Tag Archives: Canada

Todd Talbot of Love it or List it Vancouver will host the exclusive ‘PEDI TO THE METAL’

Special Fund Raising Event for Covenant House on Friday, November 6^th from 7:00 – 10:00 pm in conjunction with The BMW Store at JoyRide Nail Salon

Todd will join other celebrities and business leaders by sleeping out and raising money for Covenant House on November 19^th in Vancouver

Todd Talbot of Love It or List It Vancouver is so moved by the work that Covenant House is doing to bring attention and compassion to kids sleeping on the streets of Vancouver that he will be joining other celebrities and business leaders by sleeping outside for one night in solidarity on November 19^th, 2015.

To raise money for Covenant House Todd has created a special fund raising event ‘PEDI TO THE METAL’ by inviting 30 gentlemen to join him for a night of manly pampering, fine cars, high-end scotch tasting and food at JoyRide Nail Salon on November 6^th from 7:00 – 10:00 pm. In conjunction with The BMW Store this exclusive party will be raising money and awareness for Covenant House.

Upon arrival the gentlemen are given a choice of driving the new 7 series BMW (not yet launched in Canada) or the BMW i8 super car. They will then enter into, the appropriately named, JoyRide Studio at 4th and Burrard. Inside, you will have a designated time to experience a pedicure or manicure as well as partake in Glenmorangie Scotch and Ardbeg Scotch with some great eats by Railtown Catering. With plans of this becoming an annual event Todd’s goal is to raise a whack of money for Covenant House prior to doing the ‘Sleep Out’ on November 19th.

Tickets are limited and cost $200. You will receive a $100 tax receipt from Covenant House with the balance covering the cost of the evening. Todd encourages everyone to consider adding a few extra bucks for this amazing organization.

** CLICK HERE FOR INVITE AND TICKETS**

IMG_0219-Edit “I am inspired to raise as much money and awareness as possible for Covenant House. Having friends and family who have struggled with addiction, mental illness, and being on the streets, I know they need a last line of defense and the resources to stay safe. Covenant House delivers support that is desperately needed,” says Talbot. “I am so fortunate and admittedly lucky to be in the position I’m in. As a father of two, I am aware that there are no promises when it comes to my children’s future. I see these young adults who could be my kids. Imagining them struggling and lost, breaks my heart. I know that a safe haven is essential. Protection, warmth, and a supportive environment is a necessity for all of us. We have an opportunity to provide that for youth who can’t provide for themselves at the moment.”

The SLEEP OUT is on November 19th and Covenant House is challenging local executives, community luminaries and notables to Sleep Out for one night in solidarity with the youth we serve at Covenant House. With only a sleeping bag and a piece of cardboard, participants will get a small glimpse of what it’s like to “sleep” on the street.

Covenant Houses throughout the United States and Canada will host Sleep Out events this fall to raise critical funds and awareness about the issue of youth homelessness. We hope you consider joining the movement. Many youth who have nowhere else to turn spend many cold and lonely nights sleeping on the streets.

Covenant House’s Crisis Program takes in homeless, runaway and at-risk youth between the ages of 16 and 24.

Homeless, lost and afraid, more than 1,500 street–involved youth come to Covenant House Vancouver each year to find sanctuary and a brighter future. Cold, hungry and alone, the reality of sleeping on the streets is harsh and unforgiving. Many of the youth who make their way through our doors have had to endure cruel life circumstances on the pitiless streets before they finally find hope here at Covenant House Vancouver. We welcome them unconditionally, helping them begin their journey to leave life on the streets behind them for good.

Covenant House Vancouver provides food, shelter, clothing and counselling to the estimated 700 street youth living in Vancouver at any given time. Most of the young people they help have fled abuse at home or have aged out of the foster care system. Last year, over 1,375 young people accessed Covenant House’s services. If you deeply care about youth and this community of young people in need, please join Todd and donate what you can to help continue this amazing work.

If you can’t attend PEDI TO THE METAL please contribute below. Every bit counts $20, $100, $500, whatever you are inspired to contribute Todd really appreciates it and more importantly the folks at Covenant House appreciate it even more. Every little bit helps…please click on the link and then there is a blue button in the top right corner that says GIVE NOW

CLICK HERE

Todd Talbot is available for interviews upon request.
For more information, photos and interview requests with Todd please contact:
Lesley Diana | Lesley@thepromotionpeople.ca | 604-726-5575

Social Media Handles

Website: toddtalbot.ca, covenanthousebc.org, joyridevancouver.com, hopenroadautogroup.com, chvsleepout.kintera.org, thebmwstore.bmw.ca
Twitter: @toddtalbot, @LoveitorlistitV, @W_Network
Facebook: ToddTalbot.Acting.RealEstate
Instagram: @toddtalbot

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

Up and coming actor Emily Haine takes on the role of Noreen Vanderslice on FX’s Fargo

Fargo Season 2 will premiere on FX on Monday, October 12, 2015 at 10/9c.

