LEO

Julian LeBlanc is a triple threat. He is the CEO of LeBlanc School of Acting, a resident “actorepreneur,” and a highly sought-after youth acting coach. Born and raised in Moncton, NB, Julian discovered his calling of the dramatic arts at the age of thirteen when he realized he loved the art of storytelling and dance. Upon graduation from the Canadian College of Performing Arts in Victoria, BC, Julian found success in a number of television, short film, and independent film roles including beloved Hallmark films, "Haunting Hour: The Series," "Hellcats," "Kyle XY," "Supernatural," and "Wayward Pines.” Julian established the LeBlanc School of Acting in 2015 with the intention of creating an environment where youth actors could find themselves, sharpen their skills, and grow confidence. Under his expert instruction and unmatched skill level, LeBlanc School of Acting has quickly become a leader in the youth acting circuit. When casting directors see Julian’s name attached to an actor’s resume, they know what to expect. Julian emboldens his students through proven techniques and authenticity with a versatile background in the dramatic arts and an encouraging and supportive larger-than-life personality. He is passionate about providing every actor with a fair opportunity and empowering them with vibrant energy. When Julian isn’t helping young actors hone their skills, he is producing and developing film/TV projects with his own production company and has produced numerous award-winning shorts including “Once Upon a Time”, “Call Button”, etc.

With over 32+ credits to her name as a filmmaker, Athena Russell has quickly become one of Canada’s most sought-after independent creative producers. She has produced for the likes of CW Seed, The Harold Greenberg Fund, Bell Media, Creative BC, The NFB, BC Arts Council, Canada Council for the Arts, Art With Impact, Tongal, and Telus Storyhive, with her films have screened and won numerous awards at over 75 film festivals around the world including CANNES INDIE SHORTS AWARDS, Fantasia Film Festival. Palm Springs International Film Festival, Hollywood SHORTSFEST, Discover Film Awards, Aesthetica Film Festival, Etheria Film Festival, Portland Film Festival, and the Calgary International Film Festival. One of her most recent films, FREYA screened and won “Audience Choice For Best Short Narrative” at the Newport Beach Film Festival, along with 5 out of its nominated 9 Leo Awards including, “Best Short Drama”, before being acquired by CBC, Dust and Shudder as of July 2022. As a feature film, FREYA has since gone on to win the “Best Official Selection” pitch and Purple Dog Post Production Prize at Frontieres International Co-Production Film Market in 2023 and is currently in development with Monster Pictures Studios and Head Gear Films. With numerous projects in development and post-production including a half-hour comedy series with seasoned Netflix showrunner Dennis Heaton, and EP Matt McInnis, and the upcoming Bell Media-funded TikTok series, "Five Fingers of Fury: Idol Hands", Athena is excited to continue to amplify creative voices within her community.