Tag Archives: entertainment

Independent Studio IndustryWorks Pictures Brings The Powerful and Historical Original Drama Series ‘The Lost Legion’ to MIPTV

The Promotion People - THE LOST LEGION

IndustryWorks is pleased to announce the exclusive ‘first look’ at the new TV drama series ‘The Lost Legion’ at MIPTV this April.

Sex, corruption, betrayal and the final death throws of a once powerful Empire.  Where enemies become allies, allies become pawns and one man’s struggle to survive is “the last chance for a new Rome”.

The thirteen one hour-long episodes by Executive Producer Evan Tylor, who brought us the now infamous and New York Times touted feature film ‘American Mary’. Petr Kubik and David Kocas direct ‘The Lost Legion’ and Christopher Hyde writes the series. Producers of ‘The Lost Legion’ are Lloyd Simandl and John Curtis. Production for the first two episodes has been completed. Filming will continue in Prague from June to December 2014.

“On behalf of IndustryWorks Pictures, we’re proud to present The Lost Legion, which takes us back to an era of a once great Empire struggling to retain its glory. I haven’t seen this portrayed before in film or television.” Says Evan Tylor, President of IWP. “The stories and characters are captivating, and the history is quite relevant, considering the uncertainty the modern world is facing today.”

“We’re excited about the possibilities for ‘The Lost Legion’ and other new and original shows that we have in development.”

The Promotion People - THE LOST LEGION

About ‘The Lost Legion’ Television Series
After the fall of the Rome a once powerful Empire is now but a shadow of itself, deprived of its former glory and the Dark Ages are imminent.  Roman Fortress towns are now small kingdoms where decadence and corruption thrive and the struggle to maintain control is quickly slipping away.  In one such remote outpost, one Legion remains and strives to bring Rome back to its former glory and the interwoven lives of the strong, the corrupt, the innocent and the power hungry will determine Rome’s final destiny.

About the Cast and Characters:
The series stars Michelle Lukes (‘Strike Back’, ‘Alexander’, ‘Doctors’) as the manipulative and shrewd Urbina Prima, the wife of Maximus our debauched and insane Roman Emperor played by Brian Caspe (‘Hellboy’, The Illusionist’, ‘The Last Knights’). The cast includes Tom McKay (‘Hatfields and McCoys’, ‘The White Queen’) as the ‘Legions’ hero Taranis Maldras and Jim High (‘The Muskateers’, ‘Borgia’, Crossing Lines’) as Argos, the middle man who plays all sides of this chessboard.

The stellar cast comes with a long list of Emmy, Golden Globe and People Choice nominated credits that features Tom McKay who starred in the BBC’s Golden Globe and People’s Choice Nominated show ‘The White Queen’ and stars in the Golden Globe award winning and multi SAG and Prime Time Emmy Award winning, TV show ‘Hatfields & McCoys’ along side Kevin Costner. Michelle Lukes starred in the Emmy Nominated show ‘Strike Back.’ Jim High stars in BBC America’s newest TV Series ‘The Musketeers’, the TV Series ‘Borgia’, Primetime Emmy Nominated TV series ‘Missing’ and the new NBC TV series ‘Crossing Lines’ and soon to be seen in the up and coming feature film ‘Serena’ with Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper. Brian Caspe may be best known for Guillermo Del Torro’s  ’Hellboy’, as well as ‘The Illuisionist’ and ‘Mission Impossible – Ghost Protocol’, Brian Caspe is in the up coming action adventure film ‘The Last Knights’ with Morgan Freeman and Clive Owen and is also in the Oscar Nominated and multi-award winning TV series ‘The American Experience’.

About IndustryWorks Pictures, Inc
IndustryWorks is a fully integrated company that distributes and produces feature films, television and new media content worldwide.

IndustryWorks Pictures sets itself apart by having the keen sense of recognizing potential in projects for production and its primary function is to release unique and marketable content to the market place. IndustryWorks’ mandate is to release films and television content that appeal to the mainstream and niche audiences. The company has several in-house projects in development on an ongoing basis. IndustryWorks distributes its content to all ancillary media outlets, including box office, VOD, SVOD, broadcast, airlines, internet and digital platforms, retail and rental outlets.

