Tag Archives: Canada

Lawrence & Holloman to Premiere at the 2013 Vancouver International Film Festival

Telefilm Canada funded Feature Film
LAWRENCE & HOLLOMAN
to PREMIERE at
THE 2013 VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

Directed by MATTHEW KOWALCHUK
based on the stage play by MORRIS PANYCH

STARRING
BEN COTTON & DANIEL ARNOLD
with KATHARINE ISABELLE & AMY MATYSIO

Ameland Films and Quadrant Motion Pictures are proud to announce that the Telefilm Canada funded dark comedy LAWRENCE & HOLLOMAN which filmed November 5-28, 2012, in Vancouver, Mission, Maple Ridge & Abbotsford, BC, Canada will have its world premiere at the 2013 Vancouver International Film Festival on October 1 and screen again Oct 9, 2013.

The film will also screen at the Edmonton International Film Festival Oct 4 and 5, 2013.

Lawrence & Holloman In this darkly ridiculous buddy comedy, Lawrence, an ever-optimistic suit salesman, lives a happy-go-lucky, charmed life, in which everything goes right — until he meets Holloman, a cynical and pessimistic credit collector, and everything starts to go wrong. Very wrong.

Is happiness determined by our outlook on life? Or can our destiny be changed … by another.

Based on the play ‘Lawrence & Holloman’ by two-time Governor General Award-winning Canadian playwright Morris Panych (Vigil, Girl in the Goldfish Bowl), the screenplay was co-written by Daniel Arnold (The Janitors) and Matthew Kowalchuk (The Janitors, Penguins). This is Kowalchuk’s feature film directorial debut whose short films and stage direction have garnered him several awards.

“We are very excited to premiere Lawrence & Holloman to the ‘hometown’ crowd first at the Vancouver International Film Festival. We shot the film here, nearly all our cast and crew are all local, Morris Panych (who wrote the play) lived in Vancouver; it’s homegrown in every way. With our industry in crisis, now is a time more than ever to showcase our own work. And with so many high quality productions coming out of Vancouver right now, we are honoured to be chosen among them.” – Director Matthew Kowalchuk

The film stars Ben Cotton (Battlestar Galactica: Blood and Chrome, Cinemanovels) and Daniel Arnold (The PI Experiment, Penguins) with Katharine Isabelle (American Mary, Ginger Snaps, Cinemanovels) & Amy Matysio (inSAYSAble, Single White Spenny).

Heading up the Producing team are Paul Armstrong (Moving Malcolm, See Gray Fly, Ill Fated), Daniel Arnold & Matthew Kowalchuk. Mary Anne Waterhouse (Fido, The Thaw, Donovan’s Echo, That Burning Feeling) & Andrew Currie (Fido, The Delicate Art of Parking, Mile Zero) of Quadrant Motion Pictures serve as Executive Producers. Completing the team are Co-Producer/Line Producer Robyn Wiener (American Mary, The Wingman, Amazon Falls) & Associate Producer Don Thompson of Finalé Editworks.

The project attracted a talented team including story editors Kyle Hunter & Ariel Shaffir (producer/story editors on 50/50, Goon, This is the End), story consultant Daniel Petrie Jr (Academy Award nominated writer of The Big Easy and Beverly Hills Cop), and award winning twin Cinematographers Nelson Talbot & Graham Talbot (Primary), Production Designer Guy Roland (Backmask), Costume Designer Jojo MacDowall (The PI Experiment), Composer Don Macdonald (Camera Shy, Kissed) & Editor David Legault (Kink). The film was cast by Emmy-nominated Candice Elzinga Casting.

The film received production funding from Telefilm Canada and development funding from The Astral Media Harold Greenberg Fund, Corus Entertainment & Creative BC. Super Channel & OutTV will broadcast the film following a film festival run and a theatrical release.

