Tag Archives: series

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

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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

William Ainscough is nominated for a Joey Award for his role as Billy on ‘Seed’

Watch William in ‘The Christmas Secret’, a Hallmark Movies World Premiere on Sunday, December 7, 9/8c
And ‘The Haunting Hour’ episode entitled Spores set to air on Discovery Family in November 2014

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Young Actor William Ainscough continues to receive nominations for his starring role as Billy in CityTV’s ‘Seed’ at the Joey Awards in the Young Actor age 9 or younger in a TV series Comedy Action Leading Role category.  The Joey Awards will be held in New Westminster BC on November 16thwww.joeyawards.com

The Joey Awards have been established to recognize young performers in Canada through awards, and educate their parents on keeping their young performers safe in the crazy world of Showbiz.” The Joey Awards goal is to reward young actors and actresses in Canada for their hard work and dedication to their craft.

William has received other award nominations for ‘Seed’ including a 2014 Leo Award nomination for best performance in a Comedy, Variety or Musical www.leoawards.com and his 2013 Actor nomination for the ‘BEST NEWCOMER’ category for the UBCP/ACTRA Awards (www.ubcp.com).  ‘Seed’ stars a talented ensemble cast headed by Adam Korson (2 Broke Girls).

It was clear after booking his first two auditions that acting for William was a path well chosen. William’s very first attempt at acting was a success, when he landed his first audition in an open casting call for the feature film Hidden’. William was successful in landing the role of Joey, a slightly shy and soulful boy and close friend and neighbor of Zoe’s (Emily Alyn Lind). The feature film, which follows a family hiding in a bomb shelter after a mysterious outbreak devastates civilization, stars Alexander Skarsgard (True Blood, Battleship) and Andrea Riseborough (Oblivion, Never Let Me Go). The film Hidden, directed by The Duffer Brothers is slated for theatrical release.

William

William has a supporting role as Zach in ‘The Christmas Secret’, a Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Original World Premiere on Sunday, December 7, 9/8c starring Bethany Joy Lenz and John Reardon. http://www.hallmarkmoviesandmysteries.com/the-most-wonderful-movies-of-christmas/most-wonderful-movies William will also be seen in his Guest Star role as Melvin in ‘The Haunting Hour’ episode entitled Spores set to air on the new Discovery Family in November 2014.

Other recent highlights for William include playing the iconic role of John Darling in ABC’s ‘Once Upon a Time,’ and a major supporting role in ‘Zapped’ the television feature for the new Disney Channel starring the US pop music sensation and actor Zendaya.

Following in his parent’s footsteps (Nicole Oliver, actress; Chris Ainscough, composer/film editor), William Ainscough is making a serious impression in the entertainment industry. It was after watching his mother in action during visits to the sets of some of her film projects that William’s interest in the acting world began. Nicole inspired him to try acting for himself and began taking classes.  William has had the chance to act opposite his mother in several episodes of ‘Seed’, when she plays Billy’s teacher and principal, Mrs. Anderson.

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

Social Media Handles

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

Contact The Promotion People

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

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

Two Provinces, Two Crews – HIGHWAY THRU HELL Expands for an Epic Third Season, September 2 on Discovery

Jamie Davis Heavy Rescue maintains operations in B.C., while expanding into Alberta to service the infamous highways through the oil patch

“The Coquihalla Experience” puts viewers in the driver’s seat for an interactive immersion at Discovery.ca

When it comes to wicked weather and wild wrecks, there’s only one other highway system that rivals B.C.’s Coquihalla. As HIGHWAY THRU HELL returns to Discovery for Season 3, premiering Tuesday, September 2 at 10 p.m. ET/PT, Jamie Davis Heavy Rescue moves into Alberta to tackle Highways 881 and 63, basing a second operation out of Lac La Biche – while maintaining Davis’ decade-old business in Hope, B.C. Two provinces, two teams, new crew, old rivals, more trust, more friction, and vastly different types of weather and crash conditions – this hellish third season of the original Canadian hit series from Vancouver’s Great Pacific TV is the most epic season yet!

Highway Thru Hell - The Promotion People

The heroes of the highway return for Season 3 of HIGHWAY THRU HELL, premiering September 2 on Discovery.

Click here to view the Season 3 trailer!

Back with 13 new episodes, HIGHWAY THRU HELL travels some of the most economically vital – and most inhospitable – trucking routes in North America. Plagued by winter storms, truckers spin out and smash up, and heavy rescue teams hustle to clear the highway carnage and get the road open again. These highway heroes are a hit with viewers –Season 2 of HIGHWAY THRU HELL was #1 in its timeslot on Canadian entertainment specialty television among all key adult and male demos, and was the #3 Canadian entertainment specialty program among Adults 25-54 and 18-49 overall. The 2012 debut still ranks as the #1 series premiere in Discovery’s history*.