Social Media Handles

Website: industry-works.com/the-lost-legion
Twitter: @IWPictures
Facebook: facebook.com/IndustryWorksPictures

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

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

The Promotion People - 3 Days in Havana

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 28th, 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)

The Promotion People - 3 Days in Havana

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

INTERVIEW WITH ELLIE HARVIE WHO PLAYS CANDACE / MRS. BUBKES ON YTV’S NEW SERIES ‘SOME ASSEMBLY REQUIRED’

Some Assembly Required is comprised of great characters, funny dialogue, hilarious situations, big physical comedy, and relationship-based stories with heart. The multi-camera show is shot in front of a live studio audience and premiered on YTV Monday, January 6.

Ellie Harvie is an award-winning Canadian actor and comedian. Her talent, wit and charisma, both on and off camera, have made her a favourite among fans. On Some Assembly Required, Ellie plays Candace Wheeler – a high-powered, ruthless executive, who doesn’t care who she runs over on the road to success. She also doesn’t care who she runs over on the road to Starbucks.

The Promotion People - Some Assembly Required Tell us about your characters on “Some Assembly Required”. 
I am the evil adult.

How long does it take for you to be transformed into Mrs. Bubkes? 
We have it down to 2.5 hours, although it started at 6!!!

Is it difficult to play two characters on this show?
It is actually really fun. While it appears I play 2 characters, I actually only play one character who is evil and sneaky enough to disguise herself as another person.

Do you have a favorite moment in your career thus far? 
Having John Aston kiss my arm as Morticia was pretty surreal!!

How is the experience of being the adult with the cast of young actors?
I love it. They keep me up on technology and social media….and sneakers.

What is the best advice that you could give a young actor wanting to get into the business? 
Start in theatre and focus on the work, not the fame.

What are you working on next? 
I have a couple of irons in the fire but have to wait and see if we are going again for a second season.

The Promotion People - Some Assembly Required

You are often asked to host or be an MC of Award Shows, how do you prepare for these shows?
I am a pretty experienced stand up comic and improviser, that kind of transitions into MC. I am asked a lot to MC events and shows. I really like it. It is kind of my day job.

When did you know that you wanted to be an actor? 
I knew since as far back as I can remember. I loved great old comedies like Abbott and Costello and Ma and Pa Kettle, Francis the talking Mule, Get Smart, Petticoast Junction, Green Acres, Gilligans Island, Beverly Hillbillies and of course The Addams Family. I knew then I wanted to do what they were doing.

Do you find that you get a lot of support from the acting committee in Canada?
The acting community in Canada is very supportive and close. Any time I get a good job I get all kinds of cyber high fives from my friends across the country.

What are your hobbies? 
I am pretty handy. I am the tool person in the family. If something needs fixing or renovating – that my fun time. I also like to garden. Having a 6 year old only child so I am also into trampoline, baseball and camping and playing with lego.

 

Social Media Handles

Twitter: @ellieharvie

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

INTERVIEW WITH TRAVIS TURNER WHO PLAYS ASTER ON YTV’S NEW SERIES ‘SOME ASSEMBLY REQUIRED’

Some Assembly Required is comprised of great characters, funny dialogue, hilarious situations, big physical comedy, and relationship-based stories with heart. The multi-camera show is shot in front of a live studio audience and will be premiering on YTV Monday, January 6 at 6:30 p.m. ET/PT.

Travis Turner is regularly featured in television and films, most recently gathering a role as Aster Vanderberg on Some Assembly Required. His character Aster is creative, confident, and completely comfortable with who he is. He enjoys the finer things in life, and doesn’t understand why anyone would ever want anything less than the best.

The Promotion People - Some Assembly Required

Tell us about your character.
Aster is the King of Swag. He is super into fashion and is in charger of the design of the toys. He likes people who look good and he likes to look good. He is fastidious and quick witted. He can be be quick to dish out some pretty funny liners. At times a bit sarcastic, but underneath his exterior he is a pretty nice guy, but don’t tell anyone.

What inspires your ambition?
I am inspired by life. My family, friends, and fans continue to inspire me daily. Movies and music of course too.

