The 6ix is calling: a conversation with Clement Virgo and Thyrone Tommy
Release Date: 07/05/2021
Canada's comedic force: a conversation with Mary Walsh
Maple Popcorn
In this episode, host Marriska Fernandes explores the prominent career of Canadian actress, comedian, writer, and director Mary Walsh. From her early days with the Newfoundland Travelling Theatre Company to co-founding CODCO, Mary has left an unforgettable mark on Canadian comedy. Her sharp wit and memorable characters, including Marg Delahunty on "This Hour Has 22 Minutes," have established her status as a comedic force, seamlessly blending humour with sharp political commentary. Beyond entertainment, Mary Walsh is a dedicated advocate for social causes, lending her...
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Unbridled talent behind and in front of the camera: a conversation with Mark O'Brien
Maple Popcorn
In this episode, host Marriska Fernandes explores the fascinating career of Canadian actor and director Mark O'Brien. From his memorable roles in "Republic of Doyle," “Ready or Not,” and "Halt and Catch Fire" to his award-winning portrayal as Terry Sawchuk in the biopic "Goalie," which earned him the Canadian Screen Award for Best Actor, Mark has consistently demonstrated his versatility as a performer. However, his talents extend beyond acting; he has also proven his skill behind the camera, notably in projects like "The Righteous," where he took on the roles of writer, director, and...
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A master storyteller who pushes cinematic boundaries: a conversation with Atom Egoyan
Maple Popcorn
In this episode, host Marriska Fernandes uncovers the story of Canadian filmmaker Atom Egoyan, celebrated for his diverse contributions to cinema. With internationally acclaimed films like "Exotica," "The Sweet Hereafter," and the upcoming film, "Seven Veils," Egoyan has consistently pushed cinematic boundaries, focusing on themes such as memory, isolation, identity, and more. His work has earned accolades at Cannes, TIFF, and the Oscars, solidifying his reputation as a master storyteller. Beyond filmmaking, Egoyan has also directed several operas, including Salome, Così fan...
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From child actor to mockumentary star and award-winning director: a conversation with Cody Lightning
Maple Popcorn
In this episode, host Marriska Fernandes explores the dynamic career of Cree actor and filmmaker Cody Lightning. Originating from Edmonton, Alberta, Cody gained recognition with standout performances in "Smoke Signals," "Four Sheets to the Wind,” “Brick,” and “Manic.” “Hey, Viktor!,” his 2023 directorial debut showcased his talents as writer, director, and star, earning him nominations for Best Lead Performance in a Comedy Film and Best Original Screenplay, at the 12th Canadian Screen Awards. Recently, he was seen as Cousin Biscuits, one of the leads of the Marvel Studios series...
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From the stage to the screen: a conversation with Karen LeBlanc
Maple Popcorn
In this episode, Canadian Screen Award-nominated actor, singer, and performer Karen LeBlanc joins host Marriska Fernandes to talk about her multifaceted career. Karen's passion for performing led her to the renowned musical theatre program at Sheridan College. After graduating, she sang with several bands such as Glass Tiger and her own R&B band, Midnight Hour. On stage, she’s performed in shows such as "Rent" and "Outrageous," and toured the world with the Legends In Concert series channelling Tina Turner. Her career spans film and television, with standout roles in "Nurse.Fighter.Boy,"...
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Elevating women in the film industry: a conversation with Kari Skogland
Maple Popcorn
Welcome to Season 3 of Maple Popcorn! In this season's inaugural episode, host Marriska Fernandes sits down with filmmaker and showrunner Kari Skogland, known for her Emmy-nominated and BAFTA-winning directorial work on "The Handmaid's Tale". Originally from Ottawa, Kari's journey in the industry has been nothing short of remarkable. Transitioning from editing to directing, her portfolio includes an array of projects such as television commercials, music videos, films such as “Fifty Dead Men Walking” and acclaimed TV series including "The Walking Dead", “Boardwalk Empire”, “The...
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Welcome to Season 3 of Maple Popcorn
Maple Popcorn
Lights, camera, action! Welcome to the Maple Popcorn Podcast hosted by Marriska Fernandes, where we take you behind the scenes of Canada's vibrant entertainment industry. This new season will bring you exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes scoops, and unforgettable moments with your favourite Canadian stars and emerging talents. From blockbuster hits to indie gems, we're turning up the excitement meter and sharing candid moments, untold anecdotes, and insider secrets that will leave you wanting more. Proudly powered by Telefilm Canada, the Maple Popcorn Podcast is your ultimate destination...
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Content Ownership Advocacy: a Conversation with Joshua Jackson
Maple Popcorn
In this episode, host Marriska Fernandes sits down with Joshua Jackson. You may have first discovered Joshua in his iconic role as Pacey Witter in the 90’s sitcom series Dawson’s Creek, but today, he is Chairman at Liquid Media Group, a business solutions company that offers end-to-end solution for film, TV, and video creators. He is also currently portraying Dr. Christopher Duntsch on the TV series Dr. Death, a chilling dramatization of the real-life story of former neurosurgeon Christopher Duntsch. In this pod episode, we travel back to Joshua’s early acting days,...
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Embracing Your Roots, and the Never-Ending Journey Towards Authenticity: a Conversation with Hamza Haq
Maple Popcorn
In this episode, host Marriska Fernandes sits down with Hamza Haq. You likely know Hamza from CTV’s hit medical drama Transplant, now in its second season, where Hamza plays the lead role of Bash, a doctor who comes to Canada as a Syrian refugee during the ongoing Syrian civil war. The role earned him a Canadian Screen Award for ‘Best Lead Actor’ in 2021. At the age of nine, Hamza himself immigrated to Canada from Saudi Arabia with his Pakistani family. Today, he shares with us his continued journey towards authenticity, his message to all immigrants and the importance of staying true to...
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Small Town Alberta Teen to Schitt’s Creek Success: a Conversation with Karen Robinson
Maple Popcorn
In this episode, host Marriska Fernandes sits down with Karen Robinson. Famously known for her role of Ronnie Lee in the award-winning smash hit comedy and global phenomenon Schitt’s Creek, Karen is currently starring in the budding female cop series Pretty Hard Cases, and in a leading role in Echoes, the Netflix mystery thriller miniseries from 13 Reasons Why showrunner Brian Yorkey. Join us for this conversation as we chat about Karen’s contrasting teenage years growing up in Jamaica and then small town Alberta, her love of performance from a young age and what it’s like being able to...
info_outlineIn this episode, host Marriska Fernandes sits down with two Toronto-made filmmakers, Clement Virgo and Thyrone Tommy. Clement moved to Toronto from Jamaica as a young man and in 2015, he directed and co-wrote a six-part miniseries adaptation of The Book of Negroes, which captivated audiences across Canada and the US, winning a grand total of 12 Canadian Screen Awards. Clement is also behind the foundation of the Black Screen Office, created to expand the reach of stories and works by Black filmmakers in Canada. Thyrone Tommy has seen his films celebrated internationally at over 30 festivals. His 2016 short film Mariner was named one of the TIFF Canada’s Top Ten shorts of the year and saw him awarded the Lindalee Tracey Award at Hot Docs the same year, In 2017, Mariner won him the Audience Award at the Scenic City Film Festival. Tune in to this episode to hear the duo discuss what drives them to make movies, the importance of Black representation in the film industry -- both in front and behind the camera -- and how they view the future of Canadian cinema.
A podcast hosted by Marriska Fernandes, produced by The Brand is Female and powered by Telefilm Canada.
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