BC December 2023 – Keeping busy on both sides of the camera multi-talented actor/voiceover/director Nicole is pleased to join Rick Hoffman (Suits, Billions) as parents of assistant editor Rachel (Vic Michaelis) in Hallmark Channel’s Round and Round airing on December 10 at 8:00 pm ET/PT. It will also air in Canada on W Network at the same time.

It’s the seventh night of Hanukkah Rachel is headed to her family’s annual Hanukkah party.  When Rachel’s boyfriend Adam, (David Attar, Unexpected Grace) can’t make the party, her prone-to-meddling Grandma Rosie, (Paula Shaw, Hannukah on Rye) introduces her to Zach (Bryan Greenberg), a nerdy art instructor. But Rachel and Zach have met before – he crashed into her that morning at the train station. Later in the night, a surprisingly competitive game of dreidel triggers a shocking turn of events.  The next morning, Rachel wakes up to discover it’s somehow still the day of her parents’ party and that she’s destined to repeat the seventh night of Hanukkah over and over again.

Nicole has worked alongside impressive A-list actors with a role in Wonder, starring Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson, and Jacob Tremblay. She has also starred in many MOWs including Radio Hype, Ungodly Acts, The Christmas Ornament, The Woodcarver, Taken Back – Finding Haley, Unspeakable, and Innocent. Other Hallmark Channels MOW include A Family Christmas Gift with Holly Robinson Peete & Patti Labelle and Good Morning Christmas.

Nicole is in demand for her voice-over roles in cartoons both on the small screen (My Little Pony, LEGO Nexo Knights, Kate & Mim Mim) and big screen in Seth Rogen’s Sausage Party and Princess Celestia in My Little Pony: The Movie. She is the recipient of the UBCP/ACTRA award for Best Voice for her work in animation.

Nicole is one of the most respected and sought-after talents across many platforms in the film industry. She has had a busy year in front and behind the camera. With a recent  Leo award win for her lead role in the web series Narcoleap, and another UBCP/ACTRA award nomination for her voice work in Ninjago, 2024 shows no signs of slowing down. In addition to her on-camera work, she is currently voice-directing animated projects for Wildbrain, Mainframe, the LEGO group & PBS.

Nicole Oliver is available for interviews and photos upon request.

For interviews, photos, and more information, please contact:
Lesley Diana | Lesley@thepromotionpeople.ca | 604-726- 5575

Nicole Oliver’s headshot photo credit: Kristine Cofsky

Photo of Nicole and Rick Hoffman credit: Hallmark Media

Casting requests: Red Management – Murray Gibson murray.g.gibson@gmail.com

Nicole Oliver Social Media Handles:

• Website: www.nicoleoliver.com  
• Twitter: @mouthnoize
• Instagram: @officialnicoleoliver
• Nicole on IMDb 

Project IMDb:

• Round and Round on IMDb

Bradley Stryker gains industry praise for compelling role in Sheltering Season

Bradley is up against his Sheltering Season co-star (and real-life wife) Caitlin Stryker for next awards run

VANCOUVER, BC – NOVEMBER 2023 – It’s been an exciting year for acclaimed multi-talented writer, director and actor Bradley Stryker. With over 50 awards to his name and an additional 33 nominations, he continues to gain industry accolades for his compelling performance in the thriller Sheltering Season.

Sheltering Season still

Sheltering Season is a poignant exploration of mental health issues which follows Lilly (Caitlin Stryker), who finds herself isolated in her remote home with her half-brother (Bradley Stryker) who is seeking forgiveness for the darkest moment in their family history.

Bradley continues to make waves across the entertainment industry with a number of recent projects showcasing his versatility in a range of roles in feature films and television series.

He recently wrapped filming for The Order, featuring A-list stars Jude Law and Nicolas Hoult. A true story about a notorious white supremacist group, Stryker embodies Sam Stinson in the film, a survivalist and ex-military expert.

Elsewhere in non-fiction film projects, Bradley played the captivating character Sheriff Wilkins in Devil in Ohio, (another Leo nomination for Best Supporting Actor Television Series), which held the number one spot on Netflix last fall, making it a noteworthy addition to his repertoire.

And he continues to show his ability to delve into complex characters as another thriller-driven antagonist, Sterling, in Paramount Pictures, Crawlspace, which is a top 10 film worldwide on Netflix’ international slate (another Leo Award nomination, this time against himself for Best Lead Actor in a Motion Picture).

His recent Film/TV success includes roles in Searchlight Pictures, Magazine Dreams; Lifetime’s How She Caught a Killer; and Paramount Pictures, Mercy, Disquiet, Dangerous Game, and the upcoming release of Vindicta (all on Paramount Plus and/or Showtime).

With an extensive career spanning over 100 roles, Bradley’s dedication to his craft is evident. Notable collaborations include working with Liam Neeson, John Voight, Cole Hauser, Christina Ricci, Jonathan Ryes Meyers, Jurnee Smollett, and Johnathan Majors, among others.