Favourite current hiphop artist?
Good question! Hard to say just one. Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, and ASAP Rocky.

Your character gets to dress in some very creative outfits on “Some Assembly Required”, are you interested in fashion? Do you have any favorite designers or celebrity whose fashion you admire?
I really had to do my research on this character. I have never been really passionate about fashion. I related it to music though. If I hear something bad, its like nails on a chalkboard. I have to ask to change or leave the room. Aster is very much like that. If he doesn’t like your outfit he will let you know.

Since playing this role I have actually ganied a stronger love for fashion. He has influenced me to want to dress better. One celebrity comes to mind would be Justin Timberlake.

What is the most fun about being part of an ensemble cast?
I just love the positive energy. Everyone is unique and so talented. It is infectious.

Do you and your character Aster have anything in common?
Aster and I are both very blunt at times. We Make good first impression. We like looking good and people who look good. We have a sense of humor and have swag. We also are good at advice and a little wiser then we look.

Top 5 albums of all time?
Well way to many good albums I love! What comes to mind though is:

Eminem – Marshal Matters LP
Red Hot Chilli Peppers – Californiacation
2pac – All Eyes On Me
The Beatles – The White Album
Radiohead – OK Computer

What do you enjoy most about acting?
I love performing it is so fun just being a character and living as if something is new every time.

Who would you most like to have the experience of acting with in the future?
Jim Carrey would be awesome.

Social Media Handles

Twitter: @travisturner87

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

INTERVIEW WITH DYLAN PLAYFAIR WHO PLAYS KNOX ON YTV’S NEW SERIES ‘SOME ASSEMBLY REQUIRED’

Some Assembly Required is comprised of great characters, funny dialogue, hilarious situations, big physical comedy, and relationship-based stories with heart. The multi-camera show is shot in front of a live studio audience and will be premiering on YTV Monday, January 6 at 6:30 p.m. ET/PT.

Being fortunate to study under many talented coaches at Vancouver Acting School, Dylan Playfair has been pursuing a career in film, most recently with his role on YTV’s Some Assembly Required. Dylan plays a character named Knox – a teenage stuntman who seems to walk away from everything unscathed. Being an extreme sports junkie and amateur daredevil, Knox is a guy who will do, try, or eat anything.

The Promotion People - Harrison Houde

Tell us about your character.
Knox is the prefect example of what it means to live in the moment. He takes most things literally and will do anything for his friends. A human crash test dummy with a heart of gold and a brain just as dense.

What do you like about working with an ensemble group of actors?
It’s been great working with the ensemble, not only are all the people on our show extremely talented but all have unique insights into what it means to be a performer. I have been able to learn a lot about the craft by watching and listening to my peers.

Are you and your character Knox anything alike?
Knox and I have more in common than you would think, we both love sports, we both love our friends, we both want to please people, and we both work for Knick Knack! I would like to believe I’ve got a slightly higher IQ… Although I’m sure you could find people who would disagree.

Favorite memory?
I have many “favourite” memories, one that sticks out strongly is the time my father won the AHL championship (the Calder Cup) in Saint John NB and brought myself, my two brothers and my mom onto the ice surface to share in the celebration. That was cool.

Who inspires you?
My family has been the strongest inspiration in my life. I look up to several successful actors as role models to mould my career such as Ashton Kutcher, Ryan Reynolds, and Taylor Kitsch (hockey player turned actor).

You have been involved in sports all your life, how does being a part of an ensemble cast compare to being on a sports team?
Film and hockey have tons in common. In hockey you must be self driven to improve on and off the ice year round, you must play your role on the team wether it’s killing penalties or scoring in clutch moments, and you must have strong communication skills to lead people through adversity. I think these are all skills that are directly applicable to working with the “team” that makes a film production.

How supportive is your family on your acting career?
My family makes up the core of my fan base. They have been unbelievable supportive from when I first told them I was moving to Vancouver, to attending an indie screening my first film Grave Encounters 2… GE2 is an R rated horror film. No one in my family watches scary shows. My mom has nightmares watching Goosebumps. They’re die hard supporters.

What has been your favourite role that you have played so far?
I have had the most fun by far playing Knox on Some Assembly Required. If you watch the show it will become very obvious why.

