Spring 2012 - ACTRA Toronto

SPRING 2012 Volume 21 • Issue 1
THE MAGAZINE FROM
MEET THE 2012 AWARD NOMINEES • TV’S HIT LOST GIRL
Rick Mercer
Anatomy of a Winner
In this Issue
Performers
The magazine from ACTRA Toronto
of your union magazine
Volume 21 * Issue 1 * Spring 2012
PUBLISHER
David Gale • [email protected]
EDITOR
Chris Owens • [email protected]
STAFF EDITOR
Karen Woolridge • [email protected]
EDITORIAL COMMITTEE
Heather Allin, David Gale, Art Hindle,
Chris Owens, Karl Pruner, Brian Topp,
Karen Woolridge
DESIGN and LAYOUT
Erick Querci • Creative Process Design
www.creativeprocessdesign.ca
ADVERTISING SALES
Karen Cowitz
[email protected] 416!461!4627
CONTRIBUTORS
Heather Allin, K.C. Collins, David Gale
Art Hindle, Tracey Hoyt, Clare Johnston
Mitchell Lazar, Chris Owens, Karen Woolridge
Richard Young
Anatomy of a Winner
JOIN THE TEAM
If you’re an ACTRA Toronto Member and
want to write an article or contribute original
artwork or photos, we’d love to hear from
you. Send an email to:
[email protected].
The Rick Merceer Interview
by David Gale
ADDRESS EDITORIAL CORRESPONDENCE TO:
Performers magazine
c/o ACTRA Toronto
625 Church Street, Suite 200
Toronto, ON M4Y 2G1
Fax: "416# 928!2852
[email protected]
Page 4
Printed in Canada by union labour at Thistle Printing.
THE NEXT COPY DEADLINE IS
April 15, 2012
The magazine invites members to submit notices
of births, marriages, obituaries and letters to the
editor. Article submissions must be sent via email
to [email protected]. We reserve the right to
edit or omit any material for length, style, content or
possible legal ramifications.
Performers magazine is published three times a year by
ACTRA Toronto. The views expressed in unsolicited and
solicited articles are not necessarily the views of ACTRA
Toronto, its council or this committee.
President’s Message
Ask a Steward
by Clare Johnston
Page 3
Page 28
Page 21
The Nominees Are...
edited by Chris Owens
and Karen Woolridge
Photo: www.mckennaphoto.com
Welcome New Members
Page 22
On Mic!
by Tracey Hoyt
Page 29
Members News
Page 14
Page 24
Lost Girl, Found Hit
by K.C. Collins
Who’s Who
at ACTRA Toronto
www.actratoronto.com
Happy Birthday, Baby!
10th Anniversary of
the ACTRA Awards in
Toronto.
Rolling the Dice
with Low-Budget Film?
by Art Hindle
Page 10
Publications Mail Agreement number 40069134
ISSN 1911!4974
(COVER PHOTO)
Rick Mercer
Photo: www.mckennaphoto.com
Lives Lived
Page 30
Page 26
Page 16
CONTRIBUTORS:
Heather Allin
2
K.C. Collins
David Gale
PERFORMERS • ACTRA Toronto
Art Hindle
Tracey Hoyt
Clare Johnston
Mitchell Lazar
Chris Owens
Karen Woolridge
Richard Young
Heather Allin
President, ACTRA Toronto
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Solidarity is Power
I know that all Toronto members join me in welcoming your new 2012-2014 ACTRA Toronto
Council. It is thrilling to have performers like
Chris Potter, Leah Pinsent and K.C. Collins
join us at the table. Also new are Kirsten
Bishopric and Shereen Airth. They joined 15
returning Councillors. We say goodbye with
gratitude to Eli Goree, Lisa Jai, Steve Lucescu,
Lynn MacKenzie and Austin Schatz. After 20
years on Council, 10 of them as our VP Finance,
I will miss Austin’s humor, depth of history and
knowledge, but above all, I will miss his support
and wisdom. I know he will forever be a part of
this union.
Your new Council took office at the January
meeting and immediately went to work creating
the ACTRA Toronto Operating Plan for 20122013. Titled Solidarity is Power, our new “Op
Plan” defines four areas of focus for our work together in the year ahead: Bargaining, Advocacy,
Education and Outreach and Administration
and Operating Initiatives. I’ll mention a few
highlights but the plan lays out an impressive
agenda and I encourage you to hear it presented
in detail at ACTRA Toronto’s plenary meeting at
the February Members Conference.
Political Advocacy has never been more important and we plan to engage all levels of government to ensure that our industry remains
competitive and that work opportunities for our
members continue to grow. At the municipal
level, we need to make sure that Toronto stays
“film-friendly” and is properly promoted as a
centre of creative excellence. Provincially, we will
work to keep Ontario competitive as a production centre through provincial tax credits, investment in creative industries and better Status
of the Artist legislation. Federally, we will support ACTRA National and stand up for Canadian content on our screens, for appropriate and
stable funding for the Canadian Media Fund,
CBC, Telefilm and NFB, for creators’ rights and
for fair compensation for intellectual property.
Education and Outreach initiatives range from
new and streamlined Member training courses,
school presentations, recruiting and organizing
programs aimed at new members and engagers
and celebrating our union’s history and our
members’ achievements. Much of this work is
done in our committees: Act Your Age (AYA),
ACTRA Additional Background Performers
(AABP) Caucus, Awards, Archives, Conferences,
Diversity, Stunt, Toronto ACTRA Women’s
Committee (TAWC), Voice, Young Emerging
Actors Assembly (YEAA).
On the Administration and Operating side, we
are working to improve every level of our service
to members and to reduce bottlenecks and red
tape. If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing better
and we will.
But our most important work this year will be
Bargaining. The current term of our biggest
agreement, the Independent Production Agreement (IPA), will expire in December. We are
seeking stability in the industry and a fair contract for performers with an early start to negotiations.
ACTRA’s package of IPA bargaining proposals is
put together after careful consultation with
stakeholders and members in every category. We
listened to your suggestions in focus groups and
in our [email protected] email “suggestion
box.” We heard from actors, agents, apprentices,
background performers, diverse performers,
On-Set Liaison Officers, parents and minors, series leads and regulars, stunt performers,
Toronto ACTRA Women’s Committee and voice
performers. We’re all in this together and together we’ll get a good deal. This year’s Operating
Plan title says it all. Solidarity is Power. We can
do anything if we do it together. As we go to the
table this year, I ask you to stay informed, stay
engaged and support your union and your
bargaining committee. ❒
Your president,
Heather Allin
Spring, 2012
Outgoing ACTRA Toronto Council 2009-2011 Standing Left to Right: Jack Newman, John Nelles, David Sparrow, Theresa Tova, David Macniven, David Gale, Shawn Lawrence,
Brian Topp (Executive Director), Austin Schatz, Lynn MacKenzie, Steve Lucescu, Don Lamoreux, Ferne Downey, Shereen Airth, Richard Hardacre Seated Left to Right: Nicole St. Martin, Karen Ivany, Art Hindle,
Heather Allin (President), Wendy Crewson, Taborah Johnson, Jani Lauzon, Spirit Synott Missing: Eli Goree, Lisa Jai, Colin Mochrie, Eric Peterson
SPRING • 2012
3
same haircut
same white shirt
same black tie
same Hugo Boss Black suit
NEW!
ACTRA Toronto Award
of Excellence
“Since The Rick Mercer Report started I always have the same
suit. I always have the same haircut. I always have a black tie.
There’s no deviation from the brand.”
4
PERFORMERS • ACTRA Toronto
THE RICK MERCER INTERVIEW
Rick
Mercer
chats about life, career, weightlessness, politics and self-branding
Photo: www.mckennaphoto.com
Anatomy of a
Winner
SPRING • 2012
5
The
DAVID:
Do you remember getting your ACTRA card?
Rick
Mercer
Interview
with David Gale
RICK:
Dad would be driving to work and there’d be people on the radio doing
commentaries and they would drive my father crazy. When I was about
seventeen, I thought I should start doing them. I worked as a dishwasher
in a café and the radio producer used to come in every day and I would
always ask him if I could do a commentary and he would say no. His
argument was, “Who’s going to listen to commentary about provincial
politics from a seventeen year old?” One day he relented and he let me do
it. I got $75 dollars. Turns out I had a deep voice and I didn’t sound like
I was seventeen so he let me do more. They weren’t particularly good but
that’s how I got my ACTRA card at CBC Radio in St. John’s.
DAVID:
When you were growing up was there a performer who you made
you say, “I want to do that!”
RICK:
Absolutely! Tommy Sexton (CODCO). There was a TV show, The Wonderful Grand Band. It was produced in Newfoundland at CBC. More people
watched that show in Newfoundland than watched Dallas. So they were
the biggest stars in the universe and they were doing comedy about
Newfoundland. I worshipped that show. And Tommy Sexton and Greg
Malone were the two comedians. Tommy was the one that I was obsessed
with and I thought, “That should be me up there.”
DAVID:
When did you start doing your own comedy shows?
RICK:
When I was in high school. I was in a sketch comedy troupe: Corey and
Wade’s Playhouse.
DAVID:
Did you ever get to work with Tommy?
Trying to pin down the roving Rick Mercer is only marginally easier
when he lives in your ‘hood. I was lucky to catch the multi-award winning
star of Made in Canada and The Rick Mercer Report during a rare week
off. In my dining room, over a mug of strong coffee and a plate of pastries,
I chatted candidly with ACTRA Toronto’s 2012 Award of Excellence winner
about his life, career, weightlessness, politics and self-branding in starwary Canada. We started the interview with politics.
