Live-Action / Animated Youth Series

— MEDIA KIT —

9876A - 33 Avenue, 2nd Floor

Edmonton, AB Canada T6N 1C6 Box 205
Tel: (780) 490-1220 | Fax: (780) 490-5255 Teslin, YT Canada Y0A 1B0
www.panaceaentertainment.com Tel: (867) 390-2010 | Fax: (867) 390-2010
INTRODUCTION
A quest for peace, amid the ravages
of over-hunting and tribal warfare,
underpins the epic saga of Anash and
the Legacy of the Sun-Rock. Set in the
mid-1800s, two young Tlingit warriors
scour the Pacific Northwest Coast for
pieces of a mysterious gem that, once
constituted, will usher in a new era of
peace and harmony to their land.
Visually, the series is at the cutting edge of new production technologies. It places live
actors within a stunning digitally-created world. The actors are then treated to match
the painted backgrounds, creating an “animated watercolor” effect.
Each episode also features one or more fully-animated 2D myth sequences. These
myths are based on ancient Tlingit cultural stories that contain valuable life lessons
and speak to the human need to maintain honorable principles and build order out
of chaos.
In the first six episodes, as they pursue their quest, Anash and Kole must canoe
through whitewater rapids, traverse a dangerous glacier, survive a flash flood, and
remain stoic as they witness a revered tribal leader sacrifice himself in a formal
ceremony of atonement.
Individually, Anash must learn to control newly developed spiritual “powers” while
at the same time confront his fear of the sea, borne of his being lost in a canoe as
an infant. Scarred from a near fatal case of smallpox, Kole hopes to acquit himself
bravely in battle and earn a formal Tlingit name, signifying his elevation from servant
to warrior.
Overcoming challenges that seem insurmountable, Anash and Kole remain steadfast
in their quest. The first cycle of six episodes closes with Anash and Kole possessing
four of the six pieces of the Sun-Rock. Now they are duty-bound to find the final two
pieces and complete their quest, if they are to have any hope of creating a better
world.
Episodes 7-13 of Anash and the Legacy of the Sun-Rock will continue the young
warriors’ epic journey – culminating in a surprising conclusion to the whereabouts
of the final two pieces of the Sun-Rock.

www.anashinteractive.com Page 
BRIEF OVERVIEW
A half-hour youth quest
series, Anash and the Legacy
of the Sun-Rock tells the
compelling tale of young
Anash’s mission as he tries
to reunite all parts of the
Sun-Rock in order to fulfill
a prophecy to attain peace
and protect a fragile land.
Aided by his servant Kole,
Anash’s underlying motive is
to discover his true identity. This is a live action dramatic series that has been treated
to give it an animated look.
The series takes place in the mid-1800s on the archipelago of islands and inlets
that make up the northwest coast of Canada. At that time, despite being home to
thousands of Tlingits, the land was considered by outsiders to be a “no-man’s-land”
and therefore ripe for plunder by any who came along.
In addition to its roots in Tlingit oral history, Anash and the Legacy of the Sun-Rock has
elements similar to the Lord of the Rings Trilogy in that it is inspired by classic myths
that recount the elaborate tales of an epic and grand quest.
Each episode advances Anash’s internal and external journey for the object and
information he seeks. In navigating a dangerous world, Anash encounters many
challenges that test his abilities as a young warrior and aid in his development and
growth.
Anash and the Legacy of the Sun-Rock appeals to the young and the young-at-heart
who still believe in the magic reality of fairy tales and for whom… the journey is
everything.

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SYNOPSES FOR THE FIRST SIX EPISODES
Episode One - An Unseen Enemy
Anash loses his parents in a deadly smallpox
epidemic. His best friend and servant Kole is
weakened by the disease, but survives. Still
grappling with his loss, Anash learns he has a gift of
power, and a destiny to fulfill. As a result Anash and
Kole set out on a quest to reunite all the pieces of
the Sun-Rock in order to bring peace to the land.

Episode Two – Through the Blue Tunnel

Anash and Kole fight their way over a treacherous glacier in search of the White-Eyes People, who
are rumoured to have a piece of the Sun-Rock. Finding them suffering from hunger and deprivation,
Anash and Kole share their supplies and learn an important lesson about selflessness, especially
when the White Eyes People respond in kind.

Episode Three – Exile from Suskan Inlet

At Suskan Inlet, Anash and Kole meet with clan allies and try to get information about more Sun-
Rock pieces. During a story-telling session, however, Anash embarrasses himself by inappropriately
displaying his powers. He and Kole depart in shame and in doubt about whether they are worthy
to fulfill their destiny.

