Tag Archives: award winning

HANNAH: BUDDHISM’S UNTOLD JOURNEY SCREENS AT VIFF ON SEPTEMBER 24th and 26th

AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD FOR BEST DOCUMENTARY AT  17TH ANNUAL ARPA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

Hannah: Buddhism’s Untold Journey—the award-winning documentary by co-director/producers Marta György Kessler and Adam Penny which chronicles Hannah Nydahl’s story of bringing Tibetan Buddhism to the West—makes its Vancouver debut at VIFF (Vancouver International Film Festival) on September 24^th and 26^th. The film was edited by Sundance Grand Jury Prize and Emmy award-winner Simon Barker. Hannah recently made its New York City debut at The Rubin Museum of Art.

Watch the official trailer via Vimeo HERE. Tickets are available at www.viff.org

Filmed in India, Nepal, the Far East and Europe, Hannah is the untold true-story of a young Danish woman’s life, searching for greater levels of perception in the 1960s until as an adult, she becomes a pillar of living Buddhism with her husband Ole Nydahl. In 1968, the two were the first Western students of His Holiness the 16th Karmapa in Nepal. After a period of study, they were sent back to Europe where they made his teachings of Tibetan Buddhism relevant for Western minds. Over the following 3 decades they travelled throughout the world bringing the teachings to all walks of life. “Hannah is not just a story about an exceptional and brave woman,” says co director/producer Marta György Kessler, who spent 15 years traveling with Nydahl and some of the most renowned Buddhist Lamas. “It’s an adventure of historical significance with such a profound, rich narrative, it was important that we not just tell the story—but also really touch people with it.”

In 2006 Hannah was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. She and Ole returned to Copenhagen to live out her last days together in the center they founded in 1974. Almost exactly three months after the diagnosis, Hannah passed away whilst in meditation with her husband and a few friends around her. On June 13, 2015 Hannah and Lama Ole Nydahl received the award for dialogue, coexistence and peace of the UNESCO Association for Intercultural and Interreligious Dialogue. As another award winner, the Association honored Pope Francis I.
lama-ole-nydahl.org/blog/unesco-award-ceremony

“Hannah” recently screened in New York and has been accepted into the Festival Internacional de Cine Documental de la Ciudad de Mexico this October 15 – 24, 2015.

HANNAH: BUDDHISM’S UNTOLD JOURNEY VIFF SCREENINGS
September 24, 6:30 pm SFU Woodwards Vancouver, BC
September 26, 11:00 am SFU Woodwards Vancouver, BC

What are they saying about “Hannah”?
HUFFINGTON POST “The excellently crafted film led the spellbound audience from fascination to tears.”
VILLAGE VOICE “The film is a pleasure – lush jewel tones on tapestries, temples, and statues”
MOVIEFIED “Cinematic as the best of today’s documentaries”
JB SPINS “Highly recommended”

Co-director/producers Marta György Kessler and Adam Penny will be in attendance for both screenings and available for interviews before or during VIFF upon request.

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

About Adam Penny
Adam Penny has worked in media for 12 years, producing documentaries, commercials and brand campaigns. In 2002 he produced his first feature documentary Movimento, about street children and the favelas of Rio for Channel 4. Other documentary credits include The Urban Chef for BBC2, World’s Youngest Daredevils for Sky and The Four Year Plan, a feature documentary following debt ridden football club QPR being taken over by billionaires. As Creative and Managing Director of Connected Pictures Adam has also worked on a vast array of campaigns for brands including Microsoft, SABMiller, British Airways, HSBC, Nissan and for agencies such as TBWA, Saatchi&Saatchi, CHI&Partners and Adam&EveDDB.

About Marta György Kessler
Marta was an actress in Hungary when she met Lama Ole and Hannah in 1990 and started to practice Buddhism. Since then she has lived and worked in different Buddhist communities around Europe. In 2002 she began to give lectures on Buddhism and has continued to do so in many different countries. Marta also travelled with Hannah and Lama Ole for more than 15 years all over the world. During this time she saw firsthand their activity and developed a very close connection to Hannah. In 2009 she came up with the idea to write Hannah’s life story, an inspiration that developed into this film. This is Marta’s first feature documentary.

About Simon Barker
Simon has been an editor for over 20 years. In that time he has worked on countless award-winning feature documentaries including Pussy Riot: A Punk Prayer (Special Jury Prize award-winner 2013), Google and the World Brain (Sundance award-nominee for Grand Jury Prize 2013), Reagan (Emmy award-winner Outstanding Historical Documentary 2012) and 9/11 Heroes of the 88th Floor (Emmy award-nominated Outstanding Informational Programme 2012).

About Connected Pictures  
Connected Pictures is a London-based production company, specialising in documentary and branded video content. Documentaries include The Urban Chef for BBC, World’s Youngest Daredevils with Mylene Klass for Sky as well as co-productions on Turing for Channel 4 and most recently The Four-Year Plan.

