Tag Archives: director

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

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

‘3 Days In Havana’ starring Gil Bellows and Greg Wise opening in Cineplex Theatres across Canada on March 28th, 2014

SOME PEOPLE WOULD KILL FOR THREE DAYS IN HAVANA

3 Days in Havana is the testament of a life-long collaboration between two friends and the directorial debut for both Gil Bellows and Tony Pantages

Gil Bellows and Tony Pantages are pleased to announce that the feature film ‘3 Days in Havana’ will open in Cineplex Theatres across Canada on March 28^th, 2014 via leading Canadian distributor Entertainment One (eOne). 3 Days in Havana is the directorial debut of filmmakers, Gil Bellows & Tony Pantages and is the testament of a life-long collaboration between two friends with a shared vision and the talented family of artists and technicians that joined them on the ride. The film stars Gil Bellows (Ally McBeal, Shawshank Redemption), Greg Wise (Sense and Sensibility), Robin Dunne (Sanctuary), Michael Eklund (The Call, True Justice), Christopher Heyerdahl (Hell on Wheels, True Blood) and John Cassini (Continuum, Blackstone)

About The Film
Jack Petty (Gil Bellows) gets more than he bargained for when he travels to Havana on business and gets caught up in an assassination conspiracy with his new friend Harry Smith (Greg Wise).

Jack Petty sits in an airport bar, nursing a drink. He’s on a stopover halfway to Havana, and so is the sexy lady who chats him up, giving him travel tips and whispering something scary in his ear. He’ll meet her again, in the midst of a conspiracy that includes assassination, kidnapping and more.

This a film with a lot of tradition behind it: some major Hitchcock (particularly Strangers on a Train and The 39 Steps); the wised-up dialogue of old film noir; and the gritty detail and sharp plot twists of contemporary thrillers. It’s all put across with high spirits, and the cast is stellar—highlights include Christopher Heyerdahl as a slick member of the Canadian Consulate, John Cassini as a ruthless mob boss, and Phyllida Law as… well, you’ll see. And there are many other colourful characters, none of them trustworthy, most of them with their sights set on poor Jack. He’ll have to outwit, outrun or outfight them all—a tall order for a mere businessman on a conference trip. But he’s surprisingly cool under pressure. The fun here comes not just from the close shaves and slick repartee but from the knowledge, quickly acquired, that nothing is what it seems. (Courtesy Vancouver International Film Festival)

About The Directors
Gil Bellows is an Emmy & Peabody winning and Golden Globe nominated producer for the HBO film, “Temple Grandin”. Gil also steered Ali Selim’s “Sweet Land” to win the Best First Feature trophy at the Independent Spirit Awards. Best known for creating the role of ‘Billy Thomas’ in the Emmy and Golden Globe Award winning FOX series “Ally McBeal,” Gil first gained international attention among filmgoers and critics for his portrayal of an inmate with a penchant for knowledge in the critically lauded “Shawshank Redemption,” opposite Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman. In recent years, Bellows has found himself starring in several Canadian Independents including Paul Gross and Niv Fichman’s Canadian War-time Drama “Passchendaele” and “Toronto Stories”.

Tony Pantages is an award-winning director of music videos, commercials, documentaries and short films with trophies and nominations for MTV, MuchMusic, Clio & Juno awards. Pantages studied acting at the Loft Studio in LA under Peggy Feury where his classmates included Sean Penn, Matthew Broderick, Krispin Glover and Meg Ryan. After ten years of working with some of the top directors in the business, Tony switched to the other side of the lens, assisting the Oscar winning director John Schlesinger (Midnight Cowboy, Marathon Man) for two years before launching his own successful career directing number one music videos for INXS, Sarah McLachlan and Our Lady Peace and commercials for Lee Jeans & Canadian Airlines. His Behind The Scenes documentary “Beyond the Yellow Brick Road” about the Syfy Channel’s miniseries “Tin Man” broke their viewership record and aired 14 times. Mr. Pantages’ short film Passages was an official selection at the Vancouver International film Festival.

Social Media Handles

Twitter: @3DaysInHavana, @realgilbellows, @tonypantages, @eOnefilms
Facebook: facebook.com/3daysinhavana, facebook.com/eOnefilms
Movie Trailer: vimeo.com/86457182
IMDb: imdb.com/title/tt1842371/?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

Uwe Boll is currently directing Rampage 2 now in production starring Brendan Fletcher in Maple Ridge, British Columbia

Amok II Productions Inc. is pleased to announce that controversial director Uwe Boll (Far Cry, Assault on Wall Street) is currently in production on ‘Rampage 2’ starring British Columbia born Brendan Fletcher (Rouge). Rampage 2 is the sequel to the original cult classic Rampage. The film is being shot on location in Maple Ridge.

