to the Media Kit

Live-Action / Animated Youth Series
— MEDIA
9876A - 33 Avenue, 2nd Floor
Edmonton, AB Canada T6N 1C6
Tel: (780) 490-1220 | Fax: (780) 490-5255
www.panaceaentertainment.com
KIT —
Box 205
Teslin, YT Canada Y0A 1B0
Tel: (867) 390-2010 | Fax: (867) 390-2010
INTRODUCTION
A quest for peace, amid the ravages
of over-hunting and tribal warfare,
underpins the epic saga of Anash and
the Legacy of the Sun-Rock. Set in the
mid-1800s, two young Tlingit warriors
scour the Pacific Northwest Coast for
pieces of a mysterious gem that, once
constituted, will usher in a new era of
peace and harmony to their land.
Visually, the series is at the cutting edge of new production technologies. It places live
actors within a stunning digitally-created world. The actors are then treated to match
the painted backgrounds, creating an “animated watercolor” effect.
Each episode also features one or more fully-animated 2D myth sequences. These
myths are based on ancient Tlingit cultural stories that contain valuable life lessons
and speak to the human need to maintain honorable principles and build order out
of chaos.
In the first six episodes, as they pursue their quest, Anash and Kole must canoe
through whitewater rapids, traverse a dangerous glacier, survive a flash flood, and
remain stoic as they witness a revered tribal leader sacrifice himself in a formal
ceremony of atonement.
Individually, Anash must learn to control newly developed spiritual “powers” while
at the same time confront his fear of the sea, borne of his being lost in a canoe as
an infant. Scarred from a near fatal case of smallpox, Kole hopes to acquit himself
bravely in battle and earn a formal Tlingit name, signifying his elevation from servant
to warrior.
Overcoming challenges that seem insurmountable, Anash and Kole remain steadfast
in their quest. The first cycle of six episodes closes with Anash and Kole possessing
four of the six pieces of the Sun-Rock. Now they are duty-bound to find the final two
pieces and complete their quest, if they are to have any hope of creating a better
world.
Episodes 7-13 of Anash and the Legacy of the Sun-Rock will continue the young
warriors’ epic journey – culminating in a surprising conclusion to the whereabouts
of the final two pieces of the Sun-Rock.
www.anashinteractive.com
Page BRIEF OVERVIEW
A half-hour youth quest
series, Anash and the Legacy
of the Sun-Rock tells the
compelling tale of young
Anash’s mission as he tries
to reunite all parts of the
Sun-Rock in order to fulfill
a prophecy to attain peace
and protect a fragile land.
Aided by his servant Kole,
Anash’s underlying motive is
to discover his true identity. This is a live action dramatic series that has been treated
to give it an animated look.
The series takes place in the mid-1800s on the archipelago of islands and inlets
that make up the northwest coast of Canada. At that time, despite being home to
thousands of Tlingits, the land was considered by outsiders to be a “no-man’s-land”
and therefore ripe for plunder by any who came along.
In addition to its roots in Tlingit oral history, Anash and the Legacy of the Sun-Rock has
elements similar to the Lord of the Rings Trilogy in that it is inspired by classic myths
that recount the elaborate tales of an epic and grand quest.
Each episode advances Anash’s internal and external journey for the object and
information he seeks. In navigating a dangerous world, Anash encounters many
challenges that test his abilities as a young warrior and aid in his development and
growth.
Anash and the Legacy of the Sun-Rock appeals to the young and the young-at-heart
who still believe in the magic reality of fairy tales and for whom… the journey is
everything.
www.anashinteractive.com
Page SYNOPSES FOR THE FIRST SIX EPISODES
Episode One - An Unseen Enemy
Anash loses his parents in a deadly smallpox
epidemic. His best friend and servant Kole is
weakened by the disease, but survives. Still
grappling with his loss, Anash learns he has a gift of
power, and a destiny to fulfill. As a result Anash and
Kole set out on a quest to reunite all the pieces of
the Sun-Rock in order to bring peace to the land.
Episode Two – Through the Blue Tunnel
Anash and Kole fight their way over a treacherous glacier in search of the White-Eyes People, who
are rumoured to have a piece of the Sun-Rock. Finding them suffering from hunger and deprivation,
Anash and Kole share their supplies and learn an important lesson about selflessness, especially
when the White Eyes People respond in kind.
Episode Three – Exile from Suskan Inlet
At Suskan Inlet, Anash and Kole meet with clan allies and try to get information about more SunRock pieces. During a story-telling session, however, Anash embarrasses himself by inappropriately
displaying his powers. He and Kole depart in shame and in doubt about whether they are worthy
to fulfill their destiny.
