Cast

Yolanda Beasley – Writer, Director, Producer

Born in England, raised in Canada, Yolanda earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in business at the University of Western Ontario then subsequently returned to England to start a career in advertising. After producing her first stage play at the 2004 Toronto Fringe Festival, she left advertising to pursue screenwriting and acting in Toronto. She has since appeared on stage, radio, film, and TV, produced several short films, and in 2014 won an award for creating a series of animated YouTube commercials. MASTERS OF ROMANCE is her first feature film.

Websites: Yolanda Beasley | Write for Hollywood

Roger Doche – Co-Producer

Born in Bahrain to an Egyptian father and French mother, Roger Doche moved to Toronto shortly after his first birthday. His passion for acting was developed at a young age, starring in his first school play at the age of six. Although he went on to get an agent as a child actor and made appearances on THE KIDS IN THE HALL and various school plays, he excelled in math and sciences in school and entered the Pre-Med program at Queens University. After two years in the science program, something felt off and he went on to get a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from Queens University.

Roger was hired by the then prestigious investment bank, Lehman Brothers, and he moved to New York City where he worked on Wall Street for over three years. Once again he felt like something was missing so he quit his job and spent a year traveling in Thailand to try and find his way. The acting bug was gnawing at his soul, so he returned to Toronto to finally pursue his dreams of acting.

For the past 14 years, Roger has trained tirelessly to get up to speed in the acting realm. He studied at the Professional Actors Lab with Bruce Clayton, the Equity Showcase Theatre with Kevin McCormick, took modern dance at the School of Toronto Dance Theatre, and studied voice with David Smukler, Rae Ellen Bodie and Sarah Weatherwax. For five years he was a dedicated student of Carter Thor Studios East, under acting coach Jock MacDonald, and has now been studying the Meisner Technique for several years with the talented John Riven.

Over the past few years Roger has focused mostly on TV & Film. He was cast in multiple TV shows including THE TRANSPORTER, BEAUTY & THE BEAST, COVERT AFFAIRS, THE LISTENER, WAREHOUSE 13, MAYDAY and THE MURDOCH MYSTERIES. Some selected film credits include ANGELS & ORNAMENTS, MANSON, THE HEALING SYNDROME, FAULT LINES and HOW TO KEEP YOUR DAY JOB. Last year, Roger produced and acted in his first short film called SPEAK NOW which was premiered at the Canadian Film Festival. Currently, he is writing and developing several web series as well as writing his first feature.

Paloma Nuñez – Co-Producer

Paloma Nuñez is a Toronto based Actor, Comedian and Writer. Currently she teaches at The Second City Training Centre and is the head of the Improv Program and she is an alumnus of the Second City Touring Company. She has been improvising in the city for over 12 years with The Bad Dog theatre Co (2 Canadian Comedy Award nominations) and the late Impatient Theatre Co.

Paloma has starred in a few plays in Toronto, including the one woman show, written by award winning Carmen Aguirre, CHILE CON CARNE. She is very thankful to Marilo Nuñez from the Alameda Theatre Co, who gave her so many opportunities in her Latino based theatre co. Look for Paloma in the upcoming production SLIP, a detective thriller, at the Tarragon Theatre in 2017.

Film and TV credits include SPOTLIGHT the 2016 Academy Award winner for Best Picture! You can also catch Nuñez in the upcoming series THE GIRLFRIEND EXPERIENCE, THE STRAIN and the new all female sketch comedy show BARONESS VON SKETCH to air in June on CBC.

Website: Paloma Nuñez

Jefferson Brown

Born in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Jefferson Brown moved with his family at age 7 to Newmarket, Ontario. Returning to New Brunswick for his post-secondary education, he pursued a degree in Visual Art at Mount Allison University in Sackville. In his third year of university, Jefferson was cast in the school’s annual musical and fell in love with performing.

Jefferson has appeared in numerous films including CHRISTMAS PARADE, SHELBY, VALENTINE EVER AFTER, AMERICANISTAN and DEAR VIOLA. Other films include MR VIRAL, DIRTY SINGLES, BREAKDOWN AT 17, CARRIE, SHARK CITY, STAG, COBU 3D, SILENT HILL 2, SALEM FALLS and THE TWELVE MEN OF CHRISTMAS. His lead in the cult hit PLEASE KILL MR KNOW IT ALL garnered a nomination for Best Male Performance in a feature at 2013 Canadian Comedy Awards. Other awards include Best Actor at the 2007 Canadian Filmmakers Film Festival.