Episode Four – A Face in the Forest

While Anash seeks spiritual help on a mountain ledge, Kole
discovers slavers taking captives south to the Russian settlement
at Yu Tatoosh. Anash and Kole disagree on whether to resort to
violence or to plan to outsmart those at the Russian settlement.
Instead, posing as criminals, the boys infiltrate the slavers camp
and bide their time for a chance to free the captives as they
travel to Yu Tatoosh.

Episode Five – Upon the Words of Elders

Anash and Kole fail to free slaves and flee for their lives to seek out the Shaman Daxa. Using powerful
medicine, Daxa trains them to speak Russian and English so they will be able to converse with the
Russians who are rumoured to have another piece of the Sun-Rock. Anash receives some startling
news that his beloved uncle Katlaan will sacrifice himself to restore peace with the Tir-Too warriors.

Episode Six – The Will of the North Wind

The boys return to Suskan Inlet and witness the self-sacrifice of Katlaan in a Peace Ceremony. His
death troubles Anash, who refuses to join in a war party headed upriver to attack a Hudson’s Bay
post. This causes strife between Anash and Kole as Anash realizes he must let others follow their
own hearts.

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CREATIVE TEAM
Executive Producer JOSH MILLER
Josh Miller is an award-winning writer/producer “When we came up to
and President of Panacea Entertainment, a the Yukon to shoot,
Canadian independent film and television my eyes were completely
production company based in Edmonton, Alberta. opened; I just wanted
to drink it all in.”
Celebrating his 26th year in the film and TV
industry, Josh has produced projects in a wide
variety of formats and genres, including feature “Anash has got action,
films, dramatic series and TV movies, children’s adventure, danger – all
live-action and animated series, factual and of those things that
lifestyle series, and award-winning social documentaries. you’d want if you’re
watching a quest story;
Josh has served as Vice President of the NYU Tisch School of the yet it is completely
Arts Alumni Association and President of the Alberta Motion Picture unique in both its look
Industries Association. He also served on the Board of the Alberta and its cultural roots.”
Foundation for the Arts and is a former Chair of the Edmonton
– Josh Miller
International Film Festival Society.

Writer / Director / Producer CAROL GEDDES

Born in Teslin, Yukon, of the Inland Tlingit people,
Carol’s first major film, Doctor, Lawyer, Indian Chief, “Being Tlingit really
won a Silver Medal for Educational Documentary influenced these stories.
in San Francisco and set her on an award-winning For one thing, I felt a
career in the industry. Since then Geddes, a now driving need to bring
internationally acclaimed filmmaker and writer, has out aspects of Tlingit
produced 25 documentary films and television culture that have been
programs. hidden for many, many
years.”
Her second major film, Picturing a People, won
an Outstanding Achievement Award and a Gemini nomination for
Best Canadian Documentary in 1997. Whether writing, producing or “My social responsibility
directing, her prolific output has highlighted the stories and struggles takes a different form,
of Aboriginal life in Canada. Her latest film, the animation, Two Winters: and that is in helping
Tales From Above the Earth, won nine national and international awards. young people under-
stand who they are
In 2002, Geddes was the recipient of the Queen’s Royal Jubilee Medal and how valuable
for her outstanding contributions to the cultural community. She has they are...”
served on the Teslin Tlingit Council; The Yukon Heritage Resources
– Carol Geddes
Board; the Canadian Council for the Arts; the Yukon Human Rights
Commission; the Canadian Conference of the Arts; the National Film
Board of Canada; and the Women in Media Foundation.

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Director of Animation KIM CLEGG
Kim is a motion FX designer with over 16 years in the industry, and “We’re putting together
along with his award-winning team at Rat Creek Design, specializes in something that is using
motion graphics for broadcast television, including art direction, show a specific artist’s tech-
packaging, compositing, 2D/ 3D animation, visual effects, and DVD nique and we’re using
design and authoring. that as a basis for
creating a whole world.”
Cinematographer JOHN SPOONER, csc – Kim Clegg,
John won an Emmy for Outstanding Special Visual Effects for his work Director of Animation
on the miniseries Dreamkeeper. This is his third collaboration with Josh
Miller, having filmed the feature Intern Academy, and the TV series
Mentors.

Artist SUSAN McCALLUM

Susan McCallum is a well-known artist who has lived and worked among the Tlingit people
for over two decades. Her vibrant depictions are infused with the authentic essence of the
subjects themselves, resulting in an art of unusual integrity as well as beauty. McCallum’s work
has been featured in productions created by Sesame Street (Children’s Television Workshop) and
the National Film Board, as well as various print publications. In addition to her studio work,
McCallum is a popular Artist in Residence at many Vancouver schools.