Photo credit: Joshua Hinkson Photography

Bradley’s talent has not gone unnoticed, with an impressive 55 industry awards to his name.

Apart from his thriving career, he is actively involved in non-profit initiatives, having participated in the Big Brother Little Brother program and the AIDS lifecycle bike ride from San Francisco to LA.

Follow Bradley Stryker’s journey and stay updated on his latest projects through his official website http://www.stryke-forcefilms.com/ and http://bradleystryker.com/.

Connect with him on social media via Facebook and Instagram.

For press inquiries, please contact:

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

With over 15 Million Streams and 20 CCMA and BCCMA Award Nominations, Multi Talented Musician, Actor, Director, Producer and Writer, Wes Mack hits Fall 2023 with a Brand New Album, Single, TV Show and Film.

Following up on his first two albums, “Edge of the Storm” and “SOUL,” (which amassed four top 20 Billboard hits, millions of streams, and saw him tour with Shania Twain and Florida Georgia Line among others) Mack is now releasing his third studio album “Hummingbird” on October 20, 2023.

Wes Mack’s New Album “Hummingbird” – Photo Credit: Phil Crozier

“Hummingbird” began production in early March 2020, just weeks before the pandemic began. “It certainly changed the album. It changed everything. But honestly it allowed the album to come together in a really unique way that opened up a million new possibilities,” said Mack.

“Zoom sessions, Facetime calls, and sharing files across the world… suddenly it was possible to work with anyone anywhere. It oddly freed us up to collaborate without even thinking about where anyone was. Just about the most interesting we could make something sound. That was the best part, and has become a huge part of how I make music now.”

The album’s work across multiple studios, provinces, and counties allowed it to feature the talents of some of the biggest names in the business, with writers including songwriters Gavin Slate (James Barker Band, Jade Eagleson), Travis Wood (Morgan Wallen, Jake Owen, Jordan Davis) Karen Kosowski (Mickey Guyton, Tim Hicks, Brett Kissel), Victoria Banks (Jessica Simpson, Mickey Guyton, Carly Pearce, Meghan Patrick), and many others.

The production was helmed by veteran producers Dan Swinimer (Madeline Merlo, Jojo Mason, Billy Currington) and Jordan Oorebeek (Spencer Crandall, Lydia Sutherland, Owen Reigling), as well as Mack himself producing on Be Without You, House of Love, and Don’t Change.

With its unique origin, “Hummingbird” has already spawned big successes for Mack. The singles have amassed over 2 million streams, have had multiple top 5 hits on SiriusXM (including a Number 1 this year with “Lookin’ For You”), as well as generating multiple placements in film and TV projects.

While working on the EP, Mack also penned a series of co-writes with other artists including the top 10 hit “Fighting” from Tyler Joe Miller, the current top 30 “Breakup Song” from Lemon Cash, and the SiriusXM Number One hit “Bleed Country” from David Boyd Janes.

Wes Mack’s Latest Single “That’s My Country” – Photo Credit: Phil Crozier

Playing into his other strengths, this fall, Mack joined the cast of the CTV/NBC hit series TRANSPLANT, premiering its fourth and final season. Wes plays the role of Ryan, a 27 year old resident, in his first year general surgery. Season 4 of TRANSPLANT finds Bashir “Bash” Hamed (Haq) on the precipice of finishing his residency at York Memorial and officially re-qualifying as a doctor. Wes appears in episode 4, airing on Friday, October 27th. In the episode, series leads June (Ayisha Issa) and Dr Novak (Gord Rand) take different approaches with Wes’ character at the hospital.

Later in 2023 Mack is set to appear in a lead role in the heartwarming Christmas film, “Cape Holly Christmas” where art imitates life and Mack portrays a country musician named Luke, performing multiple original and classic Christmas songs, just in time for the holiday season. The film was shot in Mack’s home province of Alberta earlier in 2023.

Mack has shared the silver screen with a variety of stars from Liam Neeson in “Cold Pursuit,” to Kate Beckinsale in the Paramount Plus series “Guilty Party,” and recently played a lead role in the 2022 Netflix series “The Imperfects” which spent multiple weeks in the global top three shows. Other past credits include: “Power Rangers,” “DC’S Legends of Tomorrow”, “iZombie”, “Motive” “The 100”, “Supernatural”, “Continuum”, “Smallville”, “Heartland,” “The Vampire Diaries”.  “Magic Beyond Words: The JK Rowling Story”, “A Dog Named Christmas”, “Girl House”, and “The Phantoms”. 

Behind the camera Mack has also made a name for himself as a director and producer, earning him nominations for Music Video of the Year and Director of the Year at the CCMA, BCCMA and Leo Awards, while creating compelling narrative pieces for artists like JUNO Award Winner Jess Moskaluke.

