Congratulations on your role in Channel Zero, which recently wrapped! Can you tell us about that experience and role? Thank you. Yeah, it’s been cool! Being Nathan, an awkward yet caring social worker in the 3rd Season of Channel Zero, wasn’t like any other project I’ve previously worked on. The writing by creator/show runner Nick Antosca brings a depth for us to truly play rich characters but gives the actors the possibility to create undiagnosed foibles. The creative producer, Tim Smith, was dedicated to teaming the vision into the show while he worked closely with the director, Arkasha Stevenson. Seeing Arkasha and Tim sitting on the floor with monitors in their laps on set as we rolled to obtain closeness to the work was incredibly inspiring. I can’t say enough great things about Arkasha; seeing her work with each actor as individuals is something I will remember always. Her ability to go in-depth to obtain the needs of the project was beautiful. I am very excited to see Season 3 of Channel Zero. When did you become an ACTRA member, and what was your first union gig? I became an ACTRA member in 2006 on the set of “House Party”. Over the craft table, Rob encouraged my membership. I was a permittee for a long long time. I had dealings with ACTRA back to when I was an extra on the “Shirley Holmes” mystery show… So, yeah. A long time ago. How has being a member of ACTRA benefited you? As a Comedian / Improviser, when people hire you for live shows they often don’t see the value of the work and attempt to underpay. As a film/ TV actor, ACTRA allows me to get a dollar amount that represents the time taken to train, study and travel to obtain…

What was your first ACTRA gig? NP – I played a woman named Nadine (yup, the director let me use my own name!) in the first Don Cherry movie. I think I had two lines and I was TERRIFIED. What was your most memorable role? NP – My most memorable role was as an actor in an MPI commercial. There was an unflattering and fairly cheesy moment in the commercial that people teased me about for years. It’s actually pretty funny now that I think about it. What is your dream role? NP – Comedy. Being funny and silly on a sketch show like SNL. How has being an ACTRA member benefitted you? NP – I would never have had the confidence to negotiate rates as good as those I’ve gotten through ACTRA. Many actors undersell themselves, they will work for little or free because they love their art. ACTRA has helped me to realize that we’re professionals – our expertise adds value to projects. What do you look forward to most in serving on council? NP – I hope to gain knowledge and proficiency in advocating for union members. It would also be wonderful if opportunities arose to be involved in advocacy for the arts on a provincial and federal level. August 2017…

What was your first ACTRA gig? MK – Oh, my goodness. This is going to show either my age or my memory. Or both. I’m pretty sure my early ACTRA gigs were Background work. That was a time when you had to complete a certain number of contracts doing Background in order to receive a membership. What was your most memorable role? MK – I was doing stand-in for Amreeka (2009). One day, in the mid-afternoon, I was standing back during the shooting. Around the corner, there was a separate crew building a set for a night time scene. I watched them for a few minutes. I had this wonderful thought and feeling come over me. We were making magic. I know that doesn’t answer the question of a memorable ‘role.’ But if I hadn’t been a member of ACTRA, I wouldn’t have been in that position to be able to be a part of the magic of movie-making. What is your dream role? MK – A dream role? Well, if you’re gonna dream… dream big. My dream role would be something along side Meryl Streep or Carol Burnett. Like I said – dream big. Other dream roles closer to home would be to be a part of stories that reflect the Canadian North, both historically and for the future and to be part of stories that are about the Indigenous Women that were and are a part of Turtle Island. My dream roles would be those that continue to tell stories. How has being an ACTRA member benefitted you? MK – ACTRA has been a huge benefit. I’ve never had a concern when I’ve been on set and I think a big part of that comes from being a member of ACTRA. Whenever I’ve signed a contract, I am…

What was your first ACTRA gig? JB – “The Battle of Mary Kay” – actor level, a scene with Parker Posey and Rebecca Gibson. I had no idea what to expect. What was your most memorable role? JB – Not sure what was most memorable for audiences, but on “The Capture of the Green River Killer”, I had to eat as many cookies as I could in a very short period of time. Of course, for the turn-around, I had to remember every bite for every line! Stomach ache that day – why oatmeal?!! What is your dream role? JB – One in which I am encouraged to be creative. How has being an ACTRA member benefitted you? JB – ACTRA helped me when a production company tried to hire me and not pay wages. I learned a great deal about labour rights and regulations then. What do you look forward to most in serving on council? JB – It is a privilege and an opportunity to be involved with an organization that makes a significant difference in the lives of artists. I am looking forward to educating members and non-members about ACTRA. June 2017…

Congratulations on the work you have been getting recently. Can you tell us about your experience and role on Mr. Snowman? Thank you. Oh my goodness, it was an absolute blast! The character I played, “Isabelle” was written as such a confident, quirky and warm person. She is completely comfortable in her own skin (and unique wardrobe) and she knows exactly who she is. It was a dream to play! The cast all got along immediately and the chemistry made it easy for us to play long time friends. The crew was amazing! Doug Mitchell, our fantastic director, was so great to work with. He really let the actors play and find the characters and connections. He knows a film set in and out and he clearly loves what he does so the energy was contagious. There was this wonderful buzz and everybody seemed to enjoy themselves. It was so inspiring to watch the cast and crew take such pride in their work and showcase their artistry. Honestly, it was the most fun I’ve ever had on set. When did you become an ACTRA member, and what was your first union gig? My first union gig was a national Best Buy commercial in 2006. That was a very cool experience and fortunately for me, it aired a lot-even during the Superbowl! But funny enough. I only became a full member last year, even though I’ve had many permits throughout the years. I started out my acting career in Toronto and spent a lot of time between there, Vancouver and Calgary. I also travelled a lot studying and doing improv festivals so I wasn’t in one spot very long consistently. It made more sense for me at the time just to work and to get permits when I needed them. When…

Congratulations on a busy year! You’ve recently wrapped on Mr. Snowman. Can you tell us about that experience and role? Working on Mr. Snowman was amazing! I had a chance to be a lead on it so it really allowed me to get involved and invested with the project. I can’t say enough about the fantastic cast and crew led by our amazing director, Doug Mitchell. The heart everyone put into it will really show in the finally product. When did you become an ACTRA member, and what was your first union gig? I became an ACTRA member in 2012, I believe. The first union project I can remember doing was the second instalment of the Don Cherry Story, The Wrath of Grapes. I played a terrible hockey goalie which was perfect for me because it really showed off my lack of ability to skate. How has being a member of ACTRA benefited you? Being an ACTRA member in Manitoba has really helped me build my resume. It put me in the room with productions who may not always look to cast Winnipeg actors. It also protects us from getting taken advantage of by making sure the projects filmed here compensate us with fair pay and treatment. I also believe that even though the focus is on members, building that member pool is important. That means helping out the people working towards joining which I think Manitoba does well. What has been your favourite or most memorable role thus far? I don’t know if I have a most memorable role because each role lands me in a different place and helps me grow in a different way. I have always had a great time working with Don Mancini on the Chucky movies. I try to surround myself with people who…