Social Media Handles

Website: lawrenceandholloman.com
Twitter: @lawrenceholoman
Facebook: Lawrence & Holloman

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

Canadian funny woman Jessica Holmes celebrates her milestone birthday in Toronto with a fundraising comedy event at Hugh’s Room on August 25th, 2013

Jessica currently tours the country with her unique brand of humour—appearing as a guest speaker at a variety of events

Ottawa native Jessica Holmes continues to delight and amuse national and international audiences with her popular comedy routines and celebrity impersonations. Holmes has opened for the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Leslie Nielsen and Ellen DeGeneres throughout her career. Jessica is a sought-after keynote speaker at high profile events across the country. Most recently, she appeared at the Women in Glaucoma Conference last month in Vancouver, and will be at The Women In Biz Network Go For It conference (designed to give women entrepreneurs the support and skills to enhance business performance) in October.

Between raising her family and her busy professional schedule, Jessica has also been gearing up to celebrate a milestone birthday. At the end of this month, Jessica will turn the big 4-0 and felt it was an important birthday to celebrate, while also giving back. “For a woman in my industry, aging can be considered a bad thing. So I wanted to turn that on its head and make my 40th birthday something I’m proud of, something I would shout from the mountaintops! And I found that opportunity: I’m celebrating my 15 year career, my friends in the industry, and my involvement in philanthropy in an intimate fund-raiser at Hugh’s Room,” says Jessica. “I’m happy, healthy, and submerged in community, friendship, and a career I love. Turning 40 is awesome!” The fundraising event, which offers a night chock-full of entertainment, supports Yellow Brick Road House—a shelter for abused women and children. More details on Jessica’s event at Hugh’s Room is available HERE.

Jessica is best known for her seven-year stint on the award winning CBC series “Royal Canadian Air Farce”. In 2002, Holmes landed her own sketch comedy show appropriately titled, “The Holmes Show”. The show featured dead-on personifications of Celine Dion, Liza Minnelli and Geri Halliwell. That same year, her musical comedy special “Holmes Alone” won the Platinum Award at WorldFest.

In recent years, Holmes has shifted her comedy from the stage to the print world as a comedy author. Her book titled, “I Love Your Laugh: Finding the Light in My Screwball Life”, offers readers her witty observations on everything from her hilarious take on parenthood, her eclectic upbringing by a Mormon father and feminist mother, and her experiences as a missionary in Venezuela.

Holmes has become on of the most sought-after speakers in Canadian business by creating a motivational comedy performance about positive psychology called “The 60 Minute Perspective Makeover”. She tours the country offering audiences her own tips and perspective on how to lead a more fulfilling and happy life through setting personal goals.

It’s hard to imagine that this funny woman didn’t always see the laughter in things. Holmes suffered from a near crippling depression that threatened her every day life and career. Once recovered, she made the decision to dedicate her life to discovering what creates lasting balance and fulfillment.

She originally majored in writing at Ryerson University’s Radio and Television arts program when a classmate dared her to try standup. The Second City, Just For Laughs festival and TV shows like “Little Big Kid” and “The Itch”, got her noticed by television casting agents.

Holmes is shooting the new web series That’s My JD, developing a comedic reality series with Pivotal Media and a tween musical series with Marblemedia, appearing as a frequent guest on shows like “Entertainment Tonight Canada” and “George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight”, and is set to release her second comedy book due out in 2014.

Social Media Handles

Website: jessicaholmes.com
Twitter: @happyfeetholmes
Press: huffingtonpost.ca

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

Award Winning Actress Camille Mitchell Makes her Writing & Directorial Debut With An Award Winning Short Film Entitled “A Mother’s Love”

The film will be screening in Los Angeles, New York City & Madrid and represented at the Palm Springs Short Film Festival

The Promotion People Actress Camille Mitchell

Actress Camille Mitchell best known for her long running role on the CW hit television series “Smallville” has achieved success as a first time writer/director for her short film entitled “A Mother’s Love”. A winning film at the Crazy 8’s in Vancouver, the film will be screening in Los Angeles and at the Manhattan Film Festival on June 27th and Madrid Film Festival on July 4th.

