Tag Archives: Vancouver

Up and coming actor Emily Haine takes on the role of Noreen Vanderslice on FX’s Fargo

Fargo Season 2 will premiere on FX on Monday, October 12, 2015 at 10/9c.

Untitled-4 Emily Haine is on the fast track to becoming a house-hold name booking most roles that she has auditioned for in her two years as an actor. Emily can be seen in her recurring role as Noreen Vanderslice on the Emmy Award and Golden Globe Award winning FX hit television series “Fargo” premiering the second season on Monday, October 12 at 10et/pt 9 ct.

Although her success comes as a wonderful surprise to Emily, her mother predicted that 2015 was going to hold big changes for her since she was a child. Emily attributes her success to perpetual training, a close support group and perseverance.

Emily plays Noreen Vanderslice, an emancipated 17 year-old vegetarian working in a butcher shop in Luverne, Minnesota, USA 1979. She’s a bookworm with no filter and sharp wit. Shortly after she booked the role Emily received an email from creator/show runner Noah Hawley with a wealth of literary, musical and historical references for her character Noreen. Working on a character with such depth and scope is a dream come true for Emily.

Emily is grateful for the camaraderie and creative insights shared with her by “Fargo” lead Kirsten Dunst (Spider-Man 2), on the first day that Emily walked into the makeup trailer, Kirsten immediately introduced herself and shared her informed perspectives on Emily’s character, which had a great impact on Emily.

Jesse Plemons (Breaking Bad, Friday Night Lights) was another consummate professional who went out of his way to welcome Emily onto the “Fargo” set and generously collaborated on grounding and acting techniques with her. Emily feels privileged and inspired to be part of such incredible talent.

Last year Emily played the role of Keenan on CW’s “The 100”. Initially she was booked for one episode but once the producers saw her performance they booked additional episodes. Emily says, “I believe if you show up, work hard and have a love for your craft, good things are primed to happen.”

Most recently Emily has been shooting the feature film “Gregoire” directed and written by the talented Cody Bown, who has had three films screen at Cannes Film Festival in the past three years. The film is shot by cinematography Jan Klompje. Emily plays one of the lead roles of Alexa, a conflicted young 20 year old, trapped by circumstance in her hometown of Fort McMurray, Alberta. Her character is sharp-tongued and self-involved. Emily found it fascinating to get into the mind of a person who portrays themselves as indestructible. “Gregoire” is scheduled for release and the film festival circuit in 2016.

Cody says, “I got to meet up with Emily just to talk about the project and share philosophies and as every second went by I realized more and more that she was the perfect choice for this role and no one else could have been this character but her. During the off days, seeing the prep work she was doing for the next days scenes as well as overall character development and prep made my job a lot easier to work with someone who ‘gets it’. This hard work paid off and the results will show on the screen. She put her heart and soul into this character and I couldn’t have asked for more. “

Another role that Emily is proud of is in an experimental short film as the solitary lead in “Milkhoney” that was an official selection of the Miami Fashion Film Festival in 2014.

As a kid Emily was pulled out of ballet because she was too wild however she thrived in musical theatre because it was the one of the few places that embraced her eccentricities. After completing school Emily bought a one-way ticket to Frankfurt, Germany. After a year spent traveling and living out of a backpack and came to realize life is really one long crazy dream and that she only had to give herself over to it. She obtained a UK visa, moved to London where she was accepted into to the full time program at The Actors Temple, a private Meisner studio in the West End.

Last year multi-talented Emily was a full time student at Emily Carr University for Design. She also played bass and sang in Eric Campbell and the Dirt and can be heard on the band’s second studio album recorded at Eagletime Records.

Emily grew up in Richmond, B.C. and now resides in East Vancouver. B.C. with her kitten named Clementine Cuddlebutt.

Emily is available for interviews and photos upon request.

