Tag Archives: Lesley Diana

Multiple Award-Winning Actor/Writer/Director & Acting Coach Ben Ratner Brings His Scene Study Intensive Workshop to Toronto October 23rd to 25th

Students are series leads on Sense8, Marco Polo, Gangland Undercover, Bomb Girls, Being Erica

Multiple award-winning actor/writer/director and acting teacher Ben Ratner is returning to Toronto to teach another one of his always sold-out workshops October 23^rd to 25^th at The Underground Dance Centre.

Known for bringing out the best in Canada’s top performers, Ben has directed some of Canada’s most distinguished actors in his own films, including Helen Shaver (in Down River) and John Neville (in Moving Malcolm). He continues to work with a great many of the new generation of Canadian stars including Damon Runyan (Gangland Undercover, Prisoner X), Ali Liebert (Bomb Girls, Lost Girl), Nicholas Lea (Continuum, The X Files), Gabrielle Miller (Good Witch, Corner Gas), Brian J. Smith (Sense8, The Good Wife) and Olivia Cheng (Marco Polo, Arrow) both in scene study classes and as a private coach.

When Canada’s top working actors are seeking a challenge or in need of inspiration, they study with Ben Ratner at Haven Studio, both in Vancouver and Toronto. In addition to series regulars, film leads and top stage actors, up and coming actors will also find Haven to be a challenging and rewarding studio to develop and define their craft on an ongoing basis.

No false promises. No gimmicks. No shortcuts, just hard work, high standards, and uncompromising passion for the craft of acting. Utilizing scenes from the great contemporary playwrights, this is a unique opportunity to push the boundaries of actors’ creativity and commitment with one of Canada’s most highly respected and influential acting teachers. Obstacles will be identified, addressed and overcome in a highly challenging, but always respectful and collaborative atmosphere.

To quote one of Ratner’s favorite playwrights, John Patrick Shanley, “Theatre is a safe place to do the unsafe things that need to be done.” For ambitious new actors wanting to raise the bar, or for veterans in need of some new inspiration, Haven Studio will provide just that place.

Ben Ratner’s Scene Study Intensive Toronto Workshop:
Date: October 23^rd, 24^th and 25^th, 2015
Location: The Underground Dance Centre, Toronto

For more information or to sign up, contact Angela Besharah at: angelabesharah@gmail.com

The testimonials speak for themselves:

“Ben is a treasure – a rare combination of instinct, intelligence and compassion…”
~Brian J. Smith (series lead Sense8, The Good Wife, The Glass Menagerie on Broadway, Outer Critics Circle Award winner, Tony Award & Drama Desk Award-nominated actor)

“The combination of the demanding material, the commitment and talent of my classmates and Ben’s forceful, passionate direction and guidance made me into the actor I am today – a confident and working one!”
~Ali Liebert (Strange Empire, Lost Girl, series lead Bomb Girls, Canadian Screen Award & Leo Award-winning actor)

“I credit many of my ‘breakthroughs’ to Ben’s insight, support, and trust, and highly recommend him to any actors seeking to go deeper into the work…”
~Erin Karpluk (Rookie Blue, Saving Hope, series lead Being Erica, Gemini Award & Leo Award-winning actor)

“Ben Ratner is an amazing teacher and mentor…and an inspiring talent.”
~Ryan Robbins (Ascension, Falling Skies, Continuum, multiple Leo Award-winning actor)

“After too many years of lazy television acting, Ben reminded me what my tools are, provided an environment where I felt safe to take risks and gave me permission to jump!”
~Sonja Bennett (Mistresses, Motive, star/writer of Preggoland, Gemini Award & Genie Award & Leo Award-nominated actor)

“Working with Ben is an incredibly deep experience for me as an actor. I feel challenged to ground my work and find truth.”
~Gabrielle Miller (Good Witch, Call Me Fitz, series lead Corner Gas, Gemini Award & multiple Leo Award winner, Genie Award-nominated actor)

“Ben’s class is an artistic sanctuary. He cultivates an atmosphere based on kindness, professionalism, and integrity where actors feel inspired to offer their craft the focused discipline that will bring out their best.”
~Leah Gibson (The Returned, iZombie, Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce)

“I can draw a straight line between Ben’s class and the next few jobs that I was cast in…I’m having a ball, I feel more empowered in my work and that journey was kick-started at Haven.”
~Nicholas Lea (Continuum, The X Files, The Arts Club’s international tour of Helen Lawrence to Edinburgh/Munich/Toronto/Montreal/Vancouver, Gemini Award & UBCP Award-nominated actor)

“I cannot say enough about how much I have benefited from working with Ben Ratner…He’s invested in your success and I’ve learned how to work smarter and harder to reach my goals.”
~Olivia Cheng (series lead Marco Polo, The Flash, Arrow)

“Ben Ratner has guided me through years of training, he’s enabled me to break through many barriers and enabled me to fly with confidence and vulnerability.”
~Damon Runyan (series lead Gangland Undercover, Prisoner X, Amber Alert)

Ben Ratner’s Bio:
A professional actor for 25 years, Ratner started teaching in 1994 as a protégé of internationally acclaimed acting teacher and author Ivana Chubbuck. He opened his own “Haven Studio” in 2002 and rapidly earned a reputation for his highly demanding and thoroughly rewarding scene study classes. Today, he is sought after as a coach, teacher and mentor to many of Canada’s busiest actors, a great number of who are working internationally.

