Author: DECOSTA Global

Toronto/Barbados – February 19, 2010

The Best of CaribbeanTales Film Festival is set to launch in Barbados next week, screening some of the best Caribbean films made in recent years, alongside a symposium on Global Distribution, a Caribbean Film Market, workshops, master classes, and youth screenings.

The Festival kicks off with a Gala Launch hosted by The Canadian Embassy and the National Cultural Foundation, on Tuesday, February 23rd 2010, at 6pm, at Frank Collymore Hall. The Launch will feature special presentations by writer George Lamming, and music icon Eddie Grant, as well as screenings of some very entertaining films including “Trapped In An Elevator” by Barbados’ own Rommel Hall, “The Power of the Vagina” by T&T filmmaker Jimmel Daniel, and Canadian/Trinidadian filmmaker Frances-Anne Solomon’s audience favourite “A Winter Tale”. The festival will continue throughout the week with events taking place at the Savanna Hotel and screenings at Olympus Theatres, Sheraton Mall, ending on March 2nd, 2010.

On Wednesday, 24th February, there will be a 1-day Symposium on Global Distribution, hosted by One Caribbean Media, featuring contributions by leading international players in the distribution field, including representatives from Time Warner, the South African Broadcasting Corporation and Rogers Television.

Another great opportunity for local and regional filmmakers, and film buffs will be the first ever Caribbean Film Marketplace. Modeled on the Rotterdam Cinemart, selected independent producers will have an opportunity to pitch their projects to buyers, and have one-on-one meetings with industry stakeholders, including broadcasters, government representatives, cinema owners, educational institutions, music industry entrepreneurs, screenwriters and book publishers.

The Festival will host a number of workshops including a directing master class with acclaimed African American filmmaker Julie Dash, whose stunning 1991 feature film Daughters of the Dust made her the first woman of African descent to have a movie on general release in the United States. Ms Dash’s visit to Barbados is sponsored by the US Embassy in recognition of the strong links between the African American communities in America and those of the Caribbean. The festival will also screen Ms Dash’s beautiful and important 2003 film The Rosa Parks Story and Ms. Dash will participate in a Question and Answer period after the screening.

Other workshops during the festival include: A master class with Cinematographer Franklyn “Chappie” St Juste, (The Harder They Come), a workshop on special effects with Makeup Artist Adzil Stewart hosted by the National Cultural Foundation, a “Dialogue between Broadcasters and Independent Producers” hosted by The Caribbean Channel, and a workshop presentation of “Tide Running” a new screenplay by talented British/Guyanese writer Oonya Kempadoo.

Throughout the festival, films being featured turn a spotlight on Caribbean filmmaking and the burgeoning community of filmmakers around the world who are now producing entertaining and thought provoking films about the region and its Diaspora, including North America, Europe, Africa, India and Canada. Films to be screened include Africa Unite by Stephanie Black, and Calypso Dreams by Geoffrey Dunn; Carmen and Geoffrey by Nick Doob and Tribes by Jamaica’s talented music video director Ras Kassa.

Other celebrated films are Maria Govan’s stunning critically acclaimed Bahamian feature Rain; Nurse. Fighter. Boy by Jamaican/Canadian Charles Officer, award-winning documentary feature The Solitary Alchemist by T&T’s Mariel Brown, Coolie Pink and Green, an experimental short exploring Bollywood images in a Caribbean context by Pat Mohammed, award-winning shorts by Yao Ramesar, and Lisa Wickam and many more!

The CaribbeanTales Film Festival is founded by accomplished Toronto-based Trinidadian filmmaker Frances-Anne Solomon, whose most recent award-winning feature film A Winter Tale has won international acclaim, and who has been a visiting lecturer at UWI over the past year. This year the festival welcomes three new Associate Directors, including Jamaican filmmaker Mary Wells, Trinidad-based Producer/Director/TV Personality Lisa Wickham; and Mitzi Allen, CEO and Co-owner of HAMA TV in Antigua.

The Best of CaribbeanTales Film Festival is incredibly proud to partner with many local and regional organisations including The Tourism Development Corporation, Invest Barbados, One Caribbean Media, The Nation Newspapers, Starcom, the Shridath Ramphal Center at UWI, the National Cultural Foundation, The Commonwealth Foundation, Unido, Carib Export, the Caribbean Channel, the Barbados Film and Video Association, the Caribbean Film and Media Academy, the Bajan Reporter, Merville Lynch Productions, Alison Saunders and Rivelino Simmons, and many more.

