starland_studio_new

DRUMHELLER ONLINE REPORTS ON "THE LAST HOWL."

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 19:21:32 GMT

Originally posted on Drumheller Online.

"Local Studio Recognized In Both Cannes And Los Angeles."

Huge accolades have come in for a film produced by a local film production studio and they just happen to be the stars of the film.

Matthew Paproski and his wolves are part of the film “The Last Howl”. The film has won Best Nature / Wildlife Film and Best Director Documentary Feature at the Cannes World Film Festival. The film was also nominated for Best Picture at the Los Angeles Film Awards and came away with a Special Jury Award at the festival. Paproski couldn’t be more surprised that they came away winners. “I had no idea that this would happen. We entered it in some awards and film festivals, and I am actually shocked. I spent 20 years making this film with all the people that have helped us. We wouldn’t have done it by ourselves. It’s not just good news for me, it’s good news for everybody. The film ends in Drumheller, on purpose. People are going to see that and have one more way of liking Drumheller.”

Paproski is proud of the win but also proud on how the film showcases the animals. “We entered it to win, but mostly because we need to get the word out about animals, and caring for them, and the planet, and this is one way of doing it. Also, to be commercially successful. It has taken a lot of time, money, and energy from lots of people to get it this far. We don’t want to stop here, we want to keep moving forward.”

When you think of the Cannes Film Festival, the big films are what come to mind. Paproski shares that they are part of a separate festival focused on documentaries and television productions. He and his team are also hoping to enter the film in the Calgary Film Festival and possibly showing the film here locally. As for upcoming projects, Paproski notes that they do have one on the go that should hopefully be coming out soon, and they are focused on the creation of their YouTube channel.

"THE LAST HOWL" on CBC.

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 16:04:53 GMT

"The Last Howl" on CBC.

August 12th, 2025 - This is a appreciated development. The Calgary Eyeopener has interviewed "The Last Howl" director Matthew Todd Paproski on the films growing success. The Calgary Eyeopener is a popular weekday morning radio program broadcast on CBC Radio One in Calgary, Alberta. It's known for its in-depth local news coverage, engaging interviews, and focus on community stories. The show aims to inform and connect Calgarians by exploring the issues and events that shape their city and surrounding areas.

We are truly honoured that out of all the stories that come across their desk the wonderful people at CBC and The Calgary Opener decided to help spread the word about our story and bring more attention to our project and the heart behind it.

You can watch the interview on CBC's website , or listen to an extended audio interview on CBC Listen . A version is also available on our YouTube Channel @StarlandStudiosOfficial

AMPIA Reports on "The Last Howl".

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 16:04:50 GMT

AMPIA Reports on "The Last Howl"

August 8th, 2025 - It seems our friends at the Alberta Media Production Industries Association have been paying attention to our new film

"The Last Howl" as a post mentioning our recent success at The World Film Festival in Cannes , and the LA FIlm Awards , as well as our reception of the Alberta Production Grant was just posted on their Facebook. We're very happy to see that our work has reached AMPIA which has given us no shortage of support over the years. We thank everyone at AMPIA for helping make more people aware of our story. See you at the premiere.

’THE LAST HOWL’ WINS “BEST NATURE/WILDLIFE FILM” & “BEST DIRECTOR DOCUMENTARY FEATURE” AT THE CANNES WORLD FILM FESTIVAL

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 19:11:27 GMT

’THE LAST HOWL’ WINS “BEST NATURE/WILDLIFE FILM” & “BEST DIRECTOR DOCUMENTARY FEATURE” AT THE CANNES WORLD FILM FESTIVAL; IS NOW A FINALIST FOR “BEST PICTURE” AT THE LOS ANGELES FILM AWARDS; AND AWARDED ALBERTA-MADE PRODUCTION GRANT!

SOUNDTRACK BY LOS LOBOS, BLUE OYSTER CULT, HAPPY THE MAN, AND RONALD RIDDLE.

THIS HEARTFELT FILM IS ABOUT “A WILDLIFE FILMMAKER AND HIS WHEELCHAIR-BOUND BROTHER TRAVELLING ACROSS THE COUNTRY SHARING WHAT THEY LEARN ABOUT WOLF CONSERVATION, WHILE RECOUNTING THEIR TWENTY-YEAR JOURNEY RAISING WOLVES”.

