Tag Archives: comedy

For Canadian actor/producer Corey Large, the drug drama ‘Kid Cannabis’ out April 18 is just the first of many feature films for one of the busiest movie producers in North America this year

Production in the works s with Martin Scorsese, Mark Wahlberg, Russell Crowe, Bruce Willis and Liam Neeson 

The Promotion People - Corey Large

Meet actor, writer and producer Corey Large, who’s emerging as one of the most sough-after producers in Hollywood and Canada – with nearly 15 projects slated for release in 2014/15. Born in Victoria, this B.C. boy who has been under the radar is now flying high working with a dream team of A-listers . We’re talking the likes of Martin Scorsese, Russell Crowe, Mark Wahlberg, John Cusack, Pierce Brosnan, Anne Hathaway, 50 Cent, Liam Neeson, Mila Kunis, and the list goes on!

Corey heads up Wingman Productions – the company behind John Stockwell’s “Kid Cannabis,” which hits theatres across North America on April 18. The Canadian talent also acts in Stockwell’s drug drama starring veteran actors Ron Perlman (“Sons of Anarchy”) and John C. McGinley (“Scrubs”). Based on Mark Binelli’s 2005 article in Rolling Stone, “Kid Cannabis” tells the true story of Nate Norman (Jonathan Daniel Brown), an Idaho teen dropout who builds a multimillion-dollar marijuana ring by trafficking drugs across the Canadian border. His pursuit of the high life – complete with girls, guns, and vicious rival drug lords – gets this ex-pizza boy and his delinquent pals in over their heads.

The year 2014 will prove to be Corey’s busiest yet. He’s producing and executive producing over 10 films, including Martin Scorsese’s period piece “Silence,” which features an all-star cast rounded out by Liam Neeson, “Spider-Man’s” Andrew Garfield, and Adam Driver (“Girls”). Other projects include “The Prince” starring Bruce Willis, John Cusack and Jessica Lowndes, “Any Day” featuring Sean Bean, Eva Longoria, and “Unconscious” starring Kate Bosworth and Wes Bentley.

Other feature films being released this year are ‘November Man’ starring Pierce Bronson, Lucey Bucey and Olga Kurylenko in the Roger Donaldson directed spy-thriller an adaptation of the Bill Granger novel There Are No Spies, in which a former CIA operative who is brought back in on a very personal mission finds himself pitted against his former protégé in a deadly game involving high-level CIA officials and the Russian President-elect. Also ‘Poker Night’ filmed in Victoria starring Ron Pearlman, Giancario Esposito, Lochlyn Munro and Michael Eklund will be released this November.

Corey took matters into his own hands early on in his career. In 2003, the Victoria-native established Wingman Productions to create his own noteworthy projects, enabling him to run his studio and control the direction of his movies. The goal was simple: produce mainstream features on a budget, without compromising quality. His recipe worked and by the time Corey turned 30 he had already raised more than $100 million dollars for film productions.

The Promotion People - Wingman Productions

Some of the vast talent Corey has worked with through his various Wingman projects include: Nicolas Cage, Liam Hemsworth, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Emma Roberts, Adam Brody, Jesse Metcalfe, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Kaley Cuoco, Tom Sizemore,

Corey continues to show audiences that he is a versatile producer. The actor-turned-movie-maker has multiple projects on the go, including the action packed comedy/horror film “Zombeavers,” Martin Scorcese’s “Revenge of the Green Dragons,” and “Empire State,” which is headlined by The Rock and Liam Hemsworth (“The Hunger Games”). Other features under his belt include “Don Peyote” featuring Josh Duhamel, Dan Fogler and Anne Hathaway, and the upcoming comedy ““The Angriest Man in Brooklyn” starring Mila Kunis and Oscar-winner Robin Williams.

Staying prevalent in the acting realm, Corey recently appeared in the critically acclaimed “Lone Survivor” starring Mark Wahlberg, Taylor Kitsch and Eric Bana.

Proving he’s not afraid of multitasking, the busy moviemaker wrote, produced and acted in the film “Chasing Ghost” starring Michael Madsen, Shannyn Sossamon and Meat Loaf, which he sold to Sony Pictures. Along with his partners, Corey has written, produced, co-starred in and sold a number of other full-length features to Hollywood studios, including:  “Loaded”,“ Toxic”, “The Penthouse”, “The Obama Effect”, “Welcome to the Jungle”, and “The Frozen Ground”.