Episode Four – A Face in the Forest
While Anash seeks spiritual help on a mountain ledge, Kole
discovers slavers taking captives south to the Russian settlement
at Yu Tatoosh. Anash and Kole disagree on whether to resort to
violence or to plan to outsmart those at the Russian settlement.
Instead, posing as criminals, the boys infiltrate the slavers camp
and bide their time for a chance to free the captives as they
travel to Yu Tatoosh.
Episode Five – Upon the Words of Elders
Anash and Kole fail to free slaves and flee for their lives to seek out the Shaman Daxa. Using powerful
medicine, Daxa trains them to speak Russian and English so they will be able to converse with the
Russians who are rumoured to have another piece of the Sun-Rock. Anash receives some startling
news that his beloved uncle Katlaan will sacrifice himself to restore peace with the Tir-Too warriors.
Episode Six – The Will of the North Wind
The boys return to Suskan Inlet and witness the self-sacrifice of Katlaan in a Peace Ceremony. His
death troubles Anash, who refuses to join in a war party headed upriver to attack a Hudson’s Bay
post. This causes strife between Anash and Kole as Anash realizes he must let others follow their
own hearts.
www.anashinteractive.com
Page CREATIVE TEAM
Executive Producer JOSH MILLER
Josh Miller is an award-winning writer/producer
and President of Panacea Entertainment, a
Canadian independent film and television
production company based in Edmonton, Alberta.
Celebrating his 26th year in the film and TV
industry, Josh has produced projects in a wide
variety of formats and genres, including feature
films, dramatic series and TV movies, children’s
live-action and animated series, factual and
lifestyle series, and award-winning social documentaries.
Josh has served as Vice President of the NYU Tisch School of the
Arts Alumni Association and President of the Alberta Motion Picture
Industries Association. He also served on the Board of the Alberta
Foundation for the Arts and is a former Chair of the Edmonton
International Film Festival Society.
“When we came up to
the Yukon to shoot,
my eyes were completely
opened; I just wanted
to drink it all in.”
“Anash has got action,
adventure, danger – all
of those things that
you’d want if you’re
watching a quest story;
yet it is completely
unique in both its look
and its cultural roots.”
– Josh Miller
Writer / Director / Producer CAROL GEDDES
Born in Teslin, Yukon, of the Inland Tlingit people,
Carol’s first major film, Doctor, Lawyer, Indian Chief,
won a Silver Medal for Educational Documentary
in San Francisco and set her on an award-winning
career in the industry. Since then Geddes, a now
internationally acclaimed filmmaker and writer, has
produced 25 documentary films and television
programs.
Her second major film, Picturing a People, won
an Outstanding Achievement Award and a Gemini nomination for
Best Canadian Documentary in 1997. Whether writing, producing or
directing, her prolific output has highlighted the stories and struggles
of Aboriginal life in Canada. Her latest film, the animation, Two Winters:
Tales From Above the Earth, won nine national and international awards.
In 2002, Geddes was the recipient of the Queen’s Royal Jubilee Medal
for her outstanding contributions to the cultural community. She has
served on the Teslin Tlingit Council; The Yukon Heritage Resources
Board; the Canadian Council for the Arts; the Yukon Human Rights
Commission; the Canadian Conference of the Arts; the National Film
Board of Canada; and the Women in Media Foundation.
www.anashinteractive.com
“Being Tlingit really
influenced these stories.
For one thing, I felt a
driving need to bring
out aspects of Tlingit
culture that have been
hidden for many, many
years.”
“My social responsibility
takes a different form,
and that is in helping
young people understand who they are
and how valuable
they are...”
– Carol Geddes
Page Director of Animation KIM CLEGG
Kim is a motion FX designer with over 16 years in the industry, and
along with his award-winning team at Rat Creek Design, specializes in
motion graphics for broadcast television, including art direction, show
packaging, compositing, 2D/ 3D animation, visual effects, and DVD
design and authoring.
Cinematographer JOHN SPOONER, csc
John won an Emmy for Outstanding Special Visual Effects for his work
on the miniseries Dreamkeeper. This is his third collaboration with Josh
Miller, having filmed the feature Intern Academy, and the TV series
Mentors.
“We’re putting together
something that is using
a specific artist’s technique and we’re using
that as a basis for
creating a whole world.”
– Kim Clegg,
Director of Animation
Artist SUSAN McCALLUM
Susan McCallum is a well-known artist who has lived and worked among the Tlingit people
for over two decades. Her vibrant depictions are infused with the authentic essence of the
subjects themselves, resulting in an art of unusual integrity as well as beauty. McCallum’s work
has been featured in productions created by Sesame Street (Children’s Television Workshop) and
the National Film Board, as well as various print publications. In addition to her studio work,
McCallum is a popular Artist in Residence at many Vancouver schools.
