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Smyth Casting

@smythcasting

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Ilona Smyth, CSA - Ontario canada 🧿

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Well this is NEW!! Swipe to read!!
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#lifetime #vertical #thriller

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We are excited to welcome the 2026 Digi60 Filmmakers’ Summer Accelerator mentors next week in Ottawa! Over four days of intensive workshops, this year’s cohort of new and emerging filmmakers will have the opportunity to learn from their extensive knowledge and experience across directing, producing, acting, and screenwriting.
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Learn more about this year’s mentors >>

*More details about the Summer Accelerator program can be found on the Digi60 website (link in bio).

PAUL BARASA (Producing)

Paul Barasa is an African-Canadian filmmaker based in Ottawa, ON, Canada. Since 2022, Paul has been making intimate, character-driven films highlighting social problems, both in narrative and documentary formats. His latest short documentary film “Heartline” follows hockey player Jacob LeGuerrier’s battle with viral myocarditis and was produced in collaboration with CBC.

@pauljbarasa

BLIND LUCK PICTURES (Directing/Producing)

Alex Lee Williams and Jay Drakulic have won numerous awards throughout their ten-year creative partnership. They are the co-writers and co-directors of the feature film Hellmington, starring Michael Ironside and Nicola Correia-Damude. In 2018, Mallory Drumm joined the collective, bringing an exciting new voice to the team.

In 2025, the trio took the genre space by storm with their first feature collaboration, Dream Eater, which went viral following a regional festival screening. The film was quickly acquired by The Horror Section and received a North American theatrical release in more than 200 theatres.

*We will also be screening Dream Eater on Tuesday, August 25. Link in bio for tickets!

@blindluckpictures @alexofblindluck @jaydrakulic @mallorydrumm

AISHANI CHAKRAVARTY (Producing)

Aishani Chakravarty is an Ottawa-based producer, writer, and filmmaker. With a background in both the dramatic arts and neuroscience, she brings a curious and interdisciplinary approach grounded in character-driven storytelling.

Aishani’s work is driven by a desire to challenge familiar narratives of underrepresented communities and champion stories that are diverse, nuanced and authentic. Her producing credits include several Bell Fibe TV1 docu-series, and she is

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#WorldSnakeDay seems like a great reason to post a pic featuring @stefanbrogren on the set of #obsessedtodeath that’s really actually a picture featuring me. 🐍 #tbt #iykyk

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The beginning of my career was 4 years of being an extra in every @lifetimetv movie that filmed in Ottawa before I got a speaking role. Nice to have my name on the poster on this one and to have done it with such a dope team.
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Dir: Annie Bradley @ablondebullitt
Wr: Katie Boland @katieboland13
With @sara_paxton @davidcubitt @hannah.forestbriand
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Alhamdulillah
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@smythcasting @background.work @1d_studios

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What, you think it’s just been streaming for 900 weeks because nobody watches? 🙄

#TGIF #ObsessedToDeath

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Tonight at 8pm!!!!!
@lifetimemovies
@lifetimetv

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Are you an actor wondering if now is the right time to get an agent? Ilona Smyth and Hamza Haq chat about the questions you want to ask, and the type of agent you want to look for.⁠
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Watch the full episode on our YouTube channel or by logging into your BW account.

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Look what’s on! 🎥 #Sunday’s meant to be a day of rest… but not for me. 😉📺🍿

#obsessedtodeath #tvmovie #sundaygunday #actorslife

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Meanwhile you had hot water with lemon. 🍋🙄

#lol #tgif #howdareyou

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Get ready! We're stoked to have Hamza Haq joining us for Episode 17 of Background Banter Wednesday March 25 at 7 PM EST/ 6PM CST! ⁠
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You know it’s going to be filled with laughs and some behind-the-scenes stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Trust us, you don’t want to miss this one! ⁠
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Mark your calendars and register now!!⁠
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#backgroundbanter #hamzahaq #backgroundwork

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We’re thrilled to have the wonderful Justin Kelly joining us on Background Banter this month!

Background Work members, keep an eye on your inbox over the next few days to register for this month’s webinar. And remember, you can always log into your BW account to catch up on past episodes.

Justin Kelly is a seasoned film and television producer with over 30 years in the industry, having worked on 100+ productions across indie films and major network series. Known for his blend of creative vision and hands-on production expertise, he’s led multiple production companies and contributed to some of Canada’s most exciting projects. We can’t wait to have him join the convo on November 26th!

#backgroundbanter
#backgroundwork
#filmindustry

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🎥 Stand Out: An Actor’s Guide to Audition Success

THIS SATURDAY!

Adults and mature teens

In-person at That Creative Loft

Saturday, September 20th, 9am-noon (pizza lunch included).

Instructor: Casting Director Ilona Smyth

Fee: $189 + hst

Description:

Step into your next audition with confidence and skill. In this exclusive workshop, acclaimed casting director Ilona Smyth will share her insider expertise on what truly makes a performance stand out.

Participants will be sent a scene in advance to prepare and perform live for Ilona. After each performance, she will provide personalized feedback and actionable critiques, giving you a rare, behind-the-table perspective on how to elevate your choices and leave a lasting impression.

Whether you’re a seasoned actor or just starting out, this workshop is your chance to learn what casting directors really look for—and how to bring your best self to every audition.

LINK IN BIO TO SIGN UP!

Ilona’s Bio:

With over 20 years of experience, Ilona’s proven ability to discover rising talent, successfully book notable talent by leveraging good relationships with top agencies worldwide, negotiate and advocate for both productions and performers while remaining mindful of budgets and union rules, and neatly handle the tightest deadlines, has led to the successful casting of over 200 projects. As a regular guest speaker, Ilona has been able to share her experience in casting and entrepreneurship worldwide, and as a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion she has served as a mentor for the Reelworld Screen Institute’s Diversity Initiative and the Black Theatre Workshop Artist Mentorship Program. Ilona Smyth is a Casting Society of America member, Casting Director Society of Canada Executive Member, and the CEO & Co-Founder of Background Work.

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