Tag Archives: blogger

ACTOR NICOLE OLIVER PLAYS STAGE MOTHER IN ‘LEAP 4 YOUR LIFE’ WORLD PREMIERE AT THE VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

Nicole joins her young son William Ainscough, star of CITY TV’s “Seed” for Season 2.

The Promotion People - Nicole Oliver

Multi-faceted entertainment ‘superwoman’ Nicole Oliver is in demand more than ever, as an actor and in the voice-over market. Again this fall, she will be splitting her time between Halifax and Vancouver.

In Vancouver, Nicole is playing a stage mother in the upcoming independent feature film “Leap 4 Your Life”, premiering at VIFF on September 30th and October 10, 2013. Also starring “So You Think You Can Dance” Allie Bertram, April Telek and CCMA-nominated Mackenzie Porter. This amazing mockumentary about the quirky, cut-throat world of Competitive Dance is sure to be a festival favourite!

In Halifax, ‘life is imitating art and roles’ as Nicole joins her young son, William Ainscough, who stars as Billy in City TV’s second season of “Seed”. She will once again be playing Billy’s teacher, Mrs. Anderson, in several episodes this season, as well as perfecting her chops as the Ultimate Stage Parent to William behind the scenes. Recently announced season 1 of “Seed” will air on The CW Network (The CW) in the United States.

Nicole has just completed a supporting role in the soon to be released Hallmark film, “The Christmas Ornament” starring Cameron Mathison and Kellie Martin. She has guest starred on numerous television series; recent roles include “Supernatural and “Rogue”. She has also starred in many MOW’s including recent releases“The Woodcarver” with John Ratzenberger; “Taken Back – Finding Haley” with Amanda Tapping and “Innocent” with Bill Pullman and Marcia Gay Harden. For 4 seasons, Nicole was also the host on the hit Slice Network series “Crash Test Mommy”.

Photography credit: Dan Poh

Well known throughout the world at Brony and Fan Conventions as Princess Celestia and Cheerilee on “My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic” and Zoe on the cartoon “Littlest Pet Shop”, her voice-over work continues to thrive. In animation, in addition to My Little Pony and Littlest Pet Shop, she continues her popular roles on “Max Steel”, “Martha Speaks”, “Strawberry Shortcake”, and “Superbook”. She is currently the voice for Wireless Wave, and has provided her voice to over 100 companies including American Express, Starbucks, Salon Selectives, Club House, Wireless Wave and IKEA. Nicole is also the narrator for the feature film “Heart of a Dragon”, Executive Produced by Mark Gordon and David Foster, and based on Rick Hansen’s “Wheels in Motion” tour.

Not only is Nicole a successful actor, producer, and director, she is also a mother, a wife, and role model of our time who believes that diversification is the key to success. Proof that with success in life there can be balance Nicole completed her MA in Communications while acting. An entrepreneur, she started Predator

Communications with her husband (and award-winning film and television composer) Chris Ainscough. Predator Communication creates, executes, and delivers specialized production for multi-media platforms.

Social Media Handles

IMDb: Nicole Oliver
Website: nicoleoliver.com
Twitter: @mouthnoize
Facebook: Seed

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

Helen Shaver, Gabrielle Miller, Jennifer Spence and Colleen Rennison star in actor/writer/director Ben Ratner’s feature film Down River screening at the Vancouver International Film Festival, Cinefest Sudbury and the Calgary International Film Festival

Down River has been selected to be the Gala Film for the October 5th spotlight on BC screening at the Vancouver International Film Festival

Gossamer Creative and Haven Films are pleased to announce that Down River has been selected to be the Gala Film for the October 5th Spotlight on BC Screening at the Vancouver International Film Festival.

Vancouver International Film Festival – Showtimes
October 05, 6:30 pm
Vancouver Playhouse
600 Hamilton St, Vancouver, BC

October 09, 4:30 pm
Rio Theatre
1660 E Broadway, Vancouver, BC

Down River will also be screening at Cinefest Sudbury on September 22nd and the Calgary International Film Festival on September 28th and 29th.

