Allan Hawco | Canadian Screen Awards

Allan Hawco | Canadian Screen Awards

We caught up with Allan Hawco on the red carpet at the Canadian Screen Awards to talk about the hit crime drama Saint-Pierre. During our conversation, Allan discussed the continued success of the series, what fans can expect moving forward, and the possibilities surrounding a potential third season. To make things a little more interesting, we also put Allan’s character to the test with a fun rapid-fire game, presenting him with a series of unusual police scenarios and asking what his character would do in each situation. The result was a mix of insightful answers, great stories, and plenty of laughs. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Saint-Pierre or just discovering the series, this is an interview you won’t want to miss. Saint-Pierre is a crime drama set on the French territory of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, just off the coast of Newfoundland. The series follows a seasoned Royal Newfoundland Constabulary officer who is reassigned to the island community, where he partners with a local French police officer to investigate a wide range of crimes. Blending compelling mysteries, character-driven storytelling, and the unique culture and scenery of the archipelago, Saint-Pierre offers a fresh take on the procedural drama genre while exploring themes of justice, community, and second chances. Allan Hawco is an award-winning Canadian actor, writer, producer, and creator best known for his starring role as Jake Doyle in the acclaimed series Republic of Doyle, which he also co-created and executive produced. Born and raised in Newfoundland and Labrador, Hawco has become one of Canada’s most recognizable television talents, appearing in numerous film and television productions throughout his career. In addition to Republic of Doyle, his credits include Jack Ryan, Frontier, Departure, and Saint-Pierre. Known for his charismatic screen presence and passion for telling distinctly Canadian stories, Hawco continues to be a major force in the country’s film and television industry both in front of and behind the camera.

The Beast in Me | Interview with Composer Sara Barone

In this episode, we sit down with acclaimed composer Sara Barone to discuss her work on Netflix’s psychological thriller series The Beast in Me. Sara takes us behind the scenes of crafting the show’s tense, atmospheric score, exploring how music helps shape suspense, character psychology, and emotional storytelling. We also discuss her creative process, collaborating with fellow composers, and the unique challenges of scoring a series built on mystery and unease. Whether you’re a fan of film music, television storytelling, or The Beast in Me, this conversation offers a fascinating look at the art of composing for the screen. Sara Barone is an Emmy-nominated composer for film, television, and interactive media whose work spans acclaimed documentaries, feature films, television series, and video games. She is known for her contributions to the BBC’s Planet Earth III, which earned a Primetime Emmy nomination, as well as Netflix’s The Beast in Me, the feature film To Kill a Wolf, and the VR game Alien: Rogue Incursion. Her additional music credits include Zack Snyder’s Justice League, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Love, Death & Robots. A graduate of Columbia University and the USC Thornton School of Music, Sara has established herself as one of the rising voices in contemporary screen scoring, known for creating emotionally rich and immersive musical landscapes.

Driver’s Ed | Interview with Cinematographer Itai Ne’eman

This week on 1st on Film, we sit down with acclaimed cinematographer Itai Ne’eman to discuss his work on the coming-of-age road trip comedy Driver’s Ed. Ne’eman takes us behind the camera to explore how the film’s visual style was developed, the challenges of shooting on the road, and his collaboration with director Bobby Farrelly. Itai Ne’eman is an award-winning Israeli cinematographer and director of photography whose work spans feature films, television series, documentaries, commercials, and visual art projects. Born in Tiberias, Israel, Ne’eman has built an international career distinguished by a visually dynamic style and a diverse body of work. He has served as cinematographer on acclaimed productions including Outer Range, High Desert, The Spy, Mayans M.C., Mr. Mercedes, Dig, Tyrant, and Homeland.

The Man Whom the Trees Loved Interview

In this episode, we sit down with filmmakers Woodruff Laputka and Tehben Dean, alongside actress Avise Parsons, to discuss their haunting new feature, The Man Whom the Trees Loved. Inspired by Algernon Blackwood’s classic supernatural tale, the film follows a couple whose vacation on a remote island takes a disturbing turn as an eerie connection between man and nature begins to unravel their relationship. We explore the film’s origins, the challenges of shooting in the wilds of Florida, adapting literary horror for the screen, and the deeply personal themes of grief, inspiration, and renewal woven throughout the story. Woodruff Laputka is a filmmaker, writer, editor, and actor known for his work in independent genre cinema. His directing credits include The Last Incantation, The Herd, and The Man Whom the Trees Loved, which he also co-wrote, co-directed, and stars in as Dave. Through his work, Laputka explores themes of horror, folklore, and the emotional complexities of human experience. Tehben Dean is an award-winning filmmaker and cinematographer whose career spans documentary, commercial, music video, and narrative filmmaking. After beginning his career in Alaska, Dean worked extensively throughout Portland and Los Angeles, creating projects for brands including Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour. His debut feature, All I’ve Got & Then Some, premiered at Slamdance and earned multiple festival awards. He co-directed and produced The Man Whom the Trees Loved, continuing his focus on visually striking and emotionally resonant storytelling. Avise Parsons is an actress who stars as Sophie in The Man Whom the Trees Loved. In the film, she portrays a woman fighting to save her marriage as her husband becomes increasingly consumed by a mysterious connection to the surrounding forest. Parsons brings emotional depth and vulnerability to the role, helping anchor the film’s blend of psychological drama and supernatural horror.

Welcome | Interview with Jevon Boreland and Emidio Lopes

In this episode of 1st on Film, we sit down with filmmaker Jevon Boreland and actor Emidio Lopes to discuss their psychological thriller Welcome. Jevon shares the inspiration behind writing and directing the film, the challenges of crafting suspense and morally complex characters, and his journey from award-winning short films to feature filmmaking. Emidio reflects on bringing Darren Coleman to life, collaborating with the cast and crew, and navigating the emotional intensity of the story. Together, they offer a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Welcome, a tense thriller that explores fear, survival, and the difficult choices people make when pushed to their limits. Jevon Boreland is a Toronto-based Canadian writer, director, producer, and co-founder of Dark Wolf Pictures. Known for creating character-driven stories that blend emotional depth with genre filmmaking, his work has been described as authentic, thought-provoking, and empathetic. Boreland first gained recognition through a series of acclaimed short films, including Stripped, To Kill a Secret, and A Gift, which screened at festivals across North America and earned multiple awards, including several Best Director honors. His feature directorial debut, Welcome (2025), is a psychological thriller that showcases his passion for exploring complex human behavior through suspenseful storytelling. In addition to his film work, Boreland has built a career as an unscripted television producer. Emidio Lopes is a Canadian actor and writer whose screen credits span film and television. He stars as Darren Coleman in the psychological thriller Welcome and has also appeared in projects including The Big Cigar, Hudson & Rex, Youngblood, Pressure Play, Silent, and Mea Culpa. Recognized for his versatility and ability to portray emotionally layered characters, Lopes continues to build a diverse body of work across independent and mainstream productions.