About the casting

As we prepare to make our announcements and introduce the cast of Red Door and Lemon Tree, I wanted to thank every single person who participated in this process. The team, the casting and talent agents, the volunteers, the hotel managers that welcomed us, and most of all, the actual talent. There were so many of you and I thank you. We staged auditions in Athens, Crete, L.A., Vancouver, and back home in Toronto.

Everyone I met or auditioned made an impression. There were few disappointments. With some, I felt an instant connection; others inspired me to create, add, or change some of the roles in the script and include them because of their brilliance. Then, there were those that I could easily see in starring roles in the near future, in my upcoming projects. But all of you have made a lasting impression that I will cherish forever.

I don't believe in coincidence. Instead, I know that we all meet for a purpose. Sometimes it's not clear right away, but, with time, it becomes evident, and it is up to us to cultivate, cherish and establish what it is that we are meant to do together.

The important thing to remember is that with every relationship — personal or otherwise — there will be some disappointment. Often, we choose to walk away and never look back because, on some level, it is easier. But those that persist and those that trust, believe, and continue to explore the true meaning and purpose of the relationship are the ones that are blessed with the rewards that come with the knowledge learned from the struggles and challenges that's called the journey of life.

As I post my announcements everyone will see how it all came together. It is often true that choosing an actor is not so much about ability alone, but the vision of the creator, the chemistry between the characters, and that ‘something’ the actor brings to the character.

I thank you all for your time, your dedication, your individuality, and the passion you have shown me for this project. Till we meet again…

Second Chances

Second chances

We've all heard the sayings about first impressions and how important they are. The first time you meet someone and there's an instant connection or the impression is so good that you want to get to know the other person even more. That happens often. Especially for me, being in an industry where you meet so many beautiful and talented people, I'm often told not to give second chances. If somebody screws up, they're late, unprepared, or come off snobby or give you any negative vibes... that's it. They blew it. 

My personality tends to wonder though and I question this famous but unwritten first impression rule we seem to have about people. I wonder how many people we could have become friends with, hired or allowed to enrich our lives but didn't because of that darn first impression that for some reason didn't go as well as it should have. Have we not all had a bad day and have come across people only to wish later that we should have behaved differently more like our selves towards them but didn't; haven't we all had a bad alarm experience and ended up being late because of it? Life happens and to think that you only get one chance; it's kind of sad. 

First impressions are important but they're not always accurate. We've all met people that we were impressed with at first sight only to be disappointed later; may it be a partner, an employee or even a friend. That's because sometimes the first time you meet someone they may not truly be themselves. Those that are really good at it give you their best version of themselves or put on an act to impress you because they know or think they know what you're looking for. So in my opinion first impressions are not always accurate whether they're positive or negative. 

I am happy to have given second chances to people after a very awkward, not pleasant and sometimes bad first encounter. One of my dearest friends would have never become my  closest and most cherished friend if I had allowed myself to go by her first impression on me. The same goes with work. Sometimes the first interview may not have gone as well but relying on that instinct and calling to see that person for a second time, because of that "gut" feeling, has proven to be a great thing. 

I tend to rely more on that "gut" feeling. Sometimes if we allow ourselves to see beyond the attitude and feel or understand what's underneath the surface that second chance can introduce us to some incredible people. 

Cheers to second chances.... sometimes they work out better than great first impressions! 

Red Door and Lemon Tree on the West Coast

This is truly my most favourite time of the year. The stores are all decorated with colourful ornaments, carollers are singing, bells are ringing ... and the weather, if you live in Toronto, or even if you don't, you can use your imagination a little to create the perfect atmosphere to get you in the festive mood.  For example, if I'm missing snow I find the perfect youtube video to play, where I set the right mood I'm looking for: snow falling, fire crackling and christmas classics that are sure to get me in the Christmas spirit. There are many special occasions one can celebrate this month but for me December is all about Christmas! And what better way to celebrate than to give time to others by volunteering, or visiting a friend you haven't seen in a long time or sending someone a card (yes I'm old fashioned that way)  letting them know you're thinking of them. Gifts are special but they come in many forms ... It's about the thought you put into them that brings someone a smile just because you thought of them.

This month, the 'Red Door and Lemon Tree' team will be spreading some Christmas cheers in Los Angeles. We will be meeting with talented actors, scouting locations and enjoying some of the festivities on the west coast. Judging by our previous travelling experiences it's should be quite an adventure. Of course, we could not make a holiday business trip without a stop to New York City. What a way to end the year... auditions, scouting and holiday fun.

Remember to follow us on FB and Twitter @AriaRedDoor to stay updated. Your support and commitment is much appreciated and to show you how much we will be announcing various contests where you our fans and your families can partake and win many prizes including meeting the stars of the film as well as attend Red Carpet screenings in Toronto, Los Angeles and Athens. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Feeling at home

The moment I stepped out of the airplane I felt at home. I was at home. My birth country Greece! The feeling is surreal and not easy to describe. It's just like when you meet your soulmate and you just know. I know that I belong here! As I proceeded to claim my bags that feeling got stronger and by the time we left the airport and into my cousin's arms I felt overwhelmed with emotions.

Connecting with the people you love and you share memories with only enhances those deep emotions and the next few days that followed those feelings became stronger. Although this was a business trip, scouting, meeting and auditioning well known actors in Greece, I could not stop savouring every moment. I was blessed to be in my home country.

There's nothing more beautiful than to take an evening stroll in Athens and experience the vibrant life on every street. All the things that would have quieted another nation have only made my people stronger, louder and more alive than ever! Youth was everywhere living, laughing enjoying the beauty they are blessed to experience every day. I felt truly fortunate to be there... I felt happy!

