An official selection of the internationally renowned Planet In Focus Environmental Film Festival, Canadian-born musician James Carson, a gifted child piano prodigy cum award-winning filmmaker, brings his stunning and immersive musical docu-experience CABIN MUSIC, documenting the creation of his debut album, THE STORY OF BIRDS to Toronto’s Paradise Theatre on October 20, 2023 at 7 p.m.

The Canadian premiere of the acclaimed big-screen cinematic experience will be followed by a post-screening Q&A plus a live musical performance.

Sitting between the avant-garde stylings of Maya Deren (Meshes of the Afternoon) and the meditative tone poems of Godfrey Reggio (Koyaanisqatsi), Cabin Music weaves a synesthetic aural-visual journey around the world, in which Carson communicates not only through the piano he plays, the clay-walled cabin he builds, and the stunning cinematography he lenses but also his hypnotic editorial prowess. Interviews – with cabin builders, collaborators, and those James meets in his travels – orient and ground the concrete narrative embedded in the film’s poetry. A technical-artistic tour de force, the picture speaks directly from the subconscious, where piano tone, environment, cinematography, sound recording, and film montage all flow from the same hands, eyes, and heart, allowing the viewer to see and breathe the world as James did on his journey, and as he continues to do in his cabin and in New York to the present day.

Says Carson, “Cabin Music is not only a film, a concert, or an album. It’s the space between all these manifestations. Each gives a different point of access to the same fundamental source. The concerts provide the most intimate connection – a one-to-one communion that cannot be transmitted across any media. The recordings are for repeat listening, however, a person chooses to experience them. The film, meanwhile, is designed to do what only film can do: to viscerally bring audiences through time and place in a compressed and expanded way into the cabin and its origins. Only cinema has the scale and capacity to cross continents and ages in the blink of an eye; only cinema can immerse audiences in the roots from which the cabin is born.”

CABIN MUSIC is produced and directed by James Carson and executive produced by Julian Cautherley (THE CRASH REEL, CLEMENCY). International sales are handled by Monoduo Films.

After premiering at TIFF ’23, today we get a new Trailer for PAIN HUSTLERS!

DIRECTOR: David Yates
SCREENPLAY BY: Wells Tower
BASED ON THE BOOK BY: Evan Hughes
PRODUCERS: Lawrence Grey, David Yates
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Emily Blunt, Mark Moran, Yvonne Walcott-Yates, Lewis Taylor, Ben Everard
CAST: Emily Blunt, Chris Evans, Catherine O’Hara, Chloe Coleman, Jay Duplass, Brian d’Arcy James, Amit Shah, Aubrey Dollar, Willie Raysor and Andy Garcia

SYNOPSIS: Liza Drake (Emily Blunt) is a blue-collar single mom who has just lost her job and is at the end of her rope. A chance meeting with pharmaceutical sales rep Pete Brenner (Chris Evans) puts her on an upwards trajectory economically but dubious path ethically as she becomes entangled in a dangerous racketeering scheme. Dealing with her increasingly unhinged boss (Andy Garcia), the worsening medical condition of her daughter (Chloe Coleman), and a growing awareness of the devastation the company is causing forces Liza to examine her choices. Pain Hustlers is a sharp and revealing look at what some people do out of desperation and others do out of greed. The film is directed by BAFTA award winner David Yates, produced by Lawrence Grey, and also starring Catherine O’Hara, Jay Duplass and Brian d’Arcy James.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

Today, Marvel Studios released an exciting :60 spot and “The Return of Captain Marvel,” two new looks at the upcoming feature film, “The Marvels,” along with brand-new posters, to coincide with tickets going on sale.

Advance tickets are on sale now, everywhere tickets are sold.

In Marvel Studios’ “The Marvels,” Carol Danvers aka Captain Marvel has reclaimed her identity from the tyrannical Kree and taken revenge on the Supreme Intelligence. But unintended consequences see Carol shouldering the burden of a destabilized universe. When her duties send her to an anomalous wormhole linked to a Kree revolutionary, her powers become entangled with that of Jersey City super-fan Kamala Khan, aka Ms. Marvel, and Carol’s estranged niece, now S.A.B.E.R. astronaut Captain Monica Rambeau. Together, this unlikely trio must team up and learn to work in concert to save the universe as “The Marvels.”