Untitled-4 Emily Haine is on the fast track to becoming a house-hold name booking most roles that she has auditioned for in her two years as an actor. Emily can be seen in her recurring role as Noreen Vanderslice on the Emmy Award and Golden Globe Award winning FX hit television series “Fargo” premiering the second season on Monday, October 12 at 10et/pt 9 ct.

Although her success comes as a wonderful surprise to Emily, her mother predicted that 2015 was going to hold big changes for her since she was a child. Emily attributes her success to perpetual training, a close support group and perseverance.

Emily plays Noreen Vanderslice, an emancipated 17 year-old vegetarian working in a butcher shop in Luverne, Minnesota, USA 1979. She’s a bookworm with no filter and sharp wit. Shortly after she booked the role Emily received an email from creator/show runner Noah Hawley with a wealth of literary, musical and historical references for her character Noreen. Working on a character with such depth and scope is a dream come true for Emily.

Emily is grateful for the camaraderie and creative insights shared with her by “Fargo” lead Kirsten Dunst (Spider-Man 2), on the first day that Emily walked into the makeup trailer, Kirsten immediately introduced herself and shared her informed perspectives on Emily’s character, which had a great impact on Emily.

Jesse Plemons (Breaking Bad, Friday Night Lights) was another consummate professional who went out of his way to welcome Emily onto the “Fargo” set and generously collaborated on grounding and acting techniques with her. Emily feels privileged and inspired to be part of such incredible talent.

Last year Emily played the role of Keenan on CW’s “The 100”. Initially she was booked for one episode but once the producers saw her performance they booked additional episodes. Emily says, “I believe if you show up, work hard and have a love for your craft, good things are primed to happen.”

Most recently Emily has been shooting the feature film “Gregoire” directed and written by the talented Cody Bown, who has had three films screen at Cannes Film Festival in the past three years. The film is shot by cinematography Jan Klompje. Emily plays one of the lead roles of Alexa, a conflicted young 20 year old, trapped by circumstance in her hometown of Fort McMurray, Alberta. Her character is sharp-tongued and self-involved. Emily found it fascinating to get into the mind of a person who portrays themselves as indestructible. “Gregoire” is scheduled for release and the film festival circuit in 2016.

Cody says, “I got to meet up with Emily just to talk about the project and share philosophies and as every second went by I realized more and more that she was the perfect choice for this role and no one else could have been this character but her. During the off days, seeing the prep work she was doing for the next days scenes as well as overall character development and prep made my job a lot easier to work with someone who ‘gets it’. This hard work paid off and the results will show on the screen. She put her heart and soul into this character and I couldn’t have asked for more. “

Another role that Emily is proud of is in an experimental short film as the solitary lead in “Milkhoney” that was an official selection of the Miami Fashion Film Festival in 2014.

As a kid Emily was pulled out of ballet because she was too wild however she thrived in musical theatre because it was the one of the few places that embraced her eccentricities. After completing school Emily bought a one-way ticket to Frankfurt, Germany. After a year spent traveling and living out of a backpack and came to realize life is really one long crazy dream and that she only had to give herself over to it. She obtained a UK visa, moved to London where she was accepted into to the full time program at The Actors Temple, a private Meisner studio in the West End.

Last year multi-talented Emily was a full time student at Emily Carr University for Design. She also played bass and sang in Eric Campbell and the Dirt and can be heard on the band’s second studio album recorded at Eagletime Records.

Emily grew up in Richmond, B.C. and now resides in East Vancouver. B.C. with her kitten named Clementine Cuddlebutt.

Emily is available for interviews and photos upon request.

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

Social Media Handles

Twitter: @EmHaine
Facebook: Facebook.com/Haine.Emily
Instagram: @EmilyHaine
IMDb: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm5761980/?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
Instagram: @thepromotionpeople

PAUL SCHEER BOARDS VINE SERIES “WHITE NINJA”

The first narrative series developed for the Vine platform has found its star. Paul Scheer has signed on, lending his talents to bring new life to the legendary and hilarious White Ninja.

The series is based on the hugely popular web comic of the same name that ran exclusive strips on Cracked.com before going on an “official hiatus” on August 14, 2013. Created by Scott Bevan and Kent Earle, the strip has over 1300 comics in it’s archive, boasting a fan base spread across the globe.