His guest work in television includes REIGN, PRIVATE EYES, MURDOCH MYSTERIES, CRACKED, PLAYED, XIII, HAVEN and LA COMPLEX. Jefferson has recurred on series such as DEGRASSI, ROOKIE BLUE, SLINGS & ARROWS, BEING ERICA, SOPHIE and MVP.

Jefferson can next be seen as a series regular on the Hallmark channel series THE GOOD WITCH, SLASHER on Superchannel, and as the male lead in THE PERFECT STALKER.

Jefferson currently resides in Toronto with his wife, baby daughter, and two cats.

Crew

Francesco Bori – Cinematographer

Italian raised, Francesco relocated to Britain at an early age: He has been involved with film since around 2003 – after experiencing film industry assistant ranks for several years he worked his way up to Cinematography and Directing.

He is an Award Winner for his feature film Directorial debut, he creates many popular visual music videos in a wide range of genres, ongoing advert campaigns, he has traveled across 5 continents making documentaries and he shoots long/short films for a variety of thoughtful directors. His works have been to over 40 film festivals across the globe, he is a thoughtful observer of life and cherishes every opportunity to learn and better himself. He is based in Canada and Europe.

His portfolio can be seen at http://www.iwitnessedimages.com

Crystal Richer – Production Manager

Crystal Richer has made a career as a production coordinator, associate producer, and field producer for the past decade.

Crystal started by working in the broadcast department at Woodbine Racetrack. From there, she has been fortunate to work for CBC Sports on huge world events such as the 2014 winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the 2015 Pan Am and Para Pan Am Games in Toronto, Canada, and this coming summer, the 2016 summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

She has also produced for the show Hometown Hockey for Rogers/Sportsnet hosted by Ron MacLean.

Samantha Davies – Assistant camera, Editor

Samantha Davies is an aspiring young filmmaker from Port Perry, Ontario. Her works encapture creativity and stylistic elements that stem directly from her unique personality.

Her career began with editing movie mashups on her YouTube channel, which now includes some original pieces. This has lead her to produce/direct music and lyric videos for local artists including Sacha Visagie. Most recently Samantha has been working with the international company Tyco, to create a motion graphic training module.

As a new graduate from the Digital Video Production Program at Durham College, Samantha is in the process of building her own production company, and plans to return to Durham College in the fall to expand her video effects skill set.

Shannon Boyce – Makeup

Shannon is a recent graduate of the makeup program at George Brown College. She decided to pursue the field of makeup a year and a half ago due to her passion for creativity and love of working with people. She has a background in visual art and animation that has helped her greatly in the process of understanding as well as applying different forms of makeup. This is her first feature film.

Mahreen Saleem – Social Media Specialist

A communications major with a passion for marketing, promotions and launching new ideas, Mahreen is a Social Media Specialist who possesses expertise in community building, strategic planning, content development and curation and launching new ideas. She has worked in marketing communications in Canada and overseas. Her strengths include the creative side of marketing along with technical and analytical. She is passionate about the world of media and filmmaking.

Aneesa Abdus-Samad – Wardrobe Stylist

Toronto native, Aneesa Abdus-Samad, is a Wardrobe Stylist. Originating in the fashion industry, Aneesa’s worked on fashion shows, photo shoots, store displays and red carpet events. She’s been recognized by numerous media outlets for styling abilities including The Toronto Metro Newspaper, BlogTo, Flare magazine, MTV etc. Over the past year, she’s been making her mark in the TV/Film industry, and this will be her second feature film.

Ramona Diaconescu – Photographer

After graduating from York University with a degree in Film Studies, Ramona started to work as a script supervisor in feature films and TV series. Over the years, she developed a love for lighting and portrait photography. All those continuity photos turned out to be a good practice! Those who like Ramona’s photos often notice her ability to catch what Henri Cartier-Bresson called “the decisive moment”. Ramona is now alternating between continuity in Nabet shows and still photography in independent productions. Her favorite models are (the cast and crew, of course, but above all) her two kids who are as challenging to photograph as they are cute.

Nick Davey – Sound

Nick Davey graduated from Trebas Institute for Audio Engineering and Production and has been successfully working as a freelance Production Sound Mixer/Recordist for the last 3 years.