The film stars Brie Larson, Teyonah Parris, Iman Vellani, Zawe Ashton, Gary Lewis, Seo-Jun Park, Zenobia Shroff, Mohan Kapur, Saagar Shaikh, and Samuel L. Jackson. Nia DaCosta directs, and Kevin Feige is the producer. Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Mary Livanos and Matthew Jenkins serve as executive producers. The screenplay is by Nia DaCosta and Megan McDonnell and Elissa Karasik.

New Featurette:

Marvel Studios’ “The Marvels” hits theatres on November 10, 2023.

SHOWTIME today released the official trailer for the highly anticipated limited series FELLOW TRAVELERS, the epic love story and political thriller led by Matt Bomer (The Normal Heart, The Boys in the Band) and Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton). Created for television by Oscar^® nominee Ron Nyswaner (Philadelphia, HOMELAND), the eight-episode drama premieres Friday, October 27, 2023 in Canada and the U.S. and on October 28, 2023 in the U.K., Australia, Latin America, South Korea, Italy, Germany, Switzerland and Austria. The miniseries was shot in Toronto in Summer 2022.

FELLOW TRAVELERS, also stars Jelani Alladin (The Walking Dead World Beyond), Allison Williams (Get Out, Girls) and Noah J. Ricketts (American Gods). Bomer and Nyswaner executive produce with Robbie Rogers (All American, My Policeman) and Dee Johnson. Daniel Minahan (Halston, American Crime Story: Versace) executive produces and also directs the first two epiodes. FELLOW TRAVELERS is co-produced by Fremantle and SHOWTIME. 

Created by Nyswaner, FELLOW TRAVELERS is based on the novel by Thomas Mallon. Bomer plays charismatic Hawkins Fuller, who maintains a financially rewarding, behind-the-scenes career in politics. Hawkins avoids emotional entanglements – until he meets Tim Laughlin (Bailey), a young man who’s brimming with idealism and religious faith. They begin a romance just as Joseph McCarthy and Roy Cohn declare war on “subversives and sexual deviants,” initiating one of the darkest periods in 20th-century American history. Over the course of four decades, we follow our five main characters – Hawk, Tim, Marcus (Alladin), Lucy (Williams) and Frankie (Ricketts) – as they cross paths through the Vietnam War protests of the 1960s, the drug-fueled disco hedonism of the 1970s and the AIDS crisis of the 1980s while facing obstacles in the world and within themselves.

The 6th season of THE CROWN will close out the genre-defining prestige royal saga that has been on screens since 2016. The Crown’s final season will premiere in two parts: Part 1 on November 16th & Part 2 on December 14th.

Part 1 will see Elizabeth Debicki reprise her role as Princess Diana alongside Dominic West as Prince Charles. Imelda Staunton continues her reign as Queen Elizabeth II alongside Jonathan Pryce (Prince Philip) and Lesley Manville (Princess Margaret). Also returning are Salim Daw (Mohamed Al Fayed) and Khalid Abdalla (Dodi Fayed). Making their debuts are Rufus Kampa (Prince William) and Fflyn Edwards (Prince Harry).

The 6th and final season covers events from 1997 through 2005.The first four episodes (Part 1) depict a relationship blossoming between Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed before a fateful car journey has devastating consequences.

The final chapter (Part 2) is told across six episodes. Prince William tries to integrate back into life at Eton in the wake of his mother’s death as the monarchy has to ride the wave of public opinion. As she reaches her Golden Jubilee, the Queen reflects on the future of the monarchy with the marriage of Charles and Camilla and the beginnings of a new Royal fairytale in William and Kate.

For Part 2, taking on the roles of Prince William and Prince Harry will be Ed McVey and Luther Ford. Joining them will be Meg Bellamy as Kate Middleton. These will be debut roles for all three actors.

Since premiering on Netflix in 2016, THE CROWN has been nominated for and won multiple awards, including 69 Emmy Nominations across 5 seasons (with 21 wins including Best Drama across 4 seasons), 10 Golden Globe Nominations (including 4 wins), 15 BAFTA nominations, and more.