They have been involved in campaigns for the re-launched British Airways, behind the scenes documentaries at the Cannes Film Festival, as well as work for SABMiller, Levis, Moet & Chandon, Footlocker, JD Sport, John Lewis, Nissan and many others.

Social Media Handles

Website: hannahthefilm.com, viff.org, docsdf.com, connectedpictures.com
Twitter: @HannahtheFilm
Facebook: Hannah: Buddhism’s Untold Journey
Vimeo: Hannah: Buddhism’s Untold Journey – Official Trailer

Contact The Promotion People

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

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

Is Gary Busey really ‘God’? IndustryWorks Studios Acquires the World Wide Rights to Independent Film CANDiLAND (2015)

Oscar Nominee Gary Busey stars in CANDiLAND

IndustryWorks Studios has acquired the World Wide distribution rights to the psychological drama CANDiLAND starring Gary Busey in what might very well be his ‘comeback role’. IndustryWorks will be bringing the film to Cannes to sell at the 2015 Marche du Film.

CANDiLAND stars Oscar nominee Gary Busey (The Buddy Holly Story), Chelah Horsdal (Arrow, Hell on Wheels) and James Clayton (Foodland). CANDiLAND marks a nuanced departure for Busey, who has been seen recurrently as a contestant in reality TV shows such as NBC’S The Apprentice. Busey was drawn to the role, finding parallels between his character Arnie and himself and the echoes of the father/son relationship shown in the film familiar. His performance plays earnest and sincere.

CANDiLAND tells the story of intensified mutual attraction to the point of deadly obsession. Peter (James Clayton), a retired and embittered tennis pro, who is estranged from his father Arnie (Gary Busey), decides to leave the solace of his apartment and happens upon Tess (Chelah Horsdal). Tess, a recent vulnerable divorcee, finds Peter’s intensity and attention irresistible. Together they pursue ‘oneness’ and consciously shut out the world, barricading themselves inside Peter’s apartment. A desperate Arnie attempts to liberate the pair from CANDiLAND– but will he make it in time?

Gary Busey states “CANDiLAND teaches us to pay attention to the heart of the injured like you haven’t paid attention before.”

Rusty Nixon says, “Elizabeth Engstrom’s cult novel has haunted me since I first read it twenty years ago. It was an honour to bring the book to life and to work with such a passionate cast and crew to create an unforgettable film experience.”

Produced by Motorcycle Boy and Greendale Productions, CANDiLAND was written and directed by Rusty Nixon.

ABOUT INDUSTRYWORKS STUDIOS/PICTURES – CANADA, INTERNATIONAL

IndustryWorks is a fully integrated Distribution, Production, Finance and New Media, worldwide content provider. IndustryWorks sets itself apart by having a keen sense of recognizing the potential in projects for distribution and is dedicated to releasing unique and marketable content to the world market place. The Company has several in-house projects in development and acquires films from producers around the world. IndustryWorks distributes its content through all media outlets, including box office, VOD, SVOD, broadcast, airlines, internet and digital platforms, retail and rental outlets.

CANDiLAND in CANNES: Please visit IndustryWorks in Cannes, at the Marche du Film – B3 Riviera

Social Media Handles

Website: industry-works.com/content/candiland
Twitter: @candilandfilm, @IWPictures, @THEGaryBusey
Instagram: @candilandfilm
Facebook: facebook.com/candilandfilm
IMDb: pro-labs.imdb.com/title/tt3620120/

Contact The Promotion People

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

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

Congratulations Gabrielle Miller and Alexander Cendese on their engagement!

Gabrielle Miller and Alexander Cendese are happy to announce their engagement. Gabrielle and Alexander met in New York City in 2012 performing together in an Off Broadway play at the prestigious Cherry Lane Theatre in the West Village. Gabrielle is a Gemini award winning actor most known for her work in the hit TV series Corner Gas as well as the recent films Down River and Moving Day. Alexander Cendese is an American/Canadian New York based theatre, film and television actor, as well as a writer and producer, and an Alumni of the Carnegie Mellon School of Drama. Together they run Loud Cowboy Productions and split their time between New York and Toronto. Alexander had Gabrielle’s ring designed and cast by Charles Freshman at Freshman’s Inc., a renowned jeweler in Salt Lake City, Utah, est. 1895. Their wedding will take place in August of 2015 at Whispering Oaks Ranch near Moab, Utah.

Social Media Handles

Twitter: @MillerGabrielle, @alexcendese
Instagram: @gmiller1

Contact The Promotion People

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

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

James Hutson’s feature film Dark Harvest brings ensemble cast of Hugh Dillon, Tygh Runyan, Bernie Coulson, and Alan C. Peterson together in marijuana murder mystery

Filming in Vancouver and Squamish, B.C. completed with scenes currently being shot in Cuba

Moon Chariot Films is pleased to announce that actor/writer/director/producer James Hutson (“Insomnia,” “Reindeer Games”) is completing his feature film debut, “Dark Harvest.” With final scenes currently being shot in Cuba, production will wrap at the end of September.