Myth Animation Art Director & Lead Illustrator

KEITH-YIN SUN
An artist with innate creative genius, Keith has seamlessly blended western and Asian conceptual
styles into unique animations. He has designed for feature film projects in Hong Kong, and for TV
projects in Canada.

Editor DOUG FORBES

For 25 years, Doug has placed his technical and aesthetic judgment at the creative team’s service.
Among his numerous credits are the feature Intern Academy, the series A Total Write-Off, the
docudrama Catching the Chameleon, and the TV series Mentors.

Composer DONOVAN REIMER

Donovan is known for his scores for the Telus World of Science in Alberta. His music often
incorporates a variety of North American Native instruments samples, reflecting the First People’s
heritage of sky watching and astronomy. He scored an award-winning soundscape for Two Winters:
Tales From Above the Earth. His CDs include Far From Earth, Past Works, and Terraform.

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LEAD CAST
Jess Arfi, “Anash”
Jess began a career in modeling in
2001, earning his print job for a Perry “You have to imagine
Ellis collection. Jess later moved on your surroundings but
to complete print work for Tommy at the same time, you
Hilfiger. At 13 years of age Jess earned know you’re on a green
a recurring contract with Tag Underwear screen. It was difficult
while also adding runway fashion shows at times to have the
to his credits. scenes described in
In 2003 he entered the Model and the script in your mind
Talent Search Canada competition in mentally, but it got
Montreal. Winning first place in the easier over time. I
modeling competition and second place really enjoyed the
in the talent competition, along with the experience.”
competition’s overall title award, “Child of the Year,” Jess nabbed the – Jess Arfi,
attention of modeling and acting agents almost instantaneously. Upon on his first experience using
signing with Canadian agencies Sybille Sasse Modeling and DaVinci green screen while performing.
Talent, Jess has been presented with many auditioning opportunities
for roles alongside some of Hollywood’s heavy hitters.
The role of “Anash” in the six-part, live-action/animated series Anash
and the Legacy of the Sun-Rock is Jess’s first starring role in a television
series.

“Anash” Character Profile

Anash is a young man of determination,
integrity and purpose. He has been raised in an
atmosphere that focused on training him for
a particular goal in life. His adoptive parents
provided a loving, but strict upbringing that
nurtured Anash’s sense of humanity, while also
instilling in him a discipline that they knew he
would need in an uncertain world.
Warrior skills have been mastered by Anash. He is an exceptional shot with a bow and arrow
and has been gifted with keen eyesight. He is a strong, well-coordinated paddler. However,
he is aware that his Achilles heel is the sea itself – the most dominant feature of his
environment.
Anash is haunted by a longing to know his family of origin. During his travels, he doesn’t
investigate his origins openly, feeling that he has another task that must take precedence.

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LEAD CAST
Colin Van Loon, “Kole”
Colin’s first foray into acting came in the sixth grade when
he played “Injun Joe” in his elementary school’s production
of Tom Sawyer’s Huck Finn. Colin was a featured actor for the
ABC/Hallmark co-production Dreamkeeper, landing the role of
a Dog Soldier. After some high school theatre Colin was cast
in the role of Jacob Fox in the 2005 feature film Hank Williams
First Nation.
Colin is a recent graduate of the Vancouver Film School
(Acting). Since graduation Colin has booked a number of
recognizable works such as the animated series Anash and the
Legacy of the Sun-Rock, and a series lead in the TV series version of Hank Williams First
Nation, airing on APTN.

“Kole” Character Profile

Kole is Anash’s adopted brother, although
formally, he is Anash’s servant. He is the son of
the servant Lineve, whom Anash thinks of as a
second mother. Even though Kole is not treated
by Anash as a servant, Kole is sensitive to his
status and is sometimes quick to take offense.
In particular, he bridles when others treat him
in a manner reserved to other servants and
captives. As a result, he does not eagerly seek
other human company. When the boys are alone together, Kole is more talkative, social
and light-hearted.
Kole and Anash have been together since they were toddlers. Because of Anash’s need for
a sparring partner, Kole underwent warrior training to the same degree as Anash. Kole’s
outstanding characteristic is a seeming fearlessness that sometimes causes trouble with
the more careful Anash.
More than anything, Kole wants to prove his worth to himself and to Tlingit society.
Through gaining status as an outstanding warrior, he will also gain a proper name... and
then he will be recognized by all as a legitimate Tlingit man.