This final season will draw to a conclusion sixty hours of television that have introduced stars such as Claire Foy, Vanessa Kirby, Emma Corrin, Josh O’Connor and more.

About The Crown Season 6

A relationship blossoms between Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed before a fateful car journey has devastating consequences.

Prince William tries to integrate back into life at Eton in the wake of his mother’s death as the monarchy has to ride the wave of public opinion. As she reaches her Golden Jubilee, the Queen reflects on the future of the monarchy with the marriage of Charles and Camilla and the beginnings of a new Royal fairytale in William and Kate.

Premiere Date: Part 1 – November 16, 2023 / Part 2 – December 14, 2023
Format: 10 episodes x 60 mins [Part 1 – 4 episodes / Part 2 – 6 episodes]
Created and Written by: Peter Morgan
Executive Producers: Peter Morgan, Suzanne Mackie, Andy Harries, Stephen Daldry, Matthew Byam Shaw and Robert Fox.
Cast: Imelda Staunton as Queen Elizabeth II, Jonathan Pryce as Prince Philip, Lesley Manville as Princess Margaret, Dominic West as Prince Charles, Elizabeth Debicki as Princess Diana, Claudia Harrison as Princess Anne, Olivia Williams as Camilla Parker Bowles, Bertie Carvel as Tony Blair, Salim Daw as Mohamed Al Fayed, and Khalid Abdalla as Dodi Fayed.
Part 1 – Rufus Kampa (Prince William) and Fflyn Edwards (Prince Harry)
Part 2 – Ed McVey (Prince William), Luther Ford (Prince Harry) and Meg Bellamy (Kate Middleton)

Prime Video today announced that Sportsnet will be the latest top-tier channel available on Prime Video Channels in Canada. The Sportsnet Prime Video Channel allows subscribers to add Sportsnet as an add-on channel in their Prime Video account. Prime Video users in Canada can watch live NHL hockey and all of Sportsnet’s linear programming on Sportsnet national (Sportsnet, Sportsnet ONE, Sportsnet 360) and regional (Sportsnet Pacific, West, East, Ontario) channels with one convenient subscription to Sportsnet on Prime Video Channels. Prime members can add the Sportsnet Prime Video Channel as an add-on subscription for $19.99/month. Visit PrimeVideo.com/Sportsnet to sign up.

“We’re delighted to add premium sports just in time for puck drop,” said Magda Grace, head of Prime Video, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. “We are thrilled to work with Sportsnet,  Canada’s leading sports broadcaster, to offer this selection, so that our customers can enjoy unparalleled entertainment all in one place.”

“By becoming the first Canadian sports network available on Prime Video in Canada, Sportsnet is furthering our commitment to deliver premium sports content to Canadians wherever they want to access it,” said Greg Sansone, senior vice president, Sportsnet.

The Sportsnet Prime Video Channel consists of the Sportsnet (East, Ontario, West, and Pacific), Sportsnet ONE, and Sportsnet 360 linear channels, bringing live games from the NHL, MLB, NBA, and more. Sportsnet is the official Canadian NHL rights holder, and is the regional broadcaster for the Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, and Toronto Maple Leafs. Sportsnet also has extensive coverage of the Toronto Blue Jays and Toronto Raptors, as well as NBA, MLB, Grand Slam of Curling, National Bank Open presented by Rogers, FIBA, WWE, Super League rugby, Premiership Rugby, FA Women’s Super League, and FA Cup. Out-of-market NHL games are not available via the Sportsnet Amazon Prime Video Channel.

Prime members can subscribe with no extra apps to download beyond Prime Video by visiting PrimeVideo.com/Sportsnet. The channel subscription can be canceled at any time. Prime Video Channels is a Prime benefit that lets members add channels they love with no long-term commitments—including Paramount+, CityTV+, STARZ, AMC+, Super Channel, BritBox, Hayu, and STACKTV, a multi-channel service featuring 16 top-tier networks (Global, Food Network Canada, HGTV Canada, W Network, History, Adult Swim, Lifetime, Slice, Showcase, National Geographic, Teletoon, Treehouse, and YTV).

