Tag Archives: Canadian

Top Canadian Hip Hop Artist Bishop Brigante Taking on New Role as Breakout Actor in Film and Television Projects

The Promotion People Bishop Brigante

Established Canadian hip hop artist Bishop Brigante has risen to the top of the country’s music business, and is now set to conquer another aspect of the industry: acting. Bishop is following in the footsteps of many talented Canadian musicians before him, who pursued their passion for acting and proved their talent translates to the realm of film and TV. The acclaimed rapper-turned-actor is a multi-talented performer who has a number of buzz-worthy projects on the horizon. Most recently, Bishop wrapped a lead role as Carlos in the feature thriller “Evil Feed”, which is currently in post-production. In the vein of Grind House cinema, the horror also stars Lacy J. Mailey and Terry Chen.

Scarborough born and raise, Bishop has always had a natural ease with rhymes. After years of making a name for himself within music circles and battle circuits (he was the first Canadian to be featured on BET’s Freestyle Friday), he was signed to the Bodog Music label in 2008. Here he released his hit single “It’s Fo Twenty”, featuring Nate Dogg, to audience acclaim. His musical repertoire includes the MuchMusic video chart toppers: “6 Up”, “That’s the Way” and “About 2 Change”. Bishop has become a nationally recognized recording artist, electrifying crowds across the country on a number of national tours. His appeal spread across North America, with Bishop jumping on tours with the likes of 50 Cent and Busta Rhymes. He has collaborated with the best in the industry, including Drake, Snoop Dogg, Sticky Fingaz and MC Lyte.

The Promotion People Bishop Brigante

It wasn’t until a cold call from director Joe Carnahan (Smoking Aces, The Grey) to cast Bishop in the feature film “Narc” (where he worked with Ray Liotta and Jason Patric), that he realized his passion for an entirely new aspect of the performing arts. Although Bishop didn’t have any experience acting, while filming his role he discovered many parallels between music and film. The more time he had on-set, the more he knew that this was his new calling to explore. Since then, he has booked roles on the UPN series “Platinum”, “Against the Wall”, “Cracked”, “Chupacabra vs. the Alamo”, and even stretched himself personally and professionally by appearing in the lead role of a stage production of “A Clockwork Orange”. Bishop also took on the role of host of the AUX TV series “Ultimate MC”, which found him traveling the country to find the best battle rapper in the nation. His natural talent, combined with his experience in entertainment, is helping Bishop to quickly prove his transition from hip-hop artist to actor is successful, as he earns respect from the acting world with each new role.

Bishop’s passion for music and film converged with the production of his critically acclaimed video “Hard Times”, directed by Sharpshooter. The video was more of a short cinematic production than a typical music video, and the film resonated with audiences internationally.

His music projects are no stranger to critical acclaim. Just last year, he was honoured with American radio station WBLK’s unsigned hype music awards Best Hip Hop Song of the Year, People’s Fan Choice Award, Producer of the Year, and Best Hip Hop Artist of the Year awards. Bishop also received an Urban World Film Festival award for Music Video of the Year in New York in 2004.

When not on-set, Bishop can be found in the studio writing songs, not only for himself, but other artists as well. When he isn’t writing music, he is writing scripts. Whenever his pen is down though, he dedicates his time to his close-knit family, in particular his seven- year-old son.

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ACTOR NICOLE OLIVER IS SEEN AND HEARD IN NUMEROUS UPCOMING TV ROLES

Multi-faceted entertainment industry jill-of-all-trades Nicole Oliver is in demand more than ever, as an actor in a variety of small screen projects, and in the competitive voice-over market.

Nicole Oliver William Ainscough from Seed - The Promotion People

Nicole will be appearing opposite her young son, William Ainscough, who plays Billy in the new City TV series “Seed”. The show, which premieres on February 4th, features Nicole as Billy’s teacher, Mrs. Anderson in several episodes. Nicole’s voiceover work is currently airing on television. She plays Zoe on the popular cartoon “Littlest Pet Shop”, airing now on the Hub; as well as Princess Celestia and Cheerilee on “My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic”, which is in its third season airing in countries world-wide. Nicole is also appearing as every-woman’s VENUS in her friend, award-winning Documentary filmmaker Dianne Wood’s “Mars & Venus Today”, which airs on CBC TV on Valentine’s Day.