What is your favorite hockey team?
My favourite hockey team is which ever one my dad is coaching, right now that’s Phoenix. I think I would get a lump if coal in my stocking if I said anything different.

What do you do on your down time when you have time off?
I spend a lot of my down time outdoors, I love hiking, going to the beach, playing with our dog (my roommates and I foster pit bulls through hug a bulls) and obviously playing ice hockey.

What is the most fun about being on this tv series?
This TV series is all about making people laugh and sending good vibes to viewers at home. The mechanics of what make a show like this work are very simple, don’t be afraid to be silly, come to work with a smile, and be funny. That combined with great people make this show fun.

Social Media Handles

Facebook: Dylan PlayfairSome Assembly Required
Twitter: @DylanPlayfair

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

INTERVIEW WITH HARRISON HOUDE WHO PLAYS BOWIE ON YTV’S NEW SERIES ‘SOME ASSEMBLY REQUIRED’

Some Assembly Required is comprised of great characters, funny dialogue, hilarious situations, big physical comedy, and relationship-based stories with heart. The multi-camera show is shot in front of a live studio audience and will be premiering on YTV Monday, January 6 at 6:30 p.m. ET/PT.

Harrison Houde has been busy creating an impressive film and television resume, most recently playing the role of Bowie Sherman on Some Assembly Required. His character Bowie excels at math and science, allowing him to quantify and explain why people don’t want to be around him. He wants to use his skills to design and engineer new toys, but unfortunately, his ideas range from bad to dangerous.

The Promotion People - Harrison Houde

Tell us about your character.
My character Bowie Sherman is a little bit socially awkward and very quirky. He celebrates all of his holidays in August because it’s just way more efficient that way. He has some weird outlooks on life, but maybe it’s a good thing. We need weird people to have new ways of seeing things, and Bowie is the guy. Exploring the world one awkward step at a time, Bowie only has found one friend. His best friend; Jarvis Raines, probably his only friend, whereas Jarvis has many. Bowie does get along with the other kids working at Knickknack, but he definitely is a little bit of an oddball at the office.

How did you first get into acting?
Well, my older sister actually did it first for a few years but she is more the academic one, so she quit to focus on her studies in high school at the time. A couple years later when I was going into middle school I wanted to give it a try, mainly because I was really enjoying making YouTube videos and acting in them. I went to JRP in Vancouver for 2 years, travelling from the island every Sunday for 6 hours of classes. I loved it, and the next step was getting an agent (which was relatively easy), and then I started auditioning when I was about 12 or 13. My first role I booked and arguably one of my most famous ones so far into my career is Darren Walsh (the kid who started the famous ‘Cheese Touch’) in the first Diary of a Wimpy Kid. It was a small role, but was my first and in a feature film. It was quite exciting !

What attracts you to music?
I have been into music my whole life, me and my sister would dance around crazily to all her favourites as kids. Spice girls, N-Sync, BSB (backstreet boys), also I remember loving Simple Plan, Weird Al, and the Arrogant Worms. Yes, I was a weird child from the start. I started playing piano when I was 4 years old, and I was asking to play guitar shortly after, which didn’t go so well. I was also always asking to play the drums, which I surprisingly received as a gift on xmas when I was 12 years old. I have always loved electronic type music, and have been quite tech-geeky as well since a young age, so I have been playing around a lot in the past couple years with synthesizers, drum machines, and other weird (maybe QUIRKY) electronic instruments… hah oh man.. I am too much like my character sometimes.

How are you enjoying the experience of being on “Some Assembly Required?”
As cheesy as it sounds; It is honestly, a dream come true. I have always wanted to work on something like this. Comedy is where my heart lies, (which I discovered shortly into my career, and always being a class clown in school). Some Assembly Required’s storyline is amazing first of all, haha. What kid didn’t dream as a kid, their best friend taking ownership of a toy company and being their boss? Oh, that was just me.. well then. This is another stellar kids sitcom we all watched as kids, rushing home to catch the new episode. So far, the insane things I have worn, and have been doing on the show has been a blast. I absolutely love working on this show.