Please contact: Lesley Diana | Lesley@thepromotionpeople.ca | 604-726-5575

Social Media Handles

Twitter: @EmHaine
Facebook: Facebook.com/Haine.Emily
Instagram: @EmilyHaine
IMDb: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm5761980/?ref_=nv_sr_1

Contact The Promotion People

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

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

PAUL SCHEER BOARDS VINE SERIES “WHITE NINJA”

The first narrative series developed for the Vine platform has found its star. Paul Scheer has signed on, lending his talents to bring new life to the legendary and hilarious White Ninja.

The series is based on the hugely popular web comic of the same name that ran exclusive strips on Cracked.com before going on an “official hiatus” on August 14, 2013. Created by Scott Bevan and Kent Earle, the strip has over 1300 comics in it’s archive, boasting a fan base spread across the globe.

Scheer, known for his role as Andre Nowzick on FX’s The League as well as stints on 30 Rock, The Kroll Show, Fresh Off The Boat, Hulu’s Hotwives of Las Vegas and the recently released comedy special CrashTest, will voice White Ninja; the intellectually restricted and, apparently, pain impervious eponymous character. Scheer is joined by Kathleen Barr (Ed, Edd n’ Eddy, ReBoot.), Brian Drummond (Inspector Gadget, DragonBallZ), Shannon Chan Kent (Littlest Pet Shop, My Little Pony), and David A. Kaye (Make Way for Noddy, X-Men Evolution) who will lend their voices to a wide world of characters.

Scheduled to premiere its first five episodes on December 5^th, 2015, the series has also added six of Vine’s biggest stars to it’s roster of directors. Brandon Bowen, Jon Paul Piques (Piques), Gabe Erwin, Esa Fung (Esa Fungtastic), Gregor Reynolds (GregorR), and Stewart Reynolds (Brittlestar) have all come on board to direct a block of episodes for the series. After the initial launch the show will roll out three episodes a week on the White Ninja vine channel – vine.co/WhiteNinja.

North of Now Films and Whiskaye Films, two Vancouver-based production companies, have teamed up to resurrect the hugely popular web comic. Tyler Funk of North of Now Films is heading up the project as the creator and showrunner working with Jameson Parker and David Kaye of Whiskaye Films who are on board as Executive Producers.

“We are very excited to have Paul joining an already incredible team of creatives” said Parker, “the White Ninja name has attracted an amazing selection of writers and directors for the show including some of the biggest influencers in sketch comedy, stand-up, and the YouTube and Vine world. Paul is a huge comedic talent and the perfect choice to bring White Ninja to life”.

A teaser trailer was released to excite fans of the comic ahead of the scheduled summer production commencement. Multiple award-winning animator Erick Grigorovski is attached to the project as its lead animator, tasked with transporting this minimalistic and quirky world to this new and exciting format.

ABOUT NORTH OF NOW FILMS
North of Now is a creative production agency based out of Vancouver, BC specializing in digital content. Producing visually inspiring and engaging advertisements we strive to push the envelope, creating new and exciting branded content and capturing the imagination of audiences worldwide.

ABOUT WHISKAYE FILMS
Whiskaye Films is a Vancouver-based film and television production company founded by David Kaye and Jameson Parker. Whiskaye Films strives to develop and produce internationally recognized content that both entertains and matters.

MEDIA CONTACT
Jameson Parker 778-903-3964 jameson@whiskayefilms.com
Tyler Funk 778-988-3498 everythingfunk@gmail.com

Social Media Handles

Website: whiteninjaseries.com
Vine: vine.co/WhiteNinja
Twitter: @PokeAFish
Instagram: @WhiteNinjaSeries
Facebook: on.fb.me/1F6NaYJ

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

HANNAH: BUDDHISM’S UNTOLD JOURNEY SCREENS AT VIFF ON SEPTEMBER 24th and 26th

AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD FOR BEST DOCUMENTARY AT  17TH ANNUAL ARPA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

Hannah: Buddhism’s Untold Journey—the award-winning documentary by co-director/producers Marta György Kessler and Adam Penny which chronicles Hannah Nydahl’s story of bringing Tibetan Buddhism to the West—makes its Vancouver debut at VIFF (Vancouver International Film Festival) on September 24^th and 26^th. The film was edited by Sundance Grand Jury Prize and Emmy award-winner Simon Barker. Hannah recently made its New York City debut at The Rubin Museum of Art.