Written by Uwe Boll, Rampage 2 brings back the character Bill Williamson who, now outraged by the state of the nation, takes over a television station and holds a number of hostages.

Rampage 2 is being produced by Natalia Tudge. The film co-stars Lochlyn Munro from Tomorrowland and Night of the Roxbury and Mike Dopud from the TV series Mistresses and Durham County.

Writer and Director Uwe Boll is now calling Vancouver home having previously produced and directed over 35 feature films, most of which were filmed in Vancouver. Uwe’s body of work has continuously proven to be both controversial and diversely creative. Though he had a number of projects already under his belt, it wasn’t until 2003’s House of the Dead, based on the popular SEGA game franchise, that Uwe was brought to international attention as a prominent new figure in cult cinema.

Most recently Uwe Boll has made various movies about political subject matters including ‘Auschwitz and ‘Tunnelrats’, ‘Attack on Darfur’ starring Kristanna Loken, David O’Hara and Billy Zane, and his most recent success ‘Assault on Wallstreet’ starring Dominic Purcell, Erin Karpluk, Edward Furlong and John Heard.

Social Media Handles

Twitter: @BollUwe
@BrendanFletch1
@LochlynMunro

IMDb: Uwe Boll
Brendan Fletcher
Lochlyn Munro

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

Steve Nash Clubs, YTV Stars and Toys “R” Us Join Forces to Provide Kids With Toys For the Holidays

The cast of Some Assembly Required joins Nash team members for an in-store shopping spree to help Vancouver’s Salvation Army

Art imitates life as the cast of YTV’s highly anticipated new sitcom Some Assembly Required, a show about kids running their own toy company from Thunderbird Films, takes over a Toys “R” Us store. The young stars are lending their support to Steve Nash Fitness Clubs in the kick-off for its Holiday Campaign to benefit the Vancouver Chapter of the Salvation Army in its Adopt-a-Family program.

On Saturday, November 30^th at 9:30am at the Coquitlam Toys ”R“ Us store, Steve Nash team members along with cast members Kolton Stewart, Charlie Storwick, Harrison Houde, Sydney Scotia, Dylan Playfair, Travis Turner and Ellie Harvie will be given $4,000 by the Steve Nash Fitness Clubs to shop for toys and necessities to ensure children in the community have a happy holiday. Toys “R” Us is helping by generously providing a discount to help purchase as many toys as possible.

“We are very excited to have the cast of Some Assembly Required join our campaign this year. After hearing about the premise of the show, we knew it was a perfect fit – it’s like having our own personal ‘toy specialists’ to help,” says Brent Gaserowski, Nash Clubs Director of Marketing. “We value the work the Salvation Army does in our local communities and want to support what we feel is a wonderful and vital program for the Holiday Season. We are appreciative to have Toys “R” Us on board again this year and are grateful for the help from the Coquitlam store.”

As part of the local Salvation Army’s Adopt-A-Family program, food and toys are packed up by volunteers in each community and given to families that are struggling this holiday season. Donation Bins will be set up in the Nash Clubs for the month of December and as well as on the set of Some Assembly Required for audience members attending the live shows who want to lend their support.

The Salvation Army Vancouver Community and Family Services Executive Director, Major Russ Holland says, “Steve Nash Fitness Club is a champion in the communities to which they are a member of and we are so grateful for their dedication and support in providing hope for so many deserving families in need this holiday season.”

The public are invited to come to Toys “R” Us in Coquitlam on November 30^th at 9:30am to cheer on the cast and are encouraged to buy or bring a toy to contribute to the Toy Drive. For more information on how to be part of the Some Assembly Required live studio audience, go to someassemblylive@gmail.com.

Filmed in Burnaby, British Columbia Canada, Some Assembly Required follows fourteen-year-old Jarvis Raines (Kolton Stewart) who ends up running Knickknack Toys after suing the toy company who produced a chemistry set he receives for Christmas destroys his house. Jarvis enlists the help of five friends and decides to prove to the world that he can not only run the company, but make it even better by creating the most amazing toys. Some Assembly Required premieres on YTV on Monday, January 6 at 6:30 p.m. ET/PT.