What do you enjoy most about being an entertainer?
I love to make people laugh, and smile. I also will admit I am full of way too much energy all the time and being an entertainer is one way of getting rid of my crazy amounts of it. Not ONLY that, but I will admit that I love the attention. Most performers don’t admit this, but we all dig the attention haha.

What are your favourite albums right now?
I am loving Said The Whale’s new album ‘Hawaii’ ! (Vancouver based band, Van City represent !!!).

Also, I am really loving The Naked & Famous brand new album, ‘In Rolling Waves’. I went and saw them live at the Vogue downtown a month or so ago, and it was amazing. I love that band to pieces haha. Also, I have to shoutout Selena Gomez, I have a celebrity crush on that girl, and her recent album is perfect. These three artists I jam out to in the car on the way to set all the time. Anyway I could ramble on for pages about all the new music and favourite artists I am listening to right now, so I will just stop here.

Do you have any favorite actors and musicians that you look up to?
I love Adam Sandler, Jonah Hill, Christopher Mintz Plasse (McLovin), Chloe G Moretz, Steve Martin, and Brent Butt. These are just a few of my favourite actors.

One musician/artist I really look up to is George Watsky, or just known as Watsky. He is a rapper and poet and I absolutely love his stuff. Also, other musicians I have to mention.. The Brecker Brothers, Selena Gomez, Pentatonix, Naked & Famous, Said the Whale, The Zolas, Mother Mother, Brite Futures (previously known, Natalie Portmans Shaved Head), The Beatles (cant forget them), and Ratatat. Stopping myself once again before this goes too long..

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Stepping out of my Lamborghini, walking up to my penthouse suite in Vancouver, only to catch a helicopter to my other penthouse in LA. Hahahaha… but seriously.

Honestly other than that, I want to be working on some comedic features, and/or new shows, maybe writing some stuff. That is something I will be making sure is happening (can you feel my insane confidence yet?)
Possibly my music career can start somewhere in the next 5 years, as I always have wanted to play synths/drums and start a band.

What do you think that the audience will like most about “Some Assembly Required”?
The writers are great and pick up on really funny things a character will do, and then keep calling back on it, it’s so prime in my opinion haha. I also want to say, watch out for the ‘Phineas and Ferb’ effect, at least thats what I call it haha. I don’t want to spoil anything in the show yet, but I think that is the best way to describe it.

Social Media Handles

Website:  HarrisonHoude.com
Twitter:
 @HarrisonHoude@someassemblytv
Instagram: 
@HarrisonHoude
Facebook: 
Harrison HoudeSome Assembly Required
YouTube: 
youtube.com/xTurnipTimex

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

INTERVIEW WITH KOLTON STEWART WHO PLAYS JARVIS ON YTV’S NEW SERIES ‘SOME ASSEMBLY REQUIRED’

Some Assembly Required is comprised of great characters, funny dialogue, hilarious situations, big physical comedy, and relationship-based stories with heart. The multi-camera show is shot in front of a live studio audience and will be premiering on YTV Monday, January 6 at 6:30 p.m. ET/PT.

Kolton Stewart is thrilled to begin a new chapter in his life as he recently moved to Vancouver to play Jarvis Raines in the YTV series, Some Assembly Required. On the show, Jarvis is a passionate dreamer with a lot of big ideas. He’s a born leader with a winning personality who can charm anyone into doing anything for him, a trait that will come in handy as the new owner of Knickknack Toys.

The Promotion People - Some Assembly Required

Tell us about your character.
I play Jarvis Raines who is the owner of Knickknack Toys. Jarvis is a goal driven guy with a lot of big dreams and ideas now that he owns a toy store. Jarvis is very passionate about his company and co-workers and he wants to do whatever he can to run a successful toy company. He is smart, loyal and keenly aware he needs great skilled staff to make his toy company a huge success. He handpicked his staff because he knew they were the ones to make a successful team at Knickknack Toys.