While teaching in both Vancouver and Toronto, Ratner’s own acting, writing and directing career continues to flourish. With over 100 film and TV credits and numerous awards and nominations under his belt, he most recently received the 2013 “John Juliani Award of Excellence” from UBCP/ACTRA. A Jesse Award nominee for his portrayal of “Bobby” in American Buffalo, Ratner returned to the stage in 2012 to co-star in Dinner with Friends, and in 2014 he directed the Canadian Premiere of Tommy Smith’s White Hot, both of which opened to rave reviews.

Ratner wrote, directed and co-starred in the feature film Moving Malcolm that won him a “Best First Feature Award” at the 2003 Montreal Film Festival. He directed an episode of CTV’s Robson Arms in 2005, and wrote and directed the short film Power Lunch in 2008. Most recently, he wrote and directed the feature film Down River, which has won 8 awards to date, including “Best World Showcase” at the 2014 Soho International Film Festival in New York. He is currently developing his next feature film Original 6, a TV series called Rachel, and is also producing Big Feelings, a documentary about a group of his acting students sharing true stories from their lives, and how this process transforms their experiences into creative empowerment.

Social Media Handles

Twitter: @Haven_Studio, @HavenStudioTO
Facebook: facebook.com/BenRatnerSceneStudy, facebook.com/HavenStudioToronto
Website: benratner.com

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
Instagram: @thepromotionpeople

Cassandra MacLeane – The Passionate Numerologist

Cassandra MacLeane has been a practicing psychic counselor and life cycle advisor for more than thirty years. In a client session, Cassandra uses charts, tarot cards, clairvoyance, psychometry, mediumship and numero cycology as her tools.

Her clients come from all walks of life and include doctors, lawyers, psychologists, kings, clowns, athletes, movie stars, IT specialists, truck drivers, funeral directors, accountants, teachers, exotic dancers, editors and publishers, ministers and administrators.

When Cassandra MacLeane first began her practice as an intuitive reader, she did not realize that her passion for numerology was a natural fit with her psychic ability.

It soon became clear, however that calculating month day and year of birth of each client, yielded so much accurate information, that by explaining what could be easily be seen in the life of each client. This information formed a bridge of trust between the client and the reader, which allowed Cassandra to be, that rare phenomenon, a trusted and respected tarot card reader, but most of all, an accurate and useful numerologist.

Cassandra is a passionate numerologist. Early on she felt that numerology was a simple science, however, 30 years later, as she eats, sleeps, dreams, and speaks the science of numerology, she understands that she is just nibbling at the edge of what there is to know, in this under estimated somewhat forgotten science.

She believes that the date of our birth, the time we come into the world, is an equation, which explains our reason for being here on planet Earth.

She continues to explore the possibilities of what can be understood about the life of a person by calculating their birthday, and also the vibration the name of the person is known by.

One of her great interests is looking at children’s life path number, (month, day, and year of birth) and explaining it to their parents. For this reason, she is writing a book called “Parenting by the Numbers’ which she hopes will help parents and family members to understand more about how to parent effectively. Especially when their children are on a different number vibration than they themselves are.

Cassandra MacLeane has had a long successful connection with media, has had her own call in show in Vancouver at one time, and has appeared often in almost every media outlet in the city, including radio television and newspapers at one time or another over her long career.

She was honored to teach a course in numerology at the prestigious College of Psychic Studies in London in 2007. The college has been in continuous existence since 1875.

As a tribute to her common sense and practical approach, for 17 years she appeared regularly on the QR 77, Corus radio, the Rutherford show in Calgary. Cassandra was a regular guest on ‘The Beat’ with Kid Carson, and has also appeared on Sonic, now Virgin Radio. “The switchboard lights up anytime Cassandra was a guest on our radio talk show over the 18 years that she appeared. She is very comfortable on air, quick and relevant in her readings,” states Dave Rutherford of the Rutherford Radio Show in Calgary.

Cassandra has acted as ‘numerology consultant’ to clients over a 30-year span. Many of her regular clients would be reluctant to buy a house, rent a business space, or name a child, or a business, or even a pet, without checking the numerology vibration with Cassandra.

