Jennifer Podemski

About

Jennifer Podemski, 34, is an award winning, Gemini nominated actress born and raised in Toronto, Canada.  Since beginning her professional career at the age of 14, Jennifer has achieved great success as an actor in film, television, and theatre.  Best known for her roles in Bruce McDonald's acclaimed feature film Dance me Outside, CBC's The Rez, and Riverdale, Jennifer's more recent works includes: The Eleventh Hour; North of 60--Distant Drumming and Sue Thomas FBEye. Watch out for Jennifer in the new Showcase comedy series Moose TV, premiering in January 2007; the sixth season of Degrassi TNG in her recurring role as Ms. Sauve; the feature film Fugitive Pieces and CBC’s MOW, The Robber Bride starring Mary-Louise Parker.  Although acting has always been her passion, Jennifer began producing in 1998 and co-founded the Toronto based film and television production company Big Soul Productions with Laura J. Milliken.  Since it’s inception, Big Soul Productions has produced award winning film and television programs including three seasons as the aboriginal youth role model series The Seventh Generation.  In the summer of the 2002, Jennifer and Laura developed the first dramatic series to be created, controlled and written by an all-aboriginal production team.  Moccasin Flats, now in its third season, is currently airing on Showcase Television and has been nominated for three Gemini’s; Best Dramatic Series; Best Actress (Andrea Menard) and Best Score.  In an endeavor to bring media training as a means to empowerment to Native youth nationwide, Jennifer and Laura created the repREZentin’ Media Training Program, dedicated to bringing the processional film and television world right to the REZ, be it urban or rural.  The program partners youth from the community with professional industry mentors in all departments behind and in front of the camera.  The goal is to empower the youth through media by making them a part of it and giving them a voice.  Their most recent repRezentin’ training program resulted in the creation of their dramatic series Moccasin Flats, now in development as a Feature Film.  In 2004, Jennifer branched out on her own and opened Redcloud Studios, an independent production company that she runs from home.  She continues to write, produce, direct and teach across Canada and the U.S.  Jennifer dedicates a large part of her time to working with and mentoring youth. She has toured Canada and the U.S., speaking to Native youth and facilitating workshops in self-awareness, goal setting, performing, business, media and self-empowerment. IN the past ten years Jennifer has given keynote addresses in over 300 Native communities across North America as well as urban high school and organizations.  In May 2006, Jennifer joined the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation as Creative Producer for the National Aboriginal Achievement Awards, taking place in Edmonton, Alberta in March 2007.  Jennifer has managed to find a delicate balance in her career.  Amidst her busy schedule, she remains an active board member of The Aboriginal Voices Radio Network, The Reel World Film Festival and The American Indian Youth Academy.