Social Media Handles

Website: snclubs.com, YTV.com, thunderbird.tv
Twitter: @SNSC, @someassemblytv, @YTV
Facebook: Steve Nash Fitness Clubs, Some Assembly Required

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

Gemini Award-Winning Gabrielle Miller Makes Her Directorial Debut in Seed&Spark’s Newest Project ‘CLAUDETTE’

The Promotion People - Seed & Spark

Gabrielle Miller is set to direct a short film starring her Corner Gas co-star, Tara Spencer-Nairn and Toronto actor, Scott McCord. Currently in pre-production, the film will shoot for two days on December 7th and 8th 2013 in Toronto. Entitled, CLAUDETTE, the script is a murder mystery surrounding the disappearance of the title character’s husband.

Through the platform of Seed&Spark, the film will be produced primarily through donations. They will go forth in whatever manner they can based on their fundraising at that time, which will end a few days after they wrap. This gives viewers a unique opportunity to actually be a part of the outcome by contributing in real time in response to activity on set. Every donation increases their ability to make a better film, and the more they have going in, the more resources will be available on that day.

Find out more about the project and how you can support it at: seedandspark.com/studio/claudette

SYNOPSIS
After an early morning spent replanting her garden, Claudette wearily comes inside her home. It is autumn, the leaves are falling, it’s not the time for this type of yard work, but that does not concern her. She is too concerned with other things.

Once in doors, Claudette removes her gum boots and places them just inside her kitchen next to a muddy shovel. She climbs the stairs, removes her clothes and showers. Claudette towels off. Claudette gets dressed. Claudette quietly and meticulously packs her bags.

Later, in her kitchen, Claudette lights a kettle for tea on the stove, one last cup before– there is a tapping at the back door, a knocking rather. Claudette goes to it.

It is Detective Koslovski. The Detective assigned to her husband’s case. He had been coming around a lot, but not for the last few weeks. She had wondered about that… she wonders why he was back here now. On today of all days.

Koslovski admires her garden. Claudette agrees to allow him to come inside once he tells her that some ‘news’ has come to light.

In her living room she sits with Koslovski as he explains that the people that her husband owed money to are not the type of people that one would necessarily want to owe money to.

Claudette lets this information bounce off of her shoulders as casually as she can, declaring it was not she but her husband, Jeremiah, who owed the money. Claudette’s evasiveness leads Koslovski to call out the elephant in the room. He states aloud that it is most likely that her husband has absconded leaving his troubles for her to deal with.

The tea kettle in the kitchen whistles. Claudette asks if Koslovski would like some tea and begins to wonder just what exactly Koslovski is here to ask her…

ABOUT THE TEAM

The Promotion People - Gabrielle Miller

GABRIELLE MILLER – Director/Producer

Gemini award-winning Gabrielle Miller (Corner Gas, Call Me Fitz, Moving Day) has appeared in over 75 productions in the past two decades. She is best known for her lead roles on two television series: the runaway hit CTV series Corner Gas, and the critically acclaimed dramedy Robson Arms. In 2013, Gabrielle was nominated for a Canadian Screen Award for her role in Mike Clattenburg’s feature film Moving Day, the opening film for the Canadian Images Program at VIFF in 2012. Combined, Gabrielle has garnered 12 Gemini and Leo Award nominations and five wins. In 2012, Gabrielle had the honor of being a member of Oldenburg International Film Festival’s first ever all female jury. Gabrielle can be heard this fall in the City TV/Hulu adult animated series, Mother Up!, and her most recent foray in the world of independent film, Down River, can be seen in theaters in the Spring of 2014. Gabrielle splits her time between her residences in New York and Toronto.

“I come from a performing background, having been an actor for over twenty years in Canada and the United States. I am very excited to be making my directorial debut with CLAUDETTE.” – Gabrielle Miller

ALEXANDER CENDESE – Writer/Producer

Alexander Cendese is a American/Canadian actor, writer and producer living in New York and Toronto. Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, to a Canadian father and an American mother, Cendese spent significant time in Florence, Italy growing up, before attending the Perry Mansfield Performing Arts School and Camp and eventually, Carnegie Mellon, where he received his Bachelor’s in Acting from the School of Drama in 2004. In 2004, Cendese took up permanent residency in New York City, where he has been a working actor ever since. In 2011, Cendese developed, produced and appeared in the feature film, Blumenthal, starring Brain Cox and Laila Robins. Blumenthal had its world premiere at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival in 2013 and is set for a spring 2014 release. Cendese has produced several short films, including Feeling Tall, and Defaced, which he wrote, shot, edited and directed, and he recently wrapped principal photography on the feature, Best Man in the Dark, which he co-wrote and starred in. Since November of 2012, Cendese has maintained a home in Toronto, as well as New York City.