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Available for interviews, Festival Director Frances-Anne Solomon

For media inquiries please contact:
Pennant Media Group
Kevin Pennant [email protected]
Toronto 416.596.2978
Los Angeles 818.748.7517

Toronto –February 17th, 2010

From perfectionist and compulsive to affectionate and warm-hearted, Canadian Actress Rachel Wilson takes on a dual personality playing the role of Dr. Nikki Rehnolds on the hit CBC television series, Republic of Doyle. The show airs on Wednesday nights at 9:00 pm.

Taking place in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Republic of Doyle is both a dramatic and comedic series that fuses classic investigative shows with the contemporary. The episodes look at the life of private investigator, Jack Doyle, and his relationships with the people that surround him, including Dr. Nikki Rehnolds.

Played by Rachel, Nikki is an ER Doctor who has the fiery personality of the ill-tempered but also believes in moral values such as maintaining a strong marriage.

Widely recognized for her role in Breaker High as Tamira Goldstein, an eccentric artist who comes from a small Ohio town, Rachel has worked in some of the most notable films and television series since.

Rachel has been credited in films with some of the biggest names in Hollywood including The Glass House with Leelee Sobieski (Columbia Tri-Star), Anywhere But Here with Susan Sarandon (Fox Searchlight), Austin Powers 2 opposite Woody Harrelson (Disney) and Mystery Alaska with Burt Reynolds and Russell Crowe (Disney).

Her television appearances include regularly voicing the role of Heather on the award winning Teletoon cartoon Total Drama Island. She has also appeared as guest star roles in multiple series including Kevin Hill (UPN), Judging Amy (CBS), Providence (NBC), Charmed (WB) and Popular (WB).

Most recently Rachel’s film credits include St. Roz (Lamport-Sheppard Entertainment), The Two Mr. Kissels for Lifetime opposite Robin Tunney and Puck Hogs (Protocol), which premiered at the 2009 Vancouver International Film Festival.

This fall, Rachel has two upcoming films, Man V. Minivan and 75 El Camino, which were included as official selections in the 2009 Toronto International Film Festival. Additionally, her web series My Pal Satan, was officially selected for the 2009 Independent Pilot Competition at the New York Television Festival.

For more information on Rachel Wilson please visit
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0933987/

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Available for interviews, Juliette Powell

For media inquiries please contact:
Pennant Media Group
Kevin Pennant [email protected]
Toronto 416.596.2978
Los Angeles 818.748.7517

Toronto- February 12, 2010

February 26th 2010 – The Ontario Library Associate (OLA), featuring the Honourable Romeo Dallaire, is pleased to recognize author Eric Walters with its President’s Award for Exceptional Achievement. The award will be presented by OLA President Peggy Thomas. Walters is being honoured for his commitment to informing a generation of children about the experiences and realities of children worldwide at their 17th annual Super Conference.

The award recognizes Walters commitment to social justice and making meaningful contributions to our society by establishing The Creation of Hope, an outreach program and orphanage in Kikima, Kenya that provides direct support, education, advocacy, micro-grants and micro-loans for children and their extended families throughout the region who are living at risk. The orphanage also houses and cares for children without families to support them.

Eric Walters utilizes his novels and speaking engagements to promote his philanthropic initiatives. Through his books and speaking engagements, Eric hopes to demonstrate the importance of global citizenship and social justice by drawing children’s attention to world events.

Walters presentations, which have been enjoyed by 125, 000 children around the world, blend drama, storytelling, audience participation and interaction. Not only is he dedicated to promoting global citizenship he helps teach children about the writing process by getting them excited about writing, reading and literacy.

Eric Walters began his writing career as a teacher and his stories often reflect the curriculums that he taught. A course in creative writing and a challenge from one bold student sparked Walters’ interest in writing novels. Now Eric draws on story ideas from notable moments in Canadian history and his extensive travelling experiences.

Walters commitment to social justice frequently makes its way into his books, where he introduces young adults with topics ranging from the grey areas of contemporary race dynamics (Black and White) to the impact of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) on a soldier’s family (Wounded).