PREMIERE OF FILM’S TRAILER HERE .

Drumheller, Alberta. Canada: Producer, director, and host Matthew Todd Paproski of Wildlife Wranglers Productions, proudly announces, “After twenty years of struggling we are happy to finally release our epic documentary ‘The Last Howl’, centring around the life of our male wolf Timber. It was tough since my brother became paralyzed, but later rejoins us in a wheelchair to finish it.

Besides sharing how we raise wolves, it addresses moral issues about captivity and hunting them”.

“Distilled from over 100 hours of video archives, thousands of photographs remastered to HD, intense principal photography, and editing for a year, it reveals insight into wolves like no other film. We are now seeking broadcasters and distributors to get our film’s message out to the world.”

“It is also exciting as major music artists: Los Lobos granted us theme song Will the Wolves Survive; Blue Oyster Cult, an unreleased acoustic version of song (Don’t Fear) The Reaper; and acclaimed composer Ronald Riddle, tracks from his prog-rock band Happy the Man, plus the original score.”

“I’m glad to be a small part of your story…”

Donald ‘Buck Dharma’ Roeser

Blue Oyster Cult; songwriter, singer, & lead guitar.

Riddle’s 700+ film credits include National Geographic, Discovery, Animal Planet, Smithsonian, Science & History Channels, PBS, Granada America, National Wildlife Federation, Turner & CNN.

Matt Paproski has been a military officer, firefighter, journalist and actor. He made ‘Fire Attack’ with William Shatner, ‘First Response’, and ‘Cougar Crossings’ TV Specials, & ‘Wildlife Wranglers’ Series.

The Last Howl, previously known as How Will Wolves Survive, was filmed across Western Canada.

The current crew includes Co-Host Troy Paproski, Editor / Co-Writer Nicholas Friesen, DOP David Copithorne, Audio Post James Reckseidler, Veterinarian Dr. Dwayne Groves, and many others…

For info contact Nick at Starland Studios... Em: office@starlandstudios.com Ph: (403)334-2530

MORE INFORMATION AVAILABLE AT WWW.STARLANDSTUDIOS.COM , STARLAND STUDIOS FACEBOOK PAGE , AND STARLAND STUDIOS YOUTUBE CHANNEL - PLEASE SUBSCRIBE!

SEPTEMBER 2, 2020: UNPRECEDENTED E-COMMERCE SITE www.starlandstudios.com LAUNCHING & PROMOTING DRUMHELLER, ALBERTA AND THE CANADIAN FILM INDUSTRY!

Thu, 27 Aug 2020 22:47:00 GMT

Unveiling is at socially distanced special event 8pm, Wednesday, September 2, 2020- at the Royal Canadian Legion in Drumheller…

Drumheller, Alberta, Canada: President of Starland Studios Matthew Todd Paproski announces “After months of intense design, editing photographs and text, and construction, Starland Studios is finally launching its new e-commerce site online. After several years of seeking the right people, we have found the location owners, service providers and suppliers to be our infrastructure based in Drumheller Valley and servicing the surrounding Badlands”.

“Timing actually could not be better. There is a backlog of films to be finished from when the pandemic shut the industry down and streamers have full wallets from binge viewers creating a huge demand for new content. As well, Canada is reopening allowing film production faster than the US and elsewhere as the pandemic unfolds, luring projects here. We just need to get more incentives from the provincial government, and we could boom like BC, Ontario and Manitoba.”

“Drumheller is one of the top filming locations in the province with hundreds of credits ranging from movies, TV shows, web series and commercials to corporate and music videos. Our main goal is to be the gateway and hub for the region providing producer, production management and services to visiting Canadian and international filmmakers. We will also continue producing and distributing our own content, including our Wildlife Wranglers and feature film projects.”

This innovative website was built with Brian and Nicole Yanish of local highly regarded web company MarketingHits. Brian says “We are excited that after several years of discussions with us, Starland Studios is providing a much-needed economic development resource for our region. We have utilized as many current internet tools as possible and integrated them into the website to make it more a marketing and revenue generating engine than a just a promotional platform”.