How did you get involved in this TV series?
Last year I took some time off of auditioning as I was working on competitive dance and music. My agent knew I was not auditioning a lot but she got in touch with me and said this audition looked perfect for me. I went to the audition and then got a call back. I loved the script and Jarvis. I was pretty excited and hoped to get the role. I was completely blown away when I got told I was being invited to a Chemistry Read in B.C for the role of Jarvis. I had just graduated grade 8 two days earlier, but I packed my stuff and learned the script on the plane because it happened so fast! It was one of the coolest experiences of my life because I had never been flown to an audition! I knew I wanted this role when I auditioned in Toronto, but as soon as I did the Chemistry Read I just knew I had to get the role of Jarvis! I waited and waited and waited…then while I was at a camp in Seattle I got a call from my mom. She told me I got the role of Jarvis! I could not have been more excited! I couldn’t wait to move to Vancouver because I loved it there! I still feel really lucky to have been chosen for the role of Jarvis and I love working with the entire cast and crew of Some Assembly Required!

When did you know that you wanted to be an entertainer?
I have been performing music as a drummer since I was about 3 years old so I played infront of audiences before but didn’t know I was performing really. I just did it because I loved music. I joined a few competitive bands that travelled around North America but I never really thought of myself as a performer – I just loved to drum!

I also loved football and when I was 7 years old I was the starting quarterback for my football team. At a practice I got tackled and broke my leg. I decided to audition at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival for The Music Man because I knew I couldn’t play football and Ioved performing as a drummer. I went to the audition with a full leg cast and played my snare drum and sang. After three long months of intense auditioning and a full leg cast, I was so excited to hear I got the role! By the time the rehearsals started my cast was gone and I was hooked! From the time I stepped up on that stage I never wanted to step off. It was truly the best feeling ever. When I saw all of the adult professionals acting, singing and dancing I was truly inspired and knew that I wanted to be an entertainer for the rest of my life! The following season at Stratford Festival I was offered two roles in two plays. I was cast in West Side Story as a soloist and cast member and then was McDuff’s Son in MacBeth.

I was approached by an agent to audition for Lion King while doing West Side Story in Stratford. I auditioned over a three-month period and was hired as Young Simba for the North American Tour of Lion King. Travelling all around North America with so many talented actors changed my life because I knew this is what I had to do for the rest of my life. I still loved sports, but this is where I wanted to be. As soon as I finished the tour of Lion King I decided to try auditioning for Television and Film. From that point on I worked on TV shows and movies which helped me develop my skills and get me ready for one of the biggest roles of my life – Some Assembly Required.

Tell us about your experience on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
I did a video with a friend and we just did it for fun. But around 25 000 views the producers from the Ellen Show contacted my mom and invited us to perform on her show. They told us this song was amazing and knew it would go viral. I did not even really understand what that meant – It happened so fast and being on The Ellen DeGeneres Show was so surreal! I was so scared that I would mess up the live performance but Ellen made me feel so relaxed. She came to watch our practice run and talked to us in such a calming way that it made everything amazing! Everything you think she is onstage, she is offstage. She is kind, personable and very humble. She met with us before the show and after the show and was genuinely interested in my life and where we lived. I have never met such an incredible honest and sincere person in my life. It was truly a remarkable experience and I will never forget her generosity and kind spirit. I hope one day I get to see her again and give back the way she gave to me. It changed everything for me and I’m very grateful for this.

Who are your top 5 favorite artists?
Well Ray Charles really influenced my life and I think I own every CD he has ever put out. I listened to him non-stop when I was little! My top 5 Favorite artists now that I listen to are John Mayer, Ed Sheeran, Stevie Wonder, Justin Bieber and Usher.

Favorite clothing in your closet right now?
At the moment I am absolutely obsessed with Hollister Clothing and GShock watches!

What do you like most about doing “Some Assembly Required”?
My favorite part about doing ‘Some Assembly Required’ is just being able to film an episode every week with a group of amazing actors. I feel very lucky to work with the talented writers, editors and producers because they are so incredibly talented. I love learning from everyone here on set at Some Assembly Required. Being able to know that every week I get to film an episode is so awesome and all of my fellow cast members are truly unbelievable. They are all so talented and have become great friends.

What excites you most about doing this TV series?
What I am most excited about is that I am filming in a series. I have always dreamed about doing something like this. I just did not know it was going to happen this fast! I feel so lucky to be here! Growing up I have always watched shows on YTV and thought to myself “wow imagine if I got to be on a YTV series! Now suddenly that I am actually fulfilling one of my dreams – its so amazing!