James joins an ensemble cast of award-winning actors, including Hugh Dillon (“Flashpoint,” “Hardcore Logo”), Tygh Runyan (“15 Minutes,” “K-19 The Widowmaker”), Alan C. Peterson (“Cra$h and Burn,” “Shooter,”” Sucker Punch”), Viv Leacock (“Arrow,” “This Means War”) and returning to act for the first time since his co-starring role in “Intelligence,” Bernie Coulson (“The Accused,” “The X-Files,” “Eddie and the Cruisers II”).

The idea for the film came to James while he was working with the Vancouver Police Department, portraying crime scenes as an actor. A passion project, “Dark Harvest” is the first feature film actor James Hutson has written, directed and produced. The movie’s principal photography was filmed in Vancouver and Squamish, B.C. over the past few years with scenes currently being shot in Cuba.

“Dark Harvest” follows Carter Holmes (James Hutson), a veteran marijuana grower determined to retire but loses his amassed quarter-million dollars worth of weed. Meanwhile, the head of the marijuana task force, Vincent (Hugh Dillon), looks to cash in on the final busts as legalization marks the dismantling of his ‘Green Team.’

Lead investigator Bernie (Alan C. Peterson) turns down a lofty severance package to track down his biggest nemesis, Carter, before pot is fully decriminalized. When Earl (Viv Leacock) is violently electrocuted, Bernie is the first on the scene and ends up being suspended for potential involvement in the murder.

In a desperate move, Bernie kidnaps Carter and forces him to help find Earl’s killer. After Bernie and Carter come up with seemingly dead-end clues, Carter leans on Zack (Tygh Runyan) to help solve the case. The duo manage to locate Carter’s missing weed and learn that the marijuana ‘Green Team’ may be the prime suspect in Earl’s murder.

After Carter finds another friend, Frank (Bernie Coulson), has been killed, he discovers the missing clue that leads him to the murderer. As Carter implores Bernie to help avenge the killer lawlessly, the pair is apprehended and stands trial for the two deaths. Now the shaky duo must help each other beat a double murder wrap.

James Hutson financed “Dark Harvest” by remortgaging his own home, with the additional support from the actors and crew. “Dark Harvest” will be screening at film festivals and seeking distribution worldwide.

Social Media Handles

Twitter: @realjameshutson
IMDb: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2939114/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_1

Contact The Promotion People

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

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

The Canadian Premiere of Tommy Smith’s ‘White Hot’ starring Loretta Walsh, Noel Johansen, Stefania Indelicato and Charlie Carrick to be directed by Ben Ratner at The Shop Theatre from May 8th to May 17th, 2014

Playwright Tommy Smith will be in attendance on Opening Night May 8^th

Director Ben Ratner and Actor/Producers Loretta Walsh and Noel Johansen are teaming up again for the highly anticipated Canadian Premiere of Tommy Smith’s ‘White Hot’ coming to Vancouver audiences from May 8^th to May 17^th at The Shop Theatre.

Fresh off the theatrical release of his award-winning film Down River, Ratner has assembled a fine cast to take on this provocative and challenging script. Produced by Walsh’s Kindred Entertainment, this promises to be another top-notch production from strong new voices in the Vancouver theatre scene.

After a successful collaboration last year with the play ‘Dinner with Friends’, Ratner (Down River) will be directing, while Walsh (When Calls the Heart) and Johansen (Adeline) are acting, joined by fast-rising actors Stefania Indelicato (Annual Getaway) and Charlie Carrick (The Borgias) in the Canadian Premiere of this powerful and engaging play.

” **** Incendiary … [Tommy Smith’s] dialogue has brass on its knuckles … WHITE HOT brands Smith forcefully as a talent to watch and to stomach.” — Adam Feldman, TIME OUT NEW YORK

“A beautifully written study in nihilism … revealing why so many marriages, based on such blind attempts at controlling another person and some understandably devious responses to it, lead to duplicitous affairs.” – Steven Leigh Morris, LA WEEKLY

“White Hot is a fever blister of a play. It’s not nice. It’s not pretty. It’s raw and tough and meaty, grown up theater for adults who crave intellectual and artistic drama.” – Michael Strangeways, SEATTLE GAY SCENE

‘White Hot’ is a darkly comedic psycho-drama crammed into a love triangle between a troubled woman, her opportunistic husband, and her trashed sister. Burrowing fearlessly into themes of sexual deviance and social depravity, White Hot playfully struts the razor’s edge between hilarity and horror.