Starland’s Directory of service providers and suppliers includes: MarketingHits, Jon Sheppard Media, Prairie Sky Productions, The Tickle Trunk, The Paint Store, Party Equipment Rentals, Drumheller Equipment Rentals, Hoodoo Voodoo Motorsports, actor Lothar Malmberg, and locations of the Dan McDermid, Neil Clark, David Stanger and Wanda McCann families.

Recently, Drumheller was a location for Ghostbusters, Fortunate Son, Into the Dark, Lost in Space, Wynonna Earp, Tin Star, Alpha, The Revenant, Seventh Son, Fargo, Hell on Wheels, and in past music videos for Merkules, Road Hammers, Tom Cochrane, Glass Tiger and more.

Matthew Todd Paproski is filmmaker and director of global TV specials Fire Attack with host William Shatner, Cougar Crossings with music by David Bowie, and First Response ; host of TV series Wildlife Wranglers airing in Canada, Europe, Russia, Africa, Israel and the Middle East; and is founder of Starland Studios- a full service production and distribution company.

For information, please contact: Starland Studios

Email: office@starlandstudios.com Phone: 403-334-1450

SEPTEMBER 12, 2018: ‘UNIVERSE’ MUSIC VIDEO BY STARLAND STUDIOS IS OFFICIAL SELECTION OF 2018 EDMONTON SHORT FILM FESTIVAL

Wed, 12 Sep 2018 18:18:25 GMT

Of the thousands of minutes of film judged, ‘Universe’ to be featured in 90 Minutes “selected” to be screened at Red-Carpet Gala on October 13.

‘Universe’ was made in tribute to the Humboldt Broncos hockey team.

Please view and share by going to: https://vimeo.com/477267614

Drumheller, Alberta, Canada: President of Starland Studios Matthew Todd Paproski says “Wow! After years of filmmaking, it feels good to be awarded our first laurel as an {Official Selection} and have our team’s work recognized. It feels even better that the music video pays tribute to the loss of loved ones…”

“After making music video Mahekan with Moody x 2, we were honored singers Natashia and Alexandria Moodie asked us to make another one for their new song Universe. First listening to it, I was struck with how it is about loving someone so much you do not know how you could go on living without them…

The Humboldt Broncos incident then occurred affecting me profoundly and many people around me. A few days later, three children were killed in a collision at Nelson House, Manitoba – home of Moody x 2. These tragedies evolved into a vision, we captured with many people helping, of both love and love lost.”

Natashia and her sister Alexandria are Wolf Clan from Nelson House (Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation) in northern Manitoba and public speakers on bullying, suicide prevention and missing & murdered women. Their influences are Shania Twain, Celine Dion and Buffy St. Marie. They work with writer Chris Burke-Gaffney who helped launch Chantal Kreviazuk, McMaster& James, Sierra Noble and Mackenzie Porter.

The Edmonton Short Film festival is a non-profit organization dedicated to the elevation of independent film. Formed in 2013, the ESFF is unique in that it allows filmmakers to have their works screened publicly outside of the “normal” festival market and is differentiated by its diversity in its programming.

The video was filmed in Drumheller, Alberta at the Hoo Doos, Starmine Suspension Bridge, East Coulee School Museum, East Coulee Wood Bridge and Newcastle Pub. It features: Top local musicians- on lead guitar Layne Syvertsen, bass guitar Chris Foesier, keyboards Paul Rosgen and drums, Jerry Roberto. Actors Caitlin O’Connor, Justin Lanouette and Lothar Malmberg from the Rosebud Theatre community.

Expert cinematographer, cameraman and editor Zefred from Toronto provided cameras, drone, Steadicam and gimbal. Photography by Athena Winchester and Terri Huxley. Mask artist Olga Sem of Vizard International created wardrobe with LED lights. Location light painting by Lance Ghostkeeper. Editing assistance from Jon Sheppard. Production support from Laura Dougan, Cynthia Wohlberg and volunteers.

Matthew Todd Paproski is a respected filmmaker of global TV specials Fire Attack with host William Shatner and Cougar Crossings with music by David Bowie; host of TV series Wildlife Wranglers in Canada, Europe, Russia, Africa, Israel and the Middle East; and founder of Starland Studios- a full service media production company, online distributor and animal sanctuary based in Drumheller, Alberta.