–ENDS–

About Prime Video 

Prime Video is just one of many shopping, savings, and entertainment benefits included with a Prime membership, along with fast, free shipping on millions of Prime-eligible items at Amazon.ca, ultrafast  delivery, unlimited photo storage, exclusive deals and discounts, and access to ad-free music, books, and games. To sign up or start a 30-day free trial of Prime, visit: amazon.ca/prime.

·       Included with Prime Video: Watch movies, TV series, news, award-winning Amazon Originals, and other exclusives. Enjoy hits like Citadel, The Lord Of The Rings: The Rings Of Power, Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, The Boys, and more. 

·       Prime Video Channels: Prime members can add channels like Paramont+, Citytv+, STARZ, AMC+, Hayu, and STACKTV, an all-in entertainment multipack offering the latest episodes of hit shows from 16 great networks. No extra apps to download, and no cable required. Most subscriptions start with a free trial, and you can cancel anytime. View the full list of channels available at primevideo.com/channels. 

·       Rent or Buy: From new releases to cult favourites, enjoy even more movies available to rent or buy on Prime Video – no Prime membership required. View titles available by visiting primevideo.com/store.  

·       Instant Access: Watch at home or on the go with the Prime Video app on Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast, Windows 10, Android and iOS, compatible Smart TVs and set top boxes, select game consoles or online at primevideo.com. In the Prime Video app on mobile and tablet, Prime members can download most videos and watch them anywhere offline at no additional cost. For a complete list of compatible devices, visit primevideo.com/help.

·       Enhanced experiences: Make the most of every viewing with 4K Ultra HD- and High Dynamic Range (HDR)-compatible content. Go behind the scenes of your favourite movies and TV shows with exclusive X-Ray access, powered by IMDb. 

Paramount+ today unveiled the thrilling trailer and premiere date for THE RESCUE: WEIGHT OF THE WORLD (EL RAPTO). The upcoming original Argentine film from Paramount+ is directed by the renowned filmmaker Daniela Goggi (Abzurdah, El Hilo Rojo) and stars Rodrigo de La Serna (Money Heist). The much-anticipated film has been critically acclaimed in international film festivals including Venice, Toronto, Zurich, Biarritz and Monterrey, and will premiere in October in selected theaters in Argentina and on November 3, 2023 in all Paramount+ international markets. 

In September, the film had its North American Premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). The film was presented in the “Special Presentations” category. Lead actor Rodrigo de la Serna (Money Heist), the director and renowned filmmaker Daniela Goggi (Abzurdah, El Hilo Rojo) and the producer Benjamín Domenech from Rei Cine were in attendance. THE RESCUE: WEIGHT OF THE WORLD also participated in the Venice International Film Festival.

THE RESCUE: THE WEIGHT OF THE WORLD takes place in Buenos Aires, in the 1980s. Julio Levy and his family return to Argentina after a long exile to enjoy their life in the new democracy and to work in the family business when an unfortunate event alters his plans. His brother is kidnapped, forcing Julio to take his place in the family business, while he manages the company and leads a complex operation to rescue his brother. Julio will discover the face of the hidden forces that still operate behind the recently recovered Argentine democracy. Starring alongside Rodrigo de la Serna are Julieta Zylberberg, Andrea Garrote, Germán Palacios and Jorge Marrale. 

THE RESCUE: THE WEIGHT OF THE WORLD is a fictional political thriller inspired by several events that happened after the dictatorship and in the book “El salto de papá” by Martín Sivak. The film is produced by Paramount Television International Studios, Rei Cine and Infinity Hill.  

Anand Ramayya’s KARMA Film have come on to produce The Devil’s Tears with Blackout Media, with Shant Joshi’s Fae Pictures to executive produce. The partnership marks a major milestone for the two South Asian-Canadian owned production companies.

Development is financed by Creative Saskatchewan, and the project has been selected for the 1497 Mentor Lab and as a finalist for the Breaking Through the Lens Chopard Action Grant

Written and to be directed by Maya Bastian as her debut feature, The Devil’s Tears is an ensemble horror film set in a remote Sri Lankan jungle village that has been ravaged by war. A red rain begins to fall at night amplifying the dark proclivities of the villagers, the dismantling all societal order.