Scheer, known for his role as Andre Nowzick on FX’s The League as well as stints on 30 Rock, The Kroll Show, Fresh Off The Boat, Hulu’s Hotwives of Las Vegas and the recently released comedy special CrashTest, will voice White Ninja; the intellectually restricted and, apparently, pain impervious eponymous character. Scheer is joined by Kathleen Barr (Ed, Edd n’ Eddy, ReBoot.), Brian Drummond (Inspector Gadget, DragonBallZ), Shannon Chan Kent (Littlest Pet Shop, My Little Pony), and David A. Kaye (Make Way for Noddy, X-Men Evolution) who will lend their voices to a wide world of characters.

Scheduled to premiere its first five episodes on December 5^th, 2015, the series has also added six of Vine’s biggest stars to it’s roster of directors. Brandon Bowen, Jon Paul Piques (Piques), Gabe Erwin, Esa Fung (Esa Fungtastic), Gregor Reynolds (GregorR), and Stewart Reynolds (Brittlestar) have all come on board to direct a block of episodes for the series. After the initial launch the show will roll out three episodes a week on the White Ninja vine channel – vine.co/WhiteNinja.

North of Now Films and Whiskaye Films, two Vancouver-based production companies, have teamed up to resurrect the hugely popular web comic. Tyler Funk of North of Now Films is heading up the project as the creator and showrunner working with Jameson Parker and David Kaye of Whiskaye Films who are on board as Executive Producers.

“We are very excited to have Paul joining an already incredible team of creatives” said Parker, “the White Ninja name has attracted an amazing selection of writers and directors for the show including some of the biggest influencers in sketch comedy, stand-up, and the YouTube and Vine world. Paul is a huge comedic talent and the perfect choice to bring White Ninja to life”.

A teaser trailer was released to excite fans of the comic ahead of the scheduled summer production commencement. Multiple award-winning animator Erick Grigorovski is attached to the project as its lead animator, tasked with transporting this minimalistic and quirky world to this new and exciting format.

ABOUT NORTH OF NOW FILMS
North of Now is a creative production agency based out of Vancouver, BC specializing in digital content. Producing visually inspiring and engaging advertisements we strive to push the envelope, creating new and exciting branded content and capturing the imagination of audiences worldwide.

ABOUT WHISKAYE FILMS
Whiskaye Films is a Vancouver-based film and television production company founded by David Kaye and Jameson Parker. Whiskaye Films strives to develop and produce internationally recognized content that both entertains and matters.

MEDIA CONTACT
Jameson Parker 778-903-3964 jameson@whiskayefilms.com
Tyler Funk 778-988-3498 everythingfunk@gmail.com

Social Media Handles

Website: whiteninjaseries.com
Vine: vine.co/WhiteNinja
Twitter: @PokeAFish
Instagram: @WhiteNinjaSeries
Facebook: on.fb.me/1F6NaYJ

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

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

Award-Winning Writer/Director Robert Cuffley’s feature film CHOKESLAM now in production this fall stars Amanda Crew, Chris Marquette, and Michael Eklund

Amanda Crew to destroy Chris Marquette in wrestler comedy

Award-winning writer/director Robert Cuffley is bringing his fourth feature film “Chokeslam” to production in Regina, Saskatchewan from September 13th to October 7th. “Chokeslam” was recently chosen as one of four recipients of the 2015 CFC/Telefilm Features Comedy Exchange. The film is a co-production with CHAOS A Film Company Inc. and Karma Film.
“Chokeslam” is the story of Corey, a mild-mannered deli clerk (Chris Marquette – “Bad Country”, “Broken Horses”) who finally gets a second chance to pursue Sheena, his high school sweetheart (Amanda Crew – “Silicon Valley”, “Charlie St. Cloud”), a notorious female professional wrestler, when she returns for their ten-year reunion. “Chokeslam” is the story of bruising your knuckles as you club your way through the barriers of love. It’s also about the perils of dating a wrestler with a bad temper.

Robert states, “To me it’s all about the two leads. Like Bud Court and Ruth Gordon in “Harold and Maude” or Dustin Hoffman and Jessica Lange in “Tootsie”, it all rests on their shoulders. So having Amanda and Chris on board, along with Michael Eklund, makes me both confident and excited.”

While making several other movies since Chokeslam’s inception, co-writer Jason Long and Robert found that the humor and heart of “Chokeslam” would always pull them back to this script. The idea for the movie came to Robert after browsing through his high school yearbook many years after graduating. He found it eerie how everyone’s life has changed so drastically from the brief time bubble of high school.

This led to the creation of Corey and Sheena, the ultimate odd couple who reunite at their ten-year high school reunion. “Their relationship has heart and people will connect with that. Wrestling is spectacle. It’s theatre. We’re showing the drama in front of the curtains and behind them as well.”

Robert, an award-winning director and screenwriter, has completed three features films. Robert’s first, co-written with Jason Long, was the multiple Genie nominated “Turning Paige.” His second, “Walk All Over Me” premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival where the Weinstein Brothers bought it. Most recently, he wrote and directed “Ferocious,” starring Kim Coates and Amanda Crew. His films have played the Toronto International Film Festival, The Palm Springs International Film Festival and the SXSW Film Festival, among many others.