Watch the official trailer via Vimeo HERE. Tickets are available at www.viff.org

Filmed in India, Nepal, the Far East and Europe, Hannah is the untold true-story of a young Danish woman’s life, searching for greater levels of perception in the 1960s until as an adult, she becomes a pillar of living Buddhism with her husband Ole Nydahl. In 1968, the two were the first Western students of His Holiness the 16th Karmapa in Nepal. After a period of study, they were sent back to Europe where they made his teachings of Tibetan Buddhism relevant for Western minds. Over the following 3 decades they travelled throughout the world bringing the teachings to all walks of life. “Hannah is not just a story about an exceptional and brave woman,” says co director/producer Marta György Kessler, who spent 15 years traveling with Nydahl and some of the most renowned Buddhist Lamas. “It’s an adventure of historical significance with such a profound, rich narrative, it was important that we not just tell the story—but also really touch people with it.”

In 2006 Hannah was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. She and Ole returned to Copenhagen to live out her last days together in the center they founded in 1974. Almost exactly three months after the diagnosis, Hannah passed away whilst in meditation with her husband and a few friends around her. On June 13, 2015 Hannah and Lama Ole Nydahl received the award for dialogue, coexistence and peace of the UNESCO Association for Intercultural and Interreligious Dialogue. As another award winner, the Association honored Pope Francis I.
lama-ole-nydahl.org/blog/unesco-award-ceremony

“Hannah” recently screened in New York and has been accepted into the Festival Internacional de Cine Documental de la Ciudad de Mexico this October 15 – 24, 2015.

HANNAH: BUDDHISM’S UNTOLD JOURNEY VIFF SCREENINGS
September 24, 6:30 pm SFU Woodwards Vancouver, BC
September 26, 11:00 am SFU Woodwards Vancouver, BC

What are they saying about “Hannah”?
HUFFINGTON POST “The excellently crafted film led the spellbound audience from fascination to tears.”
VILLAGE VOICE “The film is a pleasure – lush jewel tones on tapestries, temples, and statues”
MOVIEFIED “Cinematic as the best of today’s documentaries”
JB SPINS “Highly recommended”

Co-director/producers Marta György Kessler and Adam Penny will be in attendance for both screenings and available for interviews before or during VIFF upon request.

Please contact: Lesley Diana | Lesley@thepromotionpeople.ca | 604-726-5575

About Adam Penny
Adam Penny has worked in media for 12 years, producing documentaries, commercials and brand campaigns. In 2002 he produced his first feature documentary Movimento, about street children and the favelas of Rio for Channel 4. Other documentary credits include The Urban Chef for BBC2, World’s Youngest Daredevils for Sky and The Four Year Plan, a feature documentary following debt ridden football club QPR being taken over by billionaires. As Creative and Managing Director of Connected Pictures Adam has also worked on a vast array of campaigns for brands including Microsoft, SABMiller, British Airways, HSBC, Nissan and for agencies such as TBWA, Saatchi&Saatchi, CHI&Partners and Adam&EveDDB.

About Marta György Kessler
Marta was an actress in Hungary when she met Lama Ole and Hannah in 1990 and started to practice Buddhism. Since then she has lived and worked in different Buddhist communities around Europe. In 2002 she began to give lectures on Buddhism and has continued to do so in many different countries. Marta also travelled with Hannah and Lama Ole for more than 15 years all over the world. During this time she saw firsthand their activity and developed a very close connection to Hannah. In 2009 she came up with the idea to write Hannah’s life story, an inspiration that developed into this film. This is Marta’s first feature documentary.

About Simon Barker
Simon has been an editor for over 20 years. In that time he has worked on countless award-winning feature documentaries including Pussy Riot: A Punk Prayer (Special Jury Prize award-winner 2013), Google and the World Brain (Sundance award-nominee for Grand Jury Prize 2013), Reagan (Emmy award-winner Outstanding Historical Documentary 2012) and 9/11 Heroes of the 88th Floor (Emmy award-nominated Outstanding Informational Programme 2012).