In 2004 Corey founded Tunnel Post, an in-house post-production company based in Santa Monica that specializes in creating high-end content for film, television and live events. The company has provided digital intermediate and post production services to practically every major player in Hollywood, including 20th Century Fox, Sony Pictures, Universal Studios, Lionsgate, The Weinstein Company and MGM. Networks include: CBS, NBC, HBO, ESPN, The History Channel, The CW, and Syfy. Among Tunnel Post’s feature film projects are  “Killing them Softly” with Brad Pitt, “Broken City” with Russell Crowe and Mark Wahlberg, and “The Tomb” with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone.

The 38-year-old producer was born and raised in Victoria, BC. In his early twenties Corey moved to Vancouver to pursue film and television roles, and started booking projects immediately. In 2003 he wrote, produced and starred in his first film, “Window Theory.” While he began working his way up in the industry, Corey studied his craft at the Vancouver Film School and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, where he learned from top instructors, including “Seinfeld’s” Jason Alexander.

Corey splits his time between Los Angeles and Victoria, continuing to produce feature films in Canada. Staying true to his roots, the busy mogul will venture back to Vancouver/Victoria to produce, and also act, in “The Passenger” alongside Vancouver actor/set designer Chad Krowchuk who will be directing the film.

 

Social Media Handles

Website: trailers.apple.com/trailers/independent/kidcannabiswingmanproductions.com
Twitter: @kidcannabis
Facebook: facebook.com/KCTheMovie
IMDb: Corey Large

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

Peter and Julia Benson’s Horror Feature Film ‘Death Do Us Part’ is being released on DVD in the United States and Canada on April 15th

The Promotion People - Death Do Us PartThe film will screen at Vancouver’s Rio theatre on April 6th at 6:30 p.m.

The married duo of Peter and Julia Benson are pleased to announce the release of their horror feature film ‘Death Do Us Part’ on DVD in the United States and Canada on April 15th, 2014.  Along with starring in the film, Julia and Peter also wrote and produced ‘Death Do Us Part’ with Ryan Copple.  Anchor Bay Entertainment is distributing the film in the U.S. and Raven Banner Entertainment is handling the Canadian release.  The film will also play at the Rio theatre on April 6th at 6:30 pm.  Tickets are $10 at the door and $8 in advance.

‘Death Do Us Part’ is a horror feature film that tells the story of six friends who go to a remote cabin in the woods to celebrate a ‘Jack and Jill’ bachelor party. Things take a horrifying turn when members of the group are brutally picked off one by one. What starts out as a celebration, quickly descends into a bloody nightmare. Friendships are ripped apart and accusations fly in this blood filled psychological horror with a whodunit twist.  The film was nominated for three Leo awards and stars Julia Benson (Stargate Universe, That Burning Feeling), Peter Benson (What an Idiot, Leap 4 Your Life), Emilie Ullerup (Sanctuary, Arctic Air), Christine Chatelain (Sanctuary, Fringe), Kyle Cassie (Lost Boys: The Tribe, True Justice), Benjamin Ayres (Saving Hope, Less Than Kind), Dave Collette (Leap 4 Your Life, What an Idiot), Viv Leacock (Almost Human, Continuum) and Aaron Douglas (The Killing, Battlestar Galactica).  Nicholas Humphries (The Little Mermaid) directed the feature film.

The Promotion People - Death Do Us Part

Peter and Julia are two well-known Canadian actors who are rapidly establishing themselves as a successful writing/producing/directing team with their company Married to the Boss Productions. Six years ago the married couple realized that they wanted more out of their careers and developed a passion for creating their own work.  Their first project was a series that they co-created called ‘Kits’ which was accepted into the prestigious NSI Totally Television program.  The script that Peter wrote garnered them a development deal with City TV and they served as Executive Producers on the project when a pilot episode was ordered.

Julia is best known for her Leo Award winning role as Vanessa James on ‘Stargate Universe’. Julia’s recent credits include MOWs ‘Nobody’s Fool,’ ‘Secret Liaison’, ’Chupacabra Vs. The Alamo’ and feature films ‘That Burning Feeling’ with Tyler Labine and ‘Kid Cannabis’ which is being released across North America on April 18th. Peter’s recent credits include feature films ‘Black Fly’, ‘Afterparty’, ‘Hasting Street’, ‘The Wingman’, ‘Leap 4 Your Life’, MOWs ‘Nobody’s Fool’, ‘Baby Bootcamp’, ‘Mystery Cruise’, and television series ‘Motive’, ‘Supernatural’, and Continuum’.