“I wrote CLAUDETTE for Gabrielle Miller to direct. She is one of the most talented actors I have ever known and having been closely involved with her over the last few years has led me to understand her deep desire to approach story telling from a new perspective. We both share an innate interest in telling stories specifically about women who do extraordinary things. Without painting Claudette’s actions one way or the other, it can certainly be said that she is a surprising woman.” – Alexander Cendese

TARA SPENCER-NAIRN – Claudette

Spencer-Nairn was born in Montreal, raised in Vancouver and currently calls Toronto home. A former competitive gymnast, she is a graduate of the Vancouver Film School. Her big breakthrough came in 1999, when she was cast as Lou in the highly-acclaimed film New Waterford Girl which played at Sundance and TIFF and was nominated for seven Genie awards. Tara is best-known for her Gemini-winning turn as Karen Pelly on the #1 rated sitcom Corner Gas. She can currently be seen in the recurring role of Sandy in CTV’s hit drama The Listener.

Photography credit: Ted Belton

SCOTT MCCORD

Scott Mccord is an actor, musician, voice actor and filmmaker. He is bandleader for the soul-rock band SCOTT MCCORD AND THE BONAFIDE TRUTH (Best New Artist of the Year Nominee – 2010 Maple Blues Awards). Scott recently appeared on stage in Rosa Laborde’s MARINE LIFE (Aluna Theatre) and Sky Gilbert’s NAKED HAMILTON.

Film and TV credits include LOST GIRL, 16 BLOCKS, SHOOT EM UP, REPUBLIC OF DOYLE and THE ELEVENTH HOUR. Animated TV series include TOTAL DRAMA ISLAND, BAKUGAN BATTLE BRAWLERS, MOTHER UP! and CAMP LAKEBOTTOM. Scott’s voice acting talents led to him being invited to New Zealand and Australia as a celebrity guest for ARMAGEDDON FAN EXPO 2011.

KEN KRAWCZYK, CSC – Director of Photography

Having been behind the camera on many award winning series like, Corner Gas, Hiccups, and recently, In Security, Ken Anton Krawcyzk has experienced success at many levels as a director of photography. Although best known for his series work, Krawcysk’s love for motion photography goes beyond television comedy. Driven to create engaging photography for over twenty five years, Krawczyk has extended his craft to many feature film and commercial projects. Krawcyzk was nominated for the Gemini Award for best photography in a comedy program in 2008, 2010, and 2011. Most recently he was nominated for a Canadian Screen Award for his photography on In Security in 2013.

Social Media Handles

Website: seedandspark.com/studio/claudette, gabriellemiller.com
Facebook: Seed&Spark, Gabrielle Miller, Scott Mccord
Twitter: @claudetteshortf, @MillerGabrielle, @alexcendese, @TSpencerNairn, @ScottyMcCord, @seedandspark

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

Classic Romantic Comedy John Apple Jack To Premiere at VAFF in November

“For those with the luxury to live out loud and proud… now what?”

From Skycorner Entertainment Ltd., new generation film John Apple Jack addresses gay pride and self-acceptance. Producers Monika Mitchell, Rick Tae, and Selena Paskalidis are proud to introduce the fun crowd pleaser, where sexuality is secondary to dreams, self-worth, happiness, responsibility and family.

John Apple Jack will have its world premiere at the Centre Piece Gala Film during the Vancouver Asian Film Festival on Saturday, November 9^th at 7:00pm. For tickets visit: vaff.org/festinfo/vaff-17-day-3-program-8

The feature film will then move on to Montreal’s ImageNation before its network premiere on OUTtv.

Starring Chris McNally as John Jardine and Kent S. Leung as Jack Gaang, the romantic comedy has been featured on NovusTV, Daily Xtra, and GayVancouver.

Interview with NovusTV can be viewed online here: youtube.com/watch?v=lvWjrkyeEmY

About The Film

Set in Vancouver’s East-meets-West glamorous restaurant industry, the challenge for both John Jardine and Jack Gaang is to find a way to blend money, sex, love and family into one sumptuous recipe for life.

John Jardine is a handsome gay man and heir to a restaurant empire. John lives with extravagance – champagne, fast cars and fast men – bedding nearly every hot guy in town. After coming out to his parents, John looks for any opportunity to prove his worth to the world.