Myth Animation Art Director & Lead Illustrator
KEITH-YIN SUN
An artist with innate creative genius, Keith has seamlessly blended western and Asian conceptual
styles into unique animations. He has designed for feature film projects in Hong Kong, and for TV
projects in Canada.
Editor DOUG FORBES
For 25 years, Doug has placed his technical and aesthetic judgment at the creative team’s service.
Among his numerous credits are the feature Intern Academy, the series A Total Write-Off, the
docudrama Catching the Chameleon, and the TV series Mentors.
Composer DONOVAN REIMER
Donovan is known for his scores for the Telus World of Science in Alberta. His music often
incorporates a variety of North American Native instruments samples, reflecting the First People’s
heritage of sky watching and astronomy. He scored an award-winning soundscape for Two Winters:
Tales From Above the Earth. His CDs include Far From Earth, Past Works, and Terraform.
www.anashinteractive.com
Page LEAD CAST
Jess Arfi, “Anash”
Jess began a career in modeling in
2001, earning his print job for a Perry
Ellis collection. Jess later moved on
to complete print work for Tommy
Hilfiger. At 13 years of age Jess earned
a recurring contract with Tag Underwear
while also adding runway fashion shows
to his credits.
In 2003 he entered the Model and
Talent Search Canada competition in
Montreal. Winning first place in the
modeling competition and second place
in the talent competition, along with the
competition’s overall title award, “Child of the Year,” Jess nabbed the
attention of modeling and acting agents almost instantaneously. Upon
signing with Canadian agencies Sybille Sasse Modeling and DaVinci
Talent, Jess has been presented with many auditioning opportunities
for roles alongside some of Hollywood’s heavy hitters.
“You have to imagine
your surroundings but
at the same time, you
know you’re on a green
screen. It was difficult
at times to have the
scenes described in
the script in your mind
mentally, but it got
easier over time. I
really enjoyed the
experience.”
– Jess Arfi,
on his first experience using
green screen while performing.
The role of “Anash” in the six-part, live-action/animated series Anash
and the Legacy of the Sun-Rock is Jess’s first starring role in a television
series.
“Anash” Character Profile
Anash is a young man of determination,
integrity and purpose. He has been raised in an
atmosphere that focused on training him for
a particular goal in life. His adoptive parents
provided a loving, but strict upbringing that
nurtured Anash’s sense of humanity, while also
instilling in him a discipline that they knew he
would need in an uncertain world.
Warrior skills have been mastered by Anash. He is an exceptional shot with a bow and arrow
and has been gifted with keen eyesight. He is a strong, well-coordinated paddler. However,
he is aware that his Achilles heel is the sea itself – the most dominant feature of his
environment.
Anash is haunted by a longing to know his family of origin. During his travels, he doesn’t
investigate his origins openly, feeling that he has another task that must take precedence.
www.anashinteractive.com
Page LEAD CAST
Colin Van Loon, “Kole”
Colin’s first foray into acting came in the sixth grade when
he played “Injun Joe” in his elementary school’s production
of Tom Sawyer’s Huck Finn. Colin was a featured actor for the
ABC/Hallmark co-production Dreamkeeper, landing the role of
a Dog Soldier. After some high school theatre Colin was cast
in the role of Jacob Fox in the 2005 feature film Hank Williams
First Nation.
Colin is a recent graduate of the Vancouver Film School
(Acting). Since graduation Colin has booked a number of
recognizable works such as the animated series Anash and the
Legacy of the Sun-Rock, and a series lead in the TV series version of Hank Williams First
Nation, airing on APTN.
“Kole” Character Profile
Kole is Anash’s adopted brother, although
formally, he is Anash’s servant. He is the son of
the servant Lineve, whom Anash thinks of as a
second mother. Even though Kole is not treated
by Anash as a servant, Kole is sensitive to his
status and is sometimes quick to take offense.
In particular, he bridles when others treat him
in a manner reserved to other servants and
captives. As a result, he does not eagerly seek
other human company. When the boys are alone together, Kole is more talkative, social
and light-hearted.
Kole and Anash have been together since they were toddlers. Because of Anash’s need for
a sparring partner, Kole underwent warrior training to the same degree as Anash. Kole’s
outstanding characteristic is a seeming fearlessness that sometimes causes trouble with
the more careful Anash.
More than anything, Kole wants to prove his worth to himself and to Tlingit society.