Up next, Julia and Peter are in post-production on their second feature film; a romantic comedy entitled ‘What an Idiot’.  Peter wrote and directed the film and Julia produced it with the support of Telefilm Canada.  Peter and Julia star in ‘What an Idiot’ along with Lochlyn Munro (Scary Movie) and Kerr Smith (Dawson’s Creek). 

Social Media Handles

Website: deathdouspartthemovie.comjuliabenson.netriotheatre.ca/events
Twitter: @DDUPMovie, @Julia_Benson, @RioTheatre
Facebook: facebook.com/DeathDoUsPartTheMovie
IMDb:  Death Do Us Part, Julia Benson, Peter Benson

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

Congratulations to William Ainscough star of CITY TV’s series “Seed” for presenting a cheque for $1210 to the Music Therapy Program at the IWK Foundation in Halifax

The Promotion People - William Ainscough

Young actor William Aisncough raised money while taping CITY TV’s “SEED” to contribute to the Music Therapy Program at the IWK Health Centre Foundation in Halifax.

Just wrapping up filming the second season of “SEED” in Halifax, Nova Scotia, William found inspiration by the beauty of the province and the kindness and generosity of the people. His hope was to give the gift of music to brighten the day and make it a little easier for the children who are going through treatments at IWK.

Continuing in the spirit of giving, the production company Force Four Entertainment generously matched what William raised and presented them with a cheque for $1210.

 

The Promotion People - William Ainscough

Alongside William, CITY TV’s hit series “SEED” stars Adam Korson (from the CBS hit comedy 2 Broke Girls). Adam Korson plays a bachelor-bartender and sperm donor who becomes an overnight father to three different children. Adam begins his relationship with the families of his children: an upper-class family with a rebellious teenage daughter, a neurotically hopeful single mother-to-be, and a laid-back lesbian couple with a 9-year-old son Billy who is played by William.

William Aisncough was also recently nominated for his first UBCP/ACTRA Award in the ‘BEST NEWCOMER’ category for his starring role in “SEED”. The awards were handed out in Vancouver on November 24th. The first season of “Seed” was hailed as both a critical and commercial success and was picked up by U.S. network The CW.

Photography by Ross den Otter

 

Social Media Handles

Website: forcefour.com, iwk.nshealth.ca, citytv.com
Facebook: IWK Health Centre Foundation, Seed
Twitter:  @ForceFourEnt, @IWKFoundation, @Seed_tv

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

Actress Nicole Oliver wins Best Voice Award at 2013 UBCP/ACTRA Awards on November 24, 2013

Congratulations to Nicole Oliver who was awarded the UBCP/ACTRA Award for Best Voice!
The Promotion People - Nicole Oliver

Nicole Oliver was honoured as one of the top talents in BC at the second annual UBCP/ACTRA Awards at the Vancouver Playhouse on November 24th. The Awards Gala was attended by hundreds of industry professionals, members, partners, press, and politicians. For more information on the event, visit www.ubcp.com.

“It is wonderful that our performers are being recognized and feted for their talent and hard work. We couldn’t be happier. Congratulations and well done.” – Alvin Sanders, President of UBCP/ACTRA

Nicole has been busy with numerous roles, most recently playing a stage mother in the independent feature film “Leap 4 Your Life”, which premiered at VIFF in September and October 2013. Nicole has also just completed a supporting role in the soon to be released Hallmark film, “The Christmas Ornament” starring Cameron Mathison and Kellie Martin. She has guest starred on numerous television series; recent roles include “Supernatural and “Rogue”. She has also starred in many MOW’s including recent releases “The Woodcarver” with John Ratzenberger; “Taken Back – Finding Haley” with Amanda Tapping and “Innocent” with Bill Pullman and Marcia Gay Harden. For 4 seasons, Nicole was also the host on the hit Slice Network series “Crash Test Mommy”.

Photo by: Andrew Chin/Getty Images

The Promotion People - Nicole Oliver

Following in Nicole’s footsteps, her son William Aisncough was nominated for the ‘BEST NEWCOMER’ category for the UBCP/ACTRA Awards for his starring role as ‘Billy’ in City TV’s second season of “SEED”.

Nicole joins her young son in the hit series “SEED” and will once again be playing Billy’s teacher, Mrs. Anderson, in several episodes this season, as well as perfecting her chops as the Ultimate Stage Parent to William behind the scenes. The first season of “Seed” was hailed as both a critical and commercial success and has been picked up by U.S. network The CW.