Call Blaise at 604-836-9852 to book an appointment. Or – 604-732-9226

Social Media Handles

Website: psychicinvancouver.com, cassandramacleane.com
Twitter: @psychicinvan

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
Instagram: @thepromotionpeople

W NETWORK GAME OF HOMES TV CONTESTANTS PJ (PAWAN) and NINA JOHAR PASSION FOR DESIGN SHINES WITH THEIR NEW RENOVATION IN NORTH VANCOUVER

W Network Game of Homes TV Contestants PJ and Nina Johar discovered their passion for design, construction and flipping homes and launched PNJ property investment group. Selected for their great personalities, teamwork, can-do attitude and past property success stories, PJ and Nina displayed their amazing skills and abilities in design and construction on every episode.

PJ had to make the hard decision when his six-figure job was not waiting for him after the TV show. Plans for a design+build company was something that PJ & Nina had been pondering for quite some time. Nina has a deep interest in design planning and layout which started as a hobby and has developed into a business all while still working as a nurse full time and raising two children while managing their household. They have a goal of building a successful real estate empire and currently partner with silent investors on real estate venture projects where PNJ does everything from sourcing the property, renovating/building to selling the property. The hot Vancouver real estate market can be unaffordable for the average investor, however through PNJ they make it possible. They also take on a select few client renovation projects.

Their focus, when possible is on saving old and heritage homes with a view to the future in new construction also. By far the biggest house transformation they have done, PJ & Nina have spent the last six months transforming a house in North Vancouver inside and out. The house sat vacant for five years and was on the market for over 60 days, likely scheduled to be demolished. They brought life back in the family home that two generations grew up in. The house needed extensive work and a complete back to the studs renovation. A challenge far beyond anything on Game of Homes!

With city and Grouse Mountain views they used glass and large doors to bring the outside in. Known for their family friendly designs on the show the house also features a 3-hole putting green to create family fun times. PJ only uses trades that are highly tech savvy and has installed smartphone home automation, a new high velocity heating/ cooling system, in-built sound system, touch tap and to boot the house boasts a massive 500sq ft. deck and huge quartz kitchen island for entertaining. Nina signature designs, like her wall & ceiling headboard and great use of colors inside and out bring life to the house.

Strong-willed and tenacious, this fan favorite couple has all the design and construction experience to take on any challenge. Nina and Pawan have done numerous home renovation projects together including gutting and refurbishing an entire 101yr old heritage home. They love to use color to bring any space to life. With Nina’s strong design background and Pawan’s patience in structural work, the two have a passion for and desire to buy and flip many more houses and on the horizons are two new build projects in the vibrant Commercial Drive area.

PNJ Property Investment Group recognizes its responsibilities beyond the financial aspects of their work. They believe that helping the community and homeowners is important. Protecting our environment through greener redevelopments as well as supporting philanthropic causes in every community is fundamental to their core values.

About PNJ Property Group
PNJ Property Investment Group Ltd. is a privately managed and family owned business that is locally owned and has been operating for a number of years. PNJ has a strong portfolio of successful property acquisitions and strong returns on investment. Pawan Johar (PJ) and Nina Johar are both founders of the company and a strong team focused on solid results and fast growth.

The North Vancouver property at 3348 Mahon Avenue is listed for sale. More information can be found at http://www.pixilink.com/84442.

The beautiful designer home, structured and designed by PJ and Nina from W-Network’s Game of Homes. It is a corner & LARGEST lot on the block. Completely transformed from the studs (Permits) this home has everything you can ask for and more including 3Bdrm up, 2Bdrm down, legal suite (option for fourth bedroom/office/media for owners use), a 3 hole putting green, XL entertainers deck with city and mountain views & 2 huge yards for the kids. Vaulted Ceilings, Smartphone Home Automation, High velocity heating & cooling system, built in audio surround system, LED lighting & Electric car plug-in! This one of a kind gem won’t last!

Social Media Handles

Website: corusent.com, greatpacifictv.com, Wnetwork.com, pnjpropertyinvestmentgroup.com
Twitter: @PNJPropInvestG, @NinaJohar, @GameOfHomesTV, @w_network
Facebook: facebook.com/gameofhomes, facebook.com/wnetwork
YouTube: http://youtu.be/2I27ZUr6Kj4

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
Instagram: @thepromotionpeople

EMMANUELLE VAUGIER JOINS THE CAST ON THE THIRD SEASON OF MISTRESSES TO PREMIERE ON THURSDAY, JUNE 18TH 9/8C AND WILL BE AIRING ON ABC IN THE US AND CTV IN CANADA

Emmanuelle Vaugier continues to reprise her role as The Morrigan in the popular television series Lost Girl now airing on the Syfy Network in the USA

Now in production, stunning actor Emmanuelle Vaugier is shooting a six-episode guest role on the upcoming third season of ABC’s summer series Mistresses. She will play Niko, who’s tough, sexy, rocks a very distinctive style and doesn’t care what you think about it. She becomes the new mixologist at Wunderbar and a thorn in Joss’ (Jes Macallan) side. The third season of Mistresses premieres on June 18^th at 9pm on ABC in the US and CTV in Canada.