Jack Gaang is an overly responsible Asian-Canadian who has slept with no man. Jack finds himself settling into a full-time job, a gal pal, an offspring, and an ambition in the culinary industry to sidestep his feelings for John, his childhood crush. He has quietly given up hope that John would ever fall for him and support his dreams of running a restaurant together one day.

As years of mounting tensions culminate into an over-heated argument in the kitchen, Jack throws an apple at John’s head — bruising his boss’s ego and unfurling a series of ill-timed events that teach them both good reasons to grow up.

For these two opposites, romance must ensue… especially when Jack is about to marry John’s sister! After John finds out about the wedding, passions ignite and his life spirals out of control… losing his job, his playboy reputation and his underwear – all while rushing to the altar to finally confess his love! Promiscuous John was once easy for Jack to ignore. But a newer, penniless, more soulful John may soon prove too hard to kick to the curb.

Chris McNally – imdb.com/name/nm2901423/?ref_=tt_cl_t1
Kent S. Leung – imdb.com/name/nm4141406/?ref_=tt_cl_t2
Mkenzie Scott – imdb.com/name/nm1745779/?ref_=tt_cl_t3

About The Crew

Monika Mitchell – Director/Co-Producer

Monika’s filmmaking career started with three independent films: Night Deposit, Witness and Break a Leg (2000-2003), attending 90 international film festivals, winning 27 awards and qualifying for Academy Award consideration with both shorts. Having won Slamdance’s Anarchy Audience Award in 2000, she was a programming contributor for the festival the following two years (2001, 2002). In 2009, she was chosen by Vancouver Olympic Committee and the Cultural Olympiad to curate the film program for Canada during the Olympics and Paralympics of 2010. She acquired, commissioned and/or produced 72 films that were enjoyed by over 13 million viewers worldwide. In 2011 her original script was chosen to participate in Whistler’s CFC’s Producer’s Lab. Monika continues to direct episodic television (beginning with Robson Arms in 2004) and has worked for networks including CBC, CTV, Lifetime and Logo, while developing her own feature projects. She most recently directed the pilot “The Switch” for Trembling Void Productions and OutTV in Summer 2013.

Rick Tae – Writer/Producer

Rick has created films, shorts, TV, multimedia and theatre content currently in various stages of distribution, production and development. He was selected for the NSI Totally Television Program and awarded Telefilm Canada support as a screenwriter/producer. In addition to writing/producing his first feature John Apple Jack, Walk the Dog sold to The Movie Network and Air Canada, and received a Canadian Comedy Award nod, while web-series Marco Chow Massage has garnered fans worldwide. Rick has worked with VAFF in previous years, coached actors and writers in Vancouver and LA, produced/directed Award winning and nominated theatre productions, garnered Gemini and Leo Award nods and a win for his acting work and assisted director/producer Roland Emmerich for Sony Pictures’ blockbuster “2012”.

Selena Paskalidis – Producer

Selena has worked her way up very quickly in Canada’s film, television and digital industries. She started her career as the head of business affairs in long form drama, moving effortlessly into development before taking the reins of production. In 2013 alone, she ushered two features through production, launched a digital brand and is just about to lock financing on her third feature to shoot in the spring of 2014. For the two features already in the can, Selena secured sales and festival gala premieres for John Apple Jack and Telefilm Post Production support for Naked Night Bike, a mid-life crisis comedy that is just completing post-production. Additionally this year, Selena launched a revolutionary digital brand for the creation of online networks, called Dotstudioz (www.dotstudioz.com); designed and implemented the digital strategy for Vic Sarin’s latest documentary, Hue and the iphone and web apps for the reality series Eat St. for Paperny Productions. In previous years, Selena saw the short film she produced Walk The Dog enjoy Official Selection in the 2009 CFC Humor Me Cross Canada Tour and Canadian Comedy Award nominations. Her project The Bryce Lee Story was selected for the Just For Laughs Comedy Boot Camp. Selena is dedicated to ensuring that the smart, funny writers and directors in her midst get their films made, seen and enjoyed by a world-wide audience.

Executive Producer: Todd Giroux
Associate Producer: Jhod Cardinal

Social Media Handles

Website: johnapplejack.com
Twitter: @johnapplejack
Facebook: John Apple Jack Movie
Trailer: youtube.com/watch?v=QKKUKIXqE5E
Vimeo: vimeo.com/77379732

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

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 1^st 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 4^th at 6:30pm and again on Saturday October 5^th 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.