 

 

Social Media Handles

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

Contact The Promotion People

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

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

Author, Comedian, & Public Speaker Jessica Holmes to host A Woman’s Legacy Event on Nov. 21

The Promotion People - Jessica HolmesJessica Holmes joins former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard, famed Canadian songstress Jann Arden, and best-selling author of Introverts Susan Cain in the incredible line up of inspirational women visiting Toronto to speak at A Woman’s Legacy Event on November 21, 2013.

This annual event draws an audience of motivated women including successful businesswomen, entrepreneurs and the who’s who in the city to learn first hand from internationally renowned women. Bridging a cross section of industries to come together and be empowered. A Woman’s Legacy brings together experts who speak about their personal stories and their secrets to success in areas that cover communication strategies, motivation, smart investing, innovation, stress management and more.

Tickets are available from $189 and can be purchased on line at legacymastery.com

Jessica Holmes – Author, Comedian, & Public Speaker

Jessica Holmes starred on Royal Canadian Air Farce and The Holmes Show, and is the author of I Love Your Laugh: Finding the Light in my Screwball Life. Also a Life Coach, she tours Canada with her quirky combination of humour & inspiration.
The Promotion People - Jessica Holmes

Holmes has opened for comedians like Jerry Seinfeld, Leslie Nielsen, and Ellen DeGeneres, as well as hosted events for such visionaries as Deepak Chopra, Tony Robbins, and Oprah Winfrey! Although a comedian at heart, having performed with the Second City and Just for Laughs, Holmes has recently delved into writing: penning the book I Love Your Laugh: Finding the Light in My Screwball Life. Jessica majored in writing at Ryerson’s Radio & Television Arts BFA program, and again ended up spending her free time involved in comedy: acting in and then directing the annual sketch comedy show, titled RIOT. There, a few of the performers dared each other to try stand up. Four of them, Jessica included, performed at amateur night at The Laugh Resort. Jessica was hooked on the terrifying adrenaline ride that is stand up comedy, and decided to try it on as a career. During her years on Air Farce, Jessica had two children, Alexa and Jordan, with her actor husband Scott. Holmes wrote her first book, I Love Your Laugh: Finding the Light in my Screwball Life, in 2010. Having fallen in love with public speaking, Holmes decided to deepen the scope of her material by becoming a Life & Career Coach through San Diego’s Life Purpose Institute. She now enjoys a mix of comedy & motivational speaking.

Social Media Handles

Website: jessicaholmes.com
Twitter: @happyfeetholmes@JuliaGillard@jannarden@susancain

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

Vancouver Feature Film LAWRENCE & HOLLOMAN at THE 2013 EDMONTON INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

The Promotion People - Lawrence & Holloman

Vancouver Feature Film
LAWRENCE & HOLLOMAN
Directed by MATTHEW KOWALCHUK
based on the stage play by MORRIS PANYCH

AWARDED
THE CANADIAN FEATURE AWARD
& THE RISING STAR AWARD: FILMMAKING
to MATTHEW KOWALCHUK
& THE RISING STAR AWARD: ACTING to BEN COTTON
at
THE 2013 EDMONTON INTERNATIONAL
FILM FESTIVAL

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 premiered October 1st to a sold out audience at the Vancouver International Film Festival has received the Canadian Feature Award; The Rising Star Award: Filmmaking to director Matthew Kowalchuk and The Rising Star Award: Acting to Ben Cotton at the 2013 Edmonton International Film Festival. The film will screen in Edmonton on Friday, October 4th at 6:30pm and again on Saturday October 5th at 12:00pm at Empire City Centre 9.

The film will screen again at the 2013 Vancouver International Film Festival on October 9 at 3:45 pm at SFU Woodwards.

At the BC Spotlight Awards, VIFF was thrilled to present the BC Emerging Filmmaker Award ($7,500 cash prize sponsored by UBCP/ACTRA and AFBS and $10,000 equipment rental credit from William F. White) to LAWRENCE & HOLLOMAN, directed by Matthew Kowalchuk.

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.

The Promotion Peope - Lawrence and Holloman

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.

“Lawrence & Holloman is the culmination of a lot of hard work and sacrifice, from an amazing team. And when you start out on this journey to make a film, you never know how or even IF you’ll find an audience. To be recognized in this way, in my hometown, is an incredible honour. Growing up in Edmonton, the community of artists and audience taught me to take risks and to follow my heart; lessons I haven’t forgotten, and that have helped make this film a reality.” 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: @LHthemovie
Facebook: facebook.com/lawrenceandholloman

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

Young Actor William Ainscough Stars on City TV’s New Original Series “SEED” and is Nominated For His First UBCP/ACTRA Award

City TV’s “Seed” has been picked up by U.S. network The CW.