For information, please contact: Laura Dougan

Email: office@starlandstudios.com Phone: 403-334-1450

JUNE 11, 2018: ‘UNIVERSE’ MUSIC VIDEO BY MOODY X 2 RELEASE BY STARLAND STUDIOS!

Mon, 11 Jun 2018 18:31:56 GMT

Dedicated to the Humboldt Broncos and Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation and supporting #strazstrong efforts for survivor Ryan Straschnitzki

PLEASE GO TO this Vimeo link view and share ‘UNIVERSE’ to the Universe!

Drumheller, Alberta, Canada: President of Starland Studios Matthew Todd Paproski says “Universe is now being released on our facebook page, youtube and elsewhere on social media. We kicked it off by asking the audience to share it after getting a sneak preview at the #Starzstrong benefit concert held June 16 in Airdrie, Alberta headlined by rock band Monster Truck with other bands and guests Gilby Clark and Ron ‘Bumblefoot’ Thal of Guns & Roses and Sean Kelly of Nelly Furtado and Lee Aaron bands”.

“Private and public premiere screenings will also be in the Town of Drumheller on Canada Day weekend. On Friday, June 29th it will be shown at a private premiere at the Newcastle Pub and will be accompanied by Moody x 2 and their band from the Drumheller valley. Over the weekend, it will also be screened in Town to the public in conjunction with Canada Day activities and the annual Pow Wow in the Park.”

‘Universe’ is a new love song by singers Moody x 2 inspired us to make a music video in memory of the tragic collisions suffered by the Humboldt Broncos and children of the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation.

After recently making music video Mahekan with Moody x 2, we were honored singers Natashia and Alexandria Moodie asked us to make a music video for their new song Universe. First listening to it as a director I was struck with how it was a profound love song about loving someone so much you would not be able to go on without them in your life. It has a deep dark side to it that is not morbid but meaningful.

“I was not excited about my cheesy idea of showing loss by filming in a cemetery looking like a B movie. The Humboldt Broncos incident then occurred affecting me profoundly and many people around me. A few days later, three children were killed in a collision at Nelson House, Manitoba – home of Moody x 2. These tragedies evolved into a vision, we captured with many people helping, of both love and love lost.”

The video was filmed in Drumheller, Alberta at the Hoo Doos, Starmine Suspension Bridge, East Coulee School Museum, East Coulee Wood Bridge and Newcastle Pub. Top local musicians appear: on drums, Jerry Roberto; lead guitar, Layne Syvertsen; bass guitar, Chris Foesier; and on keyboards, Paul Rosgen. Actors were Caitlin O’Connor, Justin Lanouette and Lothar Malmberg from Rosebud Theatre community.

Ze Zefred, an expert cinematographer and specialty camera operator from Toronto, provided cameras, drone, Steadicam and gimbal equipment. Photographers included Athena Winchester and Terri Huxley. Olga Sem of Vizard International provided world-class wardrobe and masks adorned with LED lighting. Lance Ghostkeeper provided his light painting skills for night scenes. Many volunteers also helped.

Natashia and sister Alexandria are Wolf Clan from Nelson House (Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation) in northern Manitoba and public speakers on bullying, suicide prevention and missing & murdered women. Their influences are Shania Twain, Celine Dion and Buffy St. Marie. They work with writer Chris Burke-Gaffeny who helped launch Chantal Kreviazuk, McMaster& James, Sierra Noble and Mackenzie Porter.

Matthew Todd Paproski is a respected filmmaker of global TV specials Fire Attack with host William Shatner and Cougar Crossings with music by David Bowie; host of TV series Wildlife Wranglers in Canada, Europe, Russia, Africa, Israel and the Middle East; and founder of Starland Studios, a full service media production company, online distributor and animal sanctuary, based in Drumheller, Alberta.

For information, please contact: Laura Dougan

Email: office@starlandstudios.com Phone: 403-334-1450

APRIL 23, 2018: CREE SISTERS ‘MOODY X 2’ FROM MANITOBA EMBARKING ON ‘SONGS FOR WOLVES’ TOUR TO ALBERTA.

Mon, 23 Apr 2018 18:47:51 GMT

Appear 8pm, May 4 at Newcastle Pub in Drumheller and 3pm, May 5 at SpringFest in East Coulee.