DAVID:
Do you think actors can make good lobbyists?
RICK:
Like Paul Gross, Peter Keleghan and Sonja Smits, I’ve done a few trips
to Ottawa with ACTRA to talk to a cabinet minister and we’ve got an
extra little bonus there. The Association of Anesthesiologists can’t go,
“Can you send one of your star anesthesiologists up to have a cocktail
party with an MP?” So certainly there’s a place where we can use our star
power.
DAVID:
At what age did you start reading the newspaper and getting mad
at it?
RICK:
Oh, I always did that. Politics was my baseball. It was something that my
father and I shared and still do; we talk current affairs. I loved doing that
with my father when I was a kid. I had to be aware of what was going on.
6
PERFORMERS • ACTRA Toronto
RICK:
I got to know him as a friend and he would come to our comedy shows,
which was like the biggest star in the world coming to our show. It’s hard
to imagine. We had a star system in Newfoundland.
DAVID:
You’ve ranted about bullying. Was that your experience?
RICK:
I’ve talked about bullying twice on the show, both times inspired by the
death of a young Canadian (who) happened to be gay. As a gay man,
I related somewhat to the situation. That said, I was never bullied when
I was a kid and I wasn’t out in high school either. We didn’t have gaystraight alliances, we had the drama club. It’s been interesting to see the
response from those rants. Obviously, it’s a serious problem across the
country and it’s not just gay and lesbian and trans kids, it’s all sorts of kids
who are being bullied for whatever reason. It’s nothing like when I was a
kid because at least (then) you could go home and you were safe. Now
with cyber bullying there’s no escape from it and as a result kids are
taking their lives. At the same time, at the end of the day, I’m a comedy
show, so it’s very much of a departure to talk about that type of issue, but
it’s something I feel very passionate about. The last bullying rant has gone
viral and if I could have anything I’ve ever done on the show (go) viral it
would be that one because I think the conversation is important.
Photo: www.mckennaphoto.com
“
Zero Gravity…probably
the greatest example of
something that I got to do
simply because of my job.
“
SPRING • 2012
7
“
I love dabbling
in politics and I love
doing sketches where
I get to fall down.
“
RICK:
That's what I've done. But I wouldn't suggest it
to everyone. There were a number of things that
happened in my career where I realized it was
integral. I was involved in a project, Talking to
Americans, and the producers of that show made
off like bandits and I didn’t. It was clear to me
that I would never work with those producers
again, and that would never happen again.
DAVID:
What do you think about the rumours the
Conservatives are going to privatize the
CBC?
Photo: www.mckennaphoto.com
RICK:
There’s always been talk. The CBC’s a very
good target. That doesn’t necessarily mean
that they will do anything. Attacking the CBC is
one of the most successful fundraising direct mail
campaigns (for the Conservatives) in the last couple of years, even more successful than the longgun registry.
DAVID:
Is it possible to become a household name
in English Canada without putting your
name in the title of your show?
RICK:
My very first stage show, which was a one-manshow at the National Arts Centre, was called
Rick Mercer’s Show Me The Button I’ll Push It or
Charles Lynch Must Die. And the NAC, who
were tremendous to my career, had a policy
that no writer or actor’s name would go above
the title. My partner and producer Gerald
Lunz said, “The title is: Rick Mercer’s Show
Me...” It was the first time we threatened to
walk away from an arrangement, and in fact my
name has been in everything ever since. People
may not believe it but I don’t have that big an ego.
It’s really not about that; it is about branding.
DAVID:
We recently focused on branding in our Fall
Members Conference.
RICK:
Gerald is a branding fanatic. To the point
that since The Rick Mercer Report started I al-
8
PERFORMERS • ACTRA Toronto
DAVID:
Do you think that the CRTC should be
more demanding of the private broadcasters?
ways have the same suit. I always have the same
haircut. I always have a black tie. There’s no deviation from the brand.
DAVID:
Producers maintain all the power if there
is no name recognition for the actors.
RICK:
We’re not in the business of producing other
people’s shows, with other stars, but if we were,
it would be fiscally irresponsible not to turn
your star into a STAR. I am very aware of the
fact that I put my name in the shows for that
very reason.
DAVID:
Do you have much involvement in the biz
of the biz?
RICK:
Ninety-eight percent of my work is done for the
company that Gerald and I own. We are the
producers of the RMR.
DAVID:
Would you advise actors to produce?
RICK:
I’m a firm believer in the Canadian content
rules and I think we’ve proved time and time
again that Canadians will watch great Canadian
television. However, it’s not as profitable as
simulcasting American programs. And if the
government doesn’t mandate the private broadcasters, they simply won’t do it.
DAVID:
Your show is fantastically Canadian.
RICK:
We’re unapologetically Canadian. We’re absurd.
I don’t think we’ve ever licensed a piece of music
that’s not Canadian. We’re pretty protectionist.
DAVID:
What’s the most amazing experience
you’ve had on your show?
RICK:
One of the great things about show business is
that occasionally you get access to situations
that civilians don’t get. Zero gravity was something I wanted to do when I was a kid and I
quickly learned that the only way to do it was
to become an astronaut and that wasn’t on the
table so I forgot about it. Then I got to do it because of the show. You can only do it if you’re
Clockwise from top left: Made in Canada L to R: Leah Pinsent, Peter Keleghan, Dan Lett, Rick Mercer; The Rick Mercer Report, Zero Gravity sketch;
Rick Mercer and Shirley Douglas at the 2007 ACTRA Awards in Toronto; Lobbying in Ottawa 2003 L to R: Paul Gross, Rick Mercer, Wendy Crewson, Sonja Smits.
in partnership with the space program. In fact
because of the plane’s manoeuvers there is no
place in the world where it’s commercially available. Even if you took out your cheque book, it’s
just not possible. That was probably the greatest example of something that I got to do
simply because of my job.
DAVID:
How long were you in zero gravity?
RICK:
Twenty-three seconds and we did it 15 times.
DAVID:
Just 23 seconds?
RICK:
Twenty-three seconds is a long time when there’s
zero gravity. Most people think it would be like
floating. It’s not; it’s like gravity’s disappeared. Nothing weighs anything. And then you
go from zero gravity to weighing six or eight
hundred pounds. It’s pretty spectacular.
DAVID:
You do so many varied things on your
show.
RICK:
We created a show where I get it all out of my
system. I love the traveling around and doing a
piece with lobster fishermen, I love dabbling
in politics and I love doing sketches where I get
to fall down. That’s all I ever wanted to do and I
get to do them all in the one show. I came from
the theatre but I wasn’t one of those performers
who ended up on television. I always wanted
to be on television.
DAVID:
Who makes you laugh?
RICK:
Pat McKenna, Kathryn Greenwood, Teresa
Pavlinek, Janet Van de Graaff. But I’m lucky to
work with lots of funny Canadians on my show.
DAVID:
Do you ever get nervous meeting celebs
anymore?
RICK:
The more you meet you realize they’re no different than anyone else. But then sometimes, like
in the instance of meeting Rick Hansen (it’s different). He was always a personal hero of mine
and all of his accomplishments and the challenges that he faces have nothing to do with the
way I’ve lived my life. But he turned out to be
more impressive than I ever could have imagined. That’s when you get nervous, when you’re
meeting someone you have a great amount of
respect for.
What I didn’t tell Rick over coffee and
croissants was how nervous I felt the first
time I met him. It’s no surprise that this
year’s Award of Excellence winner, Rick
Mercer, Canada’s national son, got one of
his biggest thrills defying gravity like the
huge star that he is. ❒
Actor, voice performer, writer,
director and teacher, David Gale
is the award-winning host of
W Network's Loving Spoonfuls.
He serves as ACTRA Toronto's
VP Communications and
Publisher of Performers Magazine.
SPRING • 2012
9
Jayne Eastwood
Jennifer Irwin
...and
the
nominees
are...
10
PERFORMERS • ACTRA Toronto
Tommie-Amber Pirie
Amy Price-Francis
Ellen Wong
Outstanding Performance - Female
Jayne Eastwood
Down the Road Again • Role: Betty
Gemini Award for Dangerous Offender: The Marlene Moore
Story. Earle Grey Award. Genie nomination for Night Friend.
Vancouver Film Critics Circle Award nomination for Real Time.
Gemini nominations for This is Wonderland and Billable Hours
(with the ensemble). Film: Moon Point, Servitude, St. Roz,
Cooper’s Camera, Hairspray, Monkey Warfare, Chicago, Goin’
Down the Road. TV: Little Mosque on the Prairie, Train 48, Street
Legal, Maniac Mansion, SCTV, King of Kensington. Voice: Babar
and the Adventures of Badou, Best Ed, For Better or Worse, The
Care Bears Family. Currently: Dark Star Hollow¸ The Story of
Luke. Live Comedy: Women Fully Clothed.
“The only reason I got this role was because I did the same role
40 years ago. Mind you they could have gone for a Jayne
Eastwood type. It was strange playing a character who had been
established in the original movie. I kept thinking, ‘What would
Betty be like now?’ The original character was just a dumb
waitress really, but this character 40 years later had developed
as a human being, so it was a weird mix of remembering who
she was then and what I was playing now.
It was amazing doing this film on so many levels. The great
memories of what the original film meant to all of us, being together again, but tragically losing Cayle Chernin, my good friend
of so many years, before the movie opened. It’s hard to think
about her being gone. Then of course we did the film without
Paul Bradley. We all missed him so much. We did nothing but
tell Paul Bradley stories and they were doozies.
Breaking In, Party Down, Lie to Me, Eastbound & Down, Still
Standing, The Gavin Crawford Show, The Ellen Show, The Red
Green Show. Voice: Crash Canyon. Second City Alum.
