Hollywood North Act 2 - The Boom Resurgence Begins

Back in the 90's, I was working as an actor in minor roles on mostly American productions shot in Canada. I had bit parts on TV shows like Secret Service, Top Cops, Canadian TV movie The Steven Truscott Trial, "cult following" vampire cop series, Forever Knight ( twice, aired on CBS), and on...There were some major films shot here back then too, lots of them. Harvey Keitel was like a resident he was here so often.  Toronto was booming due to the combination of our low dollar and tax incentives and granting formulas that had American productions shoot here often. TommyBoy Scene

Later there became somewhat of an outcry from U.S.A. industry crews, that shows and movies depicting New York should be shot in N.Y. etc, and that by making productions in Canada, they were somehow un-American. And being un-American was uncool. That, politicized, mixed with some US states beginning to wise up with their own incentives started an an end to that era. Almost overnight it dried up to almost nothing. Maybe it was a blessing in disguise for me, as around that same time I'd acquired full custody of my kids, and 3:00 am shoot starts for Forever Knights and the like I simply could no longer manage. Many Toronto and Canadian actors and industry people had to find other vocations or pursue live performing. Like me.

In recent years however, more and more productions rely on in-studio special effects like green screen technology and thus state-of-the-art indoor studios and special effects editing became more and more in demand, for which, Toronto industry folks were early to jump on, opening up one of the biggest and best in all North America while surrounded by a core of skilled industry professionals at the ready for hire should the projects arise.. and arise they have.

Toronto's studios and production have slowly, almost quietly, climbed back into bed with the big boys, with more and more major productions again being shot here. With 1.1 million square feet of studio space available inside the city now it's no wonder. Pinewood Studios alone has 250,000 sq feet of studio space under one roof. And none too soon, as Canada's dollar goes low, all-time low-like, which has always served as a tipping point for productions shooting in Canada. Nothing pleases a Producer more than being able to save several hundreds of thousands of dollars, other than one going on to earn $millions for them.

In 2015, I was focused on producing low budget documentaries, entering one into and winning the Playr Festival awarded Best Documentary, but somehow I still felt unfulfilled, and realized I itched for more onscreen roles. When I had an accident that resulted in being unable to physically lift a camera for some time, I decided what better opportunity to revisit acting and on-screen roles, taking a part in an on-line production featuring Super Heroines to hone up on my skills and collect some $.

Before spending two weeks shooting there, I hadn't even known there was a production facility this (40 mins) north of Toronto, near Newmarket Ontario, Canada, let alone it had been used to shoot scenes for The Titanic, Night at the Museum and Catch Me If You Can.  The town of Newmarket itself, ironically, has served a number of times as 'downtown USA in movies like 2013 remake of Carrie and 2015's Regression, but those are the exceptions over the past decade.

Recognize from Night at The Museum? 

Smaller budget productions also have had a place in the sub-culture of the craft / industry, feeding the hungry acting minions whilst the industry has suffered, even alternative / fetish style, and with online abilities today, can be easily viewed to a broad audience. Although I look forward to my episodes 'airing", shot in winter and being released on-line in mid summer, but still, for those that dream, the big screen is the goal, and, to that end, the conditions here are just ripe now for an influx of mainstream productions to start popping up.

Canadians themselves need to open up their minds to how productions are financed as well, as US productions don't rely on government grants to finance their productions, but private and corporate investors. Risk takers. Something we Canadians are not as we are typically conservative investors and may never be as adept at "the making of" therefore, methinks...but boy..can we act!

Watch for Canada's "New" boom industry. 2016 will be a resurgence of TV and Film productions shot here...because $ talks.

TP out!

Cheers to the resurgence of Hollywood North!

Main St USA, Canada and Whatnot...

Dynamic Toronto

Theatre Spotlight Shines through Merlene Samuel-Cephas' Legacy

Jan and Merlene

It is with great sadness that I write this blog. The other day, Merlene Samuel-Cephas, died. I've known Merlene since my kids were, well kids, first meeting her when I approached her about teaching an acting class for tv and film which she thought was a great idea. I also taught production / lighting for theatre / film and myself and the kids and youths would create our own mini productions. She gave me a chance when seemingly no one else would and for that I am always grateful.

During that time, my mom would also come in with me on occasion after hours and assist me in making some set pieces for stage productions. Often we'd all sit around and chat as well as Merlene's mom Verna (who also left us way too soon of cancer), and I really admired the way everyone was treated like a family. Husband Jan would often roll in, kids in tow and help close up too. Of course, as the kids got old enough, they also joined their extended theatre 'family".