Launch of 6th album, Only Up From Here by singers Natashia and Alexandria Moodie (with writer Chris Burke-Gafney) being independently distributed by producer Starland Studios via CDbaby to Spotify, Itunes, Amazon…

Launching music video Mahekan by Starland Studios & director Matt Paproski (with appearances by Chief Arlen Dumas and real Timber Wolves)

AND, filming music video for new song Universe at SpringFest and the Drumheller Hoo Doos with Toronto cinematographer Ze Zefred providing his experience, cameras and Steadicam services.

Drumheller, Alberta, Canada: President of Starland Studios Matthew Todd Paproski says “We are proud to be bringing this Moody x 2 tour from Manitoba to Alberta and sharing their upbeat and positive music with the public. It is refreshing to hear optimism in a world that has been becoming more divided”.

Natashia Moodie says “I can’t believe we are both mothers with three daughters each, and since age of eleven have sang 22 years, received an Indigenous Music Award nomination for Best Pop Album in 2015 and now our sixth album Only Up From Here is being released and has been requested by SiriusXM”. She is hoping that by launching outside of Manitoba in Alberta, they will be able to reach new audiences.

Paproski says “In my quest to find soundtrack music for our documentary film How Will Wolves Survive? Natashia and Alexandria wrote a song called Mahekan about wolves, their totem animal, when they were children, and rewrote and recorded it for us. I was very honored to direct and produce its music video that features the sisters, a cameo by Manitoba Grand Chief Arlen Dumas and our wolves Timber and Aurora. It is fate their childhood wolf song now ends up in our project with other artists called Songs for Wolves”.

“To that end, a new music video for song Universe is being shot and will also be in our documentary. It will be filmed at their concerts at the Newcastle Pub and East Coulee SpringFest, amongst rare Hoo Doos and at scenic locations in the Drumheller Valley. Ze Zefred (Frederic Ansaldo), a talented filmmaker and CGI artist from France based in Toronto, is flying in and providing his cameras and Steadicam services”.

“It is a historic moment as we are building creative bridges with indigenous artists to help wildlife such as wolves. We are also grateful Moody x 2 are breaking out here in our Drumheller community which is rich with musical talent. We even have an all-star cast of local musicians accompanying the singers: on drums, Jerry Roberto; lead guitar, Layne Syvertsen; bass guitar, Chris Foisier; and on keyboards, Paul Rosgen. Special thanks to East Coulee SpringFest, Newcastle Pub, DCT Promotions and Town of Drumheller.”

Matthew Todd Paproski is a respected filmmaker of global TV specials Fire Attack with host William Shatner and Cougar Crossings with music by David Bowie; is host of TV series Wildlife Wranglers in Canada, Europe, Russia, Africa, Israel and the Middle East; and founder of Starland Studios, a full service media production company, online distributor and animal sanctuary, based in Drumheller, Alberta.

For information, please contact: Laura Dougan

Email: office@starlandstudios.com Phone: 403-334-1450

NOVEMBER 16, 2017: STARLAND STUDIOS RELEASES STUNNING MUSIC VIDEO FOR CREE SISTERS ‘MOODY X 2’ OF SINGLE “MAHEKAN” FROM UPCOMING NEW ALBUM ‘ONLY UP FROM HERE’

Thu, 16 Nov 2017 21:42:51 GMT

Please watch: Mahekan available on Vimeo at https://vimeo.com/477262990

It shares we are “stronger together than apart” and could not come at a better time in our divisive society. Manitoba Grand Chief Arlen Dumas and real timber wolves make cameo appearances.

Drumheller, Alberta, Canada: President of Starland Studios Matthew Todd Paproski says “we are now working in the music industry with breakthrough recording artists Moody x 2 releasing their new album. Through good fate we met the two singing Moodie sisters of the Cree Wolf clan and made an exciting music video for their new single “Mahekan” (The Wolf). Their music will also be featured in a feature documentary we are making called ‘How Will Wolves Survive?’ involving wolves being raised by us.

Natashia Moodie says she “can’t believe that she is a single mother with three young daughters, and since she was eleven has now sang 22 years, made six albums, received a 2015 Indigenous Music Awards nomination for Best Pop Album and is finally entering the Canadian Juno Awards!” Her and her sister Alexandria are from Nelson House in Northern Manitoba (Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation) and are singers, songwriters and public speakers on anti-bullying, suicide prevention and missing and murdered women.