Eric Walters is a critically acclaimed children’s author, having won more than 80 awards for his works. He has published over 60 novels, many of which are sold internationally. While remaining one of the best selling authors in the country, his works have been translated into French, German, Swedish, Norwegian, Chinese, Dutch, Japanese, Italian, Spanish and Slovenian.

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For more information please visit www.ericwalters.net Available for interviews, Eric Walters

For media inquiries please contact:
Pennant Media Group
Kevin Pennant [email protected]
Toronto 416.596.2978
Los Angeles 818.748.7517

18-year-old Canadian rising pop artist Hilary Weaver rocks into 2010 releasing Tell the Next Girl, with her official CD launch party going down in Toronto.

Toronto, ON – January 26, 2010

Following on the heels of Hilary Weaver’s successful performance at the live Breakfast Television 2009 Christmas Special where she performed with 2003 Canadian Idol Top 8 contestant Mikey Bustos, Hilary Weaver kicks off the new year with the release of her debut 6-song EP called Tell the Next Girl. She will be holding her official release party at The Hideout (484 Queen St) on February 24, 2010. Her CD is now available at www.maplemusic.com.

Also for 2010, Hilary can be seen in Disney’s Camp Rock 2, airing this summer. She is no stranger to television, as her hit single Put Your Hands Up aired on Degrassi: The Next Generation.

Hilary Weaver ended 2009 with an award for Best Female Vocal for her song We’re Smokin’ Hot! at the 2009 Hollywood Music in Media Awards in November at the Kodak Theatre Complex. Also her song Tell the Next Girl was nominated for Best Pop Song.

She was also short-listed for British Music Week’s Rising Star 2009 Award at the Download Music Awards red carpet event in London England. Chosen from over 10,000 aspiring music stars from around the globe and announced as one of 10 finalists, Hilary was the only Canadian to make the short list.

As a finalist, Hilary was selected to perform and put on a great show in her first performance in the UK alongside musicians from the U.S., Ireland, Italy, and Portugal.

Tell the Next Girl hit U.S. radio in June 2009, and rose to No. 7 on the Top 40 FMQB AC Chart, getting over 900 spins per week on over 50 stations throughout the country.

Last year Hilary performed at the 2009 Musicians and Emerging Artists New York (M.E.A.N.Y) festival and was named Artist of the Month by www.indiemusicstop.com.

Hilary Weaver’s songs can be purchased at www.maplemusic.com, and they’re available for free listening at www.sonicbids.com/hilaryweaver and www.hilaryweaver.com.

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For more information, please visit:
www.sonicbids.com/hilaryweaver
www.hilaryweaver.com
http://www.mynewsletterbuilder.com/email/newsletter/1410066807

Available for interviews:
Hilary Weaver

For media inquiries please contact:
Pennant Media Group
Kevin Pennant [email protected]
Toronto 416.596.2978
Los Angeles 818.748.7517

TORONTO – January 09, 2009

Eco-friendly Umbrella Cabinetry will leave a green footprint on the design industry by participating in The Interior Design Show from February 5 – 8, 2009 at the Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place.

Umbrella Cabinetry will have a display booth located across from the International Pavilion at the IDS and will display a new eco-friendly kitchen to showcase the company’s progressive trends, ideas and products. The new Eco kitchen is made with Formaldehyde free materials such as MDF and Bamboo, as well as VOC free paints & water based finishes that don’t emit off gases.

In addition, Umbrella Cabinetry is going to unveil its new eco-friendly kitchen accessories including trays and cutting boards.

“As a custom cabinetry company, we possess a real environmental awareness, and take a new approach to the use of eco-friendly resources,” says James Loppie, Design Manager of Umbrella Cabinetry. “Our design and production teams aim to leave a green footprint in the marketplace with sustainable, recyclable materials.”

The Interior Design Show is Canada’s largest contemporary design event. Since its inception in 1998, over 500,000 design professionals, consumers and media have attended. The newest and most innovative in international and Canadian products are annually presented by 300 exhibitors. Inspirational exhibits feature both emerging and established designers; and highlight international interior design, architecture and industrial design trends. The most influential architects and designers from around the world share their design philosophies and experiences within the international keynote speakers program.

Offering an environmentally sustainable lifestyle, Umbrella Cabinetry introduces its line of eco-friendly kitchens. The kitchens include exterior door panels that are fabricated from bamboo and feature a rich, amber finish. The biodegradable substrate is constructed from Kraft paper and recycled fibres.