About Connected Pictures  
Connected Pictures is a London-based production company, specialising in documentary and branded video content. Documentaries include The Urban Chef for BBC, World’s Youngest Daredevils with Mylene Klass for Sky as well as co-productions on Turing for Channel 4 and most recently The Four-Year Plan.

They have been involved in campaigns for the re-launched British Airways, behind the scenes documentaries at the Cannes Film Festival, as well as work for SABMiller, Levis, Moet & Chandon, Footlocker, JD Sport, John Lewis, Nissan and many others.

Social Media Handles

Website: hannahthefilm.com, viff.org, docsdf.com, connectedpictures.com
Twitter: @HannahtheFilm
Facebook: Hannah: Buddhism’s Untold Journey
Vimeo: Hannah: Buddhism’s Untold Journey – Official Trailer

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

Award-Winning Writer/Director Robert Cuffley’s feature film CHOKESLAM now in production this fall stars Amanda Crew, Chris Marquette, and Michael Eklund

Amanda Crew to destroy Chris Marquette in wrestler comedy

Award-winning writer/director Robert Cuffley is bringing his fourth feature film “Chokeslam” to production in Regina, Saskatchewan from September 13th to October 7th. “Chokeslam” was recently chosen as one of four recipients of the 2015 CFC/Telefilm Features Comedy Exchange. The film is a co-production with CHAOS A Film Company Inc. and Karma Film.
“Chokeslam” is the story of Corey, a mild-mannered deli clerk (Chris Marquette – “Bad Country”, “Broken Horses”) who finally gets a second chance to pursue Sheena, his high school sweetheart (Amanda Crew – “Silicon Valley”, “Charlie St. Cloud”), a notorious female professional wrestler, when she returns for their ten-year reunion. “Chokeslam” is the story of bruising your knuckles as you club your way through the barriers of love. It’s also about the perils of dating a wrestler with a bad temper.

Robert states, “To me it’s all about the two leads. Like Bud Court and Ruth Gordon in “Harold and Maude” or Dustin Hoffman and Jessica Lange in “Tootsie”, it all rests on their shoulders. So having Amanda and Chris on board, along with Michael Eklund, makes me both confident and excited.”

While making several other movies since Chokeslam’s inception, co-writer Jason Long and Robert found that the humor and heart of “Chokeslam” would always pull them back to this script. The idea for the movie came to Robert after browsing through his high school yearbook many years after graduating. He found it eerie how everyone’s life has changed so drastically from the brief time bubble of high school.

This led to the creation of Corey and Sheena, the ultimate odd couple who reunite at their ten-year high school reunion. “Their relationship has heart and people will connect with that. Wrestling is spectacle. It’s theatre. We’re showing the drama in front of the curtains and behind them as well.”

Robert, an award-winning director and screenwriter, has completed three features films. Robert’s first, co-written with Jason Long, was the multiple Genie nominated “Turning Paige.” His second, “Walk All Over Me” premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival where the Weinstein Brothers bought it. Most recently, he wrote and directed “Ferocious,” starring Kim Coates and Amanda Crew. His films have played the Toronto International Film Festival, The Palm Springs International Film Festival and the SXSW Film Festival, among many others.

Robert grew up in Calgary and has lived in Vancouver. He studied film at S.A.I.T. and the National Screen Institute. Recent Alum of Canadian Film Centre, Robert is currently developing a pilot for television and a supernatural thriller.

“Chokeslam” has been developed with the participation of Telefilm Canada and the Telefilm Canada Feature Comedy Exchange, a CFC initiative in association with Just for Laughs as well as funding from Creative Sask.

Robert is available for interviews upon request. http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0191258/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

For more information and interview requests please contact:
Lesley Diana | Lesley@thepromotionpeople.ca | 604-726-5575

Representation:

Social Media Handles

Twitter: @RobertCuffley, @amandaccrew, @chris_marquette, @MichaelEklund
IMDb: Robert Cuffley

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

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

International Artist Lisa Berry joins the cast of Continuum for their 4th and final season

Lisa was recently nominated for Best Actress at the Black Canadian Awards in Toronto and received a best ensemble Dora Mavor Moore Award nomination (Canada’s Tony) for her work in Young People’s Theatre production of To Kill A Mockingbird.