“A Mother’s Love” starring Susan Hogan (Battlestar Galactica, Psych) and Charles-Joseph Mitchell is the story of a mother’s torment when her boys don’t come home from school one day, as she is pulled from her suburban tranquility into a world where nothing is what is seems. Vancouver Observer called the film, “devastating and heart-breaking”.

Overwhelmed by the response that the film is receiving worldwide, in Los Angeles “A Mother’s Love” has been for selected for the 2013 Best Short Films of the Los Angeles Women’s International Film Festival Showcase. Camille has been invited to participate in the filmmaker panel following the screenings.

Camille is then off to New York as the film has been chosen as an (2013) Official Selection at the Manhattan Film Festival: “A Mother’s Love” and will be screened on June 27th. The film next stop is at the (2013) Madrid International Film Festival with nominations for Best Short Film, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Script, screening on July 4th.

As an award-winning actress, Camille Mitchell has spent most of her life in front of a camera (Smallville. Caprica) and on stage, as a leading lady at the Shaw Festival, Stratford Festival and the Vancouver Arts Club Theatre. Most recently, Camille has been studying Documentary Filmmaking at Capilano University; Screenplay Writing at Langara College; and Theatre Directing at the University of British Columbia. In 2012, her screenplay, “A Mother’s Love” was one of six projects selected by Crazy 8s Films for production. According to the rules of the competition, it was filmed in two days.

Last year, the film won the Best Drama Award at the 2012 SuperShorts International Film Festival in London, England; earned international accolades; and was an Official Selection at the International Film Festival of Cinematic Arts and at the Los Angeles Women’s International Film Festival.

Following in her father’s footsteps, Camille is the daughter of Cameron Mitchell who gained early recognition for his portrayal of Happy in the stage and screen versions of “Death of a Salesman”. Still, out of more than 300 film and TV appearances, he is probably best remembered for his work on “The High Chaparral” (1967) TV series in which he, as the happy-go-lucky Buck Cannon, and Henry Darrow, as Manolito Montoya, stole the show.

Next up, Camille is planning to do a documentary on her father Cameron Mitchell. This fall Camille will be participating in a three-year MFA course in Film Production at Loyola Marymount University’s School of TV and Film in Los Angeles ranked #18 by the Hollywood Reporter/ Top 25 Film Schools in the world.

Camille will be traveling to Palm Springs, Los Angeles, New York and Madrid for the festival screenings and is available for interviews and photos upon request.

Camille is currently representing her film at the Palm Springs Shorts Film Market until June 26 then off to Manhattan Film Festival for the screening on June 27th. She will be at the Los Angeles Women’s International Film Festival showcase from June 28th until June 30th then back to Vancouver.

“A Mother’s Love” Awards :
(2012) “A Mother’s Love” : Winner, Best Drama, Supershorts International Film Festival, London, UK
(2012) “A Mother’s Love” – Writer/Director – Crazy 8s 2012 Winner, Vancouver
(2012) Lucerne International Film Festival, Award of Merit : “A Mother’s Love”
(2012) California International Shorts Festival, Honorable Mention for Script : “A Mother’s Love
(2013) Official Finalist, Screenplay – Canada International Film Festival, Vancouver : “A Mother’s Love”
(2013) Best Short Screenplay, Semi-Finalist – Vail Film Festival
(2013) Official Selection, Los Angeles Women’s International Film Festival ; “A Mother’s Love”
(2012) Official Selection, International Film Festival of Cinematic Arts, Los Angeles : “A Mother’s Love”

Social Media Handles

Website: amothersloveshortfilm.com
IMDb: Camille Mitchell

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

Comedian and Popular TV Star Jessica Holmes Brings Her Unique Brand of Comedy to Vancouver This Summer and Fall

Ottawa native Jessica Holmes continues to delight and amuse national and international audiences with her popular comedy routines and celebrity impersonations. Holmes has opened for the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Leslie Nielsen and Ellen DeGeneres throughout her career. Jessica is a sought-after keynote speaker at high profile events across the country. Her next appearances are at the Women in Glaucoma Conference on July 16th in Vancouver, and The Women In Biz Network Go For It conference (designed to give women entrepreneurs the support and skills to enhance business performance) in October.