Spotlighters do songs from Rent - Int Day Erad Poverty

I taught there just out of film school, before digital editing and such was as accessible as it is today, so I'd crudely edit our productions on VHS tape and we'd watch the clips in the following class. The youths loved it and I'd always loved the idea of a youths film making club, so Merlene gave me a chance to do that. My own kids joined the "family" at that point and continued on after my one season teaching with Spotlight Theatre School, taking on a full time position in the city.

My son who'd never acted a day in his life and is terrified of people and crowds, played a lead role, "Daddy Warbucks", and was unbelievable. Only trust in Merlene and her staff could have done that

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

and I'm forever grateful. My daughter, who sings like an angel and is chock full of talent, learned a different lesson when passed over in the same production for the lead Annie. I think she was only 8 or 9, and I tried to explain that it was her first play and it didn't mean she wasn't good but she wasn't having it and quit. A year or so later she realized Merlene had been right and always wanted to go back but was embarrassed for quitting. I wish I'd done more to make it so; as it was an opportunity lost to have her surrounded by good people, and with no mom around, great role models like Merlene, and, increasingly, her former students who would often return after university to teach classes for her, so committed to her they were/are. And it was Merlene who talked me into playing a lead, "Gus Sharkey", in her 50's era musical for the first time ever, as we played to two sold out nights.

Spotlight's " Voice Impact Project" entertains community

Merlene was already involved with poverty issues long before I was, offering out her community squads free for productions to low income communities. Many a year I had Spotlight performers visit York Region housing communities, who  also all took on her great attitude when they came, and in town for International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. I helped start Operation Sparrow , chairing the board for 4 years, and Merlene was the 1st to offer free spots to kids we would place. Just this summer someone called not able to afford theatre camps but with one call she was able to.

She never asked for anything and never said no.


But times were tough too, and Merlene silently struggled with holding on to the theatre / building -  the theatre named in honour of her father - time and again passed over for grants - first having to give up half the location and finally moving to another, losing the home base stage, lighting booth, and all the fixings they had there. This likely would have defeated most people, but when I ran into her again and found out what had happened, Merlene was completely upbeat about it, focusing on the positives - like less pressure to pay for a building full time wherein now they could rent locations for productions but hold rehearsals and classes in a smaller suitable locations. Later on I believe she created a new partnership for the school that still contained the word Spotlight, Arts Spotlight Theatre, still finding away to keep it going.

Merlene's dedication was felt beyond the stage

Recently, Merlene heard we'd been squeezed out of grant money to support our long running youth road hockey event which was free, gave out a cash scholarship, fed the kids for the day, and entertained them which Merlene's crews sometimes were asked to, as well as her feature former students come out to sing O Canada as well as for a Remembrance Day radio show, an Acapella young adults group she sent me who were sensational. Ironic now she's passed near that date.

When she heard about our dilemma with the road hockey event, Merlene offered to "piggy back' us on her grant through a 'fitness element" and adjust it to include us. The timing was wrong for it to work, but just the fact she would offer spoke volumes to me about the type of person she was. Rare is too common a word to describe her. It was at that time I think she had told me she had cancer and also told me she was very glad to have got to know me and that she really respected me. At the time I wasn't thinking cancer as in, "can kill you" cancer, and just blew it off as Merlene being nice as usual, but in reflection, she may have known that could be the last time she'd speak with me and she wanted to tell me. I bet she did that to a lot of  people she knows. Always thinking of others.

It was nice to be able to help Merlene for a  change when she approached me about a location for dinner theatre for her adult classes as I knew just the spot, having put on a number of shows there myself and knowing her needs, and knew it was a great fit, with good hearted owners that would work with them on costs...Again sold out shows for the two nights! I wish I'd gone now.

I can't imagine the pain her husband Jan and the kids are going through right now, but as I try and see through my tears as I write this, just know that you were all blessed to have had her in your lives as long as you did, and that she will always be with you everywhere you look in this community. Be strong and take the lessons she gave about selflessness and sacrifice and live your lives as if she's watching... because she is.

I'm sure you will also see an arts award created in Merlene's honour, because it's now on my radar, and, in her "living life", I don't feel Merlene got the true accolades and community recognition she deserved, always willing to let others get, and quietly accept being passed over because others were deserving...Well no one is more deserving Merlene. No one. Rest in Peace.


Your Friend,

Tom

A family fund for the family has been set up at this link for donations.

International Day for Eradication of Poverty means Music and Movies in Newmarket!

In 2013 TPE decided to offer up Reggae rooted, The Yappers, for International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, a day marked around the world with events.  