Emmanuelle continues to reprise her role on the innovative series Lost Girl, a supernatural highly rated drama series. Playing the role of The Morrigan, Emmanuelle breathes life into her vain and dangerously sociopathic character. The fifth season of ‘Lost Girl’ promises to be the most electrifying season yet. Lost Girl premiered on Showcase in Canada and is now airing on Syfy in the USA.

Photo Credit: Brie Childers

Emmanuelle is best known for her popular role as Charlie Sheen’s ex-fiancée Mia on the award-winning CBS comedy Two and a Half Men in which her character returned for the series finale earlier this year. For three seasons she played Detective Jessica Angell on CSI: NY, and in the USA Network crime series Covert Affairs.

One of the roles that Emmanuelle connected most with was playing a woman who rescues animals in Susie’s Hope, a role for which she won best actress at the Greensville International Film Festival. It’s Christmas, Carol! another starring role for Emmanuelle, won her a Leo Award. Emmanuelle also stars in Absolute Deception alongside Cuba Gooding Jr.

Her numerous television appearances include the female superhero for the SYFY television pilot of the comic Painkiller Jane, and had a starring role in the Master of Horror series directed by John Carpenter. She also portrayed Dr. Helen Bryce; Lex Luthor‘s wife on the WB‘s hit drama Smallville. Emmanuelle spent two seasons in a recurring role on One Tree Hill.

Emmanuelle’s feature film endeavors are just as impressive include Saw II, Saw IV, Secondhand Lions (Michael Caine, Robert Duvall), 40 Days and 40 Nights (Josh Hartnett) and House of the Dead 2: Dead Aim to name a few.

Off-screen, Emmanuelle is an avid animal lover. A project that is very close to her heart is her own 501c3 charitable foundation ‘The Fluffball’, which raises money for various animal charities through her annual cocktail event. This year ‘The Fluffball’ will be held in Los Angeles on October 3^rd. A dedicated equestrian Emmanuelle competes on a horse rescued from a situation of neglect. Emmanuelle paints to express her creativity and contributes a major portion of her sales to the many charitable animal rescue organizations she supports.

Emmanuelle’s inner and outer beauty shines through as she is among the select group of women to be on ‘Maxim‘s Top 100’ list twice. She was also named fifth on Femme Fatal magazine’s 50 Sexiest Women on the Planet’, and was named ‘Sexiest Woman Alive’ for the sixth time by Smartasses Magazine. Emmanuelle has graced the covers of Maxim, Femme Fatal, Dolce Vita, Flare, UMM, Status, Modern Dog, LA Health, Vancouver View, Vancouver Lifestyles, Western Living Condo, Donato, Steppin’ Out and Infamous.

Social Media Handles

Website: emmanuellevaugier.com, syfy.com/lostgirl
Twitter: @evaugier
Facebook: The Real Emmanuelle Vaugier

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
Instagram: @thepromotionpeople

So, You Want To Work In Promotion and Publicity?

Like most promotion agencies, we receive several speculative CVs every week. If you’re thinking of sending in your CV or are looking for some advice on how to break into the promotion and publicity industry then here are some important hints and tips:

Be Prepared to Work Hard

Many young people choose publicity and promotion as their chosen career path without any real idea about what the industry or the profession entails. The entertainment industry has a reputation for being glamorous and exciting, and for many this is an attractive prospect. For the most part this is true, and working for and on behalf of some of the most important and influential talent in the business is an incredible way to spend your working career. However the entertainment business is still just that: a business. Its hard work and many aspects of the industry are completely devoid of the glamor that those entering the industry without any real experience initially expect. Perseverance, hard work, and dedication will all help you to get your foot into the door of the right agency: don’t underestimate the importance of undertaking a work experience placement if there aren’t any full time jobs available. Hard work never goes unnoticed and by proving yourself to be competent, dedicated and able to undertake whatever job is thrown at you, you’ll soon rise to the top of the pile when a permanent position does arise.

Focus on Your Skills

Ensure that you constantly focus on promoting your core skills, and ensure that you develop those skills that will best suit the career you want to undertake. If you want to work in promotions and publicity then a post graduate degree in rocket science is unlikely to be of much use, but that crash course in PR is likely to look great on your CV and boost your skill base too. Know what your main skills are, and understand what skills your interviewer or boss are likely to be looking for. You can then focus on developing these skills whilst learning as much as possible from those more experienced team members around you.