Umbrella Cabinetry creates green design ideas without sacrificing style, quality or durability. By mixing traditional components, such as recyclable glass and aluminum, with innovative materials, like bamboo, Umbrella’s custom interiors are on the industry’s cutting edge.

Umbrella Cabinetry serves both residential and commercial clients, offering interior design planning for trade shows, retail environments and homes. The company is committed to educating people that green living is easier and more stylish than ever before.

Founded by design manager and creative director James Loppie with partners, Perry Jackson and Graeme Griffith, Umbrella Cabinetry helps people to live the green lifestyle, with high-end, custom and trendy pieces, made entirely of recycled and recyclable materials and sustainable materials. As part of its signature ‘form meets function’ design sensibility, the materials are presented in their raw state, with clean, linear lines, and subtle curvatures.

In commemoration of Earth Week, Umbrella Cabinetry participated in Embrace A Greener Tomorrow, as it was approached by The Collective to present a life-sized Eco Friendly Kitchen at Brookfield Place. The piece was stocked with stylish, environmentally-friendly furnishings, low-energy appliances and organic foods.

Umbrella Cabinetry, is a custom cabinetry manufacturer, with forward thinking and strong environmental roots. With next-generation thinking, Umbrella offers quality, eco-friendly, recyclable and sustainable products.

For more information please visit:
www.umbrellacabinetry.com and
www.embraceagreenertomorrow.com

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Available for interviews:
James Loppie, Design Manager

For media inquiries please contact:
Pennant Media Group
Kevin Pennant [email protected]
Toronto 416.596.2978
Los Angeles 818.748.7517

Toronto – January 21, 2009

Contemporary soprano artist Sarena Paton will perform three songs from her upcoming CD La Carissima, at the annual Hamilton Health Sciences Gala on Saturday, February 21st, 2009, at The Hamilton Convention Centre. After the success of her two albums Remember and Almost Like Love, La Carissima offers a mix of classical and cosmopolitan flair, available at iTunes this February 2009.

The annual Hamilton Health Sciences Gala has become one of Hamilton’s most anticipated events, with proceeds to support the New Investigator Fund for seed research. The Sparkle Gala promises to be a great evening including a gourmet meal, fantastic entertainment by Hamilton’s very own Sarena Paton, a jewelled inspired Cube Manipulation Act, followed by an electrifying evening band that will have everyone dancing!

This March/April 2009, Sarena embarks on her Southern/Central Ontario tour, followed by her maritime tour, slated for this July/August. In addition, Sarena is collaborating with international EMI recording artist, counter-tenor Fernando Lima (who is currently touring with Sarah Brightman), as well as Welsh-born West End musical theatre star Peter Karrie (Phantom of the Opera, Man of La Mancha and Les Misérables).

Trained as a classical soprano, Sarena Paton developed a fascination for foreign languages and repertoire. La Carissima is a collaboration with Nashville producer/writer Terry Sawchuk (who also produced the albums of Matt Dusk), uniting her classical background with a more contemporary vibe.

La Carissima, features classical arias in Italian and Latin and breathtaking crossover compositions in Italian, Spanish and English, penned by Paton and top Canadian and American songwriters in the classical-crossover genre. Recorded with the rich bold, sound of a Russian orchestra, La Carissima appeals to classical and pop lovers alike.

This December 23, 2008, Sarena sang the national anthem at the World Junior Hockey Championships at Copps Coliseum, Hamilton. For the second year, she joined tenor John McDermott and Cape Breton songstress Rita MacNeil on their annual Christmas tours. Sarena recently appeared in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and performed throughout southern Ontario, including an engagement at Queen’s Park (Toronto), as part of Remembrance Day ceremonies.

With a long-standing interest and involvement with the WWII Veterans, Sarena released her previous album Remember, produced by J. Richard Hutt, in honour of the veterans and peacekeepers of the past and present, especially those serving in Afghanistan. Aside from producing her own concerts, Sarena is one of the founding team members of the Remembrance Day concert tradition, which takes place at the Ronald V. Joyce Centre (Hamilton Place) every year.