Paproski says Mahekan is a perfect first sample of the diverse styles on new album ‘Only Up From Here’. Mahekan is enchanting and unique in how it mixes English with Cree lyrics and is set in old and modern times. It also carries a strong social message about people now needing to come together. It is intertwined with a compelling story involving filming the wolves from our How Will Wolves Survive? film and a cameo appearance of Manitoba Grand Chief Arlen Dumas wearing headdress howling with the wolves.

It is a catchy and soulful tune with eye-catching imagery that you just can’t stop replaying in your head. Think subtle influences of Adele, Shania Twain, Celine Dion, Buffy Sainte-Marie and Robbie Robertson. It is intended that the music video goes viral and the sisters are asking everyone to share it world-wide…

Mahekan is released with “Calling All Hearts” and four songs: “Last Night”, “Pullin Me”, “YOUniverse” and “When Your Heart Has Wings” – by writer Chris Burke-Gafney of Winnipeg, Manitoba. Chris helped launched the careers of Chantal Kreviazuk, McMaster& James, Sierra Noble, Mackenzie Porter and more.

Special Thanks: Editor, Jason Carlson; Spirit Way Inc. and Boreal Discovery Centre in Thompson, MB.

For information, please contact: Laura Dougan,

Email: office@starlandstudios.com Phone: 403-334-1450

OCTOBER 6, 2017: HUGE SUCCESS FILMING "HOW WILL WOLVES SURVIVE?"

Fri, 06 Oct 2017 21:04:48 GMT

Huge success filming ‘How Will Wolves Survive?’ as wolves Timber and Aurora sell out tours, help smash Guinness Record for ‘Most People Wolf Howling’ and appear in ‘Mahekan’ music video with Moody x 2.

Drumheller, Alberta, Canada: President of Starland Studios Matthew Todd Paproski says “we have just returned from an intense two-week journey with wolves Timber and Aurora to Thompson, Manitoba and declare our filming stock footage for ‘How Will Wolves Survive?’ incredibly successful. Footage filmed is intended for use in a feature documentary film, TV specials, web series, social media and music video.

This documentary is about ten years raising Timber and Aurora since rescuing them from a game hunting farm until now becoming the ambassadors for Thompson, Wolf Capital of the World. They just appeared as featured guests of Wolf Week during AuroraFest Canada150 celebrations held in Thompson in which 60 groups averaging 15 people each were taken on guided educational tours to meet and howl with them.

HUGE NEWS is at 3pm on September 21st Timber and Aurora also helped Thompson smash Guinness World Record for ‘Most People Wolf Howling’ with 2,033 people standing in the shape of a wolf on a ballfield howling. Footage at https://youtu.be/ZGKOa1dhRL8 was Video of the Week with Canadian Geographic. Evidence is being submitted to Guinness for confirmation it is a new world record. It breaks record of 803 made July 1st in Niagara Falls and attempt by 1,003 on Sept. 30th in Wolverhampton, UK.

As well, new Manitoba Grand Chief Arlen Dumas gave a candid interview stating: “Wolves will survive if we leave them alone” and makes a cameo appearance in headdress howling on location with the wolves in a music video for song ‘Mahekan’ by recording artists Moody X 2. Young Cree women Natashia and Alexandria Moodie sing how like wolves, people are “stronger together than apart”. Their struggles in life are compared to lives of two wolves. Produced by Chris Burke-Gaffney (known for developing Chantal Kreviazuk), Moody X 2 intend on releasing the video with song on a new album in time for 2018 Junos.

Their song Mahekan (Wolf) was updated to be a theme song on soundtrack of How Will Wolves Survive?