Let Your Head Rule Your Heart

Although you may be tempted to choose to start out your career working for the agency that represents your favourite star, there are much more important things to consider: these are the same factors you should consider before you accept a job role in any field. Job security is a powerful and reassuring thing, and not something offered to every new graduate, so a role that comes with a long term contract should certainly be considered. Other essential perks such as the health protection afforded by a corporate health insurance policy and a pension plan are also vital considerations, and should certainly hold sway when choosing where to work, if you are presented with more than one option. When you’re just starting your career, perks such as health insurance policies and health insurance plans often seem unimportant or irrelevant to your current lifestyle, however in the long term you will find that your life is very uncomfortable without them so it is certainly something to plan ahead for and consider.

Tailor Your CV

Finally, in order to get that interview, be invited for that work experience placement, or otherwise get your foot in the door, you need to make yourself stand out. Your first tool for doing this is your CV. The best applicants tailor their CV for every single job they apply for and personalise their cover letter so that is resonates with the company that you are hoping to work for. It may be more time consuming, but doing a little research and addressing your CV to the HR Manager by name, rather than simply addressing it ‘For the attention of the HR manager’ will immediately capture the attention of the individual you are addressing and guarantee that your CV will be read. Ensure that the content is just as punchy and attention grabbing, and you will stand a much better chance of getting an interview and being able to talk your way into the job of your dreams in a face to face situation.

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
Instagram: @thepromotionpeople

Gastown’s anticipated Bauhaus Restaurant opens, bringing a new style of German cuisine to Vancouver

Gastown’s new Bauhaus Restaurant, led by celebrated chef Stefan Hartmann and owned by film director Uwe Boll, has finally opened this week after months of renovations.

Bauhaus Restaurant is named after the famous design movement from Germany, which seamlessly marries form and function. Many of the dining room elements were custom designed in the original Bauhaus style.

The restaurant is situated inside one of Vancouver’s unique historical buildings, also known as The Boulder Hotel, originally built in 1890. Over the last 100 years, the building has gone through many changes: from its early years as a saloon and bank to its most recent home to Boneta’s Restaurant.

The renovation was led by Vancouver designer Andrea Greenway. The goal of the design was to keep as much of the original structure as possible, an effort that included exposing the original 1890’s brick and marble, and uncovering the historical Bank Safe.

“It was a real challenge to keep the integrity of the building and incorporate our Bauhaus design concept. Modernist design can be a bit austere, so I hope that we have created a nice balance of modern and warm.” ~ Andrea Greenway

The restaurant aims to bring a new style of dining to Vancouver. The beautifully designed restaurant features both a dining room and a large lounge area. The menu incorporates both local and fresh seasonal ingredients and features a chef tasting menu, an à la carte menu, a German classics menu and a lunch menu.

When people think about German cuisine they think Sausage, Schnitzel and Sauerkraut. Unlike its French neighbour, Germany has not historically been known for its haute cuisine. But a modern trend of revitalizing reliable staples, from poached veal tenderloin with polenta and peas to brioche dumpling and white asparagus soup, has ushered in the gastronomic age of neue deutsche Küche, or, New German Cuisine. According to an article by James Brennan (Fine Dining Lovers), Germany has become “one of the powerhouses of modern European gastronomy,” proven further by the impressive accolades awarded by the 2015 Michelin Guide: a whopping total of 281 starred restaurants.

Michelin star chefs, such as Bauhaus Restaurant’s own Stefan Hartmann, have been creating light, lean and local gastronomic delicacies by infusing contemporary flair into traditional favourites. And, lucky for us, Hartmann has brought the taste of Germany to Vancouver’s trendy Gastown district, where the communal spirit of neue deutsche Küche will likely resonate with British Colombia’s local food scene. Much like Canada, according to Food Republic writer Drew Lazor, Germany possesses “a storied agricultural backbone, including a strong citizen gardening tradition dictated by the communal cultivation of seasonal vegetables.”

But don’t be intimidated by chef Stefan Hartmann’s Michelin star title: prices at Bauhaus range from $20-40, and the 8 course chef tasting menu, priced at $110, is a real experience. The seasonal à la carte menu currently features: spot prawns with white asparagus, hollandaise and tarragon; halibut with caper crust, bean puree and lemon butter; goat cheese strudel, with white or green asparagus; and beef tenderloin with celery three ways.

The lunch menu, with prices between $14 and $27, features Arctic char, white asparagus soup, and German classics like beef roulade and wiener schnitzel.

“The good part about the long renovation is that it gave me more time to explore and sample ingredients from suppliers and farmers all over the lower mainland to ensure I have the best on my menu.” ~ Chef Stefan Hartmann

The Bauhaus Bar is led by award winning German bartender Florian Rupp, who recently won the Giffard Liqueurs Iron Bartender award. The signature cocktail menu features original German-inspired drinks like the Buttermilk Margarita (tequila, buttermilk, fresh lime, lemon, agave nectar, and quince jam) and the Ranglum (dark rum, wray, nephew overproof, fresh lime and falernum).