Wes is available for interviews upon request.  Please contact:

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

Wes Mack – Hummingbird Tracklist:

1. Don’t Change
2. That’s My Country
3. Ain’t Got You
4. Lookin For You
5. House of Love
6. Be Without You

Wes’ social media links/handles:

• IMDb: Wesley MacInnes
• Website: www.wesmackmusic.com
• Instagram: @wesmackmusic
• Twitter: @wesmackmusic
• Facebook: @wesmack
• Snapchat: WesMackMusic
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/user/wesmackmusic

Select Wes Mack Music Videos:

• The Way You Let Me Down
• Listen to Me
• Don’t Change

A must-watch: The documentary DOPPELGÄNGERS: Face to Face premieres Wednesday, October 18 on CBC Gem and CBC TV at 8 p.m. (8:30 NT) 

DOPPELGÄNGERS: Face to Face, commissioned by CBC’s The Passionate Eye, examines the curious phenomenon of identical strangers and our desire to meet ourselves. 

DOPPELGÄNGERS: Face to Face investigates today’s preoccupation with the power and importance of identity through the journeys of a diverse and exceptional group of individuals all hunting for their “twin stranger.”

The documentary follows six unique characters with strong individualistic personalities, interesting passions, and unique life stories as they embark on an adventure to meet their “second self.” Nathaniël and Edward, Sheena and Desirée, and Kiki and Elaine are about to come face to face with their unrelated lookalike and confront not only their reflection but also their deepest desires for human connection. DOPPELGÄNGERS: Face to Face premieres on CBC’s The Passionate Eye, Wednesday, October 18 on CBC Gem and CBC TV at 8 p.m. (8:30 NT).

It used to be that seeing one’s doppelgänger was a very bad omen. But today, worldwide, millions of people are actively looking for their unrelated twin. They are joining websites and posting selfies, scouring the walls of museums, and using facial recognition software all in the hopes of finding their double. What is behind this? Are we searching for something that is more than skin deep? Does our stranger-twin offer a view of the life we could have led? Or is it that we wonder what others see when they look our way? We are all about to find out. 

DOPPELGÄNGERS: Face to Face examines the curious phenomenon of identical strangers and our desire to meet ourselves. 

From Writer/Director Deborah Wainwright: In 2022, a study about unrelated “twins” was published in the academic journal Cell Reports. Media outlets worldwide wrote about it, news networks covered it, and it was in everyone’s Facebook and Twitter feeds. One of the authors was even interviewed in-studio on CNN. Why? The doppelgänger phenomenon isn’t new. What about the idea that each of us has someone (possibly many “someones”) somewhere on the planet who looks just like us, that sent our imaginations soaring right now? I decided this was worthy of a deeper investigation.

There are more than 10 million “doppelgänger seekers” registered to various online “find your doppelgänger” sites and although they generally say they’re looking for their stranger twin “as a lark” when you dig a little deeper some very personal reasons come to light. According to Dr. Adam Golub, an American Studies professor at California State University Fullerton, our interest in doppelgängers tends to peak during times of division in the body politic, at periods when technology (especially technology of duplication) has us a little fearful, and when we are struggling with issues of identity. Sound familiar?

Indeed, themes of identity, belonging, and human connection became quickly evident as we got to know our stranger twins. They expressed the desire to find someone who represents the sibling they never had or whom they had lost. Someone who provided that feeling of being connected as a family. Someone who understands them and may have experienced what they have experienced simply because they resemble one another. And they found similarities and connections that went well beyond their physical attributes. It was both hilarious and heartwarming to watch. 

LAKE TIDE MEDIA INC. is a partnership of industry veterans Deborah Wainwright and Laurie Case and a proud Canadian West Coast production company. For CBC, Sally Catto is General Manager of Entertainment, Factual, and Sports; Jennifer Dettman is Executive Director of Unscripted Content; Sandra Kleinfeld is Senior Director of Documentary; and Michelle McCree is Executive in Charge of Production, CBC Docs and The Passionate Eye.

Producer Laurie Case is from Vernon, BC, and Writer/Director Deborah Wainwright from the Sunshine Coast and Vancouver and Edward (Doppelgänger participant) based in Montreal, Quebec are available for interviews.

For more information, photos, and interviews please contact:

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

Photo credit: Andrés Fernandes

Social media information:

• Website: www.laketide.ca
• Facebook @LakeTideMediaInc.

Lights, Camera, Action,

What’s Filming in

Hollywood North?

Story by Lesley Diana

Often referred to as Hollywood North, Vancouver is an ideal place to have a thriving career in the film industry. “B.C. is Canada’s largest foreign production hub and North America’s third largest. In 2022, there were over 490 projects and more than $3.6B in original storytelling content made here, including B.C.’s own dynamic domestic productions,” said Prem Gill, CEO of Creative BC.

British Columbia and Vancouver are home to many popular feature films and TV series seen worldwide.