New York based Playwright Tommy Smith will be in attendance opening night on May 8^th

Photography Credit: Chara Berk

Social Media Handles

Website: kindredentertainment.com, lorettawalsh.com, benratner.com
Twitter: @kindredent, @loretta_walsh, @noel_johansen, @Haven_Studio, @IndelicateStefa
Facebook: facebook.com/kindredentertainment

Contact The Promotion People

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

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

Horror-Thriller Feature Film ‘CANDiLAND’ starring Gary Busey, James Clayton and Chelah Horsdal

Shooting schedule allows time for actors to have a dramatic weight loss to become emaciated for their roles.

Busey’s character showcases his incredible humanity and dramatic talent.

Motorcycle Boy Productions and Greendale Productions are pleased to announce the horror-thriller feature film CANDiLAND will be in production in Vancouver from April 13 to 20, 2014. Executive Producers are James Clayton (Down The Line), Blaine Anderson and Roseanne Milliken (Tucker & Dale vs Evil). Producers are Marc Petey (Down The Line) and Marena Dix. Screenplay is written and directed by Rusty Nixon and based on the novel Candyland by award winning novelist, Elizabeth Engstrom. Music supervision and original score is by Gemini Award Winner, Tim Hart.

Academy Award Nominated Gary Busey (The Buddy Holly Story, Lethal Weapon, Point Break) plays Arnie, James Clayton’s (Down The Line, Fringe) character Peter’s alcoholic father. Leo Award Nominated Chelah Horsdal (Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Arrow, Hell on Wheels) plays Tess. The film is being shot in two blocks, nine weeks apart, to allow James Clayton and Chelah Horsdal the time needed for a dramatic weight loss – as their characters become emaciated after a year of isolation keeping true to the novel.

Recently divorced and heartbroken, Tess finds herself abandoned at a bar on her girl’s night out. There she encounters the eccentric and rich Peter – a man cursed with the condition of heightened sensory perception and desperately searching for a moment’s peace. The two instantly fall in love and withdraw to Peter’s apartment for a lengthy and addicting love affair. Days of bliss pass by but when Tess realizes she should leave and resume her life, Peter proposes a dangerous idea – isolate each other in his apartment to create their own pure reality; one free of pain and the dictates of society. Now, cut off from the world and locked inside what Peter calls CANDiLAND, the lovers embark on a dogmatic quest for a higher existence. But slowly, they begin to descend into madness – turning the once lovers into mortal enemies.
James Clayton is the Founder and President of Motorcycle Boy Productions established in 2012. James Clayton and Rusty Nixon’s first feature Down The Line, is a Sci-Fi Thriller about a struggling comedian played by James Clayton who stars and plays nine different characters trapped inside his mind and must fight alternate versions of himself to escape. Rusty Nixon wrote, directed, and edited the film. Down The Line is being distributed Worldwide by IndustryWorks Pictures in 2014.

A labor of artistic love, Rusty and James have been working to bring CANDiLAND to production for the past 10 years. Producing partner Marc Petey is a founding member of the Co-Production company Greendale Productions.

Social Media Handles

Twitter: @candilandfilm
Instagram: @candilandfilm
Facebook: facebook.com/candilandfilm
IMDB Link: pro-labs.imdb.com/title/tt3620120/

Contact The Promotion People

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

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

‘3 Days In Havana’ starring Gil Bellows and Greg Wise opening in Cineplex Theatres across Canada on March 28th, 2014

SOME PEOPLE WOULD KILL FOR THREE DAYS IN HAVANA

3 Days in Havana is the testament of a life-long collaboration between two friends and the directorial debut for both Gil Bellows and Tony Pantages

Gil Bellows and Tony Pantages are pleased to announce that the feature film ‘3 Days in Havana’ will open in Cineplex Theatres across Canada on March 28^th, 2014 via leading Canadian distributor Entertainment One (eOne). 3 Days in Havana is the directorial debut of filmmakers, Gil Bellows & Tony Pantages and is the testament of a life-long collaboration between two friends with a shared vision and the talented family of artists and technicians that joined them on the ride. The film stars Gil Bellows (Ally McBeal, Shawshank Redemption), Greg Wise (Sense and Sensibility), Robin Dunne (Sanctuary), Michael Eklund (The Call, True Justice), Christopher Heyerdahl (Hell on Wheels, True Blood) and John Cassini (Continuum, Blackstone)

About The Film
Jack Petty (Gil Bellows) gets more than he bargained for when he travels to Havana on business and gets caught up in an assassination conspiracy with his new friend Harry Smith (Greg Wise).

Jack Petty sits in an airport bar, nursing a drink. He’s on a stopover halfway to Havana, and so is the sexy lady who chats him up, giving him travel tips and whispering something scary in his ear. He’ll meet her again, in the midst of a conspiracy that includes assassination, kidnapping and more.