“We look forward to complementing Vancouver’s diverse restaurant scene with the first ever neue deutsche establishment in the city! There really is something on the menu for everyone.” ~ Uwe Boll.

Social Media Handles

Website: bauhaus-restaurant.com
Twitter: @BauhausRest
Facebook: facebook.com/BauhausRestaurant
Instagram: @bauhausrestaurant

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
Instagram: @thepromotionpeople

Anchor Bay Entertainment Canada and IndustryWorks Studios Announce WRECKER Home Entertainment Distribution Plans in Canada

One Road Trip, Two Friends, A Wrong Turn

Anchor Bay Entertainment Canada is proud to announce plans with IndustryWorks Studios, the producers of American Mary, to bring the new horror-thriller film Wrecker to Canada.

Wrecker tells the story of best friends Emily (Anna Hutchison of The Cabin in the Woods) and Lesley (Andrea Whitburn of Lonesome Dove Church) who take a road trip to a music festival in the desert. When Emily makes a decision to turn off the busy highway and onto a lone, desert road, all hell breaks loose. They soon find themselves the target of a relentless tow truck that forces them into a dangerous game of cat and mouse. Harrowing escapes, deadly situations and near captures, turning their road trip in to a living, breathing nightmare.

“Wrecker takes road rage to a new level, it is a game of supernatural cat and sexy mice. Reminiscent of Duel, Wrecker will demolish audiences!” says Susan Curran, Director of Marketing and Acquisitions for Anchor Bay Entertainment Canada of the new addition to the company’s catalogue. Evan Tylor, President of IndustryWorks Studios, echoes the enthusiasm for this deal, “We are proud to have Anchor Bay Entertainment as our Canadian distribution partner. It was exciting to create a unique take on such a familiar genre.”

About Anchor Bay Entertainment Canada
Anchor Bay Entertainment Canada is the Toronto based office of Anchor Bay Entertainment, a leading independent home entertainment company celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2015. Anchor Bay acquires and releases a wide array of filmed entertainment in the theatrical and home entertainment markets, including STARZ Original series, children’s entertainment, fitness (Anchor Bay Fitness), sports and specialty films on Blu-ray™ and DVD formats. The company has long-term distribution agreements in place for select programming with The Weinstein Company, AMC Networks and RADiUS, among others. Headquartered in Beverly Hills, CA, Anchor Bay Entertainment (www.anchorbayentertainment.com) is a full service distributor in the North American market. Anchor Bay Entertainment is a Starz (NASDAQ: STRZA, STRZB) business, www.starz.com. For more information visit www.anchorbayentertainment.ca

About IndustryWorks Pictures/Studios – Canada, International
IndustryWorks is a fully integrated Distribution, Production, Finance and New Media, worldwide content provider. IndustryWorks sets itself apart by having a keen sense of recognizing the potential in projects for distribution and is dedicated to releasing unique and marketable content to the world market place. The Company has several in-house projects in development and acquires films from producers around the world. IndustryWorks distributes its content to through all media outlets, including box office, VOD, SVOD, broadcast, airlines, internet and digital platforms, retail and rental outlets.

Social Media Handles

Website: industry-works.com, anchorbayentertainment.com
Twitter: @IWPictures, @Anchor_Bay
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
Instagram: @thepromotionpeople

Is Gary Busey really ‘God’? IndustryWorks Studios Acquires the World Wide Rights to Independent Film CANDiLAND (2015)

Oscar Nominee Gary Busey stars in CANDiLAND

IndustryWorks Studios has acquired the World Wide distribution rights to the psychological drama CANDiLAND starring Gary Busey in what might very well be his ‘comeback role’. IndustryWorks will be bringing the film to Cannes to sell at the 2015 Marche du Film.

CANDiLAND stars Oscar nominee Gary Busey (The Buddy Holly Story), Chelah Horsdal (Arrow, Hell on Wheels) and James Clayton (Foodland). CANDiLAND marks a nuanced departure for Busey, who has been seen recurrently as a contestant in reality TV shows such as NBC’S The Apprentice. Busey was drawn to the role, finding parallels between his character Arnie and himself and the echoes of the father/son relationship shown in the film familiar. His performance plays earnest and sincere.

CANDiLAND tells the story of intensified mutual attraction to the point of deadly obsession. Peter (James Clayton), a retired and embittered tennis pro, who is estranged from his father Arnie (Gary Busey), decides to leave the solace of his apartment and happens upon Tess (Chelah Horsdal). Tess, a recent vulnerable divorcee, finds Peter’s intensity and attention irresistible. Together they pursue ‘oneness’ and consciously shut out the world, barricading themselves inside Peter’s apartment. A desperate Arnie attempts to liberate the pair from CANDiLAND– but will he make it in time?

Gary Busey states “CANDiLAND teaches us to pay attention to the heart of the injured like you haven’t paid attention before.”