Nicole Oliver The Promotion People

Most recently, Nicole wrapped a guest-starring role on the new television series “Rogue”, starring Thandie Newton. The series, which features Newton as an emotionally conflicted cop who is worried she may have contributed to her own son’s death, is set to premiere on The Movie Network and Movie Central in Canada in June 2013 and on Direct TV in the US this April.

Not prepared to slow down anytime soon, Nicole has had multiple recent roles in MOWs, television series’ and animated cartoons. Nicole’s notable credits include: appearing in the thriller “Taken Back – Finding Haley” with Amanda Tapping (Sanctuary); guest starring in the popular television series “Supernatural”; playing a stage mother in the upcoming independent feature film “Leap 4 Your Life”, which is soon to be released and stars “So You Think You Can Dance” contestant Allie Bertram; starring in the family drama “The Woodcarver” with Woody Jeffreys (Eureka, Smallville) and John Ratzenberger (Cheers, Toy Story); and a role in the television movie “Innocent” with Bill Pullman and Marcia Gay Harden. Nicole is continuously recognized for her 4 seasons as host on the hit Slice Network series “Crash Test Mommy”.

Last Import - 2

Nicole is also in high demand in the competitive voice-over market. She is currently the voice for Wireless Wave, and has provided her voice-over expertise to over 100 companies including American Express, Starbucks, Salon Selectives, Club House, and IKEA to name but a few. In animation, she continues her popular roles on the shows, “Martha Speaks”, “Strawberry Shortcake”, “1001 Nights” and “Superbook”. 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”.

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. Nicole is proof that with success in life there can be balance. Between acting projects, she has completed her MA in Communications. Last year Nicole was a contributing blogger running in the 2012 Vancouver Sun Run. On top of this, she is an entrepreneur, who 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.

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Twitter: @mouthnoize
Facebook: Seed, Taken Back: Finding Haley

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Young Vancouver actor William Ainscough stars on City’s new original series “Seed”, premiering February 4th, 2013

At just nine years old, William is following in his parents’ footsteps entering the world of entertainment.

The Promotion People - William Ainscough

Nine-year old actor William Ainscough is making a serious impression in the film and television industry, booking his first two auditions after deciding he’d like to follow in his parents’ footsteps (his mother is actor Nicole Oliver and father is music producer Chris Ainscough), and enter the world of entertainment. William’s television debut comes next month, in the new original comedy series “Seed”, premiering February 4th on City. The series will give everyone a chance to see just how talented this young up-and-comer really is. The series gave William the chance to act opposite his mother in several episodes of the series, when she plays Billy’s teacher, Mrs. Anderson. The show will air Monday nights on City at 8:30pm ET/PT.

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William had a terrific experience filming in Halifax, and before he returned home when filming was finished, he and co-star Abby Ross gave back to their temporary East coast home. The two young actors raised $1080, which they donated to the IWK Health Centre in Halifax.

William’s very first attempt at acting was a success, when he landed his first audition—an open casting call for the feature film “Hidden”. The feature film, which follows a family hiding in a bomb shelter after a mysterious outbreak devastates civilization, stars Alexander Skarsgard (True Blood) and is directed by the Duffer Brothers. William was successful in landing the role of Joey, a slightly shy and soulful neighbourhood boy. The movie is set to hit theatres late this year.

The Promotion People - William Ainscough

William’s interest in the acting world began after a set visit to watch his mother in action. It was then he decided to try acting for himself, and began taking classes. It was clear after booking his first two auditions that it was a path well chosen. William’s mother, Nicole Oliver is an established Canadian performer, with credits including the host of “Crash Test Mommy” for 5 seasons and appearances in a variety of film and television roles (most recently she appeared on the series “Rogue”, starring Thandie Newton). She is also widely recognized for her vast list of voice-over credits and has lent her voice to such projects as the “Barbie” animated film series, “Littlest Pet Shop” and “My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic”.

William is an accomplished drummer, loves soccer and baseball, and is a huge fan of the online game Minecraft. He is thrilled to be able to add ACTOR to his resume of accomplishments.