The Promotion People - William Ainscough

William Aisncough has been nominated for the ‘BEST NEWCOMER’ category for the UBCP/ACTRA Awards for his starring role in CITY TV’s hit series “SEED”. The awards will be handed out in Vancouver on November 24th. The first season of “Seed” was hailed as both a critical and commercial success and has been picked up by U.S. network The CW.

William is currently filming the second season of “SEED” in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The series stars Adam Korson (from the CBS hit comedy 2 Broke Girls). Adam Korson plays a bachelor-bartender and sperm donor who becomes an overnight father to three different children. Adam begins his relationship with the families of his children: an upper-class family with a rebellious teenage daughter, a neurotically hopeful single mother-to-be, and a laid-back lesbian couple with a 9-year-old son Billy who is played by William.

Following in his parent’s footsteps (Nicole Oliver, actress; Chris Ainscough, composer/film editor), William Ainscough is making a serious impression in the entertainment industry. William has had the chance to act opposite his mother, Nicole Oliver, in several episodes of the series, when she plays Billy’s teacher, Mrs. Anderson.

The Promotion People - William AinscoughIt was after watching his mother in action during visits to the sets of some of his Mom’s past film projects that William’s interest in the acting world began. Nicole inspired him to try acting for himself and began taking classes. William’s very first attempt at acting was a success, when he landed his first audition in May 2012—an open casting call for a new 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, Battleship) and Andrea Riseborough (Oblivion, Never Let Me Go). William was successful in landing the role of Joey, a slightly shy and soulful boy and close friend and neighbor of Zoe’s (Emily Alyn Lind).

The film Hidden, directed by The Duffer Brothers, and is set to hit theatres late 2013, early 2014.

It was clear after booking his first two auditions that it was a path well chosen. William is thrilled to be able to add ACTOR, to his resume of accomplishments.

Other highlights for William this past year include playing the iconic role of John Darling in ABC’s Once Upon a Time, and a major supporting role in a “top-secret” television feature for the Disney Channel.

Aside from acting, William is an accomplished drummer, loves soccer and baseball, and is a huge fan of the online game Minecraft.

Photography by Ross den Otter

 

Social Media Handles

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

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 to deliver Keynote Finale at WIBN Conference & Urban Retreat in Vancouver on October 6th & 7th, 2013

Jessica has successfully transitioned from an in-demand comedian, to a sought-after comedic motivational speaker and author

The Promotion People - Jessica Holmes

Royal Canadian Air Farce & The Holmes Show’s Jessica Holmes, a comedian and motivational speaker, will be bringing her mix of characters, comedy, and inspirational tips to Vancouver this October. Jessica will be delivering a keynote address at the Women in Biz Network conference to uplift and motivate entrepreneurs and business women in Western Canada. As a mom, successful speaker, author, and Life Coach, Holmes has received hundreds of standing ovations in the two years since she transformed her comedy routine into a self-help/humour hybrid. One of the most requested speakers in Canada, Holmes gives an inspiring and engaging appearance. Jessica shares tips on success, re-branding, and motivation, and shares how laughter now defines her life since recovering from post-partum depression. Her talk, called the 60 Minute Perspective Makeover, is detailed below.

The 60 Minute Perspective Makeover
The secrets of success are the same no matter what business you’re in; and success begins with getting motivated. Inspiration and comedy unite in this 60-minute transformation from “I shoulda…” to “I will!” Energizing and funny, this call to action combines Jessica’s humor and savvy to deliver motivational insights into:

•    Finding greater meaning in your work
•    Using positive psychology to be happier day to day
•    Setting and reaching your goals
•    Learning to laugh at life’s shortcomings

Jessica gives quick, achievable how-tos about these topics and more, in a laugh-out-loud hour of fun. The audience receives great takeaways & follow-up resources to guarantee that Jessica’s presentation makes a meaningful impact. See more at: http://goforitevent.com/jessicaholmes/#sthash.doXX9FAz.dpuf

The Promotion People - Jessica Holmes

Before her transition to a successful speaker, Jessica was a well-established comedian and performer. She has opened for the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Leslie Nielsen and Ellen DeGeneres throughout her career.

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.

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.

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

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

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

The Promotion People - Lawrence & Holloman

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.

The Promotion People - Lawrence & Holloman

“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

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
The Promotion People - Jessica Holmes

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.

The Promotion People - Jessica Holmes

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.

The Promotion People - Jessica Holmes

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.

The Promotion People Jessica Holmes

 

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