Through gaining status as an outstanding warrior, he will also gain a proper name... and
then he will be recognized by all as a legitimate Tlingit man.
www.anashinteractive.com
Page WRITER / DIRECTOR NOTES – by Carol Geddes
In writing the series Anash and the
Legacy of the Sun-Rock, one of the
main goals was to bring to life a
world that no longer exists. The
ancient world of the Tlingit people
was complex and interconnected
in a profound way with the natural
world.
While most of the series is based
on a fantastical interpretation of
the world of the Tlingit, there are
important aspects which reflect real
incidents that took place at the time. These incidents are interwoven in the stories as a backdrop
for the adventures of our two young heroes. Notably, they are the coming of the Russians,
the near-depletion of the sea otter, the subjugation of the Tlingit laws and ways to that of the
newcomers, and the always present challenge of living in an environment that did not give up its
gifts easily.
The main protagonists, Anash and Kole, adept young warriors of an ancient tradition, search the
rugged archipelago of the northwest coast for pieces of the Sun-Rock as well as engaging in their
own private quest for identity and home.
Encountering rival warriors and the challenges of a physical world that seem insurmountable,
Anash and Kole learn much about themselves and the values they were taught by wise parents.
Advocating peace and non-violence wherever they go, the warriors are guided by a spirituality
that understands all humans as part of the natural world as opposed to those who would exercise
dominion over that world.
One of formidable forces that has been unleashed in recent times is the presence of Russian
ships that demand a seemingly endless supply of the beautiful sea otter that has so caught the
fancy of Russian aristocracy and royalty. Thousands of these lush furs are packed in ship’s holds
to return to Russia each year. So prized was this fur that it was illegal for Russian commoners to
own sea otter pelts.
The production makes use of live-action animation with painted backgrounds to give life to a
world which no longer exists. In particular, the myths that guide the boy’s choices are brought to
life, illustrating through stories the spiritual principles which sustain them through their quest.
The series is aimed at youth so the writing had to be clear and accessible. Fortunately, the
themes are universal and not confined to a certain age group – finding your identity, establishing
a moral universe, and the value of perseverance in the pursuit of goals.
www.anashinteractive.com
Page THE LIVE ACTION ANIMATION TECHNIQUE
Live actors carry the main action in the majority of the screen time in
the episodes. These costumed actors have been treated with special
computer software to create an ‘animated’ look. The actors have then
been placed into an artist-created painted virtual environment. The
entire palette is treated electronically with further special effects to
achieve a multi-layered magical realism style.
The result is an integrated visual effect that departs from reality and
creates the appearance of animation. Additionally, there are frequent
segues into another ‘dimension’, to be indicated by a complete shift
in the look, from a quasi live-action multi-media environment to
silhouetted 2D animation.
The visual style supports the blending of the real and magic in the
stories. Emphasis is placed on the actors’ interaction with the unique
look of the rugged northwest coast rainforest. The finely crafted
artwork of the Tlingit origin provides another visual reminder of the
specific cultural orientation of the series.
www.anashinteractive.com
“We’ve taken artist
paintings, we’ve taken
HD footage, and
they’ve all been
blended together to
create what I would
call something akin to
a moving watercolour
painting.”
– Josh Miller,
Executive Producer
Page 10
COMPANY PROFILES
Panacea Entertainment
Panacea Entertainment is a Canadian independent film and TV
production company established by producer Josh Miller, whose
long-form credits include the feature films Intern Academy (Dan
Aykroyd, Dave Foley & Dave Thomas), Viva Las Nowhere (James Caan,
Daniel Stern) and Something More (Jennifer Beals).
His TV credits include the Showtime MOW Stranger in Town (Harry Hamlin, Graham Green);
Mentors – a half-hour children’s series for Family Channel/Discovery Kids; 2030CE – a half-hour
youth series for YTV; Myth Quest – a one-hour family series for CBC/Showcase/PBS and Great
Cemeteries of the World – a half-hour documentary series for Global/Travel U.S.
Recently completed Panacea projects include the half-hour animated/live-action youth series
Anash and the Legacy of the Sun-Rock for APTN and the half-hour comedy/variety series A TotalWrite Off! for Book Television/CLT/Access, as well as two documentary programs, Catching
the Chameleon – a one-hour docu-drama for CHUM and The Fringe - Acting Up – a one-hour
documentary special for Bravo!
Currently in production/post-production is the comedy feature film Freezer Burn: The Invasion of
Laxdale (Tom Green, Crispin Glover), to be released in Canada by Equinoxe Films, and the onehour documentary program If I Can Dream for SCN/Access.