The Promotion People Seed Cast

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IndustryWorks Pictures announces U.S. distribution deal for what’s being called ‘today’s modern day horror film’ – “American Mary”

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IndustryWorks Pictures has an exciting announcement to make as they bring their widely praised thriller/horror feature “American Mary” to the US market. The festival circuit gem, stars “Ginger Snaps” alum Katharine Isabelle and was the recent recipient of 11 awards at top genre festivals across North America, including the honors for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actress.

XLrator Media has acquired all U.S. rights to the horror sensation, AMERICAN MARY, produced and represented worldwide by IWP. This female- centric surgical horror-thriller will be released on XLrator Media’s newly announced Screamfest label in Fall 2013.

IndustryWorks Pictures is excited to bring the film to the US market with XLrator Media and their Screamfest label where American Mary picked up five awards including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Cinematography and Best Makeup. It also won six awards at the Toronto AfterDark festival including Best Director, Best Actress, Best Cinematography and Most Disturbing Film.

Evan Tylor, President of IndustryWorks Pictures says, “American Mary was a risky film to take on but we believed in the talent, the material and our ability to get the film in the right hands and get audiences talking about it. We went for it based on the uniqueness of the creative package. More cool films coming from IWP in 2013.”

The Promotion People American Mary

“American Mary” stars Katharine Isabelle (Ginger Snaps’ franchise) and Antonio Cupo (Dark Angel, Bomb Girls) in a story of medical student, Mary Mason (Isabelle), as she grows increasingly broke and disenchanted with medical school and the surgeons that she once admired. The allure of easy money and notoriety sends Mary into the messy world of underground surgeries that leaves more marks on Mary than her so-called ‘freakish’ clientele. The film is directed by Jen & Sylvia Soska and produced by Evan Tylor and John Curtis.

ABOUT XLRATOR MEDIA, LLC

XLrator Media, LLC is a multi-platform releasing company founded by industry veteran Barry Gordon. It is focused on acquiring feature films, event programming and libraries, in addition to producing programming for enthusiast genres and categories that are under-served by the major studios and most independents. Recent XLrator Media releases include Ironclad, John Carpenter’s The Ward, Bunraku, Killing Bono, the Sundance documentary Knuckle, We The Party, 96 Minutes, Assassin’s Bullet, Blood Money, Brawler, Bigfoot: The Lost Coast Tapes and Outpost: Black Sun.

About IndustryWorks – Canada, International

IndustryWorks Pictures theatrically releases feature films in North America and provides international distribution for those films. IWP provides independent productions with the support and ability to strategically market, schedule, budget and ultimately have their product released theatrically. IndustryWorks also produces feature films, TV product and other new media formats. IndustryWorks Pictures has been developing its releasing strategies with Independent Booking Services and most recently Landmark Cinemas whose strong exhibitor relationships have been instrumental in positioning the company’s up and coming motion pictures with major theatrical chains. These theatre chains include; AMC, Cineplex Entertainment, Landmark, Regal and Cinemark.

“American Mary” follows in a long line of recent productions found, developed, produced and released by IndustryWorks. Other recent projects of note include the new TV series “The Lost Legion” (also picked up by Alliance, NBC/Universal, Super Channel and other major distributors, announced at TIFF), the animated feature “Back to the Sea” with a holiday exclusive window at Walmart co-distributed with Viva Pictures, and the upcoming feature film TOXIN 3D, to name a few.

IndustryWorks is quickly proving that the size of the company isn’t a determination of success, as they continue to produce quality, unique, audience-pleasing projects that sell. IndustryWorks sets itself apart from its competition by having the keen sense of seeing potential in the right projects, and turning that potential into a production to take notice of—which is why they have major international distributors paying close attention.

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IndustryWorks Pictures’ Acclaimed Horror Feature “American Mary” Takes Home 11 Awards At Top Genre Festivals

The Promotion People American Mary

The indie horror “American Mary” from IndustryWorks Pictures has ravaged competition at festivals and left audiences and critics alike talking about the thriller, which has taken home top honors at North America’s biggest genre festivals. Directed by The Twisted Twins (Jen & Sylvia Soska), the film, which stars “Ginger Snaps” alum Katharine Isabelle, has been garnering rave reviews internationally, and is leaving a noticeable mark on all the festivals it is screening within. Most recently, IndustryWorks Pictures brought the film to the screens of the Toronto After Dark Festival and Screamfest LA, where it was awarded 11 awards in total, including the top honor of Best Picture at Screamfest and Best Director at both festivals.