This a film with a lot of tradition behind it: some major Hitchcock (particularly Strangers on a Train and The 39 Steps); the wised-up dialogue of old film noir; and the gritty detail and sharp plot twists of contemporary thrillers. It’s all put across with high spirits, and the cast is stellar—highlights include Christopher Heyerdahl as a slick member of the Canadian Consulate, John Cassini as a ruthless mob boss, and Phyllida Law as… well, you’ll see. And there are many other colourful characters, none of them trustworthy, most of them with their sights set on poor Jack. He’ll have to outwit, outrun or outfight them all—a tall order for a mere businessman on a conference trip. But he’s surprisingly cool under pressure. The fun here comes not just from the close shaves and slick repartee but from the knowledge, quickly acquired, that nothing is what it seems. (Courtesy Vancouver International Film Festival)

About The Directors
Gil Bellows is an Emmy & Peabody winning and Golden Globe nominated producer for the HBO film, “Temple Grandin”. Gil also steered Ali Selim’s “Sweet Land” to win the Best First Feature trophy at the Independent Spirit Awards. Best known for creating the role of ‘Billy Thomas’ in the Emmy and Golden Globe Award winning FOX series “Ally McBeal,” Gil first gained international attention among filmgoers and critics for his portrayal of an inmate with a penchant for knowledge in the critically lauded “Shawshank Redemption,” opposite Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman. In recent years, Bellows has found himself starring in several Canadian Independents including Paul Gross and Niv Fichman’s Canadian War-time Drama “Passchendaele” and “Toronto Stories”.

Tony Pantages is an award-winning director of music videos, commercials, documentaries and short films with trophies and nominations for MTV, MuchMusic, Clio & Juno awards. Pantages studied acting at the Loft Studio in LA under Peggy Feury where his classmates included Sean Penn, Matthew Broderick, Krispin Glover and Meg Ryan. After ten years of working with some of the top directors in the business, Tony switched to the other side of the lens, assisting the Oscar winning director John Schlesinger (Midnight Cowboy, Marathon Man) for two years before launching his own successful career directing number one music videos for INXS, Sarah McLachlan and Our Lady Peace and commercials for Lee Jeans & Canadian Airlines. His Behind The Scenes documentary “Beyond the Yellow Brick Road” about the Syfy Channel’s miniseries “Tin Man” broke their viewership record and aired 14 times. Mr. Pantages’ short film Passages was an official selection at the Vancouver International film Festival.

Social Media Handles

Twitter: @3DaysInHavana, @realgilbellows, @tonypantages, @eOnefilms
Facebook: facebook.com/3daysinhavana, facebook.com/eOnefilms
Movie Trailer: vimeo.com/86457182
IMDb: imdb.com/title/tt1842371/?ref_=nv_sr_1

Contact The Promotion People

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

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

Gemini Award-Winning Gabrielle Miller Makes Her Directorial Debut in Seed&Spark’s Newest Project ‘CLAUDETTE’

The Promotion People - Seed & Spark

Gabrielle Miller is set to direct a short film starring her Corner Gas co-star, Tara Spencer-Nairn and Toronto actor, Scott McCord. Currently in pre-production, the film will shoot for two days on December 7th and 8th 2013 in Toronto. Entitled, CLAUDETTE, the script is a murder mystery surrounding the disappearance of the title character’s husband.

Through the platform of Seed&Spark, the film will be produced primarily through donations. They will go forth in whatever manner they can based on their fundraising at that time, which will end a few days after they wrap. This gives viewers a unique opportunity to actually be a part of the outcome by contributing in real time in response to activity on set. Every donation increases their ability to make a better film, and the more they have going in, the more resources will be available on that day.

Find out more about the project and how you can support it at: seedandspark.com/studio/claudette

SYNOPSIS
After an early morning spent replanting her garden, Claudette wearily comes inside her home. It is autumn, the leaves are falling, it’s not the time for this type of yard work, but that does not concern her. She is too concerned with other things.

Once in doors, Claudette removes her gum boots and places them just inside her kitchen next to a muddy shovel. She climbs the stairs, removes her clothes and showers. Claudette towels off. Claudette gets dressed. Claudette quietly and meticulously packs her bags.

Later, in her kitchen, Claudette lights a kettle for tea on the stove, one last cup before– there is a tapping at the back door, a knocking rather. Claudette goes to it.

It is Detective Koslovski. The Detective assigned to her husband’s case. He had been coming around a lot, but not for the last few weeks. She had wondered about that… she wonders why he was back here now. On today of all days.

Koslovski admires her garden. Claudette agrees to allow him to come inside once he tells her that some ‘news’ has come to light.

In her living room she sits with Koslovski as he explains that the people that her husband owed money to are not the type of people that one would necessarily want to owe money to.

Claudette lets this information bounce off of her shoulders as casually as she can, declaring it was not she but her husband, Jeremiah, who owed the money. Claudette’s evasiveness leads Koslovski to call out the elephant in the room. He states aloud that it is most likely that her husband has absconded leaving his troubles for her to deal with.

