He’s known for producing movies like The Interview, with Seth Rogen and James Franco, Horns, with Daniel Radcliffe, White Noise, with Michael Keaton, and more. Brightlight Pictures executive Shawn Williamson is no stranger to the movie scene here in Vancouver and Hollywood, so what better way to celebrate his 15 year anniversary than with an invite only VIP party here at home. Congratulations Shawn, we love seeing you on the big screen.
Back in 1997, long before reality TV and YouTube, the Odd Squad Productions team took their cameras and hit the streets of Vancouver. Focusing mainly on the downtown east side, theses police officers on video captured the true picture of life on the streets complete with all of its sadness, ugliness and drama. Today, these award-winning films serve as a raw and stark reminder to kids everywhere that drugs, and life on the street, are anything but glamorous. Last week, the Odd Squad Productions Society held its 2013 Gala Royale. VIPs, supporters and sponsors enjoyed a night of food, auction items and entertainment while helping raise money for this very worthwhile cause with the message that a happy ending is always possible.
01 – Global BC’s favourite weatherman, Mark Madryga, left, acts as the evening’s MC alongside Great Canadian Gaming Corporation’s Howard Blank and wife Cassiana.
02 – Congratulations to newlyweds and Odd Squad supporters Shalina Kajani and Global BC news reporter John Daly who tied the knot last month at a surprise romantic ceremony.
03 – On stage for the presentations are Odd Squad member Chris Graham, left, Alan Li and Odd Squad co-president Al Arsenault.
04 – BrightLight Pictures’ Shawn Williamson and Michelle Gauvin of Performers Management are among the VIPs present for the Gala Royale event.
05 – A fundraiser is nothing without its volunteers. Keeping an eye on the auction bids is helper Samantha Diamond.
06 – Browsing the auction items prior to the dinner portion of the evening are transit officers Simon Doyon, left, and Donna Deis.
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By Catherine Barr – Jun 13, 2013
Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on Jun 20, 2013
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The Whistler Film Fest is celebrating their 10 year anniversary this year – and what better way than with their annual gala fundraiser called “Soiree”. Held at Vancouver’s stylish waterfront Nu restaurant, the night included red carpet arrivals, decadent food and live music. Also, the Beach House restaurant in West Vancouver welcomed summer with a special Hawaiian Luau night featuring live entertainment, a bountiful buffet and dancing till late. Aloha!
01 – Vancouver actor Paul Duchart, left, and teen heartthrob Zac Efron could be found all over West Vancouver when filming their upcoming flick “Charlie St. Cloud”. Look for them both later this month when the movie premieres at the end of July.
02 – Whistler Film Festival co-founder Shauna Hardy Mishaw sparkles in the sunlight next to BrightLight Pictures partner/producer Shawn Williamson.
03 – Hunky Vancouver actors Tygh Runyan, left, Michael Eklund and Ben Cotton wave to fans as they arrive on the red carpet at Soiree film fest gala.
04 – Beach House restaurant executive chef James Hodgins isn’t just a good cook, he’s a bit of an artist too creating a beautiful carved fruit table that was so beautiful it was a shame to eat it.
05 – Swimsuit designer Anna Kostorova and accountant to the stars Neal Clarance are among the VIPs at the Soiree film fest gala.
06 – Taking control of the microphone as the evening’s emcee is ET Canada personality Erin Cebula.
07 – Paul Latta and his Polynesian dancers delighted the Beach House guests with hula performances, some comedy and a spectacular live fire dance at dusk.
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By Catherine Barr – July 2, 2010
As seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on July 15, 2010
This past year has been lots of fun, yet sadly it’s over and done. So it’s time to review, all those great things we do; but it’s hard just to focus on one. It’s the last of the holiday cheer. So remember, when midnight draws near; grab a glass, raise a toast, hug your friends, kiss the host; and yell it out . . Happy New Year!
01 – Helping “Light Up the Night” at the Capilano Suspension Bridge’s big holiday kick-off celebration were Kelsey Wapenaar and Chelsey Allen.
02 – It was chocolate cake and champagne as Stittgen Fine Jewelry honoured their founder, Karl Stittgen, for his 80th birthday this year. From left: Selina Ladak, Karl Stittgen, Pamela Goldsmith-Jones and Mobeen Ladak.
03 – Kay Meek Centre was the setting for an intimate fundraiser-reception which celebrated the partnership between Kay Meek Centre and The Mark Sager Foundation for the Arts. Sponsors Kathy and Mark Sager attended to see daughter Mikayla perform.
04 – West Vancouver’s elegant Epicurean and restaurateur, Jack Evrensel, played host once again to the stars as he and PR gals Tammy Preast, left, and Sharon Chan welcomed VIPs to Araxi’s “white carpet” opening night party at the Whistler Film Fest.
05 – Yes, it’s true. The North Shore Outlook newspaper celebrated their 10 year anniversary in 2009. The big party/celebration, that included faces from the past and more, was hosted by Le Bistro Chez Michel’s Philippe Segur, left, and Outlook publisher Aaron Van Pykstra.
06 – Who ya gonna call? Well, if it’s comedy movie magic you want, then it’s this man. Famed producer Ivan Reitman, left, of “Ghostbusters” and “Animal House” fame, was honoured at this year’s Whistler Film Festival and celebrate the event with Brightlight Pictures’ Shawn Williamson and “Smallville” actress Kristin Kreuk.
07 – There wouldn’t be a North Shore Outlook newspaper, yet alone a 10th anniversary year, without all the great people who work behind the scenes. And thanks to superstars like these gals, we’re looking forward to 10 more.
By Catherine Barr
– as published in print in the North Shore Outlook on Dec 31, 2009
SOIRÉE! The Whistler Film Festival Society Gala & Auction was the place to be as the Four Seasons hotel in Vancouver hosted some of Vancouver’s most influential Hollywood North movers and shakers. Hosted by Corner Gas star Brent Butt, the evening was filled with live music, auction items and fabulous food by new Four Season chef Oliver Beckert. Held in the first week of December, The Whistler Film Fest is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the premiere film festivals in the country and, thanks to fundraisers like this, it just might be world famous some day. (more…)