Sarena’s commitment to the veterans attracted the attention of Veterans Affairs Canada and she was invited to perform at the prestigious Senate Ceremony on Parliament Hill in Ottawa during Veterans Week in 2006. Sarena has been honoured to sing one of her singles Honor Thy Fallen, written for fallen soldiers, firefighters, O.P.P. officers and RCMP, at a number of memorial services.

At the age of sixteen, Sarena made her first appearance as a soprano soloist with the Boris Brott National Academy Orchestra. The following year, she presented her debut recital with songs in 6 languages. She appeared at the 8th International Mozart Festival in Salzburg, Austria; she took the stage alongside Jim Witter in Memories of a Winter’s Eve; and she performed the role of Christine Daae in the Canadian Phantom Unmasked tour with Peter Karrie.

Sarena Paton has performed as a part of a backup ensemble for international music icons such as Susan Aglukark, Paul Anka, Sarah Brightman, Reba McEntire, Frank Mills, The Nylons, Roch Voisine and Michelle Wright.

Sarena toured France, Switzerland and Germany with a 20-piece band, playing the Montreux Jazz Festival, ZMF Festival and the Juno Beach Memorial. Last year, she was the soloist at the 2007 World Synchronized Skating Championships and the 2007 Canadian International Military Tattoo.

Sarena Paton is also a recognized actress who recently completed filming Sons of Eden, a short independent film by writer/director Izabela Ciesinska. In summer 2009, Sarena begins shooting the feature film Bounce, with director/writer/producer Kenneth Olsen. In her youth, Sarena played the recurring role of Velma Bugle on the Canadian classic television series Road to Avonlea. In addition to her 5-year spot on the renowned CBC children’s series Mr. Dress-Up, she also appeared in Ready or Not, Katts and Dog and the feature film Fly Away Home.

For more information, visit www.sarenapaton.com and www.myspace.com/sarenapaton.

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Available for interviews, Sarena Paton

For media inquiries please contact:
Kevin Pennant [email protected]
Toronto: 416.596.2978
Los Angeles: 818.748.7517

Toronto – January 21, 2009
Contemporary soprano artist Sarena Paton will perform three songs from her upcoming CD La Carissima, at the annual Hamilton Health Sciences Gala on Saturday, February 21st, 2009, at The Hamilton Convention Centre. After the success of her two albums Remember and Almost Like Love, La Carissima offers a mix of classical and cosmopolitan flair, available at iTunes this February 2009.
The annual Hamilton Health Sciences Gala has become one of Hamilton’s most anticipated events, with proceeds to support the New Investigator Fund for seed research. The Sparkle Gala promises to be a great evening including a gourmet meal, fantastic entertainment by Hamilton’s very own Sarena Paton, a jewelled inspired Cube Manipulation Act, followed by an electrifying evening band that will have everyone dancing!
This March/April 2009, Sarena embarks on her Southern/Central Ontario tour, followed by her maritime tour, slated for this July/August. In addition, Sarena is collaborating with international EMI recording artist, counter-tenor Fernando Lima (who is currently touring with Sarah Brightman), as well as Welsh-born West End musical ¬¬¬theatre star Peter Karrie (Phantom of the Opera, Man of La Mancha and Les Misérables).
Trained as a classical soprano, Sarena Paton developed a fascination for foreign languages and repertoire. La Carissima is a collaboration with Nashville producer/writer Terry Sawchuk (who also produced the albums of Matt Dusk), uniting her classical background with a more contemporary vibe.
La Carissima, features classical arias in Italian and Latin and breathtaking crossover compositions in Italian, Spanish and English, penned by Paton and top Canadian and American songwriters in the classical-crossover genre. Recorded with the rich bold, sound of a Russian orchestra, La Carissima appeals to classical and pop lovers alike.
This December 23, 2008, Sarena sang the national anthem at the World Junior Hockey Championships at Copps Coliseum, Hamilton. For the second year, she joined tenor John McDermott and Cape Breton songstress Rita MacNeil on their annual Christmas tours. Sarena recently appeared in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and performed throughout southern Ontario, including an engagement at Queen’s Park (Toronto), as part of Remembrance Day ceremonies.