The tea kettle in the kitchen whistles. Claudette asks if Koslovski would like some tea and begins to wonder just what exactly Koslovski is here to ask her…

ABOUT THE TEAM

The Promotion People - Gabrielle Miller

GABRIELLE MILLER – Director/Producer

Gemini award-winning Gabrielle Miller (Corner Gas, Call Me Fitz, Moving Day) has appeared in over 75 productions in the past two decades. She is best known for her lead roles on two television series: the runaway hit CTV series Corner Gas, and the critically acclaimed dramedy Robson Arms. In 2013, Gabrielle was nominated for a Canadian Screen Award for her role in Mike Clattenburg’s feature film Moving Day, the opening film for the Canadian Images Program at VIFF in 2012. Combined, Gabrielle has garnered 12 Gemini and Leo Award nominations and five wins. In 2012, Gabrielle had the honor of being a member of Oldenburg International Film Festival’s first ever all female jury. Gabrielle can be heard this fall in the City TV/Hulu adult animated series, Mother Up!, and her most recent foray in the world of independent film, Down River, can be seen in theaters in the Spring of 2014. Gabrielle splits her time between her residences in New York and Toronto.

“I come from a performing background, having been an actor for over twenty years in Canada and the United States. I am very excited to be making my directorial debut with CLAUDETTE.” – Gabrielle Miller

ALEXANDER CENDESE – Writer/Producer

Alexander Cendese is a American/Canadian actor, writer and producer living in New York and Toronto. Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, to a Canadian father and an American mother, Cendese spent significant time in Florence, Italy growing up, before attending the Perry Mansfield Performing Arts School and Camp and eventually, Carnegie Mellon, where he received his Bachelor’s in Acting from the School of Drama in 2004. In 2004, Cendese took up permanent residency in New York City, where he has been a working actor ever since. In 2011, Cendese developed, produced and appeared in the feature film, Blumenthal, starring Brain Cox and Laila Robins. Blumenthal had its world premiere at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival in 2013 and is set for a spring 2014 release. Cendese has produced several short films, including Feeling Tall, and Defaced, which he wrote, shot, edited and directed, and he recently wrapped principal photography on the feature, Best Man in the Dark, which he co-wrote and starred in. Since November of 2012, Cendese has maintained a home in Toronto, as well as New York City.

“I wrote CLAUDETTE for Gabrielle Miller to direct. She is one of the most talented actors I have ever known and having been closely involved with her over the last few years has led me to understand her deep desire to approach story telling from a new perspective. We both share an innate interest in telling stories specifically about women who do extraordinary things. Without painting Claudette’s actions one way or the other, it can certainly be said that she is a surprising woman.” – Alexander Cendese

TARA SPENCER-NAIRN – Claudette

Spencer-Nairn was born in Montreal, raised in Vancouver and currently calls Toronto home. A former competitive gymnast, she is a graduate of the Vancouver Film School. Her big breakthrough came in 1999, when she was cast as Lou in the highly-acclaimed film New Waterford Girl which played at Sundance and TIFF and was nominated for seven Genie awards. Tara is best-known for her Gemini-winning turn as Karen Pelly on the #1 rated sitcom Corner Gas. She can currently be seen in the recurring role of Sandy in CTV’s hit drama The Listener.

Photography credit: Ted Belton

SCOTT MCCORD

Scott Mccord is an actor, musician, voice actor and filmmaker. He is bandleader for the soul-rock band SCOTT MCCORD AND THE BONAFIDE TRUTH (Best New Artist of the Year Nominee – 2010 Maple Blues Awards). Scott recently appeared on stage in Rosa Laborde’s MARINE LIFE (Aluna Theatre) and Sky Gilbert’s NAKED HAMILTON.

Film and TV credits include LOST GIRL, 16 BLOCKS, SHOOT EM UP, REPUBLIC OF DOYLE and THE ELEVENTH HOUR. Animated TV series include TOTAL DRAMA ISLAND, BAKUGAN BATTLE BRAWLERS, MOTHER UP! and CAMP LAKEBOTTOM. Scott’s voice acting talents led to him being invited to New Zealand and Australia as a celebrity guest for ARMAGEDDON FAN EXPO 2011.

KEN KRAWCZYK, CSC – Director of Photography

Having been behind the camera on many award winning series like, Corner Gas, Hiccups, and recently, In Security, Ken Anton Krawcyzk has experienced success at many levels as a director of photography. Although best known for his series work, Krawcysk’s love for motion photography goes beyond television comedy. Driven to create engaging photography for over twenty five years, Krawczyk has extended his craft to many feature film and commercial projects. Krawcyzk was nominated for the Gemini Award for best photography in a comedy program in 2008, 2010, and 2011. Most recently he was nominated for a Canadian Screen Award for his photography on In Security in 2013.