The Yappers will close off as headliners of an evening that will also include an open stage for anyone wishing to express out against poverty in whatever musical or artsy fashion they wish.

The evening will be opened with the showing of a short film followed by some hot & cold finger foods and refreshments.

There is no cover, but a donation is appreciated.

This is the 10th Newmarket held Int Day event as it expands, adding more and more arts to the frame each year to express desire for change, or in some cases coming from experience, expressing frustration and even hunger.

The 2014 Fri Oct 17 event will be held at a new location in Newmarket at Riverwalk Commons, Newmarket. Outdoor stage 7pm.

Itinerary in 2013

After a few words from TP to set up the night and introduced the first on the slate the short movie premiere of Shoots, Scores Produced and Directed by Tom Pearson and featuring Newmarket talent and which touches on mental illness, and the signs that can be seen. Mental illness is often a related cause to many in poverty.

After movie at aprox 7:30 pm the hot & cold food & refreshments arrived and the stage was open to anyone to speak, sing or perform while DJ Dan provided the in between ambiance and rotated visuals on the screens. Info and booths from community groups such as Jazzled a new youth opportunities group, PACC's FNYouth Road hockey Challenge, The Yappers with fan Tshirts, and opportunities to meet the cast of Shoots, Scores with signed movie posters and others were there as well.

Headliners The Yappers close out the evening followed by last words from Tom Pearson.

The event's goals are to entertain people immensely yet hope to spark solutions, talk, and have people walk away wondering what else can be done outside of the usual suspects - like food banks and shelters.

As one fellow in a wheelchair put it to me with limited physical mobility,

"Food banks are embarrassing, the food is not healthy, and some people can't eat canned food. I'm not kissing anyone's ass for food. I'd rather steal than starve. If they'd just give people enough to afford to buy their own food from a store(in dignity), people wouldn't have to(steal to eat)." while adding,

The Yappers Live!

" They can afford to pay a billion dollars to cancel a gas plant but can't afford to give us enough to cover the basics to survive on?"

Is this what we want? Or might there be a grain of truth to what the guy is saying - he's frickin hungry!


TP out

Branding You! Marketing your project / self to the world

Through various means, such as Jazzled, a youth oriented social networking site I'm working on as a Project Manager when I can, and just online banter, I get quite a few inquiries from young musicians, singers, actors, even visual artists wondering how they can either break into "The Biz" or would like to take the branding of themselves or their band / idea to the next level.

Recently, one such example was a person looking to develop her idea for a t.v. and needed " a business plan Writer for a TV show" as he put it. Her wording told me she was likely green to 
"The Biz", often a challenge, however I decided to take a look at it anyway. Ouch!@

Elvis was the ultimate brander!

I knew instantly upon glimpsing her attachments that this was much more involved than simply writing some plan if she truly wanted her idea to succeed, or at least have a shot at it, still I agreed to a fee for " Writing her business plan" all the while brainstorming on how to approach this. I wasn't about to just take her money and have her fail, so what I agreed to do was stay on the project until completion and act as adviser until then - in addition to agreeing to put together a production budget and marketing / distribution plan. To seal the deal, I revamped the marketing materials she sent me in minutes switching the format and lingo to read more in-line with the industry standards, although I still do need additional info to complete it. Below an excerpt.

Although the target market is a diverse, male and female audience between 26 and 40 years of age, anyone can benefit from the entertaining, informational stories "The Journey" reveals.

Part of today's plan for any marketable item - whether person, production or project, need also have an online footprint to increase the value to the search engines, and create awareness through "Online Branding". 

 The earlier you can an get entity set up online, whether through a blog, or website, or tweeting, or You tube etc - and they need all connect back to one another - the better, so when you launch you already have an internet search engine recognized product(ion), already serving those choosing to search the subject or company or entity to view it.

The wrong head shot can delay your image branding

You can then tailor FAQ's or solicit feedback through your easy to set up blogs and other social networking sites like Face Book where you can also post links to your blog and open a related profile page.

This is all standard advice I give, and sometimes it takes sitting down with people and physically helping them set it up, but once in place they can pretty much self- manage it by adding updates on occasion which , again, lends more credibility to the computer search engines.

That being said, I  can only take them so far as in the end the talent has to be there or the ability to get the job done. An old boss of mine, David Borg, an Executive Producer of feature films such as Hansel and Gretel, who was very into motivational speakers and the like used to tell me,

" All you have to do is get them excited about it!"

"You've already qualified them that they can afford the investment, now they need an incentive to act.
All you have to do now is get them excited about it!"

And that, my friends, is the key.Now here's a really cool original graffiti  / artists and band...Enjoy!