“I felt very lucky to be part of Michael: Tuesdays & Thursdays.
I loved every second of being able to work with old friends who
also happen to be some of the most talented actors and writers and directors working today. To be nominated alongside
such terrific performers this year is icing on the cake! Thank
you very much ACTRA.”
Tommie-Amber Pirie
Michael: Tuesdays & Thursdays – “Vomiting”
Role: Claire Webb
Film: New Year, Stripped Naked, The Trotsky. TV appearances:
King, Another Man’s Wife, My Babysitter’s a Vampire, Rookie
Blue, Living in Your Car, The Border, 18 to Life. Other: 17 years
as a competitive figure skater.
“I loved playing Claire so much. So so much. She has a vulnerability to her that she exposes, which I love. She's not afraid.
And she tells it like it is. Claire is the dream of what I wish I
could be. Being nominated for an ACTRA award is such an honour. Truly so lovely that people think that Claire rocks just as
much as I do. I am pumped that the show is getting the recognition it deserves. The brainpower and endless hard work of
Bob Martin, Don McKellar, Matt Watts, and producers Sari
Friedland and Niv Fichman is unreal. They hustled to make this
show happen with integrity.”
Being nominated is amazing. Mind you I don't deserve it, no
way no how. Are you kidding? Actually I wanted to be on the
jury this year. I love that job. I love to see what great talent we
have in this country.”
Amy Price-Francis
Jennifer Irwin
Michael: Tuesdays & Thursdays – “Small Talk”
Role: Sammy Dunbar
Film: Cake, Alien Tracker. TV: Grey’s Anatomy, Criminal Minds,
Chicago Code, Life Unexpected, The Mentalist, Nip/Tuck, The
Cleaner, 24, Californication, Medium, Rumours, Corner Gas, Tilt,
Show Me Yours, Snakes & Ladders, Train 48, Tracker. Other:
National Theatre School
Gemini nomination: Slings and Arrows. Canadian Comedy
Awards nominations: Less Than Kind, Slings and Arrows,
Superstar. Film: No Strings Attached, Bad Teacher, Dog Park,
Blues Brothers 2000, Mrs. Winterbourne. TV: Raising Hope,
“What a lovely surprise! And what a testament to the many
folks in every department who bust their chops in creating,
housing, building, and supporting the character, all the while,
making me appear much better than I am."
King – “Lori Gilbert” • Role: Jessica King
Ellen Wong
Silent Cargo • Role: Daiyu
Nominated for 2011 Spike TV Scream Award. Film: Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. TV: Combat Hospital, Unnatural History,
Dino Dan; Runaway, This is Wonderland. Web: Home is Where
the Hans Are. Named one of 10 Young Hot Asian Stars to Watch
by MTV’s nextmovie.com
“Silent Cargo is a very special film about hopes and dreams;
hope that in a world filled with personal battles and global
wars, dreams for new beginnings can still come true. The subject of human smuggling is a continuing global issue that is
rarely ever told from the perspective of those who have been
smuggled. The script, written by the wonderful Svet Rouskov,
is a story about the courage and bravery of those who continually defy fear in hopes of reaching a dream. After reading the
script, I instantly felt a connection to the characters; however,
there was also a story closer to home that really connected me
to the role of Daiyu: the story of my own parents’ escape from
war-torn Cambodia. I somehow felt that I already understood
Daiyu after having been told countless times about my
own parents’ journeys for a better life. This connection, and
working alongside the amazing cast and brilliant team, plus
collaborating with Adam Azimov, a truly inspiring and talented
director, is what made filming a challenging opportunity that
was incredibly worthwhile.
I think as actors, we are always striving to tell stories that move
us, and we desire and welcome a challenge because we often
can discover great things about ourselves along the way; that’s
what I love about being an actor. This nomination is immensely
appreciated, and I feel truly honoured to be recognized amongst
a group of well-respected, amazing, and inspiring actors.
ACTRA’s constant support and encouragement is what makes
this crazy profession completely doable. Thank you sincerely! I
am boundlessly grateful to my peers for the recognition in
Silent Cargo, and would really love to give my heartfelt thanks
to ACTRA for the nomination.”
SPRING • 2012
11
Shawn Doyle
Peter Outerbridge
Eric Peterson
Stacey DePass
Outstanding Performance - Male
Clé Bennett
Shawn Doyle
Eric Peterson
2 Gemini Awards for Guns and The Line. Film: Barney’s Version¸
How She Move. TV: Breakout Kings, My Babysitter’s a Vampire,
The Listener, Republic of Doyle, Shattered, Lost Girl, Crash &
Burn. Voice: Razzberry Jazzberry Jam, Total Drama Island.
Currently: Kim’s Convenience at Soulpepper.
Previous ACTRA Award winner (Toronto) for The Eleventh Hour.
Gemini Award for The Robber Bride. Gemini nominations for
Eight Days to Live, The Eleventh Hour, A Killing Spring, The City.
Best known for Big Love and Endgame. Film: Grown Up Movie
Star, Sabah, Frequency. TV: Lost, Lie to Me, Desperate Housewives, 24, C.S.I., Numb3rs. Currently: The Disappeared, King,
Republic Of Doyle. Originally from Newfoundland.
Member of the Order of Canada. ACTRA Toronto Award of
Excellence. Earle Grey Award. Gemini Awards for Corner Gas,
Street Legal. Gemini nominations for This is Wonderland.
Canadian Comedy Award nomination for Corner Gas. Film: The
Sleep Room. TV: Dan for Mayor, Murdoch Mysteries, Republic of
Doyle, The Ron James Show, Trudeau (Tommy Douglas), Slings
and Arrows. Voice: Care Bears Family, Droids, Ewoks. Online:
The Casting Room. Originally from Saskatchewan.
Flashpoint – “A Day in the Life” • Role: Rafik Rousseau
“I liked how Raf had a different approach to policing. He had a
smooth, easy-going way about him that allowed him to connect with others. Working on Flashpoint is gruelling at times,
but it can also be rewarding. It's a great show, so I was happy
to join the cast of Flashpoint for Season 4.
An award is always special when it comes from those who
truly understand.”
Clé Bennett
John A: Birth of a Country • Role: John A. Macdonald
“At first, the idea of playing John A. was more than a little
daunting. My prep for the movie was really about letting go of
this pressure to live up to everyone's (and my own) expectations and find my way to a human being, as opposed to this
iconic figure. In the end, I just tried to let Bruce Smith's great
script do the heavy lifting. That task was made easier by an
amazing director who allowed me to fail (over & over again) and
a cast that was PERFECT. The original title of this movie was
The Rivals, as it's essentially a love story between John A and
George Brown. Peter Outerbridge, a friend and hero, came into
the first read-thru with such confidence and ferocity that I understood very quickly I had to either jump off the cliff or be
swallowed whole. Any success I may have had with the
performance is due in no small part to acting opposite such an
intelligent, thoughtful and powerful actor. A career highlight.”
Peter Outerbridge
John A: Birth of a Country • Role: George Brown
10 Gemini nominations for Deadliest Sea, ReGenesis, This is
Wonderland, Chasing Cain, Captive Heart: The James Mink
Story, The Outer Limits. 2 Genie nominations: Marine Life and
Kissed. Also known for Men with Brooms, Better than
Chocolate, 24, Trudeau, Murdoch Mysteries and Road to
Avonlea. Currently: Bomb Girls.
“It is an honour to be recognized for your work; a greater
honour when that work is recognized by your peers. I humbly
and sincerely thank you.”
Christopher Plummer
12
PERFORMERS • ACTRA Toronto
Billy Bishop Goes to War • Role: Billy Bishop
“I’m very happy and pleased and humbled and a bit f***d up
and honoured by this nomination from an organisation that I so
cherish and admire.”
Christopher Plummer
Barrymore • Role: John Barrymore
Companion of the Order of Canada. Oscar nominations for The
Last Station and Beginners. Emmy Awards for Madeline¸ Arthur
Hailey’s The Moneychangers. Genie Award for Murder by
Decree. For Beginners: Golden Globe Award, Critics Choice
Movie Award, Hollywood Film Festival Award, LA Film Critics
Association Award, National Board of Review Award, Online Film
Critics Award, Southeastern Film Critics Association Award,
Toronto Film Critics Association Award, Gotham Award (shared
with ensemble). Boston Society of Film Critics Award, LA Film
Critics Association Award, National Society of Film Critics
Award for The Insider. Method Fest Award (with ensemble),
Palm Beach International Film Festival Award for Man in the
Chair. National Board of Review Award (with ensemble) for
Nicholas Nickleby. 35 more nominations. Also known for: Girl
with the Dragon Tattoo, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus,
Up, Ararat, A Beautiful Mind, Malcolm X, The Amateur, The
Silent Partner, The Thorn Birds, The Sound of Music. Voice:
Madeline, Counterstrike. Currently: Five Good Years.
Robbie FitzRoy
`
Billy MacLellan
Miles Johnson
Miklos Perlus
Outstanding Performance - Voice
Stacey DePass
The Adventures of Chuck & Friends – “Boomer the Snow Plow”
Role: Boomer
Gemini nomination (ensemble) for Ruby Gloom. Gemini nomination (ensemble) for 6 Teen. ACTRA Nomination for Ruby
Gloom. Film: The Tuxedo, Ham & Cheese. TV: Secret Santa,
Martin and Lewis, The Bobroom, Comedy Now. Voice: Rob The
Robot, Ruby Gloom, Turbo Dogs, Harry and his Bucket Full of
Dinosaurs, Pillars of Freedom, 6Teen, Bob and Doug, Braceface, My Friend Rabbit, What It's Like Being Alone, Odd Job
Jack, Captain Flamingo. Video Games: Power Stone, Bakugan
Battle Brawlers.