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WRITER / DIRECTOR NOTES – by Carol Geddes
In writing the series Anash and the
Legacy of the Sun-Rock, one of the
main goals was to bring to life a
world that no longer exists. The
ancient world of the Tlingit people
was complex and interconnected
in a profound way with the natural
world.
While most of the series is based
on a fantastical interpretation of
the world of the Tlingit, there are
important aspects which reflect real
incidents that took place at the time. These incidents are interwoven in the stories as a backdrop
for the adventures of our two young heroes. Notably, they are the coming of the Russians,
the near-depletion of the sea otter, the subjugation of the Tlingit laws and ways to that of the
newcomers, and the always present challenge of living in an environment that did not give up its
gifts easily.
The main protagonists, Anash and Kole, adept young warriors of an ancient tradition, search the
rugged archipelago of the northwest coast for pieces of the Sun-Rock as well as engaging in their
own private quest for identity and home.
Encountering rival warriors and the challenges of a physical world that seem insurmountable,
Anash and Kole learn much about themselves and the values they were taught by wise parents.
Advocating peace and non-violence wherever they go, the warriors are guided by a spirituality
that understands all humans as part of the natural world as opposed to those who would exercise
dominion over that world.
One of formidable forces that has been unleashed in recent times is the presence of Russian
ships that demand a seemingly endless supply of the beautiful sea otter that has so caught the
fancy of Russian aristocracy and royalty. Thousands of these lush furs are packed in ship’s holds
to return to Russia each year. So prized was this fur that it was illegal for Russian commoners to
own sea otter pelts.
The production makes use of live-action animation with painted backgrounds to give life to a
world which no longer exists. In particular, the myths that guide the boy’s choices are brought to
life, illustrating through stories the spiritual principles which sustain them through their quest.
The series is aimed at youth so the writing had to be clear and accessible. Fortunately, the
themes are universal and not confined to a certain age group – finding your identity, establishing
a moral universe, and the value of perseverance in the pursuit of goals.

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THE LIVE ACTION ANIMATION TECHNIQUE

Live actors carry the main action in the majority of the screen time in
the episodes. These costumed actors have been treated with special
computer software to create an ‘animated’ look. The actors have then
been placed into an artist-created painted virtual environment. The “We’ve taken artist
entire palette is treated electronically with further special effects to paintings, we’ve taken
achieve a multi-layered magical realism style. HD footage, and
The result is an integrated visual effect that departs from reality and they’ve all been
creates the appearance of animation. Additionally, there are frequent blended together to
segues into another ‘dimension’, to be indicated by a complete shift create what I would
in the look, from a quasi live-action multi-media environment to call something akin to
silhouetted 2D animation. a moving watercolour
painting.”
The visual style supports the blending of the real and magic in the
stories. Emphasis is placed on the actors’ interaction with the unique – Josh Miller,
Executive Producer
look of the rugged northwest coast rainforest. The finely crafted
artwork of the Tlingit origin provides another visual reminder of the
specific cultural orientation of the series.

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COMPANY PROFILES
Panacea Entertainment
Panacea Entertainment is a Canadian independent film and TV
production company established by producer Josh Miller, whose
long-form credits include the feature films Intern Academy (Dan
Aykroyd, Dave Foley & Dave Thomas), Viva Las Nowhere (James Caan,
Daniel Stern) and Something More (Jennifer Beals).
His TV credits include the Showtime MOW Stranger in Town (Harry Hamlin, Graham Green);
Mentors – a half-hour children’s series for Family Channel/Discovery Kids; 2030CE – a half-hour
youth series for YTV; Myth Quest – a one-hour family series for CBC/Showcase/PBS and Great
Cemeteries of the World – a half-hour documentary series for Global/Travel U.S.
Recently completed Panacea projects include the half-hour animated/live-action youth series
Anash and the Legacy of the Sun-Rock for APTN and the half-hour comedy/variety series A Total-
Write Off! for Book Television/CLT/Access, as well as two documentary programs, Catching
the Chameleon – a one-hour docu-drama for CHUM and The Fringe - Acting Up – a one-hour
documentary special for Bravo!
Currently in production/post-production is the comedy feature film Freezer Burn: The Invasion of
Laxdale (Tom Green, Crispin Glover), to be released in Canada by Equinoxe Films, and the one-
hour documentary program If I Can Dream for SCN/Access.
Looking ahead, the company is developing a diverse slate of television and film projects including
The Force – a true-crime docu-drama series hosted by Leslie Nielsen; The Mall – a reality series
for the CBC; Euro-League – a comedy feature film; and Generation X– a feature film based on
Douglas Coupland’s iconic best-selling novel.