TP out

Marketing 101 - Pay it Forward

Commission Cheque for TP

Effective marketing is essential no matter what "product", service, or event you are promoting and to that end I commend an enterprising person who used her "status" as a single mom in a Kijiji ad soliciting for work as a part-time house cleaner. I could identify with her plea as it reminded me of some of what I'd gone through in the past as a single parent. Most importantly, from a marketing stand point, it moved me to action as I'd been thinking about getting a little help in that department as, let's just say, I'd never impress Molly Maid.

When I first got custody of my kids I'd been working in T.V. projects onscreen such as in Forever Knight, Top Cops, Secret Agent, The Steven Truscott Trial ( M.O.W.) and others on which the set hours were often all night long, and I supplanted this with income as a bartender at the now defunct Glenway Country Club where I'd meet the Publishers of CoverStory Newspaper York Region who'd recruit me to write a column bi-monthly, "At The Clubs" and "Local Flavour" as Entertainment Editor while at the same time I was producing / hosting a cable TV show that covered most everything I wrote about. Part of the deal was I got to run an ad as well continually, and so started Tom's Temps cartoon ads I drew which would much later evolve into TP Entertainment & Media Productions.

It was a wonderful time period in my life until reality set in - which was I couldn't do it all.

Admittedly my work deteriorated at CoverStory as my "At The Clubs" Columns became less and less about the bands and such and more creative writing since it was hard to get babysitters enough to get out and about and attend all the shows and grand openings etc that go with the territory. And you want to be able to do a good job too as the bar owners had liked the coverage of their venues and pics I'd take to post in the column and I really enjoyed doing it. But my kids came first now.

Keeping a promise

Slowly my "Local Flavor" column also became diluted, with me covering now mostly family friendly restaurants and I'd write more about portion sizes and the number of available high chairs. Yea, riveting stuff. Not that the bosses noticed all they looked at was if the clubs and restaurants bought ads on the page.

I pissed a few owners off here and there too, like Larry from Fitzy's in Newmarket (still owes me $800 but that for another day), as I wrote that if I hadn't gotten in for free I wasn't sure I'd have paid his cover charge to see (use?) sumo wresting (suits) which he didn't like, but mostly I'd flatter and highlight what was good about the places in question.

One night I was attacked outside a nightclub by 4 drunk patrons unknown to me and not too long after that I realized something had to give job-wise as getting daycare / babysitting had also become a constant nightmare of uncertainty. I realized then I needed to find a 9-5 job in order to manage the kids and landed a General Manager's position with a brand new restaurant in town, Muskoka Moe's, which essentially for the most part would enable me to be a 9 to fiver and have regular daycare for my kids and give 100% to the job. It was a good fit - not the ideal choice for what I wanted to be doing but it's what you do when you have kids alone - you make compromises.  

And we all lived happily ever after. Wrong! Ha.

My luck kicked in as usual when a 6 months into the gig which I was warming up to - having kicked it off as "Elvis" via limo entrance to the Great York Region Restaurant Race for which I was an original committee member of (raised $100,000) - the guy who hired me sold his half of the business to a couple who  first moved me to the night manager position - a nightmare with kids - and later informed me they wouldn't be needing me to manage anymore when I showed up with my kids a couple times while I waited for the babysitter to pick them up.

Panic mode set in then..

At first I'd gotten us a two bedroom apartment to live in, which was fine, even though my room was the closet with a mattress on the floor but eventually I moved us and managed rooms for everyone by renting one out and adding 'some babysitting" as part of the deal, whilst I eventually returned to ( film and television production) school figuring I'd come out skilled enough to find my way. I was also a principal performer / and original Producer and co-creator of the Canadian Improv Showcase for both Cable T.V. and live shows including producing and booking the shows as I attended school. By then I'd ( had to) taken my car off the road and had to get the kids to daycare by foot, then take transit from Newmarket to Dundas St East in Toronto - about a 2 and half hour treck most days. The kids never knew any  different though and loved going to our improv shows and rehearsals and so that took care of babysitting for those gigs.

Memory lane after singer daughter performance

Upon graduating with an 89% average and with my script a comedy about 3 homeless guys - one of three chosen to be made into a film by the school - I fully expected the pick of the litter in jobs out there when done, but no, the industry expected you to volunteer to gain certain experience. Luckily I'd already produced, hosted, camera operated, and performed on TV so at least I had that.