Calgary International Film Festival – Showtimes
September 28, 7:00 pm
Globe Theatre
617 8 Ave SW, Calgary, AB

September 29, 1:30 pm
Eau Claire
200 Barclay Parade SW, Corner of 2nd St & 2nd Ave SW, Calgary, AB

Written and directed by multiple award-winning writer/director Ben Ratner (Moving Malcolm), 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.

Gemini award-winning Gabrielle Miller (Corner Gas, Call Me Fitz, Moving Day) portrays an in-demand but insecure actress. Gemini award-winning Colleen Rennison (DaVinci’s City Hall and lead singer of fast-rising band Nosinner) plays a gifted but self- destructive rock singer. Ratner’s real-life wife, Leo award-nominated Jennifer Spence (Continuum, Stargate Universe, The Killing) plays a dynamic abstract artist hiding under a paint-stained hoodie. And Gemini award-winning Helen Shaver (The Color of Money, Desert Hearts) plays their charismatic and caring neighbour who eventually leaves them to face the future on their own.

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.

Other actors joining this first-rate cast include Jay Brazeau (Fathers and Sons, Insomnia), Ali Liebert (Bomb Girls, Harper’s Island), Brian Markinson (Continuum, Mad Men) and Teach Grant (Cult, Gunless).

Written and Directed by Ben Ratner. Produced by James Brown. Director of Photography is Larry Lynn. Edited by Rob Wenzek. Executive Producer is Jack Ong. Original songs by Kevin House, Colleen Rennison and The Boom Booms. Down River was shot in Vancouver.

Social Media Handles

Website: downrivermovie.com
Twitter: @DownRiverMovie
Facebook: facebook.com/DownRiverMovie
YouTube: Down River Movie Teaser

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 MAGIC FERRET” BEGINS FILMING IN VANCOUVER

Starring Jacob Tremblay, Beverley Elliott, Fred Ewanuick, Lisa Durupt & Falcor the Ferret

The film will feature the song “Magic” as sung by Singer/Actress Selena Gomez in its closing credits.

Canadian Film Director, Alison Parker, is proud to announce that her upcoming short film, “The Magic Ferret” will begin shooting on September 7, 2013 and will shoot over two days in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The film is slated for a late 2013 release.

“The Magic Ferret” is the first film ever to be produced by Pacific Backlot Services, an equipment rental house in Vancouver, BC. The award-winning script was written by Scott and Paula Merrow of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Alison Parker, Hugh Brompton and Synnove Godeseth are also producers, with Shawn Seifert as Director of Photography. Several major companies have secured product placement in the film, including Hasbro, Pop Chips, KIND, Marshall Pet Products, Red Dragon Apparel, Defenders of Wildlife, Crayola, Sunmaid and iHome.

“The Magic Ferret” is a family-friendly comedic story centering around a six-year old orphan named Sam (played by Jacob Tremblay, known for his role as “Blue Winslow” in the Sony Pictures feature film The Smurfs 2) and his pet ferret, Booger (portrayed by Falcor the Ferret). Sam is as cute as a button, but he just can’t seem to find a family who wants him. When the newest prospective parents come to visit, Sam decides to impress them with a few magic tricks. He becomes “The Great Sambini”, with Booger as his assistant. When his most amazing trick flops, Sam is deflated but not defeated, and with Booger’s help he conjures up a different kind of magic.

Also starring in The Magic Ferret is Beverley Elliott, known for her role as “Granny” on ABC’s TV series Once Upon A Time. Canadian actor Fred Ewanuick from the TV shows Corner Gas and Dan For Mayor and the 2005 film Just Friends and actress Lisa Durupt, who is best known for her role as Shandra on HBO’s “Less Than Kind”, join Elliott, Tremblay and Falcor the Ferret to round out the cast.

The film will feature the song “Magic” as sung by Singer/Actress Selena Gomez in its closing credits. The song, originally performed by the Scottish band, Pilot, in 1974, reached #1 on the Canadian music charts in July of 1975. Gomez’ version of the song, which has over 40 million views on YouTube, was also heard in the Disney Channel original Movie Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie in 2009. It was also featured in the film adaptation of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules. In addition to Selena Gomez’ rendition of “Magic”, the soundtrack to “The Magic Ferret” also includes the hits “Spaceman” by Canadian singer Bif Naked and “This House” by Calgary’s own Cat Thomson.

