WELCOME TO: WIND SUN SKY ENTERTAINMENT
Breaking into the entertainment industry is an arduous journey, one that often feels like scaling an insurmountable mountain. Black and Racialized Artists have long grappled with doors that, more often than not, have been unjustly bolted shut. Their incredible talents and potential have faced systemic biases and exclusion.
In an informative one-on-one conversation, we have the privilege of gaining unique insights into the world of creative companies, trailblazing entities in the entertainment industry. Key representatives from these companies will generously share their journeys of creation, their unwavering creative focus, and what they actively seek in terms of projects. Most importantly, they will address how they have been instrumental in opening doors for Black and Racialized Artists both in front of and behind the cameras, how they feel about the importance of representation in the industry, and how Black and Racialized Artists can find opportunities within these companies.
ABOUT TO WIND SUN SKY ENTERTAINMENT
Wind Sun Sky Entertainment (WSS) is a Canadian multimedia company led by former LucasFilm executive, Catherine Winder (Invincible, The Angry Birds Movie 1 & 2, Star Wars: The Clone Wars).
Based in Vancouver, WSS works at the intersection of storytelling and technology to build franchises for the global marketplace, producing in all mediums including interactive, film, series (live action and animation), Roblox and mobile apps. To expand its’ media footprint and content offerings, WSS partnered with Productivity Media co-producer and financier of high-quality original film and TV content for the family and the adult market.
One of the company’s notable collaborations with Skybound Entertainment led to the production of the globally acclaimed series, Invincible - an animated drama based on Robert Kirkman’s comic book, featured on Amazon Prime. In a recent endeavor with OddFellows Entertainment, WSS produced the adult comedy animated series Psi Cops for Adult Swim Canada, with Skybound Galactic distributing. Continuing its legacy of producing adult animation, the studio has a diverse rich slate of comedic and dramatic shows in development. In the kids’ space, WSS adapted the hit Roblox game Twilight Daycare (1.6B+ Plays) into an innovative scripted series produced on the Roblox platform. WSS introduced Camp Bonkers, a unique multi-platform initiative encompassing a Roblox Game, an app, and a children’s variety show. In a first of its kind venture, WSS adapted the musical mobile game My Singing Monsters producing a live interactive animated show My Singing Monsters Fandemonium. For HEXBUG, WSS adapted their award winning toyline, JunkBots into a web series and Roblox game. The studio created and recently launched a groundbreaking multi-platform digital universe for kids intended to combat climate doomism called Future Chicken. To learn more about Wind Sun Sky Entertainment go to https://windsunsky.com.
MODERATOR
Omari Newton, Actor, Writer & Director
Omari Newton is an award-winning professional actor, writer, director and producer.
As a writer, his original Hip Hop theatre piece Sal Capone has received critical acclaim and multiple productions, including a recent presentation at Canada’s National Arts Centre.
He was commissioned by Black Theatre Workshop (BTW) in Montreal to write a companion piece to Sal Capone entitled Black & Blue Matters, which premiered in 2019.
Omari and his wife, fellow professional playwright Amy Lee Lavoie, recently received a generous grant from the Canada Council to co-write a new play: Redbone Coonhound. Their latest collaboration is a bold and innovative satirical comedy that confronts instances of systemic racism in the past, present and future.
Newton’s work in Speakeasy Theatre's production of Young Jean Lee's The Shipment earned him a 2018 Jessie Richardson Award for Outstanding Performance by an Actor, as well as a nomination for Best Direction.
Notable film & TV credits include: Lucas Ingram on Showcase’s Continuum, Larry Summers on Blue Mountain State and lending his voice to the Black Panther in multiple animated projects (Marvel).
Most recently, Omari has a recurring role as Nate on Corner Gas (the animated series) and a recurring role as Corvus of Netflix’s hit new animated series The Dragon Prince.
SPEAKERS
Catherine Winder, CEO, EP & Founder, Wind Sun Sky Entertainment Winder is the CEO/EP/Founder of Wind Sun Sky Entertainment, a Vancouver-based multimedia production company known for creating captivating story worlds for diverse audiences. With a focus on blending technology and storytelling, she pioneers innovative entertainment experiences. Credits include co-creator of Future Chicken, Producer Angry Birds, Star Wars Clone Wars. Author: Producing Animation.