Producers are Karl Janisse of Blackout Media (Tigress), Anand Ramayya and Kelly Balon of KARMA Film (Donkeyhead, Our Big Punjabi Family), and executive producing is Shant Joshi, Lindsay Blair Goeldner, and Abdul Malik of Fae Pictures (In Flames, Framing Agnes).

The project is currently in development with financing expected to begin late 2024 and production to take place in 2025-2026 in India.

Coming off of their successful launches of South Asian-Canadian titles Donkeyhead and In Flames, the milestone partnership aims to leverage a Canadian international co-production raising towards a sub $15M dollar budget with an ensemble Tamil cast as a formidable competitor for arthouse festival audiences, South Indian commercial audiences, and global genre audiences.

“The Devil’s Tears is a story like no other. I’m proud to be supported by these incredible companies who all have a strong track record of bringing unique South Asian voices to audiences worldwide,” says Bastian.

“Maya’s background in conflict journalism combined with her deep personal connections to the community have added layer upon layer of subtle complexities that fill this incredibly original script with the potential to be a truly groundbreaking film. The Devil’s Tears and its filmmakers are the reason we exist as producers and we are thrilled to help bring this to fruition,” said Ramayya.

“The recent box office successes for distinct and unique writer-director voices like Gerwig, Nolan, Atlee, and Nelson, and the wave of sold out theatres for socially relevant arthouse cinema with a genre bent gives us confidence to face the market with a dynamic project like this,” said Shant Joshi. “We are excited to continue to decolonize cinema with The Devil’s Tears, pointing our lens towards the oppression and genocide of ethnic minorities, an increasingly universal theme given the rise of fascism in many parts of the world.”

History, design, and innovation continue to intersect at the newly transformed, world-class event space, the Design Exchange (DX). Purpose-built in 1937 as the original Toronto Stock Exchange, the DX has cemented itself as a go-to venue for corporate and social events, with a legacy spanning over two decades, and proudly pulls back the curtain on dynamic new upgrades revealing a contemporary venue fueled by events and catering partner Eatertainment, and powered by Elevate. The DX provides clients with turnkey solutions for corporate events, weddings, galas, tradeshows, conferences, and more as the 40,000 square foot space features modern interior upgrades that preserve the building’s historic elements while adding a modern atmosphere with the contemporary re-design. The most exclusive new feature of the venue is Canada’s first dedicated fully immersive projection mapping system featuring 45-foot tall by 230-foot projections, providing event clients access to a state-of-the-art system with fully customizable content to bring immersive, virtual, and interactive elements to meet their event needs.

“The newly transformed event spaces at the historic Design Exchange is a first-of-its-kind venture in Canada, with only a handful of venues around the world offering similar tailored edge-to-edge experiences,” said Liz McKenna, Director of Events at Design Exchange. “The remarkable renovations serve our clients a bridge between virtual and live events, providing the means to flawlessly broadcast gatherings to a wider audience while those attending on-site enjoy an unparalleled immersive event experience.”

DX offers over 40,000 square feet of event space made up of five primary areas that can be rented individually or collectively, including:

The ‘Lobby’: 3,500 square foot area perfect for receptions and cocktails.
The ‘Trading Floor’: this historic 6,500 square-foot space is designed for impactful events, conferences, and trade shows.
The ‘Gallery’: with 4,000 square feet, this space is suitable for dining, smaller events, or experiential activations.
The ‘Library’: the 1,200 square foot space, overlooking the bustling King and Bay strip, is ideal for product launches or presentations.
The ‘Boardroom’: a 600 square foot meeting space equipped with hybrid technology, is ideal for executive meetings or client dinners.

“The contemporary renovation of the Design Exchange pays homage to its iconic architectural heritage while harmonizing it with the new fully immersive environment, state-of-the-art in-house AV from CCR, exquisite catering and service, and dedicated vendor partners to help bring any vision to life.” Offers Sebastien Centner, Founder & Creative Director of Eatertainment Events. “History, design and innovation come together in this venue and our team is already welcoming clients from all over the world who have been drawn to this groundbreaking immersive environment for their events.”