She is best known for her seven-year stint on the award winning CBC series “Royal Canadian Air Farce”. In 2002, Holmes landed her own sketch comedy show appropriately titled, “The Holmes Show”. The show featured dead-on personifications of Celine Dion, Liza Minnelli and Geri Halliwell. That same year, her musical comedy special “Holmes Alone” won the Platinum Award at WorldFest.

Holmes has become on of the most sought after speakers in Canadian business by creating a motivational comedy performance about positive psychology called “The 60 Minute Perspective Makeover”. She tours the country offering audiences her own tips and perspective on how to lead a more fulfilling and happy life through setting personal goals.

Holmes will be speaking in Vancouver in July for the Women in Glaucoma Conference on July 16th, as well as this October as part of The Women In Biz Network Go For It conference which is designed to give women entrepreneurs the support and skills to enhance business performance and workplace productivity.

Social Media Handles

Website: jessicaholmes.com
Twitter: @happyfeetholmes

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
Instagram: @promotion.people

Award Winning Actor/Director Juan Riedinger Wins Again–Taking Home Two Leo Awards Over the Weekend

Multi-award winning actor Juan Riedinger can add two new wins to his resume; taking home two Leo Awards at this year’s awards ceremony. Juan won the ‘Best Performance in a Web Series’ award for “Pavement”-Wake Up, and ‘Best Performance in a Youth or Children’s Program or Series’ award for his role in “R.L. Stine’s The Haunting Hour”-Coat Rack Cowboy. The Leo Awards were distributed to the best in B.C. film and television this past weekend in Vancouver.

Juan took home the Best Performance awards for his leading role in the exciting new web series entitled “Pavement”. Set on the streets of LA, Juan plays Mitch, a Meth-addicted father who is desperately trying to keep his family together. Juan was the only Canadian actor in the production, working alongside ER Ruiz (Sons of Anarchy).

On TV, Juan won Best Performance in a Youth or Children’s Program or Series’ for R. L. Stine’s “The Haunting Hour” – Coat Rack Cowboy. He played John ‘Mad Dog’ McCoy, an Old West gunslinger who comes back to haunt two brothers he believes cut down the tree he was hanged from. Juan worked alongside the youngest of the Jonas Brothers – Frankie Jonas. Juan was also nominated in the same category at last year’s Leos for a different character on the same show.

Juan took home two out of the three awards he was nominated for this year. He was also nominated for ‘Best Lead Performance by a Male in a Feature Length Drama’ for the feature film “Havana 57″. The film was the first ever Canadian-Cuban co-production and was shot entirely on location in Havana, Cuba. “Havana 57” follows Rubén Velez (Juan Riedinger), a newly appointed homicide detective in the Havana police force in 1957, just before the Cuban revolution.

These past few years Juan has been extremely busy filming in Los Angeles, Cuba, Mexico, Montreal, Toronto, Rhode Island, Vancouver, and even in his hometown of Banff. Juan and his wife Agam Darshi played a couple for the first time in the short dramatic film “Reunion”. The film was shot in Sayulita, Mexico (where the real-life couple were married) and in Los Angeles earlier this year.

Juan just completed filming a supporting role in a feature film entitled “Broken Horses”, by Bollywood legend Vidhu Vinod Chopra (Three Idiots, Parinda), where he worked alongside Vincent D’Onofrio, Anton Yelchin, and cinematographer Tom Stern (The Hunger Games, Mystic River). He is also a lead character in the horror feature “Alice D.”, also starring horror legend Kane Hodder. Juan also has the leading role of Jess in the post-apocalyptic web series called “Breakers”, currently in production.