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

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

Directors Michael Hamilton and Corey Ogilvie launch Kickstarter Campaign for documentary feature on Steve Nash

‘Nash’ The Movie gives unprecedented access to NBA Star

‘Nash’ The Movie is a compelling documentary film profiling 8-time NBA All-Star Steve Nash, one of basketball’s most prolific players. Director Michael Hamilton, Founder of Crunchtime Films in association with Donnelly Films, is the creative force behind this movie. On Monday, September 16th, Hamilton will continue his quest to bring the film to the big screen by launching a Kickstarter campaign to raise the $110k necessary for the global consumer marketing campaign.

The KICKSTARTER Campaign will run for 30-days ending October 16th

The film delves deep in to the personas of Steve Nash: Athlete, Philanthropist, Family Man, and NBA Legend in the making. During the making of the film, Hamilton was granted unprecedented access to high profile Nash fans, incuding President Barack Obama who states: “I think you’re measured not just by your skill or your fame or your wealth, but by your character, and I think by that standard Steve [Nash] is going to do very well”. Other notable celebrities lending their voice to the film include actors Owen Wilson and Andy Garcia, Doug Ellin, legendary filmmaker Ron Howard and fellow athlete Kobe Bryant.

Hamilton & Ogilvie give fans a 360 degree perspective of the superstar, as Nash himself pushes viewers to examine the perceived limitations and driving forces in their lives. Aside from his fame and fortune, Nash is innately driven to continue his winning ways in all avenues of his life. “This project has given me a front row seat to the never dull but sometimes very private life of Steve” says Hamilton. “His prowess and work ethic on the court speaks for itself, but now fans will get a rare glance in to what drives one of the world’s most influential people off the court”

Michael Hamilton is an accomplished Director and Producer with a 15-year career that includes spearheading 20+ sports documentaries, television series and feature films. Hamilton’s passion lies in discovering compelling stories and bringing them to life. His acclaimed documentary series ‘The Journey’, chronicling the success of some of North America’s high profile athletes on their way to the Major Leagues, garnered a ratings win for TSN and ESPN classic. Credits also incude a one-hour hockey special for the Rogers SportsNet channel titled ‘Boys to the Bigs’, featuring the NHL’s most electrifying hockey players Sidney Crosby, Alexander Ovechkin, and Eric Staal. Hamilton is also the recipient of a LEO Award Nomination.

Social Media Handles

Website: nashthemovie.com
Twitter: @NashMovie
Facebook: NashTheDocumentary
YouTube: NASH The Documentary Teaser 2

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

ACTOR NICOLE OLIVER PLAYS STAGE MOTHER IN ‘LEAP 4 YOUR LIFE’ WORLD PREMIERE AT THE VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

Nicole joins her young son William Ainscough, star of CITY TV’s “Seed” for Season 2.

The Promotion People - Nicole Oliver

Multi-faceted entertainment ‘superwoman’ Nicole Oliver is in demand more than ever, as an actor and in the voice-over market. Again this fall, she will be splitting her time between Halifax and Vancouver.

In Vancouver, Nicole is playing a stage mother in the upcoming independent feature film “Leap 4 Your Life”, premiering at VIFF on September 30th and October 10, 2013. Also starring “So You Think You Can Dance” Allie Bertram, April Telek and CCMA-nominated Mackenzie Porter. This amazing mockumentary about the quirky, cut-throat world of Competitive Dance is sure to be a festival favourite!

In Halifax, ‘life is imitating art and roles’ as Nicole joins her young son, William Ainscough, who stars as Billy in City TV’s second season of “Seed”. She 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. Recently announced season 1 of “Seed” will air on The CW Network (The CW) in the United States.

Nicole has 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”.

Photography credit: Dan Poh

Well known throughout the world at Brony and Fan Conventions as Princess Celestia and Cheerilee on “My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic” and Zoe on the cartoon “Littlest Pet Shop”, her voice-over work continues to thrive. In animation, in addition to My Little Pony and Littlest Pet Shop, she continues her popular roles on “Max Steel”, “Martha Speaks”, “Strawberry Shortcake”, and “Superbook”. She is currently the voice for Wireless Wave, and has provided her voice to over 100 companies including American Express, Starbucks, Salon Selectives, Club House, Wireless Wave and IKEA. 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” tour.

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. Proof that with success in life there can be balance Nicole completed her MA in Communications while acting. An entrepreneur, she 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.

Social Media Handles

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