My first job post graduation, outside independent movies I participated in, was the most popular T.V. show on the Women's Television Network, The Designing Challenge as a Production Assistant and Camera Assist which was fun while it ran, but once the season was shot it was done for the year. I also had continued to Produce C.I.S. at that time as well and tend bar when I could to get by, but it still wasn't raising enough income. What I needed was a job in the industry I was schooled for with regular hours that gave me a respectable position at a pay scale rate that allowed me to take care of my family / costs and had opportunities to advance - but I knew this was a tall order. Finally it got to the point where I wasn't sure we'd make it and on the verge of possibly even a break-down, wondering what I was going to do.

One night I found myself alone in my garage, my kids in bed. I remember speaking aloud to no one in particular my feelings of frustration, maybe even shed some tears, okay so I did, quietly so the kids wouldn't hear me. Then I started smashing boxes, tables,  old hockey sticks and anything else without value stored in the garage ending with a plea to "God" that should he/she exist I needed help right now and it had to have these same conditions  I've described above. "In return", I said aloud quietly that " I'd continue down the path to assist youth ( I'd already sat on a committee that erected towns first youth centre and created "youth beat" in CoverStory newspaper ) and go over and above what I'd done previously should I be granted this one thing. I'd never done this before."

Youth Award created after 'promise'

Now I'm no bible thumper, but I will say this only, within two weeks of this prayer/promise I found a position as an Associate Producer of feature family films and would participate in movie productions that included actors like Betty White, Wayne Rogers, Rue Mcclanahan, Kate Jackson, Judd Hirsch, Howie Mandell, Taylor Mummsen, Ted Shackleford, Stacy Keach and Josh Hutcherson among some.

Working out of Toronto as a satellite company for another in L.A., I learned from a very successful Executive Producer of films, David Borg, who'd returned to work to Canada after some years based in Los Angeles, working closely with him and he encouraged me to hang and listen to him pitch which I often did. Borg allowed me to show up at 9 am and even 9:30 until I got a car again and was cognizant of the fact I had kids alone, and I never forgot that. This all being said this was no creative position as The Associate Producer's job in U.S. style movie development is essentially a sales job - you're selling a limited partnership in a movie to an investor - and my job was to cold call potential investors at their places of work and once I qualified someone as an investor, hand it over to Dave to close the deal. Dave taught us how to handle and qualify potential investors before he'd even take a call, and when he did he was natural and direct and could almost identify immediately whether they were real or a 'stoker".

TPE donates youthful creativity

I always sat in wonder as he'd walk someone through the partnership agreement paperwork over the phone, someone we'd never met, yet someone investing a minimum of $25,000 dollars up to $100,000 to step on board. He taught me that you were looking for a certain type of guy - someone who can get excited about getting involved in a movie, perhaps attend some soirees or come to L.A. for the movie launch at the Kodak Center. Someone who could also easily be able to lose the entire investment without it killing them financially. It offered also diversity to one's portfolio as it is good to have investments diversified especially through times of world strife. He taught me how to "control' the call. Dave even dared us to put people on hold for no reason.

" If they are a real investor they'll wait for you" he'd say.

His skill level was unbelievable and the environment intoxicating at times when you'd sometimes hear numerous pitches at once like a high stakes investments house and the energy levels buzzed in the room especially when someone had someone really interested. Dave encouraged us to stand up when speaking to keep our energy levels up and taught us closing techniques only years of experience and hours of motivational info could offer. The psychology of it all astounded me.


Within two months Dave had moved me up to closer in a commission only role and I became top producer in that office for the duration of my time there personally raising over $1,000,000 in investment dollars by bringing on board limited partners from cold calls! And I got to work on projects that included Executives like Lou Perlman - Author of Bands, Brands and Billions and inventor of 'Boy Bands" who was going to be coming on-board for a fairy tale themed rock musical and who gave us a Christmas luncheon inspirational send off - of course that all changed when his dominoes fell and he was subsequently jailed....that for another day!

At any rate I don't forget what it is to try and manage my workplace / income safety net system alone with kids, and to that end this bold woman's ad initiative speaks to me and I will indeed hire her for a few extra bucks a month in her pocket so she can provide for her kids.

Moral to the story is.....Pay it forward.


Speaking of youth I've been working on a couple of projects connected to youth lately including Jazzled's upcoming launch as well as resurrecting the "Tiny Talent Tom" show live and perhaps an online-live version to come! Stay tuned!

TP out!

Quest for Youth comes to an end

My Quest for Youth came to an end finally with the completion of final audio editing to the piece I entitled, " Shoots, Scores. Shoots, Scores was created with the Quest for Youth's overall themes in minds including mental health, marginalization and "coming out of the shadows" - creating a reach out message to educators to existing programs in the community.