Looking ahead, the company is developing a diverse slate of television and film projects including
The Force – a true-crime docu-drama series hosted by Leslie Nielsen; The Mall – a reality series
for the CBC; Euro-League – a comedy feature film; and Generation X– a feature film based on
Douglas Coupland’s iconic best-selling novel.
The Thing With Feathers Productions
The Thing With Feathers Productions was established
in 2002 by writer, director, and producer Carol Geddes.
Previous projects include the multiple award winning film Two Winters: Tales from Above the Earth
and the documentary Picturing a People: George Johnston, Tlingit Photographer.
Most recently, The Thing With Feathers Productions has completed the first six episodes of the
youth live action/animated series, Anash and the Legacy of the Sun-Rock as a co-production with
Panacea Entertainment.
Previous productions also include two 13-part documentary series for Knowledge Network
about Aboriginal Canadians.
www.anashinteractive.com
Page 11
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Starring
Written and Directed By
Executive Producer
Jess Arfi
Colin Van Loon
Doug Forbes
Donovan Reimer
Kim Clegg
John Spooner, csc
Susan McCallum
Josh Miller
Carol Geddes
Carol Geddes
Josh Miller
Production Manager
Production Coordinator
Production Accountant
Legal Services
Lisa Byrne
Jessica Hall
Carol Pederson
Linda Callaghan
Production Designer
Costume Designer
Make Up Stylist
Key Hair
Shanna Orgovan
Linda Talbot
Shari MacIntosh
Tawny Smith
Edited By
Music By
Director of Animation
Director of Photography
Artist
Produced By
Casting Director (Alberta)
Casting Director (Yukon)
Animation Project Manager
Art Director/ Supervising Animator
Lead Animator / Compositor
Myth Animation Art Director/Lead Illustrator
Tlingit Artist
Executive Assistant
Post Production Accountant
CFTPA Production Intern
Interactive Producer
www.anashinteractive.com
Carmen Kotyk
Arlin McFarlane
Christine Weidlich
Kevin Mones
Jeremy Webb
Keith-yin Sun
Keith Wolf Smarch
Karen Gartner
Libby Bolstler
Jennifer Dysart
Reel Girls Media Inc.
Page 12
FUNDING CREDITS
Produced in association with APTN
with the participation of
the Yukon Film Development Fund, Yukon film Production Fund,
the Government of Alberta, Alberta Film Development Program, the Canadian Television Fund,
created by the Government of Canada and the Canadian Cable Industry,
the Shaw Rocket Fund, Telefilm Canada, the Independent Production Fund,
and the Bell Broadcast and New Media Fund,
in association with
Knowledge Network, Canadian Learning Television, SCN, and the
Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit
www.anashinteractive.com
Page 13
CONTACT INFORMATION
For more information on the television series, contact:
Josh Miller
Panacea Entertainment
2nd Floor, 9876A - 33 Avenue
Edmonton, AB T6N 1C6
T: (780) 490.1220
F: (780) 490.5255
E: [email protected]
For more information on the interactive component, contact:
Ava Karvonen
Reel Girls Media Inc.
2nd Floor, 9860A - 33 Avenue
Edmonton, AB T6N 1C6
T: (780) 488.0440
F: (780) 452.4980
E: [email protected]
www.anashinteractive.com
Page 14
AnashInteractive.com
create comics
Anash Interactive
is an online
destination where
users create
their own content
with digital assets
from the animated
television series,
Anash and the
Legacy of the
Sun-Rock
write stories
play games
and puzzles
watch webisodes
download podcasts
find out more about
the tlingit people of canada
read stories and comics
created by other online users
AnashInteractive.com
Reel Girls Media is a contentdriven company dedicated
to fostering a deeper
understanding of the world
and the human spirit. Reel
Girls Media’s productions are
innovative, evergreen, smart,
and original - designed for
flexible multiplatform delivery
including TV, web, and mobile.
We build interactivity and
technical innovation into
our television projects with
companion and stand-alone
new media components
including games, podcasts,
webisodes, live broadcasts, and
user-generated content.
Our projects include animation,
children’s and youth programs,
science, history, arts and
culture, drama, and lifestyle,
and have been recognized with
more than 35 international
awards and over 65 worldwide
screenings.
The company is led by owner/
president Ava Karvonen,
a twenty-year veteran in
the media industry who
brings a wealth of longstanding relationships to the
business including those with
cutting-edge creative talent,
broadcasters, distributors,
investors, and technical
pioneers.
a production of
reel girls media inc.
A: 9860A-33rd avenue
Edmonton, AB, Canada T6N 1C6
W: www.reelgirlsmedia.com
P: 780.488.0440
F: 780.452.4980
E: [email protected]