SPOTLIGHT STORIES: FILM INDUSTRY Q&A SERIES

Join us as we feature a diverse lineup of directors, producers, writers, and industry innovators who share their journeys, insights, and the challenges they've faced. Each session offers a behind-the-scenes look at their unique paths.

MODERATOR:

Yvonne Kushe - Multidimensional Creative, Artrepreneur , singer/songwriter, social-emotional educator, and Curator

Yvonne Kushe is a Ugandan-Canadian multidimensional creative, artrepreneur, singer/songwriter, social-emotional educator, and curator. Her music is a sonic tapestry that weaves together elements of various influences to create a unique and deeply emotive experience. Kushe's artistic journey is fueled by her need for authentic expression, experimentation, community connection and collaboration.

SPEAKER:

William “BIGSLEEPS” Stewart - Actor, Writer, Producer

William “BIGSLEEPS” Stewart or “BIGSLEEPS” as he likes to be called. He was born in Toronto, Canada, to an immigrant mother from Grenada and his father, from Trinidad. Bigsleeps began his entertainment career in the music industry, performing as an opening act for major recording artists, Pioneers from Public Enemy and Ice T, Naughty by Nature, Kool Keith, Maestro, Moka Only, Kardinal Offishall, Usher, 112 Ludacris to name a few. Bigsleeps was a Street Team Rep for BMG Music Group, which sparked his love for creativity in marketing and promotions. Bigsleeps decided to start club nights that gave him the opportunity to get new promotional music and Swag, to a mass amount of people at one time. His career in film and television began on City TV’s A-Channel show, Island Underground, whereafter he haphazardly fell into acting, landing roles in independent films and the hit television series, Blade. Then, he’s been seen on the hit series, Sanctuary, Pretty Little Liars as well as making appearances in the summer blockbuster The Day The Earth Stood Still and the Seth Rogan film, 50/50. TRUE JUSTICE - Marked “BIGSLEEPS’” first leading role with action star Steven Seagal. His more recent claims to fame have been on the hit television series The LA Complex, Fear the Walking Dead, Grace Point, Impastor, iZombie, The Show, Arrow, Game Over Man, Good Boys and Bigsleeps plays Dee in the Netflix Movie Coffee & Kareem. Bigsleeps also wrote the song, produced by DJ Quiet Storm, Titled “Wud Up Doe” for the movie Coffee & Kareem, performed by his Co-Star Ron “Rico” Lee. To add to his multitalented resume, Bigsleeps also is a writer, and a Producer of the online comedy web series “Cloud Van” and plays an exaggerated over-the-top version of himself. He also is the host of his online radio show called “Hollywood North Radio, where he interviews Actors, Film Industry Department Heads, Musicians, Anyone in the Arts Community and any up-and-comer, providing a platform to be heard and show support to creatives. He understands that it is the people who believed in him, is the reason that gave him the confidence and opportunities that he has been blessed with today. His mother always told him “You can do anything you want in life if you put your mind to it.