Appearances: Moody X 2; Natashia, Alexandria and Llewelynne Moodie

Recording artist, Don Amero

Manitoba Grand Chief, Arlen Dumas

Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation Councillor, Bonnie Linklater

Ma-Mow-We-Tak Friendship Centre Program Coordinator, Katie Nachbaur

Cree elder Ilse Clements and artist Pat Bruderer

Manitoba Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), Kelly Bindle

Manitoba, Northern Director of Conservation, Darryl Hedman

Thompson Mayor Dennis Fenske and Councillor Penny Byer

President of the Thompson Chamber of Commerce, Raj Thelthy

President of the Thompson Humane Society, Oswald Sawh

Clients: President of Spirit Way Inc., Marion Morberg

Project Coordinator of Spirit Way Inc., Volker Beckmann

President of Boreal Discovery Centre, Keith MacDonald

Thanks: Meridian Hotel, Lakeview Inn, Music Makers/Smitty and Wendy, Robert Kulhawy

Crew: Laura Dougan, Cynthia Wohlberg, Robin Gladden, Sean Kerr, Ed Duhn

Support: Jon Harnish, Dennis Foley, Al Meston, Simon Theriault, Peggie and Ted Ginger

Matthew Todd Paproski is filmmaker of international TV specials Fire Attack with host William Shatner and Cougar Crossings with music by David Bowie; host of TV series Wildlife Wranglers in Canada, Europe, Russia, Africa, Israel and the Middle East; & founder of Starland Studios in Drumheller, Alberta.

For information, please contact: Laura Dougan

Email: office@starlandstudios.com Phone: 403-334-1450

SEPTEMBER 13, 2017: FILM COMMENCES ON HOW WILL WOLVES SURVIVE

Wed, 13 Sep 2017 21:17:42 GMT

Animal actors Timber and Aurora filming ‘How Will Wolves Survive?’ in western Canada with wildlife filmmaker Matthew Todd Paproski.

It documents the journey of two rescued wolves going to Aurorafest & being ambassadors for The World Wolf Capital - Thompson, Manitoba.

Drumheller, Alberta, Canada: President of Starland Studios Matthew Todd Paproski is very pleased to announce, “filming has commenced on ‘How Will Wolves Survive?’ after ten years raising wolves for it”.

(Grammy Award winning Los Lobos said will provide their song ‘Will the Wolf Survive’ to soundtrack)

The film tells the story of wolves Timber and Aurora being saved from being trophies at a game hunting farm and how they end up helping trigger an eco-tourism economy that benefits the people of the North.

A drone is being used for the opening aerial shots of the prehistoric Drumheller Valley, following the Red Deer River and revealing Timber and Aurora in their enclosure at Starland Studios (see attached pic). It follows Matt and crew driving trucks with an animal trailer across the prairies to Thompson, Manitoba. It will be intercut with footage of the wolves being raised and about issues threatening this keystone species.

An indigenous elder woman will smudge the enclosure at the Boreal Discovery Centre before the wolves are released into it. At opening of AuroraFest 150 (September 16-24), tribute will be paid by dignitaries and Spirit Way volunteers to the wolves for being ambassadors of Thompson, Wolf Capital of the World.

During Wolf Week, educational ‘Walk n’ Talk’ guided tours introduce visitors to Timber and Aurora.

A screening will be held of Paproski’s film Cougar Crossings and pilot of TV series Wildlife Wranglers, as well as Wildlife Filmmaking and Animal Care Workshops and a presentation at an Elders Banquet.

Past Grand Chief Phil Fontaine leads a wolf howl with local leaders and discusses finding commonality.

He says indigenous people understand how to conserve wildlife and want to share this with the world.

It is ironic despite our threat to wolves, Timber and Aurora are trying to help us by bringing us together.

A music video of ‘Mahagan’ featuring Timber and Aurora is being made with the ‘Moody x2’. Two Cree women, Natashia and Alexandria Moodie, sing how like wolves, we are “stronger together than apart”.

Their struggles alone in life are compared to lives of two lone wolves, until the sisters and wolves reunite.

The sisters end up performing the song in front of 1,000 people of all ages, gender, races and religions.

An attempt will be made to break the Guinness World Record of 804 ‘People Howling like Wolves’ with plans to get participants from the community stand in the shape of a ‘wolf head’ and film it from above

After AuroraFest, the film will share opinions from experts about efforts being made and solutions being pursued to save both wild and captive wolf populations to ensure bio-diversity and preserve gene pools.

We need to know “how will wolves survive?”- to know how humans will survive as the planet evolves.

Paproski wants to inspire people with this true story and show wolves and humans can help each other.

Matthew Todd Paproski is a respected filmmaker of TV specials Fire Attack with host William Shatner and Cougar Crossings with music by David Bowie; host of TV series Wildlife Wranglers in Canada, Europe, Russia, Africa, Israel and the Middle East; & founder of Starland Studios in Drumheller, Alberta.