Social Media Handles

Website: themagicferret.com
Twitter: @SamAndBooger
Facebook: facebook.com/TheMagicFerret

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

In demand actor Emmanuelle Vaugier returns to popular Showcase Series ‘Lost Girl’

Emmanuelle also guest stars on the popular CBC series Republic of Doyle

Stunning actor Emmanuelle Vaugier reprises her role for a fourth season on the innovative series ‘Lost Girl’, a Canadian supernatural drama. Since 2010 Emmanuelle has had a recurring role on this highly rated Showcase original show. Playing the role of The Morrigan, Emmanuelle breathes life into her vain and dangerously sociopathic character. The fourth season of ‘Lost Girl’ promises to be the most electrifying season yet. ‘Lost Girl’ premieres November 2013 on Showcase and January 2014 on SYFY.

Emmanuelle will also guest star in the premiere episode of Season 5’s ‘Republic of Doyle’ slated to air October 2, 2013. This popular CBC series, on air since 2010 focuses on Jake Doyle, and his father, as they run a private investigations agency in St John’s, Newfoundland.

Currently in production in Winnipeg, Emmanuelle co-stars in ‘Teen Lust’, a feature film about an awkward high school student who must lose his virginity before being sacrificed by a local religious cult. The film stars Cary Elwes (Saw, The Princess Bride), Kristin Bauer van Straten (“True Blood”), Jesse Carere (“Skins”), Daryl Sabara (The Philosopher, Machete) and Annie Clark (“Degrassi: The Next Generation”). Blaine Thurier (A Gun to the Head) is directing the film that he co-wrote with Jason Stone (This Is The End).

Extremely busy with MOW’s, Emmanuelle’s projects include starring in the lifetime movie ‘Hidden Away’ as Stephanie, a young mother who fakes her own death (and her daughter’s) in order to escape her abusive husband, which aired on Lifetime in July 2013. Vaugier also co-stars as Rebecca Scott, in ‘Absolute Deception’ alongside Cuba Gooding Jr., as an investigative reporter for Spyglass magazine, in New York City. Believing her husband had been killed in an auto accident, she is forced to deal with the repercussions upon discovering his death had been faked. ‘Absolute Deception’ was released to DVD in June 2013.

One of the roles that Emmanuelle connected most with was playing a woman who rescues animals in ‘Susie’s Hope’, a role for which she won best actress at the Greensville International Film Festival in 2013. ‘It’s Christmas, Carol!’, another starring role for Emmanuelle aired on the Hallmark Channel in December 2012, which won her a Leo Award for portrayal of a woman journeying through her past, present and future, with the help of her “ghost boss”. Emmanuelle will also star in two upcoming independent films; ‘The Wedding Chapel’, shot in July 2012, and ‘Clara’s Deadly Secret’ shot in May 2013.

Vaugier is best known for her popular role as Charlie Sheen’s ex-fiancée Mia on the award-winning CBS comedy “Two and a Half Men.” For three seasons she also played Detective Jessica Angell on “CSI: NY,” leaving fans devastated when her role came to an end. In 2010, Vaugier was cast alongside Piper Perabo in the USA Network crime series “Covert Affairs,” where she played the recurring role of Liza Hearn, a journalist and blogger not afraid to push boundaries.

Her other recent television appearances include a recurring role on FOX’s action/drama series ‘Human Target’ as well as guest roles on ‘The Mentalist’, ‘Big Shots’ and ‘Supernatural’. She was also the new female superhero for the television pilot of the comic ‘Painkiller Jane’ for the Sci Fi Channel, and had a starring role in the ‘Master of Horror’ series directed by John Carpenter. Her other television credits include: ‘One Tree Hill‘, ‘Monk’, the Fox Television series ‘North Shore’, UPN‘s hit series ‘Veronica Mars’, as well as ‘Call Me, The Rise and Fall of Heidi Fleiss’, and the WB comedy ‘My Guide to Becoming a Rock Star‘. She also portrayed Dr. Helen Bryce; Lex Luthor‘s wife on the WB‘s hit drama ‘Smallville’.