Social Media Handles

Website: seedandspark.com/studio/claudette, gabriellemiller.com
Facebook: Seed&Spark, Gabrielle Miller, Scott Mccord
Twitter: @claudetteshortf, @MillerGabrielle, @alexcendese, @TSpencerNairn, @ScottyMcCord, @seedandspark

Contact The Promotion People

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

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

Classic Romantic Comedy John Apple Jack To Premiere at VAFF in November

“For those with the luxury to live out loud and proud… now what?”

From Skycorner Entertainment Ltd., new generation film John Apple Jack addresses gay pride and self-acceptance. Producers Monika Mitchell, Rick Tae, and Selena Paskalidis are proud to introduce the fun crowd pleaser, where sexuality is secondary to dreams, self-worth, happiness, responsibility and family.

John Apple Jack will have its world premiere at the Centre Piece Gala Film during the Vancouver Asian Film Festival on Saturday, November 9^th at 7:00pm. For tickets visit: vaff.org/festinfo/vaff-17-day-3-program-8

The feature film will then move on to Montreal’s ImageNation before its network premiere on OUTtv.

Starring Chris McNally as John Jardine and Kent S. Leung as Jack Gaang, the romantic comedy has been featured on NovusTV, Daily Xtra, and GayVancouver.

Interview with NovusTV can be viewed online here: youtube.com/watch?v=lvWjrkyeEmY

About The Film

Set in Vancouver’s East-meets-West glamorous restaurant industry, the challenge for both John Jardine and Jack Gaang is to find a way to blend money, sex, love and family into one sumptuous recipe for life.

John Jardine is a handsome gay man and heir to a restaurant empire. John lives with extravagance – champagne, fast cars and fast men – bedding nearly every hot guy in town. After coming out to his parents, John looks for any opportunity to prove his worth to the world.

Jack Gaang is an overly responsible Asian-Canadian who has slept with no man. Jack finds himself settling into a full-time job, a gal pal, an offspring, and an ambition in the culinary industry to sidestep his feelings for John, his childhood crush. He has quietly given up hope that John would ever fall for him and support his dreams of running a restaurant together one day.

As years of mounting tensions culminate into an over-heated argument in the kitchen, Jack throws an apple at John’s head — bruising his boss’s ego and unfurling a series of ill-timed events that teach them both good reasons to grow up.

For these two opposites, romance must ensue… especially when Jack is about to marry John’s sister! After John finds out about the wedding, passions ignite and his life spirals out of control… losing his job, his playboy reputation and his underwear – all while rushing to the altar to finally confess his love! Promiscuous John was once easy for Jack to ignore. But a newer, penniless, more soulful John may soon prove too hard to kick to the curb.

Chris McNally – imdb.com/name/nm2901423/?ref_=tt_cl_t1
Kent S. Leung – imdb.com/name/nm4141406/?ref_=tt_cl_t2
Mkenzie Scott – imdb.com/name/nm1745779/?ref_=tt_cl_t3

About The Crew

Monika Mitchell – Director/Co-Producer

Monika’s filmmaking career started with three independent films: Night Deposit, Witness and Break a Leg (2000-2003), attending 90 international film festivals, winning 27 awards and qualifying for Academy Award consideration with both shorts. Having won Slamdance’s Anarchy Audience Award in 2000, she was a programming contributor for the festival the following two years (2001, 2002). In 2009, she was chosen by Vancouver Olympic Committee and the Cultural Olympiad to curate the film program for Canada during the Olympics and Paralympics of 2010. She acquired, commissioned and/or produced 72 films that were enjoyed by over 13 million viewers worldwide. In 2011 her original script was chosen to participate in Whistler’s CFC’s Producer’s Lab. Monika continues to direct episodic television (beginning with Robson Arms in 2004) and has worked for networks including CBC, CTV, Lifetime and Logo, while developing her own feature projects. She most recently directed the pilot “The Switch” for Trembling Void Productions and OutTV in Summer 2013.

Rick Tae – Writer/Producer

Rick has created films, shorts, TV, multimedia and theatre content currently in various stages of distribution, production and development. He was selected for the NSI Totally Television Program and awarded Telefilm Canada support as a screenwriter/producer. In addition to writing/producing his first feature John Apple Jack, Walk the Dog sold to The Movie Network and Air Canada, and received a Canadian Comedy Award nod, while web-series Marco Chow Massage has garnered fans worldwide. Rick has worked with VAFF in previous years, coached actors and writers in Vancouver and LA, produced/directed Award winning and nominated theatre productions, garnered Gemini and Leo Award nods and a win for his acting work and assisted director/producer Roland Emmerich for Sony Pictures’ blockbuster “2012”.