Robert grew up in Calgary and has lived in Vancouver. He studied film at S.A.I.T. and the National Screen Institute. Recent Alum of Canadian Film Centre, Robert is currently developing a pilot for television and a supernatural thriller.

“Chokeslam” has been developed with the participation of Telefilm Canada and the Telefilm Canada Feature Comedy Exchange, a CFC initiative in association with Just for Laughs as well as funding from Creative Sask.

Robert is available for interviews upon request. http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0191258/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

For more information and interview requests please contact:
Lesley Diana | Lesley@thepromotionpeople.ca | 604-726-5575

Representation:

Social Media Handles

Twitter: @RobertCuffley, @amandaccrew, @chris_marquette, @MichaelEklund
IMDb: Robert Cuffley

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

Multiple Award-Winning Actor/Writer/Director & Acting Coach Ben Ratner Brings His Scene Study Intensive Workshop to Toronto October 23rd to 25th

Students are series leads on Sense8, Marco Polo, Gangland Undercover, Bomb Girls, Being Erica

Multiple award-winning actor/writer/director and acting teacher Ben Ratner is returning to Toronto to teach another one of his always sold-out workshops October 23^rd to 25^th at The Underground Dance Centre.

Known for bringing out the best in Canada’s top performers, Ben has directed some of Canada’s most distinguished actors in his own films, including Helen Shaver (in Down River) and John Neville (in Moving Malcolm). He continues to work with a great many of the new generation of Canadian stars including Damon Runyan (Gangland Undercover, Prisoner X), Ali Liebert (Bomb Girls, Lost Girl), Nicholas Lea (Continuum, The X Files), Gabrielle Miller (Good Witch, Corner Gas), Brian J. Smith (Sense8, The Good Wife) and Olivia Cheng (Marco Polo, Arrow) both in scene study classes and as a private coach.

When Canada’s top working actors are seeking a challenge or in need of inspiration, they study with Ben Ratner at Haven Studio, both in Vancouver and Toronto. In addition to series regulars, film leads and top stage actors, up and coming actors will also find Haven to be a challenging and rewarding studio to develop and define their craft on an ongoing basis.

No false promises. No gimmicks. No shortcuts, just hard work, high standards, and uncompromising passion for the craft of acting. Utilizing scenes from the great contemporary playwrights, this is a unique opportunity to push the boundaries of actors’ creativity and commitment with one of Canada’s most highly respected and influential acting teachers. Obstacles will be identified, addressed and overcome in a highly challenging, but always respectful and collaborative atmosphere.

To quote one of Ratner’s favorite playwrights, John Patrick Shanley, “Theatre is a safe place to do the unsafe things that need to be done.” For ambitious new actors wanting to raise the bar, or for veterans in need of some new inspiration, Haven Studio will provide just that place.

Ben Ratner’s Scene Study Intensive Toronto Workshop:
Date: October 23^rd, 24^th and 25^th, 2015
Location: The Underground Dance Centre, Toronto

For more information or to sign up, contact Angela Besharah at: angelabesharah@gmail.com

The testimonials speak for themselves:

“Ben is a treasure – a rare combination of instinct, intelligence and compassion…”
~Brian J. Smith (series lead Sense8, The Good Wife, The Glass Menagerie on Broadway, Outer Critics Circle Award winner, Tony Award & Drama Desk Award-nominated actor)

“The combination of the demanding material, the commitment and talent of my classmates and Ben’s forceful, passionate direction and guidance made me into the actor I am today – a confident and working one!”
~Ali Liebert (Strange Empire, Lost Girl, series lead Bomb Girls, Canadian Screen Award & Leo Award-winning actor)

“I credit many of my ‘breakthroughs’ to Ben’s insight, support, and trust, and highly recommend him to any actors seeking to go deeper into the work…”
~Erin Karpluk (Rookie Blue, Saving Hope, series lead Being Erica, Gemini Award & Leo Award-winning actor)

“Ben Ratner is an amazing teacher and mentor…and an inspiring talent.”
~Ryan Robbins (Ascension, Falling Skies, Continuum, multiple Leo Award-winning actor)

“After too many years of lazy television acting, Ben reminded me what my tools are, provided an environment where I felt safe to take risks and gave me permission to jump!”
~Sonja Bennett (Mistresses, Motive, star/writer of Preggoland, Gemini Award & Genie Award & Leo Award-nominated actor)

“Working with Ben is an incredibly deep experience for me as an actor. I feel challenged to ground my work and find truth.”
~Gabrielle Miller (Good Witch, Call Me Fitz, series lead Corner Gas, Gemini Award & multiple Leo Award winner, Genie Award-nominated actor)