Her feature film endeavours are just as impressive: Emmanuelle starred in the thriller ‘Mirrors 2’, a sequel to the hit 2008 horror ‘Mirrors’, starring Keifer Sutherland. Her appearance in the film adaptation of Stephen King’s acclaimed short story ‘Dolan’s Cadillac’, starring Christian Slater, can be seen on DVD. She also appeared in the feature ‘Hollywood Untitled’, directed by acclaimed director and producer Mun Chee Yong. Her other credits include ‘Saw II’, ‘Saw IV’, ‘Hysteria’, produced by former L.A. Laker Rick Fox, ‘Far Cry’ (Til Schewiger, Inglorious Basterds), ‘Bachelor Party 2’, ‘Unearthed’ (Charlie Murphy), ‘Secondhand Lions’ (Michael Caine, Robert Duvall), ‘40 Days and 40 Nights’ (Josh Hartnett), ‘House of the Dead 2: Dead Aim’ and a lead role in the comedy ‘Blonde and Blonder’, which premiered in Cannes.

Off-screen, Emmanuelle, an avid animal lover, is strongly involved in a project that is very close to her heart. She actively supports the charitable animal rescue organization Best Friends Animal Society. Best Friends is an organization aimed at animal rescue and rehabilitation, ensuring the best life possible for injured or unwanted animals. For more information on the Best Friends Animal Society, please visit http://emmanuellevaugier.com/charity.htm or www.bestfriends.org.

This Vancouver native‘s inner and outer beauty shines through as Emmanuelle is among the select group of women to be on ‘Maxim‘s Top 100’ list twice. The stunning actress first made the list in 2006 and then again in 2011. She was also named fifth on Femme Fatal magazine’s 50 Sexiest Women on the Planet’, and was named ‘Sexiest Woman Alive’ for the sixth time by Smartasses Magazine. Emmanuelle has graced the covers of Maxim, Femme Fatal, Dolce Vita, Flare, UMM, Status, Modern Dog, LA Health, Vancouver View, Vancouver Lifestyles, Western Living Condo, Donato and Infamous.

Photography credit:
Brie Childers
www.briechilders.com

Social Media Handles

Website: emmanuellevaugier.com
Twitter: @evaugier
Facebook: The Real Emmanuelle Vaugier

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

Rising young star Summer H. Howell stars as Alice ‘Curse of Chucky’ and as Nascien in the feature film “The Last Druid: Garm Wars”

Curse of Chucky to be released on Digital on September 24^th
and on Blu-ray^™ and DVD on October 8^th

Summer H. Howell, a young and upcoming actress is headed to the fast track of fame. This fall, Summer stars as Alice in the newest installment of the chilling Child’s Play franchise, Curse of Chucky. When a mysterious package arrives at the house of Nica, she doesn’t give it much thought. However, after her mother’s mysterious death, Nica begins to suspect that the talking, red-haired doll her visiting niece has been playing with may be the key to the ensuing bloodshed and chaos. Written and directed by Dan Mancini, the film stars Brad Dourif, Fiona Dourif and Danielle Bisutti. Curse of Chucky comes exclusively to Blu-ray™ and DVD on October 8 and will also be available on Digital on September 24. The North American premiere was held on August 2 in Montreal at the Fantasia Film Festival and the World premiere was held on August 22 at the London Fright Festival.

Summer also stars in the feature film ‘The Last Druid: Garm Wars’, which will be in theatres Spring 2014. In a world where clone soldiers from three military tribes are locked in a perpetual battle of air, land, and technology, one clone is separated from the battle, and finds herself on the run with a group of unlikely companions. Directed by Mamoru Oshii, the screenplay is written by Geoffrey Gunn, draws inspiration from an original story by author Kazunori Ito, and stars Melanie St. Pierre, Jordan Van Dyck, and Summer H. Howell.

The Promotion People - Summer H. Howell

Growing up in St. Andrews, Manitoba, Summer has just turned 9 years old. Summer recently became interested in acting when her twelve year old brother Chase was noticed by talent scouts through an open casting call in Winnipeg years ago. Although Summer was still too young and shy to audition at the time, her parents noticed her potential talent. They noticed her impromptu actions and discovered how quickly she memorized a Crest commercial provided at a casting call.