Why should people watch this show?
People should watch this show because it is filled with laughter, excitement and drama! We have a group of great writers and every week they never fail to give us hilarious scripts. It’s a very funny show with a lot of big surprises and people of all ages will like this show. The entire cast is super talented and I think people will love this show.

Do you like Twitter and Facebook to reach out to your fans! 
I love Twitter and Facebook! Ever since being on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, I have really been connecting with my fans and a lot of people have been connecting with me via Facebook and Twitter. Social Media is such a great way to reach out to your peer group, your fans and your friends. Check me out on Twitter (@kolton_stewart) and Facebook (Kolton Stewart Performer)! Some Assembly Required also has Twitter, Facebook and a YouTube channel so I hope we will see you there too!

Social Media Handles

Facebook: Kolton Stewart
Twitter: @kolton_stewart

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

INTERVIEW WITH CHARLIE STORWICK WHO PLAYS PIPER ON YTV’S NEW SERIES ‘SOME ASSEMBLY REQUIRED’

Some Assembly Required is comprised of great characters, funny dialogue, hilarious situations, big physical comedy, and relationship-based stories with heart. The multi-camera show is shot in front of a live studio audience and will be premiering on YTV Monday, January 6 at 6:30 p.m. ET/PT.

Our first interview is with cast member Charlie Storwick, whose fiercely independent attitude, edgy sense of style and musical talent led her to play Piper Gray on Some Assembly Required. Piper is a sardonic, alternative “hacker chick” (her term). She can program code, overclock a computer, and kick your butt at Halo. All that makes Piper a natural to head up the Knickknack Toys video game and app division.

The Promotion People - Some Assembly Required

Tell us about your character.
My character is named “Piper Grey”. She’s a very quirky feisty gal. She has lots of spunk, and a LOT of attitude. She likes the world to think that she doesn’t like people in general, but deep down she loves her co-workers at ‘Knickknack Toys’ and she wants the company to succeed. Piper is strong willed, and is NOT afraid to voice her opinion. She is very clever with technology, in fact, that’s her role at the toy company: “Technical programming and game design.” Piper is not your average girl. She has eclectic style, and a quick mind. She doesn’t let anyone or anything get in her way of completing a mission. She has one soft spot, and that is Jarvis Raines. Piper has had a HUGE crush on Jarvis since she started working at the company. He has no clue, but tries to express her love for him, but he tends to not see it.

What attracted you to “Some Assembly Required”?
I remember reading the audition sides for ‘Some Assembly Required’ for the first time. I instantly fell in love with the show. The concept of kids running a toy company just clicked with me. I had never heard of a show that was anything like this one. I like to look at the show as “misfit toys that run a company”. All of the roles in the show are so different from each other and yet they work so well together. The picture the script painted in my head just seemed so magical. The show just sounded like 100% fun, and it is.

Is this your first acting experience?
This is indeed my first acting experience, and I could not of asked for a better first experience. I am having a blast and learning every day.

What do you find is the best experience about being part of an ensemble cast?
The best part of being a part of an ensemble cast is definitely the bond we’ve created. I feel like I have a second family that has the love of the same thing I do. It could not be better. We are all learning and growing together, and it could not be cooler. We get to share laughs every day. We support each other, and we just love being together.

Why do you think that people should watch “Some Assembly Required”?
If you are looking for a good laugh and a unique show this is the perfect show for you. It has something for everybody.

Tell us about your experience when you were the winner on the fourth season of “The Next Star”.
The Next Star experience was insane. I was only twelve at the time, and I was learning to develop the skills that I have now. When I was crowned “The Next Star” I was speechless. That whole finale was a blur and still is to that very day. I cannot believe that I was crowned winner, and I cannot believe where that experience has gotten me.

Do you write songs?
I do in fact write songs. I’ve been writing since I can remember and I love it more than anything. I have this dream of giving people the special felling that music gives me, with my own songs. I write every day, hoping one day to publish and inspire others. Music is such a gift and I can’t imagine life without it.