“I am absolutely thrilled! I feel very grateful to do this kind of
work and even more so to be nominated. What an honour!!”
Robbie FitzRoy
Stella and Sam – “Box Builders” • Role: Owen
The Santa Suit, Commercials. Special Skills: Swimming, Fishing, Making Model Trains, Dinosaurs, Classic Rock Music
“Doing voice work is fun because it is cool when the cartoon
character has your voice and no one knows it is you. I really
liked the other voice actors I worked with on Stella and Sam,
and all the people at Kitchen Sync. They are my friends. When
I found out I was nominated I was really surprised.”
Rachel Marcus
Billy MacLellan
Afghanada – “The Promise” • Role: Lucas “Chucky” Manson
Gemini nomination for ReGenesis. Previous ACTRA Award nominee for Afghanada. Film: Please Kill Mr. Know it All, Hello October. TV: Bomb Girls, Lost Girl, Flashpoint (multiple
characters), Combat Hospital, Republic of Doyle, Heartland, In
Security, Rookie Blue, The Border, ReGenesis (multiple characters), Murdoch Mysteries, Warriors of Terra, Slings and Arrows. Writer: Afghanada. Writer/Producer/Director: Between
the Mountain and the Shore. Cinematographer: Hamlet: Solo.
Other: National Theatre School. Originally from Cape Breton.
“I landed the role of Chucky in 2006. We were slated for four
episodes. 103 episodes and six years later, it has been remarkable to get to work with some of the best actors and
writers in the country.
I got to see my character grow over six seasons. It's pretty rare
that as an actor you get to see that. I am gonna miss Lucas
"Chucky" Manson.
Jenny Young, Paul Fauteux and I had no idea what we were in
for when we signed on to do Afghanada. And when you work
with people for six years, you really get to grow with them, as
artists and as people. We got to work with hundreds of ACTRA
members over 103 episodes. I can't tell you how grateful I am.
Getting nominated by ACTRA, for a Canadian story, on CBC, playing a Canadian soldier accompanying one of his fallen brothers
home, for the Remembrance Day episode, what an honour.”
Rachel Marcus
Stella and Sam – “Night Fairies” • Role: Stella
Gemini Nominee for Stella and Sam, Booky’s Crush, Booky and
the Secret Santa. Film: The Dogfather. TV: Being Erica (Young
Erica), The Devil’s Teardrop, Vacation with Derek, Rick Mercer
Report. Voice: Wild Kratts, Peep and the Big Wide World,
Stoked.
“Being nominated for an ACTRA Award for playing Stella is so
cool; being cast as Stella was amazing, but nothing compared
to playing her. Bringing these great stories to life lets me tap
into my inter-adventurer! I get to entertain young kids and encourage them to use their imaginations, AND work with the
amazing people at Radical Sheep. What more could I ask for?
I'm so thankful for all the work I've been able to do and for all
the great people I've met along the way. This acting thing... it's
a dream come true!”
Miles Johnson
Stella and Sam – “Night Fairies” • Role: Sam
Gemini Nominee for Stella and Sam. Commercials, Looping.
Special Interests: Science, Engineering
“The script we auditioned with was "Box Builders" where Sam
and his sidekick, Owen, with Stella's help, make all kinds of
imaginative things out of cardboard boxes. To help Miles get
into the role, I (his mother) made a robot out of a box we had
at home and we took it to the audition.
What Miles likes best about playing Sam is reading the scripts
like a story and saying "C'mon Fred." Oh, and Pad Thai for
lunch!
Director Susan Hart's ability to calmly and patiently elicit such
good performances from Miles is impressive. Meeting the author, Marie-Louise Gay, was also a highlight.
We're thrilled that Miles and Rachel have been nominated together because the magic of the show is really the interaction
of their two characters and how well their two voices are suited
to the parts.” — Carolyn Johnson, Miles’ Mom
Miklos Perlus
Sidekick – “Eric Squared” • Role: Eric Needles
6Teen, Jim Button, Inside the Osmonds, Student Bodies, Highlander, Road to Avonlea. As a writer: Instant Star, Degrassi:
TNG, WGC Award with James Hurst for Degrassi: TNG (“Mercy
Street”). Other: Head of Development, Kids & Scripted at
marblemedia. Married father of two boys.
"Voicing Eric Needles on Sidekick has been a dream come true
for me. Not only do I get to work with some of the best performers, producers, directors, writers, animators, and technicians in the world, but I get to be a Saturday morning cartoon!
My 10- year-old self is very proud.”
SPRING • 2012
13
14
PERFORMERS • ACTRA Toronto
Celebrating ACTRA Toronto’s Voice Performers
by Tracey Hoyt
Perhaps because I’m a voice actor I’m more obsessed about this
than most, but I am constantly inspired by the abundance of
ACTRA Toronto talent voicing my daily routine.
On CBC Radio, Jeremy Harris promotes programs like the successful drama series Afghanada, which features Paul Fauteux,
Billy MacLellan and Jenny Young. On the small screen, David
Berni is the voice of HBO Canada; Caroly Larson is the female
promo voice for CTV and Rique Franks provides the smoky voice
of Showcase.
In the commercial world, the hilarious Carlos Diaz portrays the
buff animated spokesman El Tabador for Koodo. Aaron Tager’s
endearing narration of a national Cheese campaign makes me
yearn to be five again. Ray Landry and Fred Napoli move me as
the voices of Toronto Rehab and Royal Canadian Mint.
It’s an incredibly deep voice pool here in the big city. Despite a
very rough year for all of us in 2008, we’re still alive and well. As
I write this, there are 20 animation projects in production. I’m not
just talking about long-running successes like Arthur and Max
and Ruby, but a fresh crop, including Mike the Knight and Monster
Math Squad. Returning for a second season, among others, are
Almost Naked Animals and The New Adventures of Babar.
I’m thrilled to voice recurring roles on the adorable pre-school
series The Cat in the Hat Knows A Lot about That! Check out the
English-speaking territories that Cat currently airs in: Canada, the
U.S., Australia, New Zealand, The UK and Armed Forces Bases
outside of the U.S. Our little show is not alone. Canada has consistently produced internationally successful children’s programming. Remember Bob and Margaret? How about Franklin the
Turtle and Total Drama Island?
Carlos Diaz and his famous Koodo mascot
What makes our marketplace unique is the number and diversity
of opportunities we have. We are fortunate to consistently work
at a national level on projects with exceptional production values.
Also, the talent here is incredibly diverse, not just culturally, but
in terms of age-range and special skills. Young members Nissae
Isen (My Big, Big Friend) and her sister Tajja Isen (Super Why!),
hot young actor Clé Bennett (Razzberry Jazzberry Jam), 2010
ACTRA Toronto Outstanding Performance - Voice Award winner/
comic savant Sean Cullen and our beloved Gordon Pinsent,
a.k.a. King Babar, to name just a few of our richly talented voice
performers.
We have lots to celebrate. At the 2010 Gemini Awards, voice nominees for Animation/Children’s Programming included ACTRA
Toronto members Jamie Watson (Peep and The Big Wide World)
Sean Cullen and Cory Doran (Jimmy Two Shoes) and Kristin
Booth (Producing Parker). The big winner for Animation
Performance was Kim Cattrall (Producing Parker).
I’m looking forward to celebrating the nominees for all the
ACTRA Performance Awards in February. I am so grateful to my
ridiculously talented voice peer Adrian Truss for helping to make
the Outstanding Performance - Voice Award a reality. You can bet
that I’ll be there in fully warmed-up voice to
cheer everyone on. ❒
Gordon Pinsent and the lovable King Babar
Tracey Hoyt has recurring roles on the Family Channel
series Really Me and in the animated series The Cat In
The Hat Knows A Lot About That! A busy commercial
voice performer, Tracey is also the Director/Instructor
at Pirate Voice in Toronto.
Kim Cattrall and Award-winner Producing Parker
SPRING • 2012
15
16
PERFORMERS • ACTRA Toronto
The main cast of Lost Girl
Photos courtesy of Shaw Media
L to R: Rick Howland, K.C. Collins, Kris Holden-Ried,
Anna Silk, Ksenia Solo, Zoie Palmer
by K.C. Collins
SPRING • 2012
17
Rick Howland
Season 1, Episode 1.
We open on Bo, a beautiful
stranger, working at a bar, serving
drinks to a would-be pickup artist
looking to spike hers.
Or anyone’s for that matter. After slighting his advances, Bo happens
upon the creep once more in an elevator with a young woman,
Kenzi. Evidently, the man had opted for an easier target. After
Kenzi quickly succumbs to the not-so-love drug, Bo invites the
man for one, tiny, little kiss. She drains the life from him in one
moment of passion. Our Succubus is revealed. A series is born.
And I’m hooked.
Having become such a fan, I often think about how my role on
this original, unique and sexy series almost never came to be.
I’m in L.A. throwing together a nice vegan meal (it was tastier than
it sounds) when I get a call from my agent about a couple of
auditions. One of them was for a new sci-fi original series that
Showcase was doing. “Hmm… I love Showcase, but Sci-fi? Not
my thing.” Not usually what an agent wants to hear, but, luckily, I
have one that gets me. We chatted and before I knew it I was in
town at the ACTRA Awards (I’m looking at my trophy as I write
this), and before long, I’m the best-dressed Sci-fi character on
television. (What? Well, that’s the rumour, at least.)