Versions will be edited for a feature documentary, 2 x 1-hour TV episodes, web series and social media.

For information, please contact: Laura Dougan

Email: office@starlandstudios.com Phone: 403-334-1450

JUNE 10, 2017: CANADA'S 150TH ANNIVERSARY, WILDLIFE FILMMAKER MATT PAPROSKI IS APPEARING WITH WOLVES

Sat, 10 Jun 2017 21:27:57 GMT

For Canada’s 150th anniversary, wildlife filmmaker Matt Paproski is appearing with wolves: ‘Timber’ as mascot of Thompson, Manitoba, “Wolf Capital of the World”; and ‘Aurora’, as guest of honor at their “Aurorafest: Celebrating Canada’s Wilderness and Wildlife”.

(September 16-24, 2017)

Thompson, Manitoba, Canada: “Who would have thought wolves Timber and Aurora, rescued as pups from being prey on a captive game hunting farm, would on their journey through life end up as global ambassadors for Thompson, Manitoba, the Wolf Capital of the World ?” asks filmmaker Matthew Todd Paproski of Wildlife Wranglers Productions. He says: “Three years ago we became aware of community-based group, Spirit Way Inc. in Thompson, Manitoba with a bold plan to be Wolf Capital of the World and are pleased they are now working with us. Working with Spirit Way allows us to finish filming the recent adventure of our lives as Wildlife Wranglers that involved ten long, hard years of raising wolves. Thompson provides a perfect ending where the wolves end up howling with civic and aboriginal leaders.”

Marion Morberg, President of Spirit Way Inc. says “This is a perfect time to have wolves appear as guests in Thompson. They will be introduced to residents and visitors and help educate the public about the importance of this apex predator in the wilderness, its essential role in a balanced ecosystem and why wolves need not to be feared or maligned. This is an ideal wildlife story that can be told to the world. We foresee benefits for the animals and a legacy for the community”.

Thompson is in northern Manitoba and surrounded by vast pristine boreal forest with a vibrant wolf population. The city is the gateway for many wildlife visitors and researchers from around the globe who stream to Churchill, Manitoba, known as the Polar Bear and Beluga Whale Capital of the World . With all the controversial issues in the news such as wolf culling in western Canada and the USA, it makes educational and marketing sense to film a story of rescued wolves on a journey to appear at new sanctuary in Thompson, “Aurora and Timber will become Thompson’s ambassadors in the conservation world,” commented Paproski. “Our wolves will also greatly enjoy exploring the new wolf habitat at the Boreal Discovery Centre, with its natural spaces and features that meet international standards”.

Morberg states, “So far Spirit Way Inc. has raised over $1 million for a variety of wolf initiatives, such as school education projects, the world’s largest lighted mural of a Robert Bateman wolf painting, 49 wolf statues painted by artists used in a province-wide “GPS Wolf Hunt” and other projects. Our focus now is to create a Wolf Centre of Excellence with a vision of best practices in all things wolf . Our organization is excited about the synergy created working with Matthew who offers things that benefit our education and research programs. We are confident in his experience as entrepreneur, wildlife filmmaker and wrangler”.

Matthew Todd Paproski is a respected filmmaker of TV specials Fire Attack with host William Shatner and Cougar Crossings with music by David Bowie; host of TV series Wildlife Wranglers in Canada, Europe, Russia, Africa, Israel and the Middle East; and head of Starland Studios in Drumheller, Alberta.

For information, please contact:

Volker Beckmann, Project Director, Spirit Way Inc., 162 Princeton Dr., Thompson, MB. R8N 2A4 www.thompsonspiritway.ca Email: thompsonspiritway@gmail.com Phone: 204-778-7434

FEBRUARY 7, 2017: SO YOU WANT TO BE IN THE MOVIES...

Tue, 07 Feb 2017 22:34:01 GMT

For those interested in being an actor or performer, working behind the scenes or providing services for the film industry.

‘Making Drumheller film friendly!’ free all-ages speaker panel.

7 pm, Thur., Feb. 16th, Canadian Legion, 295 Centre st., Drumheller.

Speakers: Jolayne Motiuk (