Juan has received a long list of industry accolades for his performances. He won a 2012 Leo Award for Best Performance by a Male in a Short Drama for his leading role in the film “blood/sweat/tears”. He was given the ‘Best Actor’ award at the 2011 Indy Horror Film Festival for his leading role in “On a Dark and Stormy Night,” which was also awarded ‘Best Feature.’ He also recently became the only two-time recipient of the A&E Short Filmmaker’s Award for his short films “Shark Out of Water” and “Birth Day”. Riedinger’s role in the independent film Zero Hour also won him two best actor awards at festivals in Los Angeles and Las Vegas. Juan was also nominated for Best Actor in the 2012 Chicago Horror Film Festival for his leading role in the acclaimed feature-length thriller Spades.

Juan’s other list of notable credits include: playing Peter Whyte from a teen until his death in “Drawing Home”; a supporting role in the horror-comedy, “Jennifer’s Body” alongside Megan Fox, Amanda Seyfried and Adam Brody; a supporting role in “Hardwired”, starring Cuba Gooding Jr. and Val Kilmer; a role in “Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem”, as the ill-fated stoner, Scotty; and shared the screen alongside Jennifer Connely in “The Day the Earth Stood Still”.

Multi-talented Riedinger made his directorial debut on the film entitled “Shark Out of Water”, which he also wrote and received four Leo Award nominations for, including Best Short Film and Best Direction in a Short Film. The film deals with two poker-obsessed young men who must come to terms with their addiction, and includes a cameo appearance by internationally renowned poker champion Phil Hellmuth. The official website for Juan’s Leo Award-nominated directorial debut is now live at: sharkoutofwater.com.

“Float” is a 35mm short film which Juan directed with a grant from Bravo!FACT, and made its Canadian premiere at the Vancouver International Film Festival. There Juan received the award for ‘Most Promising Director of a Canadian Short Film’. The film also made its world premiere at the Newport Beach Film Festival.

Riedinger, originally from Banff, Alberta, moved to Vancouver to pursue acting full time. Soon after, he won a nationwide casting call for a recurring role in Showcase’s “Godiva’s”. He also landed a supporting lead in “Shred” alongside Tom Green, and guest starred in such television shows as “Smallville”, “Fringe”, and “Continuum”.

Social Media Handles

Website: juanriedinger.com
Twitter: @JuanRiedinger

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

Look who is walking the Leo Award Red Carpet and what they are wearing this Saturday, June 8th at the Westin Bayshore Hotel in Vancouver

The Promotion People are pleased to announce that the following Leo Award Nominees and Presenter will be walking the Red Carpet this Saturday at the Westin Bayshore Hotel in Vancouver.

The excitement of the Leo Awards 2013 continues at the Gala Awards Ceremony at the Largest Red Carpet in Western Canada!

Leo Awards 2013 Red Carpet Saturday, June 8 — 4:30-6:30pm at the Westin Bayshore Vancouver.

LEO AWARD NOMINEES AND HOSTS

JESSE JAMES MILLER

Website: jessejamesmill
Twitter: @Jesse_J_Miller

Award Winning Vancouver Writer/Director Jesse James Miller releases two Award-Winning films internationally. ‘Becoming Redwood’ is nominated for 16 Leo Awards and ‘The Good Son’ is nominated for 3 Leo Awards. Jesse is nominated for Best Direction in a Documentary or Series. Best Documentary or Series. Best Screenplay for Feature Film. Best direction in a feature film.

Jesse James Miller wrote and directed Becoming Redwood and directed The Good Son. His wife is Jennifer Copping and stars and is nominated for a Leo for a Lead in a Motion Picture. His films have 19 nominations, (16 for Becoming Redwood and 3 for The Good Son) the most for the Leo nominations for his two productions.

Jesse and Jennifer Copping will be walking as a couple and wearing vintage from Burcu’s Angels.

His movie and documentary have over 15 nominations – theprovince.com

The Nominees for Best Direction in a Motion Picture are
Jesse James Miller – Becoming Redwood

The Good Son – The Life of Ray ‘Boom Boom’ Mancini ‘Boom Boom’ Mancini

Jesse James Miller, Adam Scorgie – Producers

Best Direction in a Documentary Program or Series are Jesse James Miller – The Good Son – The Life of Ray ‘Boom Boom’ Mancini

JENNIFER COPPING

Twitter: @jennifercopping

Best Lead Performance by a Female in a Motion Picture
Jennifer Copping – Becoming Redwood

JOHN CASSINI

Website: johncassini.com
Twitter: @CassiniJohn

Press:
Award Winning actor John Cassini is nominated for a Leo Award for his role in the feature film “The Resurrection of Tony Gitone“. John also has recurring roles on “Continuum” and “Blackstone”.