“Ben’s class is an artistic sanctuary. He cultivates an atmosphere based on kindness, professionalism, and integrity where actors feel inspired to offer their craft the focused discipline that will bring out their best.”
~Leah Gibson (The Returned, iZombie, Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce)

“I can draw a straight line between Ben’s class and the next few jobs that I was cast in…I’m having a ball, I feel more empowered in my work and that journey was kick-started at Haven.”
~Nicholas Lea (Continuum, The X Files, The Arts Club’s international tour of Helen Lawrence to Edinburgh/Munich/Toronto/Montreal/Vancouver, Gemini Award & UBCP Award-nominated actor)

“I cannot say enough about how much I have benefited from working with Ben Ratner…He’s invested in your success and I’ve learned how to work smarter and harder to reach my goals.”
~Olivia Cheng (series lead Marco Polo, The Flash, Arrow)

“Ben Ratner has guided me through years of training, he’s enabled me to break through many barriers and enabled me to fly with confidence and vulnerability.”
~Damon Runyan (series lead Gangland Undercover, Prisoner X, Amber Alert)

Ben Ratner’s Bio:
A professional actor for 25 years, Ratner started teaching in 1994 as a protégé of internationally acclaimed acting teacher and author Ivana Chubbuck. He opened his own “Haven Studio” in 2002 and rapidly earned a reputation for his highly demanding and thoroughly rewarding scene study classes. Today, he is sought after as a coach, teacher and mentor to many of Canada’s busiest actors, a great number of who are working internationally.

While teaching in both Vancouver and Toronto, Ratner’s own acting, writing and directing career continues to flourish. With over 100 film and TV credits and numerous awards and nominations under his belt, he most recently received the 2013 “John Juliani Award of Excellence” from UBCP/ACTRA. A Jesse Award nominee for his portrayal of “Bobby” in American Buffalo, Ratner returned to the stage in 2012 to co-star in Dinner with Friends, and in 2014 he directed the Canadian Premiere of Tommy Smith’s White Hot, both of which opened to rave reviews.

Ratner wrote, directed and co-starred in the feature film Moving Malcolm that won him a “Best First Feature Award” at the 2003 Montreal Film Festival. He directed an episode of CTV’s Robson Arms in 2005, and wrote and directed the short film Power Lunch in 2008. Most recently, he wrote and directed the feature film Down River, which has won 8 awards to date, including “Best World Showcase” at the 2014 Soho International Film Festival in New York. He is currently developing his next feature film Original 6, a TV series called Rachel, and is also producing Big Feelings, a documentary about a group of his acting students sharing true stories from their lives, and how this process transforms their experiences into creative empowerment.

Social Media Handles

Twitter: @Haven_Studio, @HavenStudioTO
Facebook: facebook.com/BenRatnerSceneStudy, facebook.com/HavenStudioToronto
Website: benratner.com

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

Discovery’s #1 Original Hit Series HIGHWAY THRU HELL Returns September 8

– Discovery’s top TV series of 2014/15 triumphantly returns for fourth season, joined by another Canadian favourite, FOOL’S GOLD –

“… entertaining, absorbing and educational.” – The Globe and Mail on HIGHWAY THRU HELL

Owner and founder of Jamie Davis Motor Truck, Jamie Davis in HIGHWAY THRU HELL

The Promotion People - Highway Thru Hell Discovery’s most-watched program for the 2014/15 broadcast year HIGHWAY THRU HELL returns Sept. 8 at 10 p.m. ET/PT, it was confirmed today. With the third highest-rated season of any series ever on Discovery last year with an average audience of 723,000 viewers, the original Canadian hit series follows Jamie Davis and his crew as they travel the highways and byways of B.C. to the mountains of Alberta. The stakes are high as Season 4 picks up where the story left off – with Davis looking to expand his Heavy Recovery Operation while facing new challenges and bigger wrecks. The Jamie Davis Heavy Rescue crew faces significant change, as Davis’ brothers pitch in to help with both operations between the two provinces. The 2012 debut of HIGHWAY THRU HELL remains the #1 series premiere in Discovery Channel history.

Toyota returns as the exclusive series sponsor featuring the full-size Tundra pickup, with 13 new episodes focusing on the team of drivers who work for Davis – along with several other heavy recovery operations – allworking to keep the roads open in dangerous working conditions. In the Season 4 premiere, John, Jamie’s newest recruit, must save a snowplow stuck in the grip of an icy river. While Jamie pushes further into new territory, changes rock the company, forcing Colin to take on a new role. His first wreck of the season tests his skill on the rotator plus his skills as a leader. And the entire community says farewell to a Heavy Rescue crew legend.