Summer began helping Chase with his auditions and also took some acting classes with PTE. She then took an audition intensive course with Casting Director Jim Heber, who started calling Summer to audition for larger roles. Jim Heber raved about both kids to Jessica Martin, one of Toronto’s top agents, who has high praise for Summer, and anticipated she would do well quickly.

Summer auditioned for two horror movies last spring and landed the second audition for the role of Alice for Curse of Chucky, which filmed in Winnipeg last fall 2012. Director Don Mancini was blown away with her acting ability and was impressed with her professionalism on a movie set, for being such a young age.

“I have worked with many child actors during my career, and Summer is easily one of the best. She is exceptionally gifted, extremely intelligent, versatile, and “direct able.” Pegging a major film role on a child’s performance can be an intimidating prospect for a director. On Curse of Chucky, the bottom line is that Summer made our movie work. “On top of all that, she is a total hoot and a pleasure to be around.” says Don Mancini, writer-director, Curse of Chucky.

In April 2013, she filmed ‘The Last Druid: Garm Wars’ in Montreal. Both films were a rewarding experience for Summer. Serious about acting, Summer plans to continue auditioning and studying for potential roles.

Her parents are supportive and say, “Our smart, mischievous, and talented little bug works hard at everything she does”. In addition to acting, Summer enjoys singing, drawing, reading, writing, and playing soccer. She has two dogs; Angel, a 7 year old Miniature American Eskimo-Sheltie cross and a 3 year old Havanese Lhasa Apso cross. Summer is a determined and talented young actress to watch for on television and in future feature films.

Social Media Handles

IMDb: Summer H. Howell
Website: heroartists.com
Twitter: @1_SummerHHowell, @RealDonMancini, @HeroArtists, @curseofchucky_
Facebook: facebook.com/HeroArtists

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

A Tribute to Cory Monteith

Our hearts go out to Cory Monteith’s family and friends.

We were lucky enough to work with Cory as his publicist from 2007 to 2009, while he was on his road to “Glee”.

Cory is one of the nicest people that anyone could ever meet. The last time we saw Cory from a far was with Richard Branson in Vancouver at a Board of Trade Luncheon. Of all people in the world, Richard Branson chose Cory to be his Virgin Unite Ambassador. Cory also supports Project Limelight for homeless youth in Vancouver to give them the chance to discover their strengths and potential through the arts.

Cory was a talent of course, but also a caring, lovely man who will be greatly missed. He had love and respect from everyone who knew him. Our hearts go out to his family, friends and Lea Michele. Cory was blessed with his long time agent Elena Kirschner, who guided Cory’s career from the beginning. We know how much they care for each other.

From the first time we meet Cory, we knew that he had a very successful career as an actor ahead of him. We were with Cory when he walked his very first Red Carpet at the Vancouver International Film Festival. It turned out to be the first of many. After an interview with the Biography Channel early on in his career, the reporter told us that Cory was one of the most amazing interviews that she had ever experienced. He was so honest about his struggles to succeed.

Cory drove to Los Angeles to audition for “Glee”. He had to pull into roadside rest stations to conduct press interviews along the way. We were so excited when Cory called to tell us that he had booked his role as Finn Hudson on the new Fox hit series.

Cory has had a US publicist since the explosion in popularity of “Glee”, so we were thrilled when we could work with him again at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival, while promoting Carl Bessai’s Feature Film “Sisters & Brothers”, with co-stars Dustin Milligan, Amanda Crew, Gabrielle Miller, Ben Ratner, Gabrielle Rose, Camille Sullivan, Tom Scholte, Jay Brazeau, Kacey Rohl, Ali Liebert, Monica Delain and Beatrice King; all past/present clients. It was a very special time and Cory was genuinely happy to see me and gave me a huge hug. One I will always remember.

We join Cory’s family, friends, the cast of ”Glee”, actors, media and millions of fans everywhere when we say:

“Cory you will be missed. You left us all far too soon.”

– Lesley Diana and The Promotion People team

Press:
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/glee-star-cory-monteith-dies-584965
http://www.virgin.com/richard-branson/cory-monteith
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1816642/

Contact The Promotion People

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

Jasmyn Pozzo – Publicist
jasmyn@thepromotionpeople.ca
705.255.6887

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