He has worked on various projects ranging from reality television to small independent films.

Nick has a love and passion for all things sound and couldn’t see himself doing anything else!

Tanya Goveas – Publicist, Events By 7

Tanya is an outgoing & creative communicator who’s passionate about the arts and entertainment industries. Toted as an undeniable “social butterfly”, with a knack for helping to connect others. Her experience spans Television, Sports, Movies, Fundraisers & Special Events. There’s no challenge she won’t try; trying is learning, and learning is growing.

Parmeet Arora Bori – plaincurious

plaincurious is the colourful dream of Surface Pattern Designer & Artist Parmeet Arora Bori who after her studies at London College of Fashion & N.I.I.F.T. India, works for among others UK and Mexico print studios. After 8 yrs in the Industry, she created her own clothing label which is inspired by her Indian roots and her love for rich colours. This truly unique and limited Womenswear collection is made with excellent details, mesmerisingly intricate designs and endless passion.

Stephen McEvoy – Camera Assistant

Stephen is an aspiring producer from Pickering, Ontario. Beginning his career as an intern at Rogers Television, having worked on many studio, mobile and ENG productions, including a feature length documentary, Precarious, he has recently finished the production of an independent TV pilot.

As a graduate of Loyalist College’s Television and New Media Program, Stephen is passionate about his work and loves seeing a production come together.

Nicole Potter – Production Assistant

Nicole Potter is an aspiring filmmaker. She is currently enrolled in the Digital Video Production program at Durham College. Her favorite type of work is in film, under the genres of mystery, thriller, horror and comedy. She has worked on small productions of her own as a camera operator, actress, director and editor. She has also worked under other filmmakers as an actress, production assistant, camera operator and director. She takes direction well and is passionate about what she does.

Lloyd Warren – Music Supervisor

Lloyd Warren has a BFA in Film Production from York University and is known on the Toronto music scene for being top DJ/Promoter DJ Lazarus for the past 20 years. His relationships with bands and labels added to his depth of musical knowledge and combined with his passion for film make a powerful combination.

Lloyd’s obsession with music started as a kid when he would record songs off the radio to make mixed tapes and then got into collecting vinyl records as a teen. He got his start in the music industry by producing a radio show on CHRY in 1993. After a few years in radio, he moved on to creating club nights at venues such as Velvet Underground, Studio 69, Big Bop/Reverb, Nocturne, and many more. In 2002, he organized North Americas first 3 day synthpop festival, Synthpop Goes The World. The following year he opened Funhaus, a club and concert venue promoting all genres of alternative music. He is currently concentrating on Music Supervision as well as D.J.ing his events around Toronto.

For Lloyd, music is life-affirming, emotional, powerful, and transformative; everyone needs music in their life and Lloyd intends to be the one to put it there.

You can see what he is up to weekly at www.facebook.com/djlazarusrocks

Reiva Moreau – Sound Editor/Mixer

Reiva Moreau, well fairly new to the industry, has already begun to make her mark as a sound engineer. Starting from high school, she has always be fascinated with sound and quickly rose to a leadership role within her high school community; as co-head of their technology team as well as holding the representative seat on her student console. After graduating from St. Joan of Arc High school with honors and a specialist high skills major seal in communication technology, she continued to expand her education through various programs. After 5 years of additional education she has achieved a diploma from St. Lawrence College in Music and Digital Media, as well as, a diploma and post grad certificate from Fanshawe College in Music Industry Arts and Audio Post Production. Although she is a recent graduate she has already proceeded to established herself working freelance for a range of different companies including CBC Toronto and Westbury National. She has also worked on multitude of projects including short films such as KIN, Morning Kiss, and A False Sense of Security additionally working as a live music mixer for local bands such as The Backtrack and GRACE. Reiva has a wide scope of skills and talents making she an asset to any sound team regardless of her position. Despite the fact she specializes in mixing, her skill set and knowledge allows her to have versatility in any role. From the studio to the stage to the shoot, her communication and troubleshooting skills allow her the adaptability to produce brilliant quality work. She has goals to help with breaking the stereotype around women in the industry especially within the sound community. Moving into the new year she has a variety of upcoming project in the realm of audio post such as web series, short film, and TV shows. She currently resides in Toronto with her boyfriend and two dogs.