John will be walking the Red Carpet with Jenn MacLean-Angus who has a recurring role on “The Killing’.

AGAM DARSHI

Website: agamdarshi.com
Twitter: @AgamDarshi
Facebook: Agam Darshi

Agam Darshi is nominated for a Leo Award for her starring role in “Crimes of Mike Reckert” and stars in the new CTV series “Played”, premiering this fall. She recently wrote and directed her first short film, titled “Fade Out”.

Agam will be wearing a Jason Matlo design.

Leo Award: Best Supporting Performance by a Female in a Motion Picture – leoawards.com

JUAN RIEDINGER

Website: juanriedinger.com
Twitter: @JuanRiedinger

Multi-award winning actor Juan Riedinger has been nominated for three Leo Awards: ‘Best Lead Performance by a Male in a Feature Length Drama’ for “Havana 57”, ‘Best Performance in a Youth or Children’s Program or Series’ for “R. L. Stine’s The Haunting Hour” – Coat Rack Cowboy, and ‘Best Performance in a Web Series’ for “Pavement” – Wake Up.

Juan will be wearing Le Chateau.

JENNIFER SPENCE

Twitter: @SpenceJen
Facebook: Jennifer Spence

Jennifer Spence nominated a Leo Award for her popular role on the hit TV series “Continuum”. Jennifer is also starring in the upcoming feature film ‘Down River’.

Jennifer will be wearing BCBGMAXAZRIA.

BEN RATNER

Twitter: @Haven_Studio

Ben is presenting a Leo Award this year. He has won 3 Leos (one last year for guest starring on Flashpoint) and has been nominated for many more. He recently guest starred on Hell on Wheels and Arctic Air. He wrote and directed the feature film Down River, which will premiere this coming fall. It stars Helen Shaver, Gabrielle Miller, Colleen Rennison, and this year’s Leo Nominees Jennifer Spence and Ali Leibert. (Jennifer Spence is also Ben’s wife and nominated for a Leo Award!)

SARAH GROUNDWATER LAW AND AUBREY ARNASON

Twitter: @Groundyh20, @AubreyArnason, @theproposalshaw
Website: aubreyarnason.blogspot.co.uk, shaw.ca/theproposal, shaw.ca

Sarah Groundwater Law and Aubrey Arnason host tv series ‘The Proposal’ and ‘Wedding Belles’, and will host the Leo Award’s Celebration Night on June 7th at the Westin Bayshore in Vancouver.

Sarah and Aubrey will be wearing Jenny Packham dresses from Bisou Bridal.

NICOLE OLIVER

Website: nicoleoliver.com
Twitter: @mouthnoize
Facebook: Seed, Taken Back: Finding Haley

Actor Nicole Oliver is one of Canada’s top voice over/animation actors and has guest starring roles on “Rogue” and “Seed”.

Nicole will be wearing BCBGMAXAZRIA.

WILLIAM AINSCOUGH

Website: citytv.com
Facebook: Seed
Twitter: @Seed_tv

Young Vancouver actor William Ainscough stars on City’s new original series “Seed”, guest starred on ABC’s “Once Upon A Time”, and soon to be seen in the feature film “Hidden”, starring Alexander Skarsgard.

William Ainscough will be wearing a Minecraft t-shirt under his suit.

