I’ve been very lucky to be able to be a part of some really exciting and terrific projects over the years; while many of them do not pay, or pay very little, I believe they’re some of my most valuable experience, and certainly some of my fondest memories are attached to these projects. Working together with the best and the brightest of my acquaintance is always a pleasure.
Confessions of a Pop Culture Addict
www.popcultureaddict.com
Initially created in 2006 as a Christmas gift to my friend, writer Sam Tweedle, the site quickly surpassed our expectations. A showcase for his mania for pop culture knowledge and love of unknown and forgotten celebrities, it’s lead to writing gigs for national newspapers and magazines, television interest, and a legion of devoted fans and followers. I’m encouraging Sam to start a video blog to talk about his projects and inject a little more of his pop-culture enthusiasm into the world wide web.
As of January 2009, I am also a contributor to the site, with my own section dedicated to movie reviews.
Flick
Released in 2001 to a sold-out audience of 900 in our hometown, Flick was a three-year project created and produced by myself, William Tedford and Matthew Dawydchak. The first-ever feature-length film produced in Peterborough, ON, it’s the story of a young man who tries to make a film himself but fails miserably. My first introduction to the world of digital video and non-linear editing, I drew on my skills as a writer, coordinator, actor, and administrator to help make our dream of creating a feature-length film a reality.
Copies are currently not available; I don’t even have one. If you want one, you had better go hassle Bill.
Other Neat Stuff
I’ve had some pretty terrific opportunities to attempt, be involved in, or be present for some stuff I think is pretty neat. Or some of it is just odd.
- I’ve performed in over 30 theatrical productions - some have even paid! The most memorable was Cavan Blazers, where I spent the entire season getting to run away from men with torches in period costume. You can view my (mostly complete) acting resume by following the link above.
- I’ve been taught how to eat fire, and successfully done it.
- After college, a team of myself, Bill Tedford and Matthew Dawydchak wrote, produced, and wore many other hats on a feature-length film called Flick. At the premiere at Galaxy Cinemas in Peterborough, we had to switch to a bigger theatre because tickets sold out early.
- I once won an award called the ‘Colleen of the Kawarthas,’ celebrating Irish heritage. I had a sash, rode in parades, cut the ribbon in the opening ceremony of a museum in County Monaghan Ireland, and learned that yes, your face can actually ache from smiling. It was a surreal-but-cool experience.
- While in Ireland, I also kissed teh Blarney Stone. Yes, I know the real story, and yes, I knew before I went.
- I’ve had my motorcycle license since the week I turned 16.
- I grew up in a village in Central Ontario called Keene; there are churches on every corner, and no cable, and I spent most of my time in the library.
Candace Shaw