In this case I chose road hockey since it is a real entity started in a mixed income, Mulock Village Newmarket community, in response to a growing need to engage the local youth.The idea started out as a 'challenge" with the community team challenging another to a game of road hockey and we included free hot chocolate and the like.

The following year we had 4 teams entered into the then 2nd Annual Friendly Neighbourhood Youth Road hockey Challenge, but prior a local youth who'd been volunteering in the community and determined to change his former lifestyle was murdered in town outside a local Tim Horton's Donut shop. This kid grew up with a biker leader as a dad, so his efforts to live a changed life needed applauding we felt, and as well the community youth were traumatized by it and received no therapy or counseling. In fact the local papers erroneously stated that the youth, Mike Thornhill, lived in "the patch" at the time of his death which was not true - although his family(mom and him) had previously - thus the kids were even alienated from that connection to a dead neighbour who'd teach the local youths guitar. So we added the Mike Thornhill Friendship Award to be given to the kid most valuable to his or her community and who usually forms the team - showing leadership in doing so.

Artist William Oliver painted live during Quest For Youth live show

The event encourages youths 12 - 18 to form their own Road hockey teams, enter free and they are fed on the day too with a trophy given the winning team in addition to the award nominees received.At any rate the March break ending Saturday event grew and 10 years later it continues to act as an opportunity for kids to play an organized team tourney alongside their peers with community and team pride...and its all still free.

So with this in mind I wrote a script that included a kid from back when I was a kid and when road hockey was everything to kids and then jump it to the present at the end to connect the dots and show how the tradition continues to build esteem and friendships and now even language / culture barriers for newcomer kids to Canada and as a way to learn about (and ultimately love)the national game of hockey.

"Billy" in Shoots, Scores

I took situations from real life experiences, including my own and others', to ensure an authentic storyline, and combined them to tell it in such a way as to leave it somewhat open to interpretation. For example there is a hospital scene but I don't explain why..it could be from mental health or an overdose or maybe he was busted?...the storyline leads you there but leaves a gap of time where the viewer is forced to use conjecture.

It was sophisticated audience so I was trying to tailor something that included this forcing possible choices from their own experiences with students to become their subconscious conjectured reason. They were literally educators attending the Quest for Youth 3 day forum - so to perhaps think of a particular student or situation where the student appeared uncaring or unresponsive or "changed" from good student to bad was a goal. The hope is/was to have teachers care enough to look for possible underlying issues and then reach out somehow - and in cases where income may be part of an issue and transportation a community "program" like the road hockey tourney fits in as it encourages teams to practice etc leading up to it as well all the while they are active and learning life coping skills..just don't know it!

Filming - or technically video taping - Shoots, Scores was a unique experience. I had to act as Writer, Locations Manager, D.O.P., Camera Operator, Director, Actor, Co-Editor, Voice-over - including both a man and woman arguing!) and lighting even! Oh and had to pull it all together with actors, locations etc in 2 weeks!

My first script was very good I thought, but off topic a bit, and then it was suggested I include the annual road hockey event and away it went. I wrote it in one night. It's not great, but it's good and I took particular care in making sure the actors came off o.k., as none really had experience on camera - and some no acting experience at all!

Several of the young actors chosen actually have afflictions that can sometimes lead to marginalization, and later in life sometimes to despair or even homelessness, and I encompassed this by having a real life experiences poet, David Rogers Author of The Dark Road a book of poetry, read his poem Lessons Learned, at mid point of the movie. For Quest purposes David read it live onstage. but I've captured a reading by him on video too.

Author Dave Rogers rehearses reading for Quest Producer

Those afflictions for some of the kids I worked with on Shoots, Scores had included A.D.D., Aspergers Syndrome, one a multitude of mental health ailments and others no "issues" at all, but I took it as a personal challenge to ensure you can't tell who's who and think I pulled it off. Or rather they did. The kids didn't need any prodding just direction and trust and then their talent took over! And just like the road hockey event they "played" side by side with everyone / peers with no special labels.  

All inclusive without pandering, in fact I'd argue ultimately enhancing Shoots Scores not only as an onscreen product but fitting the theme so much more so than anyone knew!

After the 1st day of filming actually one of the mothers came up to me and said I was doing a great job and that she was surprised how much I was getting out of her son. He has  Asperger's she'd said, and I remember thinking about that and replying, 


 "No I didn't. I don't care what he has. He's doing a good job regardless. He's listening to direction and I've not been treating him any differently really."