Rusty Nixon says, “Elizabeth Engstrom’s cult novel has haunted me since I first read it twenty years ago. It was an honour to bring the book to life and to work with such a passionate cast and crew to create an unforgettable film experience.”

Produced by Motorcycle Boy and Greendale Productions, CANDiLAND was written and directed by Rusty Nixon.

ABOUT INDUSTRYWORKS STUDIOS/PICTURES – CANADA, INTERNATIONAL

IndustryWorks is a fully integrated Distribution, Production, Finance and New Media, worldwide content provider. IndustryWorks sets itself apart by having a keen sense of recognizing the potential in projects for distribution and is dedicated to releasing unique and marketable content to the world market place. The Company has several in-house projects in development and acquires films from producers around the world. IndustryWorks distributes its content through all media outlets, including box office, VOD, SVOD, broadcast, airlines, internet and digital platforms, retail and rental outlets.

CANDiLAND in CANNES: Please visit IndustryWorks in Cannes, at the Marche du Film – B3 Riviera

Social Media Handles

Website: industry-works.com/content/candiland
Twitter: @candilandfilm, @IWPictures, @THEGaryBusey
Instagram: @candilandfilm
Facebook: facebook.com/candilandfilm
IMDb: pro-labs.imdb.com/title/tt3620120/

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
Instagram: @thepromotionpeople

Actor Nicole Oliver keeps busy with roles in Hallmark’s Radio Hype, Lifetime’s Ungodly Acts, and the feature film Marrying the Family

As one of the most respected voice-over actors Nicole continues to be in demand in animation

Multi-faceted Nicole Oliver continues to keep extremely busy with roles on screen as an actor and in the voice-over market. This spring Nicole divides her time with roles on Hallmark (Eone) “Radio Hype,” Lifetime’s “Ungodly Acts” and the feature film “Marrying the Family.” As one of the most respected voice-over actors Nicole continues to be in demand in Animation on Season 5 of “My Little Pony” now airing on Discovery Family and “Kate and Mim Mim” airing on the Disney Channel.

Hallmark’s “Radio Hype” is directed by Kris Tabori and is starring Alison Sweeney. Nicole has the role as Julie, the owner of a fashion boutique and sister to Nick (Jonathan Scarfe – Hell on Wheels). Carl Bessai directs Lifetime’s “Ungodly Acts”. Nicole plays Paula Martin one of the leaders of the Church of the Blessed Light Ministry.

“Marrying the Family” unites Nicole with many of the ensemble cast from the Film Festival darling (VIFF 2013; TIFF Next Wave 2014) “Leap for Your Life”. “Marrying the Family” follows Dylan (Taylor Hill), as she is getting ready for her wedding to her high school sweetheart Corey (Adam Di Marco). However, any plans for a simple wedding are put on hold when her wedding planner mother Kathy, played by Nicole, steps in to design a wedding Dylan will never forget. Marrying the Family is a sweet comedy about love, family, growing up and letting go and is directed by Peter Benson (What An Idiot).

Nicole Oliver has been nominated for several Leo Awards for her work on both the small and big screen. She is the recipient of the UBCP/ACTRA award for Best Voice for her work in animation.

She has guest starred on numerous television series “Supernatural and “Rogue”. She has also starred in many MOW’s including “The Christmas Ornament” starring Cameron Mathison and Kellie Martin, “The Woodcarver” with John Ratzenberger; “Taken Back – Finding Haley” with Amanda Tapping and “Innocent” with Bill Pullman and Marcia Gay Harden. For four seasons, Nicole was also the host on the hit Slice Network series “Crash Test Mommy”. A high light for Nicole was acting along side her young son, William Ainscough, who starred as Billy in City TV’s “Seed” for two seasons.

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, she has 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, and IKEA.

Nicole Oliver has worked for over twenty years in the entertainment industry as an actor, producer, and director. This multi-talented, incredibly busy mother and professional has mastered the balance between family and work, and has furthered her education with a Masters of Arts in Communication from Royal Roads University (2011). She is the recipient of both the Founders Award for leadership and sustainability and the Chancellors Award for highest academic achievement.

Nicole believes that diversification is the key to success, and that with success in life there can be balance. She resides in Vancouver with her husband and their two sons. Nicole is available for interviews and photographs upon request.

Social Media Handles

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

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
Instagram: @thepromotionpeople

Read Sonja Bennett’s journey to writing her first screenplay for the now popular feature film Preggoland now playing in theatres in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal in Canada and opens in the US on May 8th to a limited release in 10 cities.

By Sonja Bennett

The almost rise, kinda fall, and sorta resurrection of a Canadian actress

In 2001 I was in theatre school getting the dregs of the acting roles. In the last production, I played eight parts – two of which were barnyard animals. My career goal at that point was to be a Bard on the Beach regular and maybe not have to live with three roommates. But my prospects weren’t looking great.

