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Leading The Pack-Part 1

Writer: Charles Zuckermann
Charles Zuckermann
May 20, 2025
3 min read

Updated: Jul 2, 2025

From left to right by row: Matthew Kevin Anderson, Victor Webster, Adrian Holmes, Constantine Antoniou, Michael Benyaer, Aleks Paunovic, Zak Santiago, Roger Cross, Brian Markinson, Terry Chen, John Cassini, Brian Dobson, Omari Newton, Hiro Kanagawa and Viv Leacock.
From left to right by row: Matthew Kevin Anderson, Victor Webster, Adrian Holmes, Constantine Antoniou, Michael Benyaer, Aleks Paunovic, Zak Santiago, Roger Cross, Brian Markinson, Terry Chen, John Cassini, Brian Dobson, Omari Newton, Hiro Kanagawa and Viv Leacock.

Produced by Omari Newton & Vancouver Film School - Photo ClickD by Charles Zuckermann - Edited by Matt Reznek


When I first arrived in Vancouver in 1985, the chances of any local actor being seen on TV or in film outside of Canada seemed slim to none. And the idea that we could land leading roles? Nearly impossible. The caliber of talent has always been high in Vancouver, but the opportunities simply weren’t there.


Fast forward to today, and we’ve come a long way. The industry has grown stronger, and our community even more vibrant. A dedicated base of actors, writers, directors, producers, casting professionals, and crew—through hard work, and perseverance—has steadily put Vancouver talent on the radar of Hollywood and on the global stage.


Don’t get me wrong—being in the same time zone as L.A., along with tax rebates, the rise of streaming, The CW network, and our incredible crews, have all played a role in the city’s success. But at the heart of it, a strong foundation built by truly talented creatives has earned Vancouver's actors serious respect worldwide.


To honour these amazing performers, a few of us decided to celebrate them with a series of ongoing photo shoots. Inspired by Vanity Fair and Deadline, we’re making a big to-do of it: bringing actors to cool local venues, throwing a party, styling them up, and treating them like the stars they are.


For this shoot, we brought together a remarkable group of actors—with a combined total of 2,094 IMDb credits by the way—with the help of our producers, Omari Newton and Vancouver Film School. Many of these accomplished artists not only master their own craft, but also pay it forward by training the next generation.


That day in December felt more like a reunion than a shoot. We had a few bevies on hand, Teagan Vincze keeping everyone organized, Matt Reznek and I snapping portraits, Zenna Wong capturing behind-the-scenes stills, Josh Zuckermann documenting it all on video, and DJ Sean Amsing keeping the energy up. We had a blast.


And this is just the beginning. Yes, this time we featured the boyz/men—but we’re committed to future shoots that highlight the many communities that make this industry whole. Shoots that bring us all together.


We’d love to hear from you. Which community—or communities—should we shine the spotlight on next?


This Project was produced by Omari Newton & Vancouver Film School.

Co-Produced by Charles Zuckermann & Teagan Vincze

BTS Stills by Zenna Wong

BTS Video by Joshua Zuckermann

DJ Skills & Bar by Sean Amsing


MEET THE PEEPS - Click'D by Charles Zuckermann & Matt Reznek



B ROLL SHOTS - ClickD by Charles Zuckermann & Matt Reznek


Photo ClickD by Charles Zuckermann
Photo ClickD by Charles Zuckermann

Photo ClickD by Matt Reznek
Photo ClickD by Matt Reznek

BTS - by Zenna Wong



The Gallery Show


This articles banner photo and the individual portraits of each of our actors will be the centre piece of the gallery show of my work produced by Apartment Sage (Sage Brocklebank) opening this Sunday June 15th, 2025 12pm -5pm at 40 Powell Street in Gastown. Come join us for a bevy, some art and a good time. See you all soon.



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