I did notice his eye-line tended to sway at times but so what, like any actor's might, I adjusted by breaking the script lines down into smaller stretches and then spliced them all together at the end! I knew they'd be surprised when they saw the final product at the Quest for Youth Showing, and know they were happy, at least witnessed by the big hug I received after the showing, but I've now finished adding a few bells and whistles to it and look forward to getting copies out to all those parents of the kids who participated and for it airing in the new year on Rogers Tv..

Congrats to all who were involved and I hope you all learned a little bit about film making - if not about life itself!

TP Out!

Here's some words from a participant's parent who made the experience all worth doing......

Shoots, Scores Debuts at Quest for Youth 2012

I'm drained physically, and to be honest a little emotionally having just gotten through the Quest for Youth 2012. I'm also a little frustrated. Not that way! Keep your minds out of the gutter!

TP brought in Author David L Rogers to the live show

"Coming out of the shadows" sub theme

 Firstly I endured countless hours on it (this Quest For Youth), not so much on the life-like 'maze" workshop I assisted on as Street Outreach's Chaundra and YRDB's Scott did most of the work there, but having written and directed the video portion of the performance piece - and I can overlook not getting any verbal mention or stage accolades even though I brought in 75% of the youth and performers that were used in the show and then spent hours shooting, directing, re-shooting, even acting myself while operating the camera, doing voice-over, working with mostly completely 'green" actors to make them credible and a last 12 hour straight editing session (this is a very time consuming to clip scenes to just the right position and audio) all to ensure we got it all done

 - only to have the "professional" audio/video guy (not from Rogers) bring up the wrong clip to start it off with. Talk about a " Doh!" Moment!

TP introduced art phenom William to the Quest for Youth

I immediately jumped into action when it became apparent they'd started the wrong clip but after traveling half-way across a big hall, the usual array of blank scared-live-to-air faces looked back at me when I told them they were starting with the wrong one, so I sought out the production truck.

Every live production of size will have a production truck, you just have to look for it. As it happens I know someone there (at Rogers) and so all is well I suppose since we can get it right before it airs on Rogers TV via editing. Location Director Dan was good about it and as well I had a good chat with Rogers Executive Producer, David Blackwell, who I remember from when I produced and hosted a show for Rogers some years back called "Out & About".

It pre-dated the current models of "York Region Living" etc but had a more humour and skitsy- like on- location presentation, such as one time we spoofed Rocky with me training for a "chicken wing eating contest" which was a real event being held for a charity at a local eatery and we pre-taped me as "Jockey" training, then live-to-tape eating wings and fighting a giant chicken on location, all to the theme of Rocky. Ha.

I had labelled them 1 through 5. How do you screw that up?!
Thank goodness for Rogers TV as we can fix it before it airs!

Tom & Principal Actor Mark as "Billy" in Shoots, Scores

Anyway today was supposed to be my Rocky day, they were debuting my film. Not just me either. I'm still pissed about it ( although mellowing by the minute) because not only did I spend time on it but there were a lot of other people involved and in the production who also had expectations of seeing a complete production. The guy who did editing with me, K.G. Campbell, was up with me until 5 am working it to make sure we had it, only to see the opening scene left out, so he deserves the respect of the production completely shown as well. But I certainly don't regret the experience and got to do some good work with and meet some good people. And despite the missing scene many didn't seem to realize it or were still complimentary about it.

I may not have been up at the curtain call, but I certainly was more than an onlooker and will try to protect the integrity of the participants in this film, and to that end will endeavour to make sure the full production reaches the screens so everyone can go home happy - and I can finally rest. As a Film-maker you stress about these types of things because when people do see your work, you want them to love it or hate it based on what you did and were satisfied attaching your name to.

Tom Pearson

Shoots, Scores-onset with TP in the Quest for Youth

Protege Mark "Billy" and Writer/ Director TP

Some people may already know I've been working on a short teleplay as part of Quest for Youth 2012. It's certainly no where near the biggest budget film I've been a part of - like " Hansel & Gretel" with Taylor Mumsen and Howie Mandel or ' Miracle Dogs' with Kate Jackson, but it is I dare say my best and most important to date. I call it Shoots, Scores. It could be the story of many a young person, told mostly through a teen boys eyes growing up in then 60's/70's and jumps us up to the present.

I believe I have captured on video, albeit low budget, the story I hoped to recreate and along with it some surprise footage that will add an extra "oomph"  - something every film needs to be deemed successful - whether 1 minute or 10 minutes or 2 hours. Something so that they leave the theatre going wow that was good! I'm hoping the piece brings people up and down and up again and leave them feeling good but with a message, many of which are scattered through the brilliantly written screenplay (I wrote it ha!). I must say it has been quite the experience and still is with still one scene to shoot and voice-over to capture as I stagger toward the editing line.