Changes and challenges mark every moment of Season 3. Last season, Jamie Davis Heavy Rescue lost a significant amount of business when a new competitor has scooped up half the recoveries, forcing Davis to seek new opportunities to off-set these restrictions. Gambling big, Davis rolls into northern Alberta’s booming oil patch to stake a new claim on another road worthy of the title “highway thru hell.”

Highway Thru Hell - The Promotion People

Highway 881 runs north 300 kilometers through remote forest, muskeg, and tundra between Lac La Biche and Fort McMurray. But it’s the only route into newly-discovered oil and gas fields, worth billions of dollars. On a route supplying more energy to the U.S. than Saudi Arabia, hundreds of millions of dollars of heavy equipment must be moved daily on this narrow, two-lane highway. Almost 60,000 shift workers are in camps serviced by Highway 881, and on shift-change day, thousands of workers need to get home. Davis sends his best drivers and trucks to the Alberta oil patch; he tasks Adam Gazzola to manage the new Alberta startup. His crew includes Colin McLean, a city driver fresh from Vancouver who has to earn Gazzola’s respect. Deep snow, bitter cold, and big recoveries that dwarf most loads in B.C. push Gazzola’s team to the limit.

Back in B.C., Davis faces more challenges. During the heaviest snowfall and worst avalanche conditions in decades, he’s left with a skeleton crew of new hires and old trucks in his battle to keep the Coquihalla Highway open. New drivers include Howie Irwin, a highly-skilled heavy recovery vet who used to work the Coq for Davis and his brother before buying his own truck and moving to the city; and Don Starr, a 20-year mountain veteran with MacGyver-like ingenuity. But Davis isn’t the only guy on the road. With Davis’ team stretched across two provinces, rival rescue operator Al Quiring steps into the void. For years, Davis and Quiring  have gone “tow to tow” for the title of “King of the Coq”. And like Davis has done with this stepson Brandon, Quiring is teaching the family trade to the next generation, his son Cary by his side. These young bucks have a lot to prove. Brandon is setting his sights on the Alberta operation, but must first show Davis that he has what it takes at home in B.C. Brandon attends a “wreckmaster heavy rescue bootcamp,” and this season Davis offers Brandon the chance to patrol in the quick response truck, aimed at securing accident scenes for heavy rescue… before the competition.

Highlights from the first episodes of HIGHWAY THRU HELL, Season 3, include:

HIGHWAY THRU HELL: “New Hell Old Hell”
Tuesday, September 2 at 10 p.m. ET/PT
A new winter season starts with Jamie Davis Heavy Rescue split in two… Adam Gazzola has taken half the fleet north to Alberta’s rich and dangerous oil fields while Jamie Davis stays back to fight and keep the Coq open all by himself.

HIGHWAY THRU HELL: “New Hope”
Tuesday, September 9 at 10 p.m. ET/PT
Jamie Davis realizes he can’t do it all alone in B.C. and hires a new driver. But the newest addition ends up needing rescuing himself after he crashes Bruce Hardy’s legendary blue truck. Davis’ stepson Brandon is forced to prove himself after his plans to join the Alberta team are put on hold.  And rookie operator, Colin McLean, learns just how tough his new boss Adam Gazzola can be… when a seemingly simple job goes sideways.

When “closure is not an option,” Davis’ teams struggle to make a go of it as the season continues. In Alberta, the crew must sleep in their trucks when they can’t find homes to rent, face the bitter cold of an Alberta winter, and endure the pain and heartache of leaving family behind. In B.C., 300 centimetres of snow falls in February, creating the worst avalanche conditions on the Coq in its 27-year history, which Davis must tackle with his newest crew and oldest trucks. At the end of the season, Davis faces the ultimate decision: should he throw all his resources into his new Alberta business, or rebuild his B.C. operations and wage a renewed battle on the Coq?

The HIGHWAY THRU HELL experience continues at Discovery.ca exclusive video, photo galleries, and show information – updated throughout the run of the series. Fans of HIGHWAY THRU HELL can delve even deeper with two rich interactive experiences that put viewers in the driver’s seat and feature the show’s silent stars: the highways themselves. Fully immersive and interactive, “The Coquihalla Experience” builds community and sparks conversation through “Explore the Coq / Coq Stories,” offering users an opportunity to drive the highway, explore the wrecks, and contribute their own stories about the Coquihalla. Also, armchair experts can test their skills in simulated challenges clearing difficult wrecks – and claim social bragging rights. Viewers can extend their experience on mobile via the Discovery App, and join the HIGHWAY THRU HELL conversation with the cast and crew during LIVE chats on Twitter (@HWYThruHell) during each Tuesday at 10 p.m. ET broadcast (hashtag #hwythruhell).