American Mary

Awards

Toronto After Dark 2012
Best Canadian Feature Film
Best Director (Jen & Sylvia Soska)
Best Leading Actress (Katharine Isabelle)
Best Cinematography (Brian Pearson)
Best Antihero (Mary Mason, played by Katharine Isabelle)
Most Disturbing Film

Screamfest 2012
Best Picture
Best Director (Jen & Sylvia Soska)
Best Actress (Katharine Isabelle)
Best Cinematography (Brian Pearson)
Best Makeup (Masters FX)

The film has played at festivals around the world to outstanding reviews, and IndustryWorks is currently representing the film at the American Film Market. “American Mary” was recently picked up by Universal Pictures at Cannes and is set for distribution in a number of international territories, including UK and Germany, Bounty in Australia & New Zealand and Anchor Bay for Canada’s Home Entertainment.

Some of the press “American Mary” has garnered includes accolades from international media outlets, including Fangoria, Total Film, Dread Central, Twitch Film, Bloody Disgusting and Daily Dead; along with mainstream trades such as mentions in The New York Times, Screen Daily and Time Out.

“American Mary” stars Katharine Isabelle (Ginger Snaps’ franchise) and Antonio Cupo (Dark Angel, Bomb Girls) in a story of medical student, Mary Mason (Isabelle), as she grows increasingly broke and disenchanted with medical school and the surgeons that she once admired. The allure of easy money and notoriety sends Mary into the messy world of underground surgeries that leaves more marks on Mary than her so-called ‘freakish’ clientele. The film is produced by IndustryWorks Pictures, Evan Tylor and John Curtis and was written and directed by, The Twisted Twins, Jen & Sylvia Soska.

This feature follows in a long line of recent productions found, developed, produced and released by IndustryWorks. Other recent projects of note include the new TV series shooting this fall “The Lost Legion”, the animated feature “Back to the Sea” with an exclusive window at Walmart through Viva Pictures, and the upcoming feature film TOXIN 3D.

IndustryWorks is quickly proving that the size of the company isn’t a determination of success, as they continue to produce quality, unique, audience-pleasing projects that sell. IndustryWorks sets itself apart from its larger competition by having the keen sense of seeing potential in the right projects, and turning that potential into a production to take notice of—which is why they have major international distributors paying close attention.
About IndustryWorks – Canada, International

IndustryWorks Pictures theatrically releases feature films in North America and provides international distribution for those films. IWP provides independent productions with the support and ability to strategically market, schedule, budget and ultimately have their product released theatrically. IndustryWorks also produces feature films, TV product and other new media formats. IndustryWorks Pictures has been developing its releasing strategies with Independent Booking Services and most recently Landmark Cinemas whose strong exhibitor relationships have been instrumental in positioning the company’s up and coming motion pictures with major theatrical chains. These theatre chains include; AMC, Cineplex Entertainment, Landmark, Regal and Cinemark.

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Twitter: @IWPictures, @_American_Mary
Website: industryworks.com

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Rave Reviews for IndustryWorks “American Mary”

The Promotion People American Mary

The Promotion People American Mary

American Mary is a highly acclaimed horror/thriller film, starring Katharine Isabelle (Ginger Snaps) and Antonio Cupo (Dark Angel, Bomb Girls). It recently premiered on the big screen at Fright Fest UK-Europe’s largest Horror Genre Film Festival. The film has been recognized by Universal Pictures and screened at the 65th annual Cannes Film Festival.

American Mary was written and directed by Jen and Sylvia Soska, known as The Twisted Twins. The two Canadian sisters share their passion for filmmaking and cinematography; delivering horror film fanatics with edgy comedy and eccentric style.

The dark plot involves surgery fetishism, underground body modification, and concealed motives. The lead actress, Katharine Isabelle, plays Mary – a corrupted med student who becomes obsessed with her twisted ambitions.

Watch the official American Mary trailer on YouTube!

Movie Reviews

“Weird, Wonderful and Unique, an amazing feature experience that’s entertaining from start to finish.” – Box Office Buz

“What I never expected, in any way, shape or form is to have the movie literally blow me out of the water. There have been few movies this year that have really impressed me, but American Mary is one of those few.” – Views From The Edge

The Promotion People American Mary

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Email: lesley@thepromotionpeople.ca