Favorite concert you’ve been to?
I remember going to my first concert ever, which was “Hilary Duff’s Fly concert” It will always be my favourite concert, because that was the first time I had been exposed to music in such a energetic atmosphere. I remember wanting to be a musician the second Hilary Duff walked on stage.

What are your favorite fashion brands?
Some of my fave fashion brands are: Betsy Johnson, Chanel (I have nothing from Chanel, I just drool over the clothes when I see them in magazines), Urban Outfitters, Free people.. I could go on FOREVER. Anything vintage and eclectic is a definite yes!

Do you like using social media?
I love using social media for two min reasons.
ONE: I have this incredible opportunity to connect with my fans.
TWO: I love posting fun things, social media is such a fun thing. I look at it as a way to share smiles. I love being quirky and real on social media. I try to show people that I’m just a person, nothing more. I’m just as special as anyone.

Social Media Handles

Facebook: Charlie
Twitter: @SoooCharlie

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

David Sancious, original member of the E Street Band, to receive Award for Musical Excellence at Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

World Renowned Keyboardist and Musician David Sancious will be touring with Sting and Paul Simon “On Stage Together” across North America then he is back out with Peter Gabriel on his European “Back to Front” Tour in 2014
The Promotion People - David Sancious

David along with other members of the E Street Band will receive the Award for Musical Excellence at this year’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, April 10, 2014 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

David Sancious, long-time solo keyboardist, guitarist and composer, will have an exceptionally busy year in 2014 touring with three of the most sought after musicians of our time.  He will join Sting and Paul Simon “On Stage Together” in February and March then is back out touring with Peter Gabriel throughout Europe in April and May. Peter Gabriel is also being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on April 10th, 2014.

The Promotion People - Sting & Paul Simon

David will be joining Sting and Paul Simon, two of music’s most renowned and enduring artists who will perform “On Stage Together” throughout North America starting in Houston on February 8th and playing to their final show in New York City’s Madison Square Garden on March 6th following an immediate sell-out in that city. For more information on the tour and tickets please visit www.sting.com.

David will then join the other original members of Peter Gabriel’s band again to tour throughout Europe on Peter Gabriel’s  “Back to Front” tour.  The tour begins in Frankfurt on April 14th and finishes in Berlin on May 14th. For more information and tickets please visit www.petergabriel.com.

Capturing the attention of Bruce Springsteen in the seventies at a jam session in New Jersey, David’s career as a musician kicked off at the young age of seventeen. An original member of Bruce Springsteens’ beloved E Street Band David was invited to join a new band Bruce was forming. The group recorded three albums together and toured the country before David decided it was time to part ways.

The Promotion People - Peter Gabriel

David left the band to form his own group “Tone”, where he would showcase his abilities as not only a sensational musician, but as an equally talented composer, producer and synthesist. David recorded multiple albums with Tone and the accomplishments of these albums led him to become one of the most talented and sought-after keyboardists in the industry.

David re-united with Bruce Springsteen and joined other musicians including Billy Joel, Lady Gaga, Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock, Rufus Wainwright and Will.I.Am  at Sting’s sixtieth birthday to perform some of Stings most recognizable songs at New York’s Beacon Theatre.

The notable artist has since worked with celebrities such as; Eric Clapton, Seal, Aretha Franklin, Santana, Jeff Beck and many others. David has performed on more than fifty albums since his 1973 debut album “Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J.” with Bruce Sprinsteen and the E Street Band. The versatility of his sensational career has made it difficult to categorize his music.  David, however, considers his art a mixture of harmony and melody from the jazz and classical traditions combined with rhythms from the rock and R&B traditions. David is well respected by his peers, considered by many as a “musician’s musician”.

It can often be difficult to center oneself when surrounded by the stress and chaos of being an artist. Yet, somehow, David always manages to find his center and inner peace. At a mere ten years of age, he began his journey into the world of spirituality. David practices meditation and yoga.

David will be touring with Sting and Paul Simon “On Stage Together” throughout North America in February and March then out again with Peter Gabriel’s tour “Back to Front” in April and May 2014 throughout Europe.

 

Social Media Handles

Website:  davidsancious.com
Twitter: @DavidSancious, @officialsting, @itspetergabriel, @paulsimonmusic
YouTube: Behind the Scenes with David Sancious for Yamaha

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