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

Actor Agam Darshi’s Role in “Crimes of Mike Recket” Garners Industry Acclaim with Latest Leo-Award Nomination

Canadian actor/director and all-around talent Agam Darshi has been nominated for a Best Supporting Performance by a Female in a Motion Picture award at the 2013 Leo Awards (which take place June 7th & 8th, 2013). The nomination for Agam came from her performance in the feature “Crimes of Mike Recket”. It’s been an exciting year for the in-demand actress, who among her other high profile recent appearances and new roles, directed her first film (which she also wrote). She worked alongside some of the country’s top leading ladies (Crystal Lowe and Sandy Sidhu, who produced the project) to bring the BravoFact short film “Fade Out” to life. She will also be seen this fall in the new CTV series “Played”, currently in production.

Agam is thrilled to again be nominated at the Leo’s (which honour the best in British Columbia’s television and film), but she is no stranger to industry nods: She has been nominated for 2 Constellation Awards for her role on “Sanctuary”, a Canadian Comedy Award for Best Ensemble for her role on “Dan for Mayor”, and previously for a Leo Award for Best Supporting Actress in the film “Excited”.

The buzzed-about actor is currently in Toronto shooting “Played”, a new police drama series which airs on CTV this fall. “Played” follows an elite undercover police unit set up to infiltrate otherwise impenetrable criminal worlds. These cops (led by Deception’s Vincent Walsh) perform high-wire acts, nerve-wracking confidence games or “plays”. Agam’s character’s greatest assets: blunt honesty and an effortless skill with technology.

Agam’s directorial debut in “Fade Out” gave her a chance to show her talent behind the camera. The nine-minute film (also written by Agam) stars Ona Grauer, Adrian Holmes, Chelah Horsdal and David Lewis. It follows an aging actress, who is desperate to keep herself together on the night of her movie premiere.

Agam’s other notable credits include a principal role as Aparna in the blockbuster film “2012”, a recurring role on “The L Word”, a lead in “Haunting on Soroity Row” (alongside Gossip Gil’s Leighton Meester), as well as roles on “Snakes on a Plane” and “Final Destination 3”.

Agam, who was born in England, has been raised all over Canada. She has lived in Montreal, Ottawa, Calgary, and Vancouver. She now splits her time between there and Los Angeles. She has been writing and producing films since her graduation from the Studio 58 Film Arts program at Langara College—and has been on a steady rise in the industry, with fans from around the globe.

Social Media Handles

Website: agamdarshi.com
Twitter: @AgamDarshi
Facebook: Agam Darshi

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

Tammy Gillis Returns to Television Screens Across North America With Roles in ABC’s New Series “Motive” and the Award Winning “Less Than Kind”

Acclaimed Canadian actress Tammy Gillis guest-stars in an episode of the new television series “Motive”, set to premiere on ABC on May 23rd, 2013. Tammy’s performance received rave reviews when her episode (entitled “Detour”) aired in Canada. “Detour” will air this summer on ABC. “Motive” has become a quick hit; it was recently being picked up by CTV for a second season, and was recently acquired by Universal Channel UK. The buzzed-about series stars Kristin Lehman, Louis Ferreira, Brendan Penny, Roger Cross and Lauren Holly.

Tammy will also be returning to her hilarious recurring role for the fourth and last season in the multiple Canadian Screen Award winning, television series “Less Than Kind”. The final season of this fan favorite show premieres on June 2nd, 2013 in a 2-episode event. Tammy will be appearing in the premiere event, in the episode titled “Girl Trouble”. The original comedy series airs on DirectTV and HBO Canada. The role has Tammy starring as Barbara, a new mother and trophy wife to Jack. Barbara is young, pretty and full of life—maybe a little too full of life with her Jekyll and Hyde personality.

One of the roles that Tammy is most proud of is her leading role in the independent feature film “Under the Apple Box” which screened and won Honorable Mention at the 2013 New Jersey Film Festival as well as screened at the Women’s International Film Festival in Miami. “Under the Apple Box” written, produced and directed by Ellie Fox, is a compelling and beautifully-filmed feature about an Iranian woman Leila, played by Tammy, who is forever tormented by her past.