Then something happened. My father, Guy Bennett, was about to direct his first feature, Punch, about a father-daughter relationship. The story goes that the producer said offhandedly, “Too bad your daughter isn’t an actress, that’d be a good hook.” Um, does a proficiency in the back half of a horse costume count? I was “cast” in the movie and my career in film was put in motion.

Headhunters from Fox television were at our TIFF premiere and put me on a contract old-school style like I was Shirley Temple or something. Me and a little unknown comic named Zach Galifianakis. Ever heard of him?

Suddenly I was being groomed as “the next Calista Flockhart.” But my body rebelled against this idea. Somewhere I had read that cashew nuts were a healthy snack and I was eating them by the Dan-D-Pak. I gained 20 pounds, had a stress rash all over my face and had developed an audition-selective stutter. I was completely unprepared for 12-page last minute auditions in LA where I had no support network except my loyal agent, Dylan Collingwood, who came down and tried to help jam lines in my head and figure out the LA highway system.

Needless to say, I didn’t get my Ally McBeal, nothing came of my Fox contract and I slinked back to Vancouver with my tail between my legs. My ego was bruised pretty bad and I took to embarrassing behaviour like hitting gold-level tanning beds to give the town the impression I was “just up from LA for the weekend.”

Six months after my Fox contract had ended, I booked the new lead character on the seventh season of the Canadian series Cold Squad, and despite my whole management team’s disappointment, I was very happy. From that point on I worked steadily for almost a decade. I did comedy, I did drama, I got to work with Atom Egoyan and I won awards and stuff. Life was pretty sweet. I’d once again redefined what my dreams were and could say I was now living it.

And then the recession happened.

Movie stars were turning to shitty TV for work, and the roles I realistically had a shot at were getting smaller and sillier and less lucrative. I had also turned 30 and was apparently no longer the “right kind” of pretty for Smallville. So I did what most actresses do when the work dries up. I decided it’s time to have a baby!

I’m kidding – sort of. Motherhood gave a context to my career. I tried being pickier with roles, but all the good ones went to Oscar winners.

My body was starting to rebel against the slog of being a Vancouver actress in her 30s; to the high probability that the project I was auditioning for had the word “Fatal” or “Tornado” in the title.

I was getting bitter-actress-itis.

I remember my kid saying, “Mama sad, mama have dish-in.” I guess I was sad about my “dish-in” and more importantly I wasn’t a good enough actor to hide it from my son.

So I stopped acting. For almost three years. It was hard. But it was the right decision. I detoxed from the crack that is the highs and lows of the entertainment industry, I had a second child without consulting the UBCP/ACTRA “what’s shooting” list, and I went back to university to seek out another career path cause god knows if I’m not pretty enough for Smallville I’m definitely not getting a job at Cactus Club.

But I still found myself drawn to my husband’s (actor Stephen Lobo) callsheets and scripts. I missed being creative and telling stories and making movies. I wanted back in but knew it had to be different this time round.

I decided to write myself the juicy lead role that no one was going to give me otherwise. The plan was to write a starring vehicle to resuscitate my nearly dead career. I had stories from my motherhood experiences and I came up with the concept for a movie called Preggoland.

And then I wrote. Before my kids woke up, during their naptimes, in the middle of the night if I couldn’t sleep. I channeled all that creative energy into a story. My dear friend Kevin Eastwood agreed to produce. Ironically, by far the most difficult thing about getting the film made was convincing the decision makers to have me star in it. But the producers and the director, Jacob Tierney, supported me entirely – which meant a much smaller budget and a bigger pain in the ass for all involved. They did it anyway and never made me feel guilty.

Now, of course, I would never be so cavalier as to suggest the answer to all out-of-work actresses is to just “go out and make a feature.” It was the simple act of being creative on my own terms and taking control of my own destiny that empowered me. My bitter actress-itis was cured long before Preggoland went into production.

And did all my dreams come true with this film? Has Hollywood come knocking?

I guess the answer is, I don’t know yet. I’m not thinking about it all that much because I’m too busy with my family and the new ideas in my head. In my quest to write a vehicle to launch a “comeback,” I fell in love with writing along the way. And so the parameters of my dream life have shifted once again.

I won’t pretend that it doesn’t twinge my heart a little when I see Zach Galifianakis hosting Saturday Night Live and wonder what could have been if I’d laid off the cashews. But then I move on fast because I’m too busy writing my next feature.

-Sonja Bennett

Social Media Handles

Website: sonjabennett.ca, mongrelmedia.com/film/preggoland.aspx, indiegogo.com/projects/preggoland-help-us-finish-the-movie
Twitter: @sonjabennett123, @Preggoland
Facebook: facebook.com/Preggoland
IMDb: imdb.com/name/nm1060641/?ref_=fn_al_nm_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
Instagram: @thepromotionpeople