With a long-standing interest and involvement with the WWII Veterans, Sarena released her previous album Remember, produced by J. Richard Hutt, in honour of the veterans and peacekeepers of the past and present, especially those serving in Afghanistan. Aside from producing her own concerts, Sarena is one of the founding team members of the Remembrance Day concert tradition, which takes place at the Ronald V. Joyce Centre (Hamilton Place) every year.
Sarena’s commitment to the veterans attracted the attention of Veterans Affairs Canada and she was invited to perform at the prestigious Senate Ceremony on Parliament Hill in Ottawa during Veterans Week in 2006. Sarena has been honoured to sing one of her singles Honor Thy Fallen, written for fallen soldiers, firefighters, O.P.P. officers and RCMP, at a number of memorial services.
At the age of sixteen, Sarena made her first appearance as a soprano soloist with the Boris Brott National Academy Orchestra. The following year, she presented her debut recital with songs in 6 languages. She appeared at the 8th International Mozart Festival in Salzburg, Austria; she took the stage alongside Jim Witter in Memories of a Winter’s Eve; and she performed the role of Christine Daae in the Canadian Phantom Unmasked tour with Peter Karrie.
Sarena Paton has performed as a part of a backup ensemble for international music icons such as Susan Aglukark, Paul Anka, Sarah Brightman, Reba McEntire, Frank Mills, The Nylons, Roch Voisine and Michelle Wright.
Sarena toured France, Switzerland and Germany with a 20-piece band, playing the Montreux Jazz Festival, ZMF Festival and the Juno Beach Memorial. Last year, she was the soloist at the 2007 World Synchronized Skating Championships and the 2007 Canadian International Military Tattoo.
Sarena Paton is also a recognized actress who recently completed filming Sons of Eden, a short independent film by writer/director Izabela Ciesinska. In summer 2009, Sarena begins shooting the feature film Bounce, with director/writer/producer Kenneth Olsen. In her youth, Sarena played the recurring role of Velma Bugle on the Canadian classic television series Road to Avonlea. In addition to her 5-year spot on the renowned CBC children’s series Mr. Dress-Up, she also appeared in Ready or Not, Katts and Dog and the feature film Fly Away Home.
For more information, visit www.sarenapaton.com and www.myspace.com/sarenapaton.

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Available for interviews, Sarena Paton

For media inquiries please contact:
Kevin Pennant [email protected]
Toronto: 416.596.2978
Los Angeles: 818.748.7517

Toronto – December 11, 2008

Actor, comedian and writer Craig Lauzon, best known for his caricatures of John Travolta, George Stroumboulopoulos and Stephen Harper, is grateful to be a part of Canadian television history when the final episode of Air Farce airs Wednesday, December 31, 2008.

“It has been such an honour to be involved with a group like the Royal Canadian Air Farce,” says Craig. “They are Canadian icons and just being around them has taught me so much.”
In addition to appearing on Air Farce, Craig also stars in a new darkly comic Canadian film Bull, recently screened at the Calgary International Film Festival and Montreal World Film Festival.

Filmed in Toronto, Lauzon plays the lead role – a hapless stockbroker who finds himself caught up in a twisted web with dangerous characters, persistent detectives, beautiful women wearing surprisingly little, not to mention mysterious and threatening individuals.

Written, produced and directed by Kent Tessman, Lauzon joins a great cast including Simon Reynolds (The Sentinel & Instant Star); Lindsey DeLuse, (Beautiful People & Victor); Maury Chaykin (Dances with Wolves & Entourage); Jeff Seymour (Jeff Ltd.); Lori Hallier (Days Of Our Lives & Star Trek: Voyager); and Ellen Dubin (Napoleon Dynamite & The Collector).

“The experience of making Bull was fantastic and now getting to see it with average and industry people alike really makes it complete,” says Craig. “Knowing viewers responded so positively to it makes it even better.”

Craig Lauzon has also been made a partner of East Hill Productions. The company gives filmmakers and television creators the tools and resources they need to make exceptional and original documentary, film, television and music. East Hill Productions created The Chiefs, which was voted #2 on ESPN‘s list of best hockey movies of all time.

An accomplished writer, he has received three Canadian Comedy Award nominations: one for Funniest New Play (The Chick and Cubby Comedy Hour); and two for Pretty Funny Writing – Television, for Ham I Am and Royal Canadian Air Farce. He also co-wrote the 2006 Gemini Industry Night gala events held in Toronto.