Fast forward a year and a half. Lost Girl debuts as the most
watched scripted premiere in Showcase history and goes on to
become the highest rated program ever to air on Showcase, with
Season 1 setting a record that would eventually be topped by
Season 2. I’m not usually one to be raving about the way Canadian
broadcasters promote our hard work, but Showcase (Shaw Media)
and Prodigy Pictures have impressed me. Made me feel proud to
be a Canadian artist! The show’s popularity has spread so much
18
PERFORMERS • ACTRA Toronto
Zoie Palmer
that even my Grandma watches the show. And no, it’s not because
I’m in it.
The Hollywood Reporter’s list of the most pirated TV shows had
Lost Girl at number 9! The people obviously want it and now more
of them are getting it… legally. Syfy has picked up the series for
the UK, Australia and the U.S. The series’ smart, interactive
approach has drawn a legion of followers on Twitter, Facebook
and Website exclusives.
The series stars Anna Silk as Bo, a succubus - a mythical creature
that craves the sexual energy of others. She uses it to heal,
manipulate and render opponents obedient. Before knowing who
or what she was, Bo survived on her abilities to seduce, leaving
one town for the next, each time her powers got the better of her…
or someone else. After being discovered by the governing powers
of her species, the Fae, she slowly begins to learn the history and
origins of her powers. Her natural gifts impress even the eldest of
her kind, making her a desired possession of both the Light and
Dark sides of the Fae. After defying both sides and choosing to
reside in the middle, Bo, with her supernatural powers, works together with the equally impressive criminal gifts of her Human
ally Kenzi, to help Humans and Fae alike. Asked if she’s surprised
by the success of Lost Girl, Silk says, “I knew during the pilot that
Lost Girl was a very unique show with a special cast, but this is a
tough industry, so you never know how things will turn out. Luckily
we have a very loyal, devoted and vocal audience who have really
embraced the show and all of the characters.” Silk does astounding
work, making Bo desirable, intriguing, intelligent and entertaining
all at once. Fans have fallen hard for her natural curvaceous beauty.
Kris Holden-Ried is Dyson, Bo’s Light Fae love interest. He’s a
Fae officer who hides in plain sight as a Human police detective
that solves Fae crimes. A character of great strength and intuition,
Dyson toes the line between desire and duty, as his understanding
of Fae politics forces him to keep his feelings for Bo hidden,
though it is not a well-kept secret. Kris plays this character to
Kris Holden-Ried
Anna Silk
perfection, masking his true form, a wolf-shifter, beneath the
façade of a brooding, dedicated cop. Holden-Ried says he enjoys
[getting] “to explore a superhuman side to a character. It pushes
me both physically and mentally.” Not to mention, he has me, Det.
Hale, as his partner.
Ksenia Solo plays Kenzi, a role for which she was awarded a Gemini
for Season 1. It’s fitting that this is one of the only Human
characters of the show’s main cast, because Ksenia reaches each
compartment of human emotion needed to make Kenzi the
endearing and absorbing character she’s become. Kenzi may best
be described as a street-wise and resourceful hustler, clever beyond
her years. Before the first episode of Season 1 is halfway through,
we watch her lift wallets, stowaway beneath moving cars and
speak fluent Russian, while switching wigs a few times as well.
“Kenzi is the bravest character I’ve ever played,” says Solo, “Even
in the moments where she’s scared out of her mind, she will still
stare evil straight in the eye and fight with everything she’s got. I
admire that about her and am constantly learning from her.” Kenzi
is a true survivor who has developed an array of talents and a network
that becomes the lifeline that enables Bo to remain free of the
strict hierarchy of the Fae.
There’s nothing like a love triangle to cause conflict so I’m sure
many fans and viewers were pleased to discover that Bo’s
romantic relationships were not reserved solely for Dyson (Sorry
Kris). Another interest bared itself in the form of Lauren, an
alluring Human doctor and scientist employed by the Fae and
played by the extremely talented Zoie Palmer. Her connection
with Bo is instant and intriguing. The Light Fae set out to use
Lauren to manipulate and control Bo, but Lauren’s motives turn
genuine as she helps Bo avoid trouble and control her hunger. This
character is very much in line with Lost Girl’s theme of divided
sides and inner struggles faced by individuals pitted against each
other in the ongoing conflict between the Light and Dark Fae.
Palmer finds this role to be different from others she’s played. “I’m
K.C. Collins
Ksenia Solo
“I knew
during the
pilot that
Lost Girl
was a very
unique show
with a special
cast, but this
is a tough
industry, so
you never
know how
things will
turn out.”
SPRING • 2012
19
more often cast as characters who are more gregarious and outgoing than Lauren, who comes off, at first glance, as reserved and
tentative.”
Ksenia Solo
Rick Howland and Anna Silk
Rick Howland is Trick, the mysterious, neutral Light Fae who has
established equal terms with elders on both sides of the Fae. He
operates what looks like a pub but is revealed to be a neutral meeting place for both Light and Dark Fae. He is constantly monitoring
the pawns in the game between both sides, his approach being
one of strategy. He uses tact to maintain the balance and keep the
peace. His ability to reason and negotiate sometimes seems to be
the only thing that stands between them and disaster. Howland
handles his role with charm and strength and says he connected
with it from the very beginning. “It’s great!” says Howland. “I was
able to relate to the casting breakdown of the character right away.
I said this is mine and I set out to get it. I feel blessed to be playing
Trick and being a part of this amazing show.” I’m glad he’s the one
that has to spew all that Fae fable academia and not me. He’s a joy
to watch.
As for myself, I play Det. Hale, the ultimate bachelor. He’s probably
the first male Siren on TV… maybe in existence. Hale is more than
meets the eye as viewers learn in Season 2. While he might come
across as a sidekick, he definitely leaves his own footprints on the
show. Hale has a connection with Kenzi that fans just love and if
it were up to them, Hale wouldn’t be a bachelor for long. I’ve found
myself nervous, excited, sad and downright cracking up in every
episode. Forget what I said earlier about Sci-fi not being my thing.
I love it and I absolutely love being a part of this show! I consider
the cast and crew as family.
In the quickly evolving world of Sci-fi, writer Michelle Lovretta
has created an environment unique unto itself. This fast-moving
show juggles many rich characters and storylines without
appearing confused or schizophrenic. The skillfully interwoven
paths of the Human and Fae worlds create a very palpable existence
in which we can take these characters in so many different ways.
Like other well-written Sci-fi shows, it’s the characters that shape
the story. We care about them, and, particularly with this show, I
feel as though the audience learns the story at the same pace as
the characters themselves, giving it an engrossing, interactive feel.
Lost Girl has a little something for everyone and as we’re seeing in
Season 2, it’s only getting better. ❒
K.C. Collins was nominated for a Gemini for
Doomstown and won an ACTRA Award for Guns. He
has also had recurring roles in Crash & Burn and ZOS.
K.C.
K.C. Collins and Kris Holden-Ried
20
PERFORMERS • ACTRA Toronto
I Practice
SAFE
Ask a Steward
SETS!
Clare Johnston is a Steward in the IPA department.
She also stewards the Audio Code.
Q: In case of an accident on set, what should I do?
By and large, the Toronto entertainment
industry is relatively free of accidents but
there have been a few very unfortunate
incidents in the past few months, resulting
in injuries to performers. This is a wake-up
call to us all - to remember that a set is a
workplace and there are various kinds of
hazards of which we must be aware.
If you have a concern about safety on set
- ASK. While everyone feels the pressure
to get the shot and keep on schedule, a reasonable safety question should not be
viewed as burdensome by Production.
If you do have an accident, however
minor, either on set or on your way to set,
you should report it to an AD and see the
designated Health and Safety rep who
should be listed on the callsheet. Even if
you have, for example, tripped over a cable,
but not been hurt, reporting the incident
enables the employer to take action to prevent someone else from suffering a more
serious injury.
If you are injured but don’t need to be
taken to hospital, ask to see the set
medic. Find out about the Production’s
accident injury insurance and start the
process of filling out the incident report
and insurance forms. All ACTRA commercial productions in Ontario automatically use ACTRA Fraternal’s Accident on
Set insurance. Independent film and TV
productions are required to have workers’
compensation or equivalent insurance.
Production needs to complete and submit
an incident report to the insurer and there
is usually a 2-3 day timeframe within
which to do so. This doesn’t mean they assess ‘blame’ – it’s much more ‘just the facts,
ma’am.’ That way, if you need to file a claim
for income replacement while you recover,
or you wish to be reimbursed for treatment
or prescription costs, the insurer will have
a file on your incident. And don’t forget to
call your Steward, so they can follow up
on the case too and make sure you get the
coverage to which you are entitled.
For your own protection, document
everything. Try to take note of the names
of the crew members you speak to and the
medical personnel who examine you. Even
if your injuries are minor and you aren’t
taken to hospital, you should see your own
doctor as soon as possible. If your condition worsens days or even months later, a
prompt initial visit will enable your doctor
to report on the effects of the original incident. Whether you are seen by a doctor at
the hospital or your family doctor, request
the doctor’s report in writing. You will
most likely have to pay for it, but it is
absolutely necessary to process a claim.
