· Ghost-writing script synopses for Studio publicist 1997-present
· Writer of one-pagers for various screenwriters
· Writer of features, reviews, personality profiles, etc. for a variety of magazines,
· Cover stories for T.O. and Metropolis Magazine (1988)
· Theatre reviewer and dance critic for Toronto Tonight Magazine (1985-1993)
· Writer of promotional brochures and similar copy for non-entertainment-related businesses
Operator of Independent Media Relations Consultancy Businesses Co-Owner, Co-Founder, C.E.O., Treasurer 1985-Present
Designed and implemented a wide-range of media-relations campaigns for entertainment-related clients. Created press kits, ads, brochures and divers other publicity copy for clients. Allocated advertising budgets, solicited media sponsorships, and coordinated media buys. Co-ordinated national theatrical releases for feature films and national broadcast publicity of documentaries, m.o.w.'s, mini-series and series. Designed and produced conferences, galas and other special events. Liaised w. broadcasters and participated in strategy sessions on behalf of clients
(Under auspices of Promotionally Yours; The Publicity Company; The Publicity House and Kierans Communications).
Managed day-to-day operations of corporation: banking; client billing; contract negotiations and execution; loan applications; accounting; gst remissions; cash flow management; equipment upgrades; purchasing and leasing; staff hiring and supervision; advertising; corporate image design; and all aspects of management for a small business.
Conceptualized and initiated design of integrated media/client/activities management software.
Achievements
· Obtained prime time news coverage on every national news broadcast for launch of iWALKFree Hands-Free Crutch, June 2000
· With only one month's notice, undertook campaign for ROAD TO AVONLEA which became highest-rated TV series launch in Canadian broadcast history. Secured every TV magazine cover in the country 1990;
· Publicity for LANTERN HILL directly resulted in its being highest-rated TV movie of the year 1990;
· After assuming contract for THE KIDS IN THE HALL, ratings increased by 15%;
· Raised $100,000 -- 1/3 total production budget -- for St. Lawrence Centre, 1987; production of I'LL BE BACK BEFORE MIDNIGHT starring Fiona Reid & Jan Rubes;
· The launch of DUDLEY THE DRAGON was so successful that it attracted millions in licensing fees after its first year of broadcast, 1993;
Manager, 1995 Gemini Awards for the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television 1995
Organized and coordinated judging juries across the country; managed budget for Canada Award jury screenings; contracted travel agency for award show and supervised travel budget for nominees; managed ordering and distribution of awards; distributed and coordinated ballots; liaised w. Rules and Regulations Committee and supplied it w. list of recommendations.
Achievements
· Suggested institution of a cross-Canada tape library of Genie-nominated films to replace previous expensive and unprofitable theatrical screening system;
· Recommended and executed extensive edit of both Genie and Gemini Rules & Regulations books to clarify ambiguities;
· Set up over 50 juries of almost 500 industry professionals across Canada within a one-month period;
· After consultation with industry representatives, recommended overhaul of Documentary, Variety and Arts Programming Gemini Award categories.
Editor, 1996 Genie and Gemini Rules & Regulations Books 1995
Performed comparative analysis between Canadian, U.S. and British Academy rules, conducted extensive consultation with industry representatives within Canadian industry and recommended appropriate changes. Designed charts and other visually simplified displays to streamline and clarify content of Rules & Regulations for faster reference.
Achievements
· Produced R&R booklets that were free of many of the conflicting statements and ambiguities that had hindered the interpretation of previous booklets.
Professional Affiliations
Women In Film & Television - Toronto 1985 - Present
Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television 1985-Present
Toronto Theatre Alliance (TTA)
· Director, four years - 1985-1989
· Founder & First Chair, Commercial Producers Group
· Chair, Public Relations & Marketing Committee
Achievements
· As director of TTA, brought together independent and highly competitive commercial producers to explore issues of mutual concern, with the end result being the successful lobbying and removal of the commercial producers' admissions tax, which was at that time crippling the development of a strong, independent commercial theatre sector in Toronto.
Cdn. Theatre Critics Association/Toronto Drama Bench 1985-1990
· Director and Secretary for Toronto Drama Bench - 1986-1988
Education
Degrees and Certificates
· Bachelor of Arts, Queen's University (on full scholarship), 1979
· Diploma of Collegiate Studies, Marianopolis College (Dean's list), 1977
· High School Diploma, Convent of the Sacred Heart (top student), 1975
Continuing Education
· Scholarship student at prestigious Clarion Science Fiction and Fantasy Professional Writers' workshop at Michigan State University, June-July, 2001
· Scholarship student at Ottawa's Screen Institute of Film and Television workshop, May 2001
· Participated in TV Series Writing Workshop taught by Jack Blum and Sharon Corder
· Participant in Canadian Film Centre's TV Writing Outreach Workshop, October 2001. Instructed by Deb Nathan, worked on episode of THE SOPPRANOS
· Additional courses in journalism, script-writing & advertising, Ryerson, 1983-8
· Beginners Italian, Concordia University, 1973
Non-Academic
· Les Grands Ballets Canadiens (scholarship)
· Royal Conservatory of Music, Grade VIII pianoforte
Academic Achievements
· Achieved 4.0 GPA in Masters Degree Level coursework at Michigan State U.
· Graduated Queen's U. w. BA (Literature & Drama) at age 19
· Winner, Birk's Silver Medal for 2nd highest average in graduating year at Marianopolis College, first time awarded to Arts Major
· Graduated from highschool in top percentile in Province of Quebec; First Prizes in History, English Composition, English Literature, North American Literature and Overall Academic Excellence
· Only 14-year-old in university-level Italian course. Achieved 95% overall average