As a stage comedian, Lauzon has been nominated for the Tim Sims Encouragement Award and has performed at previous Gilda’s Club galas, The Canadian Comedy Awards, Raising The Roof, the Hubcap Comedy Festival, the Upper Canada Brew HaHa, We’re Funny That Way and the CBC Winnipeg Comedy Festival.

Some of Lauzon’s other television credits include The Seán Cullen Show, Train 48, Much Music’s Video On Trial, Monster Warriors, The Toronto Show, Army Brats and Chez Carla.

Lauzon works with many other charities and causes, including Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Canada, Paul Newman’s Hole in the Wall Camps for Kids, and the Kidney Foundation’s Brush of Hope campaign.

For more information, please visit www.bullthemovie.com and www.ehproductions.com

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Available for interviews, Craig Lauzon

For media inquiries please contact:
Kevin Pennant [email protected]
Toronto: 416.596.2978

TORONTO – December 12, 2008

Writer, actor, director, producer and all-round renaissance woman, Sarah Michelle Brown, recently won Chapters Best Text Award for her new stage play First Hand Woman. The hot new show will make its Toronto debut at the Factory Theatre, Wednesday, January 7, 2009, after being personally invited to the 2009 Next Stage Festival.

First Hand Woman first captivated audiences at the St. Ambroise Montreal Fringe Festival where it received critical acclaim for its compelling performances and emotionally layered story. First Hand Woman is an arousing account of a woman’s romantic loss. The play gives a voice to the innermost thoughts and feelings of an individual seeking redemption and reconciliation of her fragmented self. The five stages of grief: Denial, Bargaining, Anger, Depression and Acceptance, are personified on stage by a cast of strong and talented women. The five boisterous and unapologetic characters come together to shape her journey in search of new beginnings and coming to terms with loose ends.

The show was written by the charismatic and versatile, Sarah Michelle Brown and features an outstanding group of performers that have been moving and inspiring theatre-goers. Led by director Esther Jun (Red Bird Day with Picasso, Calamity), the play showcases the talents of Kiran Friesen (Odyssey 5, Love Rules), Patrice Goodman (Show Me Yours, Touch The Sky), Allana Harkin (Train 48, As You Like It) and Nicole Leroux (CLONEAGE.PA, Red Shift). Audiences undergo a cathartic experience as these women ignite the stage. Caution: Show contains spontaneous simulated Orgasms!

Upon completing her studies at the Neighbourhood Playhouse School of Theatre in New York City, Brown went on to combine her passion for acting, writing and photography to leave her mark in the Canadian film industry.

Possessing great talent for writing, directing and producing, Brown was an obvious selection for the ReelWorld’s Emerging 20 at their 2007 Toronto International Film festival’s Indie Film Lounge. Brown was also one of six finalists at TIFF’s “Pitch This” in 2002, and also won the inaugural CBC Innoversity dramatic programming internship competition that same year.

In the 2004/2005 season, Brown was selected to be one of eight women who participated in the internationally recognized developmental workshop, Women in the Director’s Chair program. Currently, Brown is directing, producing and shooting the documentary Story of Creashun on d’bi young anitafrika that is sure to enlighten audiences

 

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Available for interviews, Sarah Michelle
Brown

Performance Dates and Times:
The Factory Theatre, 125 Bathurst St, Toronto

January 7 -9:00 p.m.
January 9 – 7:15 p.m.
January 10 – 5:00 p.m.
January 11 – 7:15 p.m.
January 13 – 6:30 p.m.
January 15 – 5:30 p.m.
January 16 – 5:30 p.m.
January 17 – 3:30 p.m.
January 18 – 9:15 p.m.

*This is a Canadian Actors’ Equity Association approved Co-op.

www.sarahmichellebrown.com
Fire Up Co-Operative
Fire Up (verb):
– To arouse or excite feelings and passions.
– inflame, stir up, wake, ignite, heat

For media inquires, please contact:
Pennant Media Group
Kevin Pennant
T.O: 416.596.2978
L.A : 818.748.7517

Toronto – October 31, 2008

Known for providing dancers and choreography to legends such as Diddy, Alicia Keys and Janet Jackson, Do Dat Entertainment launches its fall season with its participation in two television reality shows TV Tropolis’ Kidz For It and CTV’s So You Think You Can Dance Canada. Even with such a busy schedule, Do Dat continues its charitable outreach to youth, in addition to specialized corporate team building initiatives.