The professionalism and diligence of our
members and of our sister unions and
guilds allow most days on set to pass without incident. The Ontario Ministry of
Labour publishes Safety Guidelines for the
Film and Television Industry in Ontario
online. These guidelines set the safety standards which film and TV employers must
meet. The guidelines were created with
input from ACTRA and other film and TV
unions, the producers’ association, film offices and the Ministry of Labour, who
comprise the Section 21 Health and Safety
Advisory Committee. The Committee
meets regularly to discuss on-set safety
issues and to develop policy to minimise
incidents. It’s a good idea to have a read of
the Guidelines.
www.filmsafety.ca/guidelines.html
Safety is everyone’s concern. Be aware and
observant. Our workplaces are wildly
varied but some of the more common
hazards include slip and fall risks, airborne
and environmental issues, allergies and
medical concerns, physical injuries, vehicle
safety, safe behaviour around working
animals, concerns specific to minors, and
risky action that should only be performed
by a stunt performer. If you see something
that looks questionable, don’t be shy –
speak up. Be helpful, respectful and patient
and most problems will be resolved. ❒
• If you have a concern – ASK
• Report accidents to an AD
and the Health and Safety Rep
• See the medic
• Start filling out accident/
injury insurance forms
• Call your Steward
• Document everything
• Get Doctor’s report in writing
SPRING • 2012
21
PROFESSIONAL
ACTOR
DAD’S
CREDIT CARD
KOSHER
NUDE
SCENE IN
THE CAN
RENT-AWRECK
BROTHER
NEEDS
TRUCK
HIRE CREW
HAPPY
ACTORS
BEAUTY
CORNER
FREE
VIOLENCE
IN THE CAN
EXCELLENT
BOOK
STAR
UNFORSEEN
EXPENSES
publicity
HOME
EDITING
SWEET!
ACTRA
Contracts
Ar
tH
i nd
le
HAPPY
WRITERS
GETS THE JOB
DONE
PERFORMERS • ACTRA Toronto
22
PITCH
CONTACT
ACTRA
CASTING
MOM’S
CREDIT CARD
BOOK
BRO’S
TRUCK
AUDITIONS
(MOVE
FORWARD
2 PACES)
HELP
FROM
ACTRA
T
O
O
H
LAWSUITS
R
S
E-
NO
LAWYER
by Art Hindle
FOR
NEXT
FILM
DEAL
GOOD
TRAINING
NO
DISTRIBUTION
Rolling the Dice with
Low Budget Film?
I’ve done more than a few low budget films with first time filmmakers.
And I’m always out there advocating that all new filmmakers “go
ACTRA.” So it occurred to me that it might be useful to put together a
kind of quick snapshot of the advantages of making a film with union
talent and give it to you, so that when a new filmmaker asks you the same
question, “Why should I go union?”, you’ll have some answers for them.
Of course, as professional actors it sometimes seems like a dumb question to us. Why should you use professional actors? I mean, isn’t the
answer obvious? Because they’re professional.
ROAD
IT ON THE
GOOD
PRESS
The Advantages of Using Professional Actors
WRITE
SEQUEL
SLEEP
!
SCRIPT
You’ve worked hard to pull together a great script, a crackerjack cinematographer, a more-thanwilling crew and the best camera and equipment you can afford. If you then go out and hire nonprofessional, inexperienced actors, here’s what could happen. After you’ve wrapped the shoot and
your very talented editor starts to cut it together, you could discover an unavoidable and costly
truth. You don’t have a ‘realized’ performance. You saved money on non-union actors, but you
wasted the money you spent on your crew because now your movie is unwatchable! And if this is
your first film, the chances of you being able to raise enough money for your next film with that
first mistake as your calling card ….
That’s a good start to the conversation. Then you can run down this list of the advantages of using
professional talent:
FILM FEST
TAKING
Q: Why should I “go ACTRA?”
A: Spending what money you have on the on-screen performances is really the best
decision you could make.
Happy Actors – confident they’re on a safe, professional set and they’re going to get paid on time.
Professional Actors – hitting their marks, repeating takes as though it’s the first time, 3 takes and
they’re done, no need to go into overtime.
Happy writers – professional actors don’t just become the character, they also know how to arc the
storytelling through performance.
Save money on Casting Directors – free talent databases for producers who “go ACTRA.”
No Lawsuits - safety, insurance, all part of a union set.
No Lawyers - contracts provided by ACTRA.
Publicity value – In the Q & A after the festival screening, who does the audience want to talk to?
What about the journalists? Exactly.
Distribution deal – Hey, you just might get an actor who is already famous even though you’re not. (Yet.)
No sketchy nude scenes – professionals know how to get it done without compromising anyone’s dignity. Union rules tell you how to do it.
Excellent Violence – stunts priced, sourced and executed safely by professionals.
Help – from ACTRA. Spreadsheets that do the math.
Good Training – learning how to do stuff with ACTRA that you’ll need sooner or later to get tax
credits and government funding.
So there you go.
You have my permission to cut it out and carry it with you. And I’ll
close with my version of something I once heard Linda Kash say –
“Sure we cost money. But we’re worth it!”
SPRING • 2012
23
Members
News
Casting Room
Web Series
ACTRA Toronto member Naomi Snieckus is
out to improve the audition experience for all,
producing and acting in a fun little web series
called The Casting Room Web Series. The series
demonstrates some classic mistakes actors
should avoid in an audition from the point of
view of a Casting Director. Auditioning with
unusual ineptitude for real casting honcho
Stephanie Gorin are Eric Peterson, Jayne Eastwood, Marty Adams, Al Sapienza, Charlotte
Arnold, Deb McGrath, Ennis Esmer, Joe
Motiki and others. Check in frequently as new
episodes are posted. Yet another story of a
resourceful member self-producing. And the series
has now found a home on FunnyorDie.com.
Naomi Snieckus
John Stoneham Sr.
Photo: Earl Reinink
John Stoneham Sr. honoured
with Achievement in
Stunt Specialities Award
John Stoneham Sr. will be presented with the
Award for Achievement in Stunt Specialities at
the plenary in February.
Performers magazine asked Stunt performer,
Coordinator and chair of the Stunt committee,
Shelley Cook to tell us a story about John. “This
guy was for real, a cowboy, stunt guy, singer,
actor. John has reinvented himself and been one
of the most inspiring personalities and free spirits
I have had the pleasure to work with. He is a
true ‘old school’ stunt guy, a one-of-a-kind spirit
and I can't think of anyone that deserves this
lifetime achievement award more. A friend, a
stunt guy, a cowboy!”
“One time, Dwayne McLean and I were in the
Golf Dome hitting balls. It was January, one
year long gone, huge snowstorm, middle of the
day. We were unemployed, trying to stay busy
as stunt guys do. The place is full of guys hitting
balls. I hear, “Baby!” and turn around. It was
like an old John Wayne movie! Johnny comes
24
PERFORMERS • ACTRA Toronto
through the door completely decked out in
‘Clint Eastwood’ attire: long coat, cowboy boots,
scarf and a ten gallon hat! As he approached us,
the snow on his hat and shoulders created this
‘cloud of dust.’ Needless to say, he had the full
attention of the Dome! He picked me up and
swung me around, gave Dwayne a manly greeting and proceeded to grab the golf club and
start hitting balls. ‘Now this is a story!’ he said,
and told us he had landed a radio show and had
just cut a ‘single’ of his new song.”
Shelley Cook
John Stoneham Sr. has
been working in the industry for nearly four
decades. His long résumé
includes Charles Bronson
movies, Due South,
Johnny Mnemonic, XMen, and most recently
Cronenberg’s Cosmopolis.
AYA
Winterlude
Cabaret
Renée Stein and
Don Berns
perform a number
from Cabaret
Tommie-Amber Pirie
Are you
One to Watch?
The youngest
producer?
ACTRA Toronto’s Young Emerging Actors Assembly (YEAA)
launched its “Ones to Watch” program (OTW) this fall. Periodically,
YEAA’s OTW will shine a spotlight on the hottest young Canadian
rising stars (playing age 17-27) though press releases to media as
well as highlighting them on the YEAA.ca website.
The film industry has played an important
part in my life from an early age. I started
acting at the age of 3½, upon a suggestion
by my aunt who is in the advertising
business. As a kid, acting is a fun experience and for some of us child actors it becomes
a stepping stone for continuing in this
business as an adult.
“It’s like an Early Warning System to help identify tomorrow’s
Canadian icons today!” says YEAA chair Bryn McAuley, once the
voice of Caillou and now the voice of Roxy on Crash Canyon.
YEAA’s first OTW Spotlight was on ACTRA Award nominee
Tommie-Amber Pirie, Matt Watts’ love interest on CBC’s
Michael: Tuesdays and Thursdays. She also appears in TMN's Living
in Your Car, CBC's The Border, and Global/ABC's Rookie Blue.
Pirie also played Jay Baruchel’s sister in the feature film The Trotsky.
YEAA has been making an impact this year through the OTW
program, organizing mixers between actors and student filmmakers, innovative sessions at ACTRA conferences, and having a
presence at film festivals such at TIFF and Reel Asian. We are forging a powerful community for young actors and filmmakers to
network and share resources.
"YEAA is an inspiration,” says Heather Allin, President of
ACTRA Toronto. “This upcoming generation of performers will
become both the faces of Canadian entertainment and the
activists for our union and industry.”
If you're an actor who plays in the age range of 17-27 and you have
an upcoming or current film or television project and want a boost
of media coverage, submit yourself to the OTW program! Go to
YEAA.ca, then “Ones to Watch”, then “Submit Yourself.”
Richard Young, YEAA Committee Member
Act Your Age held its annual cabaret at
Performing Arts Lodge on Dec. 19.
Organized around a Winter theme, the
cabaret featured songs and stories from
such stalwarts as Nonnie Griffin, Patti
Gail Peaker, Susan Cox, Jennifer
Higgin, Jessica Booker, Florence
Carenza, Chris Kelk, Valeri Kay, Roz
Feldman, Tony Fletcher, and Renée
Stein and Don Berns. Hosted by
Theresa Tova, accompanied by Robert
Latimer-Cornell and with lights and
sound by Austin Schatz, the evening
was a warm seasonal reminder of the
joys of community.