In Crete, my emotions overwhelmed me even more. The tears were often visible on my face and I think that those around me could not truly understand that a lot of the times those were tears of joy, pride and a sense of longing for a place I had developed such love and need to be a part of.

Discovering that I have roots in Crete made it more real for me and more essential to stay connected. Every part we visited, just like before felt unique and precious. East or west ... It didn't matter. It made our scouting decisions so difficult because how do you choose over so many stunning places?

The thing that made it even harder for me as I stepped into that plane to head back to my family in Canada was saying good bye to all my new and old friends that have become so important to me over the last little while. The deep connections that I feel will last a lifetime regardless of the distance. The people that welcomed me into their homes and treated me like I was a part of their family. The ones that would look into my eyes and could feel my joy and my pain and all my  mixed emotions. The people that made it better with a simple hug letting me know that they care and that they were and will always be there.

Making 'Red Door and Lemon Tree' is truly a blessing for it is the journey that has brought me and continues to connect me to my home, my people and all the things that truly matter!

The team is growing

It is with great pleasure that I introduce to you our co-producer Stevan Krickovic! I've known Stevan for over thirty years. We first met in high school; strings class to be specific. When I first signed up I thought I was going to learn the guitar... instead, I was assigned the cello and Stevan became my partner in crime. Not only did he help me master the instrument so that I wouldn't make a fool of myself at our school recital but he helped me for a few hours a week jam it up with the guitar in the school's basement music room, when we were supposed to be practicing the cello. 

Stevan is a great addition to our team; he's bringing an abundance of experience as he has produced various impressive projects and his love for music and his contributions in the fields are an asset for Red Door and Lemon Tree. 

Stevan is also one of the first few people I approached, along with Irini and George and his passion for this project and to assist in any way he can are highly valued and appreciated. Steve's passion, creativity, love and experience are great qualities that strengthen the team. He has over the years continued to be a loyal friend, an important attribute in any business relationship.

As George and I embark on our adventure in Greece next week for more scouting, meetings and auditions, Stevan will keep things running here at home, making sure we continue to raise awareness via social media, go over the countless applications for the various positions posted so far and prepare as we get ready to set up our new office in the Bay/Yorkville area this November. Welcome aboard Stevan!

Cretan Kindness

One of the most rewarding experiences for me while I was scouting in Crete this past July was meeting the locals. I met some of the nicest, kindest and selfless people I've ever met. They were welcoming and very giving. A few of those people that I came across with touched me deeply because not only were they giving to me, a complete stranger, offering support both personally and professionally asking nothing in return but I soon realized that their whole life was dedicated to helping others. These individuals do this just because they want and love to help others. They've created a non for profit organization comprised of volunteers called 'The wall of Kindness' that is dedicated to supporting those that are less fortunate. These individuals are so selfless that they have asked that they remain anonymous. They don't want recognition or praise, instead they want results.

Currently in partnership with the Community Medical Centre and the Heraklion Pharmacy they are trying to help a five year old boy, with a hearing and speech impairment receive a cochlear implant system (a hearing aid device), so this little boy can hear and slowly learn to speak for the very first time. The social workers and medical professionals involved are volunteering their time for the surgery but the cost of the hearing device is 20,000€. 
So far, 16,000 € have been raised out of the 20,000 € necessary to purchase the hearing device. There are so many volunteers who are trying to help this little boy from Heraklio and some of them have organized a concert that is going to take place on Friday September 16th at 9:00 pm at Kipotheatro Kazantzaki.  Musicians John Tsilogiannis (guitar, singer), George Kouroupis (violin) and Maria Ieronymaki (singer), are starting the concert and headlining the show is the well known band Krites. It should be a beautiful evening with some incredible sounds and all for a very good cause.
If you're not in Crete but still want to help here's the banking information. Any contribution is beneficial and most welcome.

Pancretan Cooperative Bank, SWIFT CODE STPGGRA1, For account of Koinoniko Iatreio Allileggiis, ref. 'kochliako emfytevma' IBAN NO. GR81 0870 0970 0000 0001 1218 625

For more information about this act of kindness or others visit The Wall of Kindness on FB. You will be deeply touched, as I have been by the various initiatives that are being created to help those that are vulnerable and need an act of kindness by those that are more fortunate.

As I close this blog, I feel blessed to have met some of these volunteers that have dedicated so much of their time for others. It is truly an honour to know them and to have become their friend. 

About the music

I love Greek music. I love the vibration of the instruments, the way the words sound and how there's a song about every emotion one has ever felt. Music in film is important. It sets the mood and it keeps us interested in the story. It makes us feel the characters' emotions, their passion, their love, and their fear.
In making Red Door and Lemon Tree, many questions about the sound, the mood, and the feeling are being explored. The settings are LA and Crete. Two very beautiful places that generate similar yet very different moods, feelings and emotions. Los Angeles being vibrant, majestically busy with beautiful people everywhere making things happen. Crete, a stunning island with a simple way of life and unbelievable history and culture displayed proudly everywhere and in everyone's expression. 
We've had many interested musicians about the film's score and music and are currently exploring our options. 
How much "Greek" music do we want to showcase? How much of that should be traditional? And what about Los Angeles? What is the accurate vibe we want to portray and how about the transition between the two very unique places?
As we continue to explore and work towards answering these questions we are very grateful for our artists' input and love for this project. It is exactly this part of the process that I, as the producer, enjoy the most: collaborating with all the talented people that have reached out to me and my team determined to make a great movie with some of the best Greek and American music ever.