Last year, Tammy co-starred in a steamy episode of Showcase’s “Lost Girl”. Tammy’s other television roles include CW’s “Supernatural” and the SpikeTV comedy “Blue Mountain State”. She has been seen on Global TV series’ “Endgame” and “Shattered”, and played Rachael Leigh Cook’s best friend in the thriller “Stealing Paradise”, which aired on The Movie Network, Movie Central and Super Écran.

This talented actress has amassed a number of impressive credits throughout her career, including roles in feature films such as “Shooter”, and “White Noise 2: The Light”. Her television appearances include the critically acclaimed CBC series “jPOD”, “Reaper”, “The L Word”, and the final season of “Battlestar Galactica”. Tammy has worked on a number of MOW’s as well: one opposite Linda Hamilton in “Home for Christmas”, and another with Kim Basinger in “The Mermaid Chair”.

This gorgeous performer was one of Femme Fatale’s ‘Fresh Faces of the Year’ and has been featured in UMM and Sharp for Men. Her successful career began as a model, and led to her being one of the main spokesmodels for underwear Ginch Gonch. This role had her representing the line around the world, from Canada to France to El Salvador. Since then, she has moved on to film and television, not only in front of the camera, but behind it as well. Gillis has acted as a producer on a couple of short films, including “Dealing with Jerks” and “Din”. She currently has a number of projects in development that she has written, including two feature films and a webisode series titled “Goodnight Tammy”.

Since the move from her Manitoba farming roots to pursue her dream of acting, Tammy has become a successful and respected member of the entertainment industry in Canada. Tammy currently splits her time between Vancouver and Toronto, and travels to LA (and around the globe) for projects.. When she isn’t busy on set, the multifaceted performer loves to stay active—she loves skiing and is currently addicted to some dance Kundalini yoga!

Social Media Handles

Website: tammygillis.com
Twitter: @Tammy_F_Gillis
Youtube: Under the Apple Box Trailer
Facebook: Tammy Gillis

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

Award Winning Actor/Director Juan Riedinger is nominated for three awards at the 2013 Leo Awards

Multi-award winning actor Juan Riedinger has been nominated for three Leo Awards: ‘Best Lead Performance by a Male in a Feature Length Drama’ for “Havana 57”, ‘Best Performance in a Youth or Children’s Program or Series’ for “R. L. Stine’s The Haunting Hour”- Coat Rack Cowboy, and ‘Best Performance in a Web Series’ for “Pavement” – Wake Up. The Leo Awards take place at the spectacular Westin Bayshore Vancouver on June 7th and 8th.

Juan’s first nomination is for his starring role in the feature film “Havana 57”. The film was the first ever Canadian-Cuban co-production and was shot entirely on location in Havana, Cuba. “Havana 57” follows Rubén Velez (Juan Riedinger), a newly appointed homicide detective in the Havana police force in 1957, just before the Cuban revolution. His brother, a university professor named Luis, is actively involved in the student uprisings prevailing in Havana at the time. Velez is caught between two worlds – the crooked police force he belongs to, and the student rebels, who his own brother supports. After being seduced by Juliana (Elisabetta Fantone), a Cuban dancer with ties to the mob, Velez must decide where his allegiances lie.

Juan is also nominated for his leading role in an exciting new web series entitled “Pavement”. Set on the streets of LA, Juan plays Mitch, a Meth-addicted father who is desperately trying to keep his family together. Juan was the only Canadian actor in the production, working alongside ER Ruiz (Sons of Anarchy).

On television, Juan has been nominated for Best Performance in a Youth or Children’s Program or Series’ for R. L. Stine’s “The Haunting Hour” – Coat Rack Cowboy. He played John ‘Mad Dog’ McCoy, an Old West gunslinger who comes back to haunt two brothers he believes cut down the tree he was hanged from. Juan worked alongside the youngest of the Jonas Brothers – Frankie Jonas. Juan was also nominated in the same category at last year’s Leos for a different character on the same show.

Juan resides with his wife Agam Darshi in both Los Angeles and Vancouver. Juan is available for interviews and photos upon request.

Social Media Handles

Website: juanriedinger.com
Twitter: @JuanRiedinger

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