“We’re very proud that our #1 show is a Canadian production and plays such a prominent role in our primetime schedule,” said Paul Lewis, President and General Manager, Discovery. “HIGHWAY THRU HELL is a series unique to Canadian audiences offering a blend of real life characters that resonate with our viewers.”

Click HERE for a sneak peek of HIGHWAY THRU HELL.

The Shotgun Crew from FOOL’S GOLD

Earlier in the evening, the Shotgun Exploration crew is back at Straw Lake for Season 2 of fellow homegrown series, FOOL’S GOLD, with two 30-minute episodes airing back-to-back, Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Returning with 12 new episodes, Todd Ryznar and his crew are on a quest to extract 100 ounces of gold in the bounty-rich hills of Northern Ontario. Last season, viewers came down with a serious case of gold fever as FOOL’S GOLD performed as the top entertainment specialty program in its timeslot among total viewers, A25-54, and A18-49.

Click HERE for a sneak peek of FOOL’S GOLD.

About Discovery:
The world is just awesome! With compelling real-life programming that inspires and entertains, Discovery reveals the world in all its wonder, diversity and amazement. As Canada’s #1 entertainment specialty channel, Discovery offers a signature mix of adrenaline-charged stories, larger-than-life personalities and vivid imagery for viewers with curious minds. With the best non-fiction programming from Canada and around the world, Discovery captures the excitement of a passion for life – one lived fully and at its most extreme. With exceptional and immersive storytelling, the channel offers in-depth, behind-the-scenes glimpses at the extraordinary people and places that shape our world. Launched in Canada in 1995, Discovery is now available in more than eight million Canadian homes. Discovery Canada is a joint venture between Bell Media, which is owned by BCE Inc. (TSX, NYSE: BCE), Canada’s largest communications company, and Discovery Communications Inc. Find more information and interactive online features at Discovery.ca.

Source: Numeris (BBM Canada), P2+

Social Media Handles

Website: discovery.ca/highwaythruhell, greatpacifictv.com
Twitter: @HWYthruhell, @DiscoveryCanada, @GreatPacificTV
Facebook: facebook.com/discoverycanada
Instagram: Instagram.com/DiscoveryCanada

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

International Artist Lisa Berry joins the cast of Continuum for their 4th and final season

Lisa was recently nominated for Best Actress at the Black Canadian Awards in Toronto and received a best ensemble Dora Mavor Moore Award nomination (Canada’s Tony) for her work in Young People’s Theatre production of To Kill A Mockingbird.

Dynamic actor Lisa Berry is thrilled to join the cast of Showcase’s Continuum for their 4th and final season. Lisa’s character is a quick thinker, practical soldier and tough chick. Her character commands the respect of the group. Continuum’s final season premieres on September 4 on Showcase in Canada and on September 11 on Syfy in the USA.

Lisa Berry is an international artist whose work stretches across the big screen and the stage. Her comedic talents can be seen in her guest-starring role on the very funny Mr. D (CBC) as the school’s star basketball player’s mother, Kathy Lee Giffer. Lisa also displayed her comedic talents in the recently released feature film “No Stranger than Love” starring alongside Alison Brie as one of her busy body best friends, who has an opinion about everything and everyone.

This Christmas, watch for Lisa in the Hallmark TV Movie Northpole 2 starring opposite Lorie Loughlin as the fast talking, holiday hating CEO, with only making money on the brain.

Earlier this year, Lisa joined the cast of Bravo’s hit cop drama 19-2 in their second season as Rita George, a tough but loveable Jamaican immigrant who brings compassion and balance to her boyfriend’s mischievous ways.

Lisa is quickly finding a home for herself in the horror genre with films like Saw V, Antiviral (directed by Brandon Cronenberg) and The Colony, (starring alongside Laurence Fishburne, Kevin Zegers and Bill Paxton)

Lisa’s most recognizable roles on television include Stella Marz, a district attorney on a mission for justice (starring opposite Dermot Mulroney) on TNT’s Silent Witness, Det. Roz Cabrera on CBC’s Cracked, Serena a flame throwing fae on SyFy’s Lost Girl and playing an assassin for hire alongside Stuart Townsend on Showcase’s XIII The Series.

Lisa’s training at The Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts has allowed her to enjoy the challenges that each new role brings, from her recurring role as a no nonsense nurse on ABC’s medical drama Combat Hospital, to the down to earth Princess Thaisa in Chicago Shakespeare Theatre’s production of Pericles.

Lisa has also been honored with a Trailblazer Award from the Reel World Film Festival and a Broadway World nomination for “best performance by an actress in a featured role” for her work as Calpurnia in Young People’s Theatre’s production of To Kill A Mockingbird. She was also happily surprised to receive her second Black Canadian Award nomination for her work in television this past year. Lisa also enjoys working behind the scenes as an elected council member for ACTRA Toronto.