Selena Paskalidis – Producer

Selena has worked her way up very quickly in Canada’s film, television and digital industries. She started her career as the head of business affairs in long form drama, moving effortlessly into development before taking the reins of production. In 2013 alone, she ushered two features through production, launched a digital brand and is just about to lock financing on her third feature to shoot in the spring of 2014. For the two features already in the can, Selena secured sales and festival gala premieres for John Apple Jack and Telefilm Post Production support for Naked Night Bike, a mid-life crisis comedy that is just completing post-production. Additionally this year, Selena launched a revolutionary digital brand for the creation of online networks, called Dotstudioz (www.dotstudioz.com); designed and implemented the digital strategy for Vic Sarin’s latest documentary, Hue and the iphone and web apps for the reality series Eat St. for Paperny Productions. In previous years, Selena saw the short film she produced Walk The Dog enjoy Official Selection in the 2009 CFC Humor Me Cross Canada Tour and Canadian Comedy Award nominations. Her project The Bryce Lee Story was selected for the Just For Laughs Comedy Boot Camp. Selena is dedicated to ensuring that the smart, funny writers and directors in her midst get their films made, seen and enjoyed by a world-wide audience.

Executive Producer: Todd Giroux
Associate Producer: Jhod Cardinal

Social Media Handles

Website: johnapplejack.com
Twitter: @johnapplejack
Facebook: John Apple Jack Movie
Trailer: youtube.com/watch?v=QKKUKIXqE5E
Vimeo: vimeo.com/77379732

Contact The Promotion People

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

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

Indiecan Entertainment has acquired the Canadian distribution rights for Ben Ratner’s feature Down River

Down River is written and directed by multiple award-winning writer/director Ben Ratner (Moving Malcolm) and produced by James Brown. Executive Producer is Jack Ong.

Down River had its World Premiere at the Cinefest Sudbury International Film Festival and also screened at the Calgary International Film Festival. The film will get a special Gala presentation on October 5^th as part of the ‘Spotlight on BC’ section of the Vancouver International Film Festival and will screen again on October 9^th.

Down River is the emotionally stirring story of three young women teetering on the edge between creative breakthroughs and personal breakdowns, and their connection with the older woman they rely on for guidance, support and inspiration.

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

“I am very excited that Indiecan will be releasing Down River. Ben has done a masterful job with this sweet, passionate and memorable film. I am looking forward to sharing this wonderfully acted and executed film to Canadian audiences across the country,” said Indiecan’s Avi Federgreen.

“We are very excited to have IndieCan as our Canadian sales agent for Down River. As a boutique company, IndieCan gives us the reassurance that our film will be very well looked after and promoted to the widest possible audience. Avi’s passion for Canadian film and commitment to getting independent films into the marketplace serves us extremely well and we are delighted to have him aboard.” Producer – James Brown

Down River stars three Gemini award-winning actors Helen Shaver, Gabrielle Miller, Colleen Rennison and Ratner’s real-life wife, Leo award-nominated Jennifer Spence. Other actors joining this first-rate cast include Jay Brazeau, Ali Liebert, Brian Markinson and Teach Grant.

Director of Photography is Larry Lynn. Edited by Rob Wenzek. The sound track includes original songs by Kevin House, Colleen Rennison and The Boom Booms.

BEN RATNER is an award-winning actor, writer and director. His directorial debut, Moving Malcolm, received a Best First Feature honour at the 2003 Montreal World Film Festival and played at festivals all over the world, from Vancouver to Kolkata, India. Down River marks his second time as a writer/director.

GOSSAMER CREATIVE INC. AND HAVEN FILMS produced Down River, The film was made in part with the financial participation of Telefilm Canada and additional financing was provided by the Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit (CPTC) and Film Incentive BC (FIBC).

HAVEN FILMS is a Vancouver based Production Company, owned and operated by writer/director/actor Ben Ratner. Haven Films previously produced the feature comedy ‘Moving Malcolm’ which Ratner wrote, directed and starred in and which won Best First Feature at the 2003 Montreal World Film Festival.

GOSSAMER CREATIVE is a Vancouver-based film production company with ties to Gossamer Threads, a leading internet technology firm with deep roots in data storage and online distribution founded in 1996. “Down River” is Gossamer Creative’s first feature film credit and the company has several other projects in development.

INDIECAN ENTERTAINMENT focuses on Canadian independent, low-budget (less than $1.5 million) films. As a distributor, Avi Federgreen follows the same principle that earned him his reputation as a filmmaker; bringing Canadians films they want to watch. Aside from the traditional distribution route, INDIECAN leans heavily on digital delivery. INDIECAN helps films find more opportunities with audiences through TV, Netflix, iTunes, websites, Facebook, Twitter, and other social media platforms. INDIECAN’s vision is to not only support Canadian production but to encourage the viewing of Canadian films by Canadian audiences. Indiecanent.com

Social Media Handles

Website: benratner.com, downrivermovie.com, indiecanent.com
Twitter: @Haven_Studio, @DownRiverMovie, @indiecanent
Facebook: facebook.com/DownRiverMovie, facebook.com/IndiecanEntertainment

Contact The Promotion People

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

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