Veteran Do Dat dancer Danny Davalos, hosts the new dance reality show Kidz For It, airing on TV Tropolis. Known for his choreography for Ricky Martin, Shakira and Sean Desman, Davalos’ show takes the audience inside the lives of young entertainers, auditioning to become a member of the show’s cast. While entertaining audiences, the kids will also help raise funds and build awareness for a variety of charities, while also encouraging other kids to get involved in their communities.

Luther Brown, founder of Do Dat Entertainment, can also be seen shaking up the small screen this year, as the new judge and choreographer of CTV’s So You Think You Can Dance Canada. Brown, who has provided dancers and choreography for some of today’s hottest musicians including Nelly Furtado, Timbaland, Diddy, Alicia Keys and Janet Jackson, is now bringing his experience to Canadian reality television.

Do Dat Entertainment has always used its popularity and success to help out the community through numerous charity events and organizations, such as Hoedown and Strictly Salsa. Electrifying dance shows are put on by Do Dat dancers, in which all ticket sales go directly to charities within the community.

The Do Dat Corporate Dance-Fit! Program has been created to provide corporations with an enjoyable Hip-Hop dance class as an alternative to traditional fitness programs, and offer a way for employees to relax, increase their physical fitness, and promote company camaraderie. This program is an innovative way to stay fit and have fun.

“We don’t follow the trend, we create the trend,” said Do Dat Entertainment founder Luther Brown. “It’s with this passion and drive that has made excitement, energy and intensity what Do Dat is all about.”

Do Dat Entertainment, ran by founder and choreographer Luther Brown, Ryan Robinson and Wayne Samuels, has been an influential component, helping to transform Toronto’s dance community into a thriving, successful urban dance industry, which has gone on to gain worldwide recognition.

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Available for interviews, Luther Brown and Danny Davalos.

For media inquires, please contact:
Pennant Media Group
Kevin Pennant [email protected]
Tel: 416.596.2978

Toronto – October 24, 2008

After a successful showcase at the 2007 L’Oreal Fashion Week, Canadian designer Nada Yousif’s Spring/Summer 2009 collection ‘ART ROCK’ takes centre stage again on Friday October 24th, 2008, at this years L’Oreal Fashion Week.

Combining “experimental or avant-garde influences” from music’s golden age of rock, Yousif’s collection ‘ART ROCK’ displays fashion’s more rebellious side. The collection focuses on shorter hemlines and masculine pieces for a woman ready to rock out and add a harder edge to a girly ensemble. ‘ART ROCK’ helps any modern woman to walk on the wild side while unleashing her urge to be edgy and beautiful.

“Each season follows whatever mood I am in or fantasy I have,” Nada shares her thoughts about her ‘ART ROCK’collection. “Currently I am rebelling.”

Nada Yousif is an expressive brand that demands attention. Focusing more on the three C’s found in each collection: Cut, Colors and Craftsmanship, Nada continues to grow in each area of fashion design. Nada Yousif is a driven, self-taught designer that draws from grace and elegance to inspire her style choices.

With honourable mentions from the prestigious Dumos Academy in Milan, Nada has made an international impression within her field. She is the epitome of originality and never conforms to one style or fad. She always pushes the design envelope finding inspiration in everyday life and incorporating it into every individual piece and collection. Her vision shines through every thread and stitch, as she handpicks fabrics that perfectly drape around the dips and curves of her creative soul.

Nada Yousif original designs have previously appeared on runways at L’Oreal Fashion Week and ET Canada’s Charity Fashion Show. Her work has also been featured in publications such as LouLou and Toronto Life. Nada’s creations will also appear in upcoming events including Fashion Cares on November 1st, 2008, and Fashion Takes Action Green Gala on November 8th, 2008.

Established in 2001, L’Oreal Fashion Week was created to showcase Toronto’s top fashion designers. This year, the show will run from Monday October 20th, to Saturday October 25th, 2008, at Nathan Phillips Square.
For more information, please visit www.nadayousif.com
To watch Nada Yousif’s 2007 Fashion Week showcase, please visit www.lorealfashionweek.ca, under the videos menu.

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Available for interviews, Nada Yousif

For media inquiries please contact:
Kevin Pennant [email protected]
Toronto: 416.596.2978
Los Angeles: 818.748.7517