Dynamic actor Lisa Berry is thrilled to join the cast of Showcase’s Continuum for their 4th and final season. Lisa’s character is a quick thinker, practical soldier and tough chick. Her character commands the respect of the group. Continuum’s final season premieres on September 4 on Showcase in Canada and on September 11 on Syfy in the USA.

Lisa Berry is an international artist whose work stretches across the big screen and the stage. Her comedic talents can be seen in her guest-starring role on the very funny Mr. D (CBC) as the school’s star basketball player’s mother, Kathy Lee Giffer. Lisa also displayed her comedic talents in the recently released feature film “No Stranger than Love” starring alongside Alison Brie as one of her busy body best friends, who has an opinion about everything and everyone.

This Christmas, watch for Lisa in the Hallmark TV Movie Northpole 2 starring opposite Lorie Loughlin as the fast talking, holiday hating CEO, with only making money on the brain.

Earlier this year, Lisa joined the cast of Bravo’s hit cop drama 19-2 in their second season as Rita George, a tough but loveable Jamaican immigrant who brings compassion and balance to her boyfriend’s mischievous ways.

Lisa is quickly finding a home for herself in the horror genre with films like Saw V, Antiviral (directed by Brandon Cronenberg) and The Colony, (starring alongside Laurence Fishburne, Kevin Zegers and Bill Paxton)

Lisa’s most recognizable roles on television include Stella Marz, a district attorney on a mission for justice (starring opposite Dermot Mulroney) on TNT’s Silent Witness, Det. Roz Cabrera on CBC’s Cracked, Serena a flame throwing fae on SyFy’s Lost Girl and playing an assassin for hire alongside Stuart Townsend on Showcase’s XIII The Series.

Lisa’s training at The Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts has allowed her to enjoy the challenges that each new role brings, from her recurring role as a no nonsense nurse on ABC’s medical drama Combat Hospital, to the down to earth Princess Thaisa in Chicago Shakespeare Theatre’s production of Pericles.

Lisa has also been honored with a Trailblazer Award from the Reel World Film Festival and a Broadway World nomination for “best performance by an actress in a featured role” for her work as Calpurnia in Young People’s Theatre’s production of To Kill A Mockingbird. She was also happily surprised to receive her second Black Canadian Award nomination for her work in television this past year. Lisa also enjoys working behind the scenes as an elected council member for ACTRA Toronto.

Having performed at both The Stratford and Shaw Festivals, two of the leading repertory theatre companies in Canada, Lisa has since gone on to play leading roles on all of the main Canadian stages. Notable parts includes originating the role of Corporal Tanya Young in Trillium Award winner Hannah Moscovitch’s World Premier of This Is War, Mayme in the Canadian Premier of the Pulitzer Prize winning play Intimate Apparel for Canadian Stage and Mrs. Muller opposite Canada’s My Big Fat Greek Wedding star Fiona Reid, in Doubt A. Parable. Most recently, Lisa crossed the border making her American theatre stage debut to rave reviews, playing Thaisa opposite Ben Carlson in Chicago Shakespeare Theatre’s production of Pericles.

Lisa shares her life with fellow actor and Stratford star Dion Johnstone (Othello, The Tempest opposite Christopher Plummer). She is the youngest of four children, born and raised in Richmond Hill – just outside Toronto. As a child she was shy and quiet – which is hard to believe for most who know her now – but with the help of her much louder siblings, she quickly found her voice. While Lisa enjoys immersing herself into both acting and coaching and is always looking for ways to stretch both personally and professionally, she never forgets to carve out a little time to relax and recharge.

Social Media Handles

Website: lisaberrylive.com
Twitter: _LisaBerry
YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UC2qJoryd9kkFW3km2608L9A
Vimeo: demo reel: vimeo.com/129747819
stunt reel: vimeo.com/66471811

Contact The Promotion People

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

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