I learned very quickly that to survive in
this business you need to learn to wear
many hats. You need to have various sources of work available to you so that
when you aren’t working in front of the camera you can work behind the
camera as a director, for instance. Throughout my various acting experiences
I developed a keen interest in directing and this is now my other “hat.”
To help develop my interest, I enrolled in an evening program called The Film
Student through a local college. Within the parameter of developing a tenminute short film, I wrote, produced and directed a mystery film titled Cryptogram. The script was written with one of my acting coaches, Marvin Karon,
in mind for the lead role. Since he was an ACTRA member and being an
ACTRA member myself, I researched ACTRA Toronto’s Co-op program and
with the guidance of ACTRA, this film was produced under a Co-op Agreement. Being able to produce this short film under this Agreement gave me access
to eight great ACTRA members who helped make this short film what it is
today. At the age of 16, I believe I was the youngest Producer to have made a
film under this Agreement.
It took eleven months to complete the film from initial concept to post production.
During this process, I was the youngest crew member on set who had to sometimes learn to make quick decisions while relying on the years of experience of
my cast and crew. Cryptogram was my first short film. It was broadcast on
Rogers TV this fall on The Film Student, a series that showcases the achievements of ten young filmmakers.This experience helped me realize that I’m just
as passionate about film directing as I am about acting and I have just been
accepted into the Tisch School of the Arts at NYU for the fall of 2012.
Mitchell Lazar, age 17
SPRING • 2012
25
with
Us
www.actratoronto.com
ACTRA
Toronto
Council
Who’s
Who
ACTRA
Toronto
Staff is
here
for YOU
PRESIDENT
Heather Allin [email protected]
PAST PRESIDENT
Karl Pruner [email protected]
ACTRA NATIONAL PRESIDENT
Ferne Downey [email protected]
VICE-PRESIDENT, FINANCE
David MacNiven
[email protected]
ACTRA Toronto
General contact information
Tel: 416-928-2278 or toll free 1-877-913-2278
[email protected]
www.actratoronto.com
625 Church Street, Toronto, Ontario, M4Y 2G1
VICE-PRESIDENT, INTERNAL AFFAIRS
Theresa Tova [email protected]
VICE-PRESIDENT, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Art Hindle [email protected]
VICE-PRESIDENT, COMMUNICATIONS
David Gale [email protected]
VICE-PRESIDENT, MEMBER SERVICES
David Sparrow [email protected]
EXECUTIVE MEMBER-AT-LARGE
Wendy Crewson [email protected]
Shereen Airth [email protected]
Kirsten Bishopric [email protected]
K.C. Collins [email protected]
Richard Hardacre [email protected]
Karen Ivany [email protected]
Taborah Johnson [email protected]
Don Lamoreux [email protected]
Jani Lauzon [email protected]
Colin Mochrie [email protected]
John Nelles [email protected]
Jack Newman [email protected]
Eric Peterson [email protected]
Leah Pinsent [email protected]
Chris Potter [email protected]
Nicole St. Martin [email protected]
Spirit Synott [email protected]
Caucus chairs, member advocates
and ombudsman:
Shereen Airth, Apprentice Advocate
[email protected], ext. 6621
Jim Usatis,
Additional Background Performer Chair
[email protected]
Taborah Johnson, Children’s Advocate
[email protected]
Jani Lauzon, Diversity Advocate
[email protected], ext. 6618
Shelley Cook, Stunt Committee Chair
[email protected]
Shawn Lawrence, Ombudsman
[email protected], ext. 6604
Commercial Agreement Interpretations
Judy Barefoot, Director, Tel: 416-642-6705
Kelly Davis, Steward, Tel: 416-642-6707
Cathy Wendt, Steward, Tel: 416-642-6714
Commercial Audition Callback Inquires
Claudette Allen Tel: 416-642-6713
Commercial Cheque Inquiries
Terri Black, Examiner, Tel: 416-642-6744
Lyn Franklin, Examiner, Tel: 416-642-6730
Brenda Smith, Examiner, Tel: 416-642-6729
Commercial Payment Inquiries
Tammy Boyer, Coordinator, Tel: 416-642-6739
Tereza Olivero, Coordinator, Tel: 416-642-6731
Communications and Organizing
Karl Pruner, Director, Tel: 416-644-1506
Karen Woolridge, Public Relations Officer,
Tel: 416-642-6710
Janesse Leung, Public Relations Officer - Web,
Tel: 416-642-6747
Laura McKelvey, Organizer, Tel: 416-642-6728
Finance and Administration
Karen Ritson, Director, Tel: 416-642-6722
Independent Production Agreement (IPA), CBC TV
& Radio, CTV, City-TV, Global and TVO Agreements
Sue Milling, Director, Tel: 416-642-6719
Indra Escobar, Senior Advisor, Tel: 416-642-6702
Erin Phillips, Steward: IPA, CityTV, CTV, VISION,
TIP, Documentaries, Industrials, Reality TV,
Tel: 416-642-6738 (Maternity Leave)
Barbara Larose, Steward: IPA, CFC, Co-op,
Student Films, UAP. Staff Liaison: Minors,
Background Performers, Tel: 416-642-6712
Noreen Murphy, Steward: IPA, Animation, Dubbing,
New Media, Pilots, Series, Docs, Industrials,
Video Games. Staff Liaison: Digital, Voice Performers,
Tel: 416-642-6708
Richard Todd, Steward: IPA, CBC, Global, NFB, TVO,
Staff Liaison, Health and Safety, Stunts,
Tel: 416-642-6716
Clare Johnston, Steward: IPA, Features, Series,
Audio Code. Staff Liaison: YEAA, Puppeteers,
Tel: 416-642-6746
Cindy Ramjattan, Steward: IPA, Animation, CityTV,
CTV, TIP, Reality, VisionTV
Toronto Indie Production
Tasso Lakas, TIP Coordinator, Tel: 416-642-6733
Member Training Intensive
& Gordon Pinsent Studio Bookings
Stephanie Stevenson, Administrative Assistant,
Tel: 416-642-6735
Membership Department Dues & Permit Payments
Contact: Membership Department
Tel: 416-928-2278
Karl Pruner, Director
26
PERFORMERS • ACTRA Toronto
Make family memories in your new home.
John
Robinson
Mortgage Agent
lic.# M08007880
ACTRA Member since 1985
Purchase Renew Refinance
Actors
Helping
Actors
416-835-1754
[email protected]
lic.#10680
“A man travels the world over
in search of what he needs
and returns home to find it.”
~ George Moore
Belynda Blyth
Sales Representative
Your Key to Success
Bus: 416-699-9292
Cell: 416-371-3717
bblyth@ rogers.com
www.belyndablyth.com
Actra member since 1985
RE/MAX Hallmark Realty Ltd., Brokerage
2237 Queen Street East, Toronto, ON M4E 1G1
SPRING • 2012
27
Byron Abalos
Christine Ackerley
Craig Alan
Emily Alatalo
Joshua Albrecht
Thomas Alderson
Kaleb Alexander
Tasawar Ali
Karl Ang
Rosario Arce
Andre H. Arruda
Christian Attieh
Lisa Auguste
Andrew Austin
Lucas Azevedo
Alanna Bale
Austin Ball
Derek Barnes
Ron Basch
Lindsey Bates
Carl Bauer
Jonah Bay
Ava Beaune
Simon A. Bedard
Marilyn Lesley Bellfontaine
Deepika Bhargava
Gary Biggar
Madeleine Bisson
Aidan Black Allen
Nicholas Bode
Michèle Bogdanowicz
Lukasz Boron
Jerritt Boyce
Rhonda Brewster
Brian Bridger
Asha Bromfield
Jared Brookes
Vanessa Broze
Cameron E Bryson
Giuseppe F. Bucceri
Mark Peter Burns
Rick Bye
28
Vince Carlin
Simon Casanova
Saara Chaudry
Jaeden Cheng
Trevor Coll
Katie Coseni
Julia Course
Cassandra Croppo
Aileen Cullen
Terry Czerlau
Francois X Dagenais
Eric Daniel
Todd Thomas Dark
Millie Davis
Lorella De Filippis
Sebastian Mark De Grandis
Danny Deakin
Alexandra Debellis
Jason Detheridge
Enrico Di Fede
Victor N Dolhai
Harry Doupe
Ursula Drayton
Roxanna Dunlop
Alexandre Duong
Angela Duscio
Kotama Estall
Margaret Ann Evans
Tye Evans
Brad Everett
Michael Paul Farrell
Aaron Feigenbaum
Alexandria Ferguson
Samantha Fletcher
Patrick Foran
Ginette Gaskin
Milda Gecaite
Zahir Gilani
Dylan Gitalis
Kathy Glassford
Halle Goral
Kate Gordon
PERFORMERS • ACTRA Toronto
Gracekaya
Jack Grant
Sophie Grant
Peter Gray
Audra Yulanda Gray
Liam Green
Eric Hanson
Bryan Hindle
Marci T. House
Devon Hyland
Phil Hynes
Richard James
Laszlo Jankovich
Filip Jeremic
Lamar Johnson
Brook Jones
Zion Joubert Johnson
Emmanuel Kabongo
Rafael Kalamat
Jennifer Kardash
Teiya Kasahara
Emma Kerr
Siavash Khavarnejad
Andy King
Brett Kingswell
Isabelle Kiraly
Greg Komorowski
Tyler Kostyk
Adrienne Kress
Francis La Freniere
Jacky Lai
Phil Lam
Pascal Langdale
Elena Lau
Karen Leach
Julian Lewis
Olya Limarenka
Ryan Charles Lindsey
Masha Lizdek
Donal Logue
Adriana Longo
Miranda Lukane
Charles Luu
Mark Luu
Lance Luu
Tanya Lynne
Lindsay Lyon
Mark Macrae
Samantha Madely
John Maillet
Milan Malisic
Gui Mansilla
Helen Mara
Nastassia Markiewicz
Pamela Mars
Mena Massoud
Claire Mazerolle
Katelyn Mcculloch
Brendan Mckeigan
Andrew Mclean
John Mein
Stefne Mercedes
Jaxon Mercey
Patrick Michelacci