The Thing With Feathers Productions

The Thing With Feathers Productions was established
in 2002 by writer, director, and producer Carol Geddes.
Previous projects include the multiple award winning film Two Winters: Tales from Above the Earth
and the documentary Picturing a People: George Johnston, Tlingit Photographer.
Most recently, The Thing With Feathers Productions has completed the first six episodes of the
youth live action/animated series, Anash and the Legacy of the Sun-Rock as a co-production with
Panacea Entertainment.
Previous productions also include two 13-part documentary series for Knowledge Network
about Aboriginal Canadians.

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PRODUCTION CREDITS
Starring Jess Arfi
Colin Van Loon
Edited By Doug Forbes
Music By Donovan Reimer
Director of Animation Kim Clegg
Director of Photography John Spooner, csc
Artist Susan McCallum
Produced By Josh Miller
Carol Geddes
Written and Directed By Carol Geddes
Executive Producer Josh Miller

Production Manager Lisa Byrne

Production Coordinator Jessica Hall
Production Accountant Carol Pederson
Legal Services Linda Callaghan

Production Designer Shanna Orgovan

Costume Designer Linda Talbot
Make Up Stylist Shari MacIntosh
Key Hair Tawny Smith

Casting Director (Alberta) Carmen Kotyk

Casting Director (Yukon) Arlin McFarlane

Animation Project Manager Christine Weidlich

Art Director/ Supervising Animator Kevin Mones
Lead Animator / Compositor Jeremy Webb
Myth Animation Art Director/Lead Illustrator Keith-yin Sun
Tlingit Artist Keith Wolf Smarch

Executive Assistant Karen Gartner

Post Production Accountant Libby Bolstler
CFTPA Production Intern Jennifer Dysart

Interactive Producer Reel Girls Media Inc.

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FUNDING CREDITS

Produced in association with APTN

with the participation of
the Yukon Film Development Fund, Yukon film Production Fund,
the Government of Alberta, Alberta Film Development Program, the Canadian Television Fund,
created by the Government of Canada and the Canadian Cable Industry,
the Shaw Rocket Fund, Telefilm Canada, the Independent Production Fund,
and the Bell Broadcast and New Media Fund,
in association with
Knowledge Network, Canadian Learning Television, SCN, and the
Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit

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CONTACT INFORMATION

For more information on the television series, contact:

Josh Miller
Panacea Entertainment
2nd Floor, 9876A - 33 Avenue
Edmonton, AB T6N 1C6
T: (780) 490.1220
F: (780) 490.5255
E: jmiller@panaceaentertainment.com

For more information on the interactive component, contact:

Ava Karvonen
Reel Girls Media Inc.
2nd Floor, 9860A - 33 Avenue
Edmonton, AB T6N 1C6
T: (780) 488.0440
F: (780) 452.4980
E: ava@reelgirlsmedia.com

www.anashinteractive.com Page 14
AnashInteractive.com

create comics

Anash Interactive write stories

is an online
destination where play games
users create and puzzles
their own content
with digital assets watch webisodes
from the animated
television series, download podcasts
Anash and the
find out more about
Legacy of the the tlingit people of canada
Sun-Rock
read stories and comics
created by other online users
AnashInteractive.com
Reel Girls Media is a content-
driven company dedicated
to fostering a deeper
understanding of the world
and the human spirit. Reel
Girls Media’s productions are
innovative, evergreen, smart,
and original - designed for
flexible multiplatform delivery
including TV, web, and mobile.
We build interactivity and
technical innovation into
our television projects with
companion and stand-alone
new media components
including games, podcasts,
webisodes, live broadcasts, and
user-generated content.
Our projects include animation,
children’s and youth programs,
science, history, arts and
culture, drama, and lifestyle,
and have been recognized with
more than 35 international
awards and over 65 worldwide
screenings.
The company is led by owner/
president Ava Karvonen,
a twenty-year veteran in
the media industry who
brings a wealth of long-
standing relationships to the
business including those with
cutting-edge creative talent,
broadcasters, distributors,
investors, and technical
pioneers.

A: 9860A-33rd avenue
Edmonton, AB, Canada T6N 1C6
W: www.reelgirlsmedia.com
P: 780.488.0440
a production of F: 780.452.4980
reel girls media inc. E: info@reelgirlsmedia.com