The Design Exchange’s in-house AV and technical teams, along with Eatertainment’s planning expertise and catering solutions, offer a truly unique and convenient solution for a premium, hassle-free client experience. DX’s advanced immersive projection mapping system creates seamless experiences for every occasion, regardless of the event or theme. With the ability to project custom images and videos onto the towering walls of the trading floor, the system covers an impressive canvas, spanning an incredible 45 feet in height and 230 feet in width with a 270-degree viewing angle.

Sebastien Centner adds: “The immersive boom is revolutionizing live experiences, and with innovations like the MSG Sphere leading the way, we are going to see the event landscape change dramatically as venues like The Design Exchange offer in-house and turn-key projection mapping at a fraction of what it used to cost to create these types of environments.”

The Design Exchange is located at 234 Bay Street, Toronto, ON and is currently accepting bookings through F24. For more information visit www.designexchangetoronto.com and for booking inquiries, please contact info@designexchangetoronto.com. In-person media tours, interviews, and features are available upon request.

Velvet Code, (Marlon Wurmitzer) is a Toronto, Canada International award-winning genderfluid Electronic Music DJ, producer, songwriter, radio show host and entrepreneur.  In 2022 Velvet launched the “You Do You Foundation”, (https://youdoyoufoundation.org) to help underprivileged and financially compromised 2SLGBTQIA+ musicians utilize music on their road to wellness.   Today it is the foundation’s honor to announce the creation of the “You Do You Foundation” Mentorship Program supported by TD Bank Group (TD).  The six-month Mentorship Program will provide 2SLGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, Two-Spirit, Intersex, Asexual) and QBIPOC (Queer Black, Indigenous, People of Color) music artists and musicians struggling with mental wellness, addiction and financial hardship with the skills and opportunities that are essential to advancing their careers.  You Do You Foundation will provide six emerging 2SLGBTQIA+/QBIPOC musical artists who are struggling with their mental health, stable housing or financial hardship with professional development workshops in various aspects of the music industry, including music production, songwriting, grant writing and life skills to ensure their continued engagement and success in the music industry and in life.  You Do You Foundation believes assisting underprivileged and financially compromised young artists that fall in the 2SLGBTQIA+ / QBIPOC spectrum is a vital factor in expanding the voices and artistry in the music industry.

Velvet Code, an established producer and songwriter in the electronic and pop music scene has been called “The Drag Hit Maker” because of their work with Drag Recording Artists around the world. In 2020 Velvet was chosen to be a part of Lady Gaga’s Chromatica Billboard remix team, with notable remixes of Stupid Love and Sour Candy.  That same year, Velvet launched their own label, So Fierce Music (https://www.sofiercemusic.com) currently with a talent roster of 40+ up and coming LGBTQIA+ artists including winners of Canada’s Drag Race Icesis Couture, Gisele Lullaby, and winner of Queen of the Universe Season 2, Taiga Brava. Velvet primary mission is to work with up-and-coming artists to help them grow and succeed at becoming successful recording artists.  There are many barriers to establishing a successful musical career for young 2SLGBTQIA+ and BIPOC artists who lack financial resources, stable housing, access to contacts, networks, professional recording equipment and mentorship.

Velvet has dedicated much time & support during his career to the existing problems of the 2SLGBTQIA+ and QBIPOC community.  There is an urgent need for professional development and wrap-around support for emerging 2SLGBTQIA+ musicians. Each week, 75-100 2SLGBTQIA+ musicians apply for representation from So Fierce Music. The personal stories are heartbreaking. Precarious housing, discrimination & poverty, resulting in mental health challenges that keep them from creating and producing music. The “You Do You Foundation” Mentorship Program supported by TD will begin the process of addressing this extreme need and will provide 2SLGBTQIA+ artists with opportunities for emerging music artists to engage in professional development, understand the industry, and establish professional relationships with support from a team of industry leaders and partners.

“We have come a long way, and the journey continues, but it doesn’t have to be alone.  As a queer artist, I intimately know the struggles of this community.  I’m fortunate to have the ability to speak about human rights, to a large audience and I feel it is my duty to do so.”      Velvet