Tag Archives: Continuum

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

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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 film will screen at Vancouver’s Rio theatre on April 6^th 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 15^th, 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 6^th 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.

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 18^th. 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.com, juliabenson.net, riotheatre.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

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Indiecan Entertainment has acquired the Canadian distribution rights for Ben Ratner’s feature Down River

Down River is written and directed by multiple award-winning writer/director Ben Ratner (Moving Malcolm) and produced by James Brown. Executive Producer is Jack Ong.

Down River had its World Premiere at the Cinefest Sudbury International Film Festival and also screened at the Calgary International Film Festival. The film will get a special Gala presentation on October 5^th as part of the ‘Spotlight on BC’ section of the Vancouver International Film Festival and will screen again on October 9^th.

Down River is the emotionally stirring story of three young women teetering on the edge between creative breakthroughs and personal breakdowns, and their connection with the older woman they rely on for guidance, support and inspiration.

Inspired by Ben Ratner’s long-time comradeship with actress Babz Chula who passed away in 2010, Down River is a film about mentorship, friendship, living life to the fullest, and ultimately letting go.

“I am very excited that Indiecan will be releasing Down River. Ben has done a masterful job with this sweet, passionate and memorable film. I am looking forward to sharing this wonderfully acted and executed film to Canadian audiences across the country,” said Indiecan’s Avi Federgreen.

“We are very excited to have IndieCan as our Canadian sales agent for Down River. As a boutique company, IndieCan gives us the reassurance that our film will be very well looked after and promoted to the widest possible audience. Avi’s passion for Canadian film and commitment to getting independent films into the marketplace serves us extremely well and we are delighted to have him aboard.” Producer – James Brown

Down River stars three Gemini award-winning actors Helen Shaver, Gabrielle Miller, Colleen Rennison and Ratner’s real-life wife, Leo award-nominated Jennifer Spence. Other actors joining this first-rate cast include Jay Brazeau, Ali Liebert, Brian Markinson and Teach Grant.

Director of Photography is Larry Lynn. Edited by Rob Wenzek. The sound track includes original songs by Kevin House, Colleen Rennison and The Boom Booms.

BEN RATNER is an award-winning actor, writer and director. His directorial debut, Moving Malcolm, received a Best First Feature honour at the 2003 Montreal World Film Festival and played at festivals all over the world, from Vancouver to Kolkata, India. Down River marks his second time as a writer/director.

GOSSAMER CREATIVE INC. AND HAVEN FILMS produced Down River, The film was made in part with the financial participation of Telefilm Canada and additional financing was provided by the Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit (CPTC) and Film Incentive BC (FIBC).

HAVEN FILMS is a Vancouver based Production Company, owned and operated by writer/director/actor Ben Ratner. Haven Films previously produced the feature comedy ‘Moving Malcolm’ which Ratner wrote, directed and starred in and which won Best First Feature at the 2003 Montreal World Film Festival.

GOSSAMER CREATIVE is a Vancouver-based film production company with ties to Gossamer Threads, a leading internet technology firm with deep roots in data storage and online distribution founded in 1996. “Down River” is Gossamer Creative’s first feature film credit and the company has several other projects in development.

INDIECAN ENTERTAINMENT focuses on Canadian independent, low-budget (less than $1.5 million) films. As a distributor, Avi Federgreen follows the same principle that earned him his reputation as a filmmaker; bringing Canadians films they want to watch. Aside from the traditional distribution route, INDIECAN leans heavily on digital delivery. INDIECAN helps films find more opportunities with audiences through TV, Netflix, iTunes, websites, Facebook, Twitter, and other social media platforms. INDIECAN’s vision is to not only support Canadian production but to encourage the viewing of Canadian films by Canadian audiences. Indiecanent.com

Social Media Handles

Website: benratner.com, downrivermovie.com, indiecanent.com
Twitter: @Haven_Studio, @DownRiverMovie, @indiecanent
Facebook: facebook.com/DownRiverMovie, facebook.com/IndiecanEntertainment

Contact The Promotion People

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Written and directed by multiple award-winning writer/director Ben Ratner (Moving Malcolm), Down River is the emotionally stirring story of three young women teetering on the edge between creative breakthroughs and personal breakdowns, and their connection with the older woman they rely on for guidance, support and inspiration.

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

Inspired by Ben Ratner’s long-time comradeship with actress Babz Chula who passed away in 2010, Down River is a film about mentorship, friendship, living life to the fullest, and ultimately letting go.

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

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

Social Media Handles

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

Contact The Promotion People

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Social Media Handles

Website: juanriedinger.com
Twitter: @JuanRiedinger

Contact The Promotion People

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

Jasmyn Pozzo – Publicist
jasmyn@thepromotionpeople.ca
705.255.6887

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Social Media Handles

Website: juanriedinger.com
Twitter: @JuanRiedinger

Contact The Promotion People

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

Jasmyn Pozzo – Publicist
jasmyn@thepromotionpeople.ca
705.255.6887

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