Having performed at both The Stratford and Shaw Festivals, two of the leading repertory theatre companies in Canada, Lisa has since gone on to play leading roles on all of the main Canadian stages. Notable parts includes originating the role of Corporal Tanya Young in Trillium Award winner Hannah Moscovitch’s World Premier of This Is War, Mayme in the Canadian Premier of the Pulitzer Prize winning play Intimate Apparel for Canadian Stage and Mrs. Muller opposite Canada’s My Big Fat Greek Wedding star Fiona Reid, in Doubt A. Parable. Most recently, Lisa crossed the border making her American theatre stage debut to rave reviews, playing Thaisa opposite Ben Carlson in Chicago Shakespeare Theatre’s production of Pericles.

Lisa shares her life with fellow actor and Stratford star Dion Johnstone (Othello, The Tempest opposite Christopher Plummer). She is the youngest of four children, born and raised in Richmond Hill – just outside Toronto. As a child she was shy and quiet – which is hard to believe for most who know her now – but with the help of her much louder siblings, she quickly found her voice. While Lisa enjoys immersing herself into both acting and coaching and is always looking for ways to stretch both personally and professionally, she never forgets to carve out a little time to relax and recharge.

Social Media Handles

Website: lisaberrylive.com
Twitter: _LisaBerry
YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UC2qJoryd9kkFW3km2608L9A
Vimeo: demo reel: vimeo.com/129747819
stunt reel: vimeo.com/66471811

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

W NETWORK GAME OF HOMES TV CONTESTANTS PJ (PAWAN) and NINA JOHAR PASSION FOR DESIGN SHINES WITH THEIR NEW RENOVATION IN NORTH VANCOUVER

W Network Game of Homes TV Contestants PJ and Nina Johar discovered their passion for design, construction and flipping homes and launched PNJ property investment group. Selected for their great personalities, teamwork, can-do attitude and past property success stories, PJ and Nina displayed their amazing skills and abilities in design and construction on every episode.

PJ had to make the hard decision when his six-figure job was not waiting for him after the TV show. Plans for a design+build company was something that PJ & Nina had been pondering for quite some time. Nina has a deep interest in design planning and layout which started as a hobby and has developed into a business all while still working as a nurse full time and raising two children while managing their household. They have a goal of building a successful real estate empire and currently partner with silent investors on real estate venture projects where PNJ does everything from sourcing the property, renovating/building to selling the property. The hot Vancouver real estate market can be unaffordable for the average investor, however through PNJ they make it possible. They also take on a select few client renovation projects.

Their focus, when possible is on saving old and heritage homes with a view to the future in new construction also. By far the biggest house transformation they have done, PJ & Nina have spent the last six months transforming a house in North Vancouver inside and out. The house sat vacant for five years and was on the market for over 60 days, likely scheduled to be demolished. They brought life back in the family home that two generations grew up in. The house needed extensive work and a complete back to the studs renovation. A challenge far beyond anything on Game of Homes!

With city and Grouse Mountain views they used glass and large doors to bring the outside in. Known for their family friendly designs on the show the house also features a 3-hole putting green to create family fun times. PJ only uses trades that are highly tech savvy and has installed smartphone home automation, a new high velocity heating/ cooling system, in-built sound system, touch tap and to boot the house boasts a massive 500sq ft. deck and huge quartz kitchen island for entertaining. Nina signature designs, like her wall & ceiling headboard and great use of colors inside and out bring life to the house.

Strong-willed and tenacious, this fan favorite couple has all the design and construction experience to take on any challenge. Nina and Pawan have done numerous home renovation projects together including gutting and refurbishing an entire 101yr old heritage home. They love to use color to bring any space to life. With Nina’s strong design background and Pawan’s patience in structural work, the two have a passion for and desire to buy and flip many more houses and on the horizons are two new build projects in the vibrant Commercial Drive area.

PNJ Property Investment Group recognizes its responsibilities beyond the financial aspects of their work. They believe that helping the community and homeowners is important. Protecting our environment through greener redevelopments as well as supporting philanthropic causes in every community is fundamental to their core values.

About PNJ Property Group
PNJ Property Investment Group Ltd. is a privately managed and family owned business that is locally owned and has been operating for a number of years. PNJ has a strong portfolio of successful property acquisitions and strong returns on investment. Pawan Johar (PJ) and Nina Johar are both founders of the company and a strong team focused on solid results and fast growth.

The North Vancouver property at 3348 Mahon Avenue is listed for sale. More information can be found at http://www.pixilink.com/84442.