Discovery - The Promotion People

About Discovery:
The world is just awesome! With compelling real-life programming that inspires and entertains, Discovery reveals the world in all its wonder, diversity and amazement. Discovery offers a signature mix of adrenaline-charged stories, larger-than-life personalities and vivid imagery for viewers with curious minds. With the best non-fiction programming from Canada and around the world, Discovery captures the excitement of a passion for life – one lived fully and at its most extreme. With exceptional and immersive storytelling, the channel offers in-depth, behind-the-scenes glimpses at the extraordinary people and places that shape our world. Launched in Canada in 1995, Discovery is now available in more than eight million Canadian homes. Discovery is offered in standard definition (SD) and high definition (HD) simulcast – for viewers who want an even bigger and bolder experience. Discovery Canada is a joint venture between Bell Media, which is owned by BCE Inc. (TSX, NYSE: BCE), Canada’s largest communications company, and Discovery Communications Inc. Find more information and interactive online features at Discovery.ca.

Social Media Handles

Website: discovery.ca/highwaythruhellgreatpacifictv.com
Twitter: @HWYthruhell@DiscoveryCanada@GreatPacificTV
Facebook: facebook.com/discoverycanada

Source: Numeris (Formerly BBM Canada)

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

William Ainscough stars in City TV’s series “Seed” set to premiere on the CW Network in July, co-stars in Disney Channel’s ‘Zapped’ out June 27th and was a nominee for a 2014 Leo Award

The Promotion People - William AinscoughIn the past year, William Ainscough has been recognized for his hard work on “SEED”; being nominated for the 2013 UBCP Best Newcomer and most recently for a 2014 Leo Award Best Performance in a Music, Comedy, or Variety Program or Series category. William was also thrilled to attend the CSAs in Toronto in March to celebrate Seed’s 8 CSA nominations including Best Comedic Series.

The first season of “SEED” was hailed as both a critical and commercial success and has been picked up by U.S. network The CW set to debut on the CW Monday July 14. William returned to his starring role of Billy Jones-Krasnoff in the second season of “SEED” and is just wrapping up airing Thursday nights at 9pm on CityTV. The series stars Adam Korson (2 Broke Girls) as Harry, a bachelor-bartender and sperm donor. Harry discovers that his foray into the world of sperm donation has resulted in kids – lots of kids! This ill-equipped bachelor finds himself entangled in the lives of his newfound children and their less-than-thrilled families with whom he’ll come to share more than just his DNA.

The Promotion People - William Ainscough SEED

William Ainscough has been busy with other several acting gigs; having played the iconic role of John Darling in ABC’s “Once Upon a Time”, completing a major supporting role in “The Christmas Ornament” for Hallmark Channel coming out this December, and a leading role on “The Haunting Hour”, which will air on the HUB Network later this year.

Continuously pursuing his acting ambitions, William also booked a role in the comedic Disney Channel Original Movie “Zapped”, set to debut June 27, 2014. He has been working with multi-talented recording artist/actress Zendaya (“Dancing with the Stars,” “Shake It Up”), who will be headlining “Zapped,” the story of Zoey, a girl whose well-ordered life is up-ended when her mother remarries and she finds herself part of a family composed of rambunctious, chaotic – and most of all – messy boys and a male dog, to boot. William plays Ben, the youngest and messiest of Zendaya’s step-brothers.

After booking his first two auditions, it was clear that acting was a path well chosen for William. He has been thrilled to be able to add actor and his new bookings to his resume of accomplishments. Following in his parent’s footsteps (Nicole Oliver, actress; Chris Ainscough, composer/film editor), William Ainscough is making a serious impression in the entertainment industry. William has had the chance to act opposite his mother in several episodes of SEED , when she plays Billy’s teacher/Vice Principal, Mrs. Anderson.

It was after watching his mother in action during visits to the sets of some of her film projects that William’s interest in the acting world began. Nicole inspired him to try acting for himself and his very first attempt at acting was a success, when he landed his first audition in May 2012—an open casting call for a new feature film “Hidden”. The feature film, which follows a family hiding in a bomb shelter after a mysterious outbreak devastates civilization, stars Alexander Skarsgard (True Blood, Battleship) and Andrea Riseborough (Oblivion, Never Let Me Go). William was successful in landing the role of Joey, a slightly shy and soulful boy and close friend and neighbor of Zoe’s (Emily Alyn Lind). The film Hidden, directed by The Duffer Brothers, and is set to hit theatres in 2014.

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

 

Social Media Handles

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

Contact The Promotion People

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

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

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