Actor Jason goofs around onset with a wig by Myers Costumes

I have until Wed to have a final version and they expect something by Monday. Meantime I've been juggling people, schedules, and my own to accommodate everything from Principals (not the actors) who have to have us off school property by 5pm, and kid actors who cant get there until 4, and others who can't until after 5, and parents, and those who can't make it and...!


On a production like this you also run into a hierarchy conflict with myself having the Tv and Film production experience and the live show's producer being from theatre. We film guys get certain shots for a reason and with a skeleton budget and working with volunteers, I don't have time to waste. Now he does want it to fit into the whole scheme of things of the whole live production of Quest For Youth which I do respect, and to keep within the them given that being marginaliztion and coming out from the shadows. But in the end this has to be able to stand alone as a film and one you don't mind putting your name to and to that end I believe it will be!

Today I shot some 'b" roll - cut off shots - of road hockey playing - just some tie ups to make it all look real in the end. Oh..did i tell you the kid playing main character has never played any hockey or road hockey for that matter,,so,,my work is cut out in editing! Lucky for me a fellow also playing a role(s) in the production now, Keith, has offered to come on-board to ensure we get this edited right!

This may be the lowest budget film I've worked on but I wouldn't trade being able to write, direct, act, operate camera, and play road hockey all in one project for anything!

Game on!


TP out!

Quest for Youth on track to Perform

Quest for Youth 2012 continues to roll along with its grass-rootsy vibe....kids / youths / community input from education sectors across Ontario continue to be added to the showcase event which is happening this Nov 14 at 1:45 pm at Markham's Renaissance Hotel in front of an audience of up to 900. Gulp. Plus it's live to tape.Double gulp.

Luther Hansraj quet For Youth 2012 performance Producer

I'm lucky in that the portion I'm contributing will be shot on video. I was asked to write something that connects to schools and the community at large involving marginalization at some level so I chose a feature on troubled youths and escapism through road hockey. It's a pretty simplified summary but suffice to say it had to have elements from true to life situations that could be interpreted in a number of ways but always staying true to the core basis of reality through the telling.

Anyway I got a glimpse of my potential 'Billy character", although hes not a lock for the part, but he seems a good kid if not perhaps a tad young for what I had in mind. Throw a 70's wig on him to ruff him up a bit and who knows.Ha.

It's not going to be as easy as these guys think and I'm dealing with people that wouldn't know a master shot from a close-up but we'll get through it...and in the end as long as I get all my shots we're good to go.

I've seen smatterings of the other elements and don't envy Producer Luther having to mix it all together but he's going to have to trust my artistic touch a little more than he has to date, although perhaps he's just trying to instill into me his vision of the "style" he wants - but regardless of the style you still need all the shots. For example he wants some scenes shot out of focus. That's great if you're using a manual focus camera but we may not be. The bells and whistles and special effects with blurring images etc can be added later in post production editing but being a Stage Producer he wouldn't necessarily know that, and therein lies the occasional clash thus far.Ha. Nothing I / we can't handle though because in the end its written artsy already and should fit the scheme they asked for.

Kim will bring a touch of aboriginal to the Youth Quest

I can't wait to see how he meshes all the other elements into it like the dancers and youth singers and aboriginal speakers/drummers and live band but hey, that's out of my concern! Ha..! This will be an interesting show to say the least!.

I was also able to connect youthful phenoms Daniel Mendez Band with the show so look for Luther to utilize them throughout the show.

Here's a short excerpt from "Shoots, Scores

Video continues in Black & White

Ext: Street or driveway 4:30 pm. Billy boy plays hockey with friends.

Audio : V.O. Sports Announcer: ala Foster Hewitt:

Cornouyer shoots the puck in the corner right in front Esposito takes a wild

stab at it! Rebound, right in front Henderson he scores! Henderson has

scored for Canada!

V.O. Crowd:

 Roars

Billy is jumping around celebrating scoring with friends fading to

celebrating alone. It’s darker out. 6 or 7 pm Streetlights come /are on.

Billy

Still jumping:

Scores!

Slowly makes his way towards home .

Voices can be heard of parents arguing:.

VO: Woman’s Voice:

Go on and have another one! (pause) If it wasn’t for these damp kids I’d

of been gone long ago!

V.O. Father’s voice:

Yea well you go right ahead then! Billy! You get in this house

……Now!

C.U. of Billy’s face – concerned / troubled look

C.U. Hand on doorknob hesitates, jolts as the word NOW is yelled.

Scene Fades

Tom out!