The beautiful designer home, structured and designed by PJ and Nina from W-Network’s Game of Homes. It is a corner & LARGEST lot on the block. Completely transformed from the studs (Permits) this home has everything you can ask for and more including 3Bdrm up, 2Bdrm down, legal suite (option for fourth bedroom/office/media for owners use), a 3 hole putting green, XL entertainers deck with city and mountain views & 2 huge yards for the kids. Vaulted Ceilings, Smartphone Home Automation, High velocity heating & cooling system, built in audio surround system, LED lighting & Electric car plug-in! This one of a kind gem won’t last!

Social Media Handles

Website: corusent.com, greatpacifictv.com, Wnetwork.com, pnjpropertyinvestmentgroup.com
Twitter: @PNJPropInvestG, @NinaJohar, @GameOfHomesTV, @w_network
Facebook: facebook.com/gameofhomes, facebook.com/wnetwork
YouTube: http://youtu.be/2I27ZUr6Kj4

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

Award Winning Actor Gabrielle Rose is nominated for a Leo Award for Best Supporting Performance by a Female in a Motion Picture for her role in the Multiple Award Winning Feature Film ‘Two4One’

Gabrielle plays the mother of a transgendered man who is wrestling with his state of life when he suddenly becomes pregnant

Gabrielle Rose, one of the most respected actors in Canada, is nominated for a Leo Award for for Best Supporting Performance by a Female in a Motion Picture for her role in Two4One’.

With close to 150 credits to her name Gabrielle is most proud of the multiple Award Winning feature film Two4One: the story of a transgendered man (Gavin Crawford who won an ACTRA award for his performance) wrestling with the state of his life – an unfulfilling job, mixed feelings for his ex (Naomi Snieckus), and a mother (Gabrielle Rose) yearning for grandchildren – when he suddenly finds himself unexpectedly pregnant.

Two4One is bittersweet comedic drama written and directed by Maureen Bradley. After two years of living as a man, Adam has almost saved enough money to make it official: undergo gender reassignment surgery, and he can finally feel complete. But when he agrees to help his baby-crazy ex-girlfriend artificially inseminate, they wind up in bed together—and they both conceive. Now Adam must reconcile his identity with his biological reality, grapple with his feelings for his ex, and try to figure out what it means to be a man. Two4One will be screening in San Francisco – Frameline: June 20th and Los Angeles- Outfest LA: July 12^th. Nominated for 6 Leos, including best feature, Two4One is on a roll.

Critically acclaimed in film, stage and television Gabrielle most recently received the Sam Payne Lifetime Achievement Award for her accumulative outstanding body of work in the performing arts. Last fall she was honoured with the UBCP/ACTRA Lorena Gale Woman of Distinction Award. Gabrielle has worked repeatedly with some of Canada’s most notable directors including Atom Egoyan (The Adjuster, The Sweet Hereafter), Bruce Sweeney (Excited, The Dick Knost Show, Crimes of Mike Recket) and Carl Bessai (Sisters & Brothers, Mothers & Daughters). Rose has acted in numerous local shorts and television series.

2014 and 2015 have been extremely busy with Gabrielle working on both television and feature films. In the upcoming feature film The Devout, Gabrielle plays Ava a devout, somewhat overbearing grandmother. The Devout is a story about crisis of faith, reincarnation and the power of belief. It centers around a Christian schoolteacher (Charlie Carrick), his wife (Ali Liebert) and their 4-year-old daughter(Olivia Martin) who has terminal cancer. Written and directed by Connor Gaston

Gabrielle also stars in Siobhan Devine’s upcoming film, The Birdwatcher. The Birdwatcher is about a woman (Camille Sullivan) who is dying of cancer. At the end of her rope with no one to turn to she seeks out her birth mother (Gabrielle) in order to find someone to care for her children after she passes. Gabrielle plays Birdie, an exacting and complex character with a deep secret, an ornithologist and writer who is obsessed with publishing her latest book on birds, she loves no-one but her husband, Finch (played by Garwin Sanford), and her birds, they have never had children. Written by Roslyn Muir and directed by Siobhan Devine.

The past year Gabrielle was also busy filming television series including a recurring role on TNT’s upcoming series Proof starring Jennifer Beals, Ruth in ABC’s Once Upon a Time and a guest spot on Lifetimes’s UnReal. She also had the great pleasure of working with Peter Deluise who directed her in Garage Sale Mystery- the Deadly Room, for Hallmark.

Gabrielle’s awards include a UBCP/ACTRA Award for Best Actress, five Leo Awards, two Atlantic Film Festival Awards, a National Board of Review (NY) Award. She has been nominated five times for a Gemini and four times for a Genie.

Social Media Handles

Website: two4onefilm.com
Twitter: @GabrielleRose79, @Two4OneFilm, @TheDevoutMovie
Vimeo: vimeo.com/106037011
IMDb: imdb.com/name/nm0741388/?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
Instagram: @thepromotionpeople