Brian Mifsud
Joshua Milko
Philip Moran
Brock Morgan
Paige Moyles
Stephan Muccio
Vanessa Muff
Colin Munch
Mackenzie Munro
Adam Murciano
Chris Murray
Mary Giang Nguyen-Costa
Alan Norman
Nicole Norsworthy
Keliyah Ogiamien
Alexandra Ordolis
Cole Osborne
Cassie Owoc
Alex Ozerov
Andrew Park
Rj Parrish
Brooke Pastuch
Bill Pearson
Avery Pearson
G. Alex Pedraza
Kathy Phillips
Craig Pike
Christina Pisano
Jade Poole
Craig Porritt
Cienna Prendergast
Dina Pugliese
Jonathan Purvis
Jim Ralph
Devon Ramsden
Paul Reed
Michael James Regan
Andy Reid
Michael Reventar
Margot Roesslein
Jordan Rosenberg
Ian Rosenberg
Joseph Ross
Mackenzie Ross
Istan Rozumny
Serena Ryder
Chance Sabouri
Dale Samms
Joey Santarossa
Erika Santillana
Kassandra Santos
Steven Shehori
Debra Sherman
R.J. Skinner
Clarke Smith
Eamon Stocks
Emery Taylor
Joshua Teixeira
Tanisha Thammavongsa
Michael Thomas
Amanda Thomson
Ned Tighe
Meg Tilly
Courtney Tinney
Eva Vanden Heuvel
Johan Vargas
Kate Vickery
Simeon Vivian
Jordan Walker
Kevin Jake Walker
Eloisa Weber
Samson Weiss Willis
Kevin Whalen
Gabriel White
Taylor Whittaker
Marshall Williams
Breanna Willis
Barry Wilson
Jonah Wineberg
Quisha Wint
Ryan Wynne
Jeff Yung
Manolis Zontanos
&
ent
Pins
don
Gor
Wen
son
rew
dy C
Happy
Birthday,
Baby
10 years of
ACTRA Awards in Toronto winners
2003
Kristen Thomson
Shawn Doyle
Gordon Pinsent
Shawn Doyle & Kristen Thomson
Tom McCamus
Diane D’Aquila
Jamie Watson
2004
Diane D'Aquila
Brent Carver
Sonja Smits
Paul Gross
2005
Richard Chevalleau
Kristin Thomson
Paul Gross
2006
Samantha Weinstein
Tom McCamus
Sarah Polley
Brent Carver
Julie Lemieux
Erick Peterson
Rosemary Dunsmore
Aaron Poole
2007
Gordon Pinsent
Maria del Mar
Len Carlson
Wendy Crewson
2008
Matt Watts
Caroline Cave
Aaron Poole
Eric Peterson
Caroline Cave
Nicholas Campbell
Fiona Reid
Sonja Smits
2009
Nicholas Campbell
Rosemary Dunsmore
Jamie Watson
Peter Keleghan
K.C. Collins
2010
K.C. Collins
Kathleen Munroe
Julie Lemieux
Colin Mochrie
Sarah Polley & Samantha Weinstein
Peter Keleghan
Maury Chaykin
Molly Parker & Tracy Wright
Len Carlson
Kathleen Munroe
Maria del Mar
Richard Chevalleau
Sean Cullen
Matt Watts
2011
Maury Chaykin
Molly Parker
Tracy Wright
Sean Cullen
Fiona Reid
Coli
nM
och
rie
SPRING • 2012
29
Frank Aldous, Joel Aldred, Jack Anthony, Joan Barrett, Christine Bennett, Bob Clout
Kenneth Fralick, Bradley Garrick, George Hevenor, Al Kozlik, Lew Lewis
Patrick Liboiroiv, Gertrude Magnatta, Bob Morrison, Charles Oberdorf
Gerry Salsberg, Dan Van Wyck, Ratch Wallace, John Weir
John Neville
, O.B.E. C.M.
I remember when I was finishing theatre school, unsure of what kind
of career I would have, auditioning for John while he was directing at
the NAC.
One of my pieces was Aston in Pinter’s The Caretaker - a character I loved,
but one that my teachers told me I would never be cast as. As I must have
looked all of 16 at the time, it was a fair enough assumption. I apologized
to John after doing the piece and told him my teachers' concerns, and he
smiled with that warm twinkle he had and said, "I’d cast you ... all depends on
how you cast the others, doesn't it?" And with that he opened my eyes to
a whole new way of looking at things, an inclusionary way that has
influenced my own casting of actors ever since I started directing.
Years after that episode I was playing the lead in a terrible production of
The Government Inspector at Theatre Plus, and I was so despondent about
the production that I stayed in my dressing room drinking vodka
opening night, not going up to the party. John came down to my
dressing room and told me to get my ass up to the party. I moaned about
my “bad” performance and he said, “Never let them see the whites of your
eyes ... get up there and be a gracious host.”
Again years later, when we were both acting in a marvelous Stratford
Young Company Loves Labours Lost, I remember the day that director
Michael Langham threw a challenge down to John, a week before opening, asking him to completely rethink his part. Oh, the politics of the look
between them! The next day John came in with this extraordinary and
complete creation, a Don Armado of extreme vulnerability and grace ...
I guess as good a definition of John as any.
David Ferry
first appeared in the Globe and Mail, November 28, 2011
30
PERFORMERS • ACTRA Toronto
John Bayliss
Dorothy
and David Gardner
circa 1967
John Bayliss
Dorothy Gardner
After several years of increasingly debilitating health, John died at
approximately 2:30 p.m., July 4th, 2011 in Mt. Sinai Hospital, Toronto.
Dorothy Gardner, former Head of Casting for CBC, died of a stroke on
August 8, 2011 in the arms of her husband, ACTRA Toronto member,
David Gardner and their daughter Jenny. Born in Edinburgh in 1926,
she studied acting at the London Guildhall of Music and Drama. She
came to Canada in 1956 and began working as a script assistant to director David Gardner at CBC in 1960. During the course of her career she
was instrumental in launching the acting careers of many well-known
performers working today. She cast the Quentin Durgens series, Empire Inc., Chasing Rainbows, Bethune, Termini Station, Zero Patience and
Lilies among many other projects. She taught acting at Sheridan College,
Equity Showcase and National Theatre School. She was a frequent nominator for the Dora Mavor Moore Awards. Dorothy was the recipient of the
Academy Achievement Award at the 2001 Geminis for her exceptional
contribution to the Canadian Film and Television Industry. Dorothy and
David were frequently seen together attending theatre until her death.
She was possessed of a keen eye for performance and adored actors who,
in turn, adored her. She is sadly missed.
John’s early childhood reads like an episode of a PBS Masterpiece
Contemporary. He was born April 4th, 1942, in Australia, just two
months after his British parents had fled the Japanese invasion of
Malaysia. His father quickly returned to active duty with the Royal Navy
and his mother, with young John in tow, traveled from Australia, by sea,
road and rail, to South Africa, Kenya, Cairo and finally England.
John always had an eye for the ladies but he adored none as much as his
mother.
The family returned to Penang, Malaysia after the war, where his father was
an educator for what was then called “The Colonial Service.” The British Empire was rapidly devolving and the life of luxurious houses and servants was
over for the family. They returned to England and in 1959 immigrated to
Alberta. John tried a stint as a commissioned officer with the Royal Canadian
Regiment but after two years decided “the life” was not for him.
John developed an interest in the theatre and, after winning several
scholarships, moved to Toronto in 1968, the year I met him, determined
to become an actor. He did exceptionally well and was a brilliant talent in
all media. I’ve never met anyone who could “cold read” a page, in any
accent or dialect, and make it live more than he.
John and I worked together on stage and TV many times over the years
and became friends because of a shared sense of humour. John was a silent
laugher and I so enjoyed watching his handsome, patrician face, redolent (how
he loved that word) with breeding suddenly morph into a squeezed sponge at
the sight or sound of something that tickled the funny bone.
I still chuckle at his iconic and highly remunerative commercial, yes that
one. John rants on and on with a deadpan expression all the while
catching a repeatedly levitating bottle of grape juice. John was so
brilliant at what he did for a living that he made it all look easy. Just the
way it should be.
John, my friend, to the next squeezing of the sponge.
Jim Swan
SPRING • 2012
31
Winter Members’ Conference
Get up off your seat!
Get writing, get speaking and get
acting at our "Hands On" themed
February Conference. Co-ops,
Performance Capture, PR, Web
Series, Reels, Self-Taping, Power
Directors, Executive Plenary and
more! Breakfast with Arsinée
Khanjian, Lunch with Rick Mercer
and Gavin Crawford and
Party with YEAA...
3 days
you do not want
to miss!
February
22 to 24
For more information, check out
www.actratoronto.com
Arsinée Khanjian
ACTRA Toronto Performers
625 Church Street, 2nd floor
Toronto,ON
M4Y 2G1
Printed in Canada
C a n a d a Po s t C o r p o r a t i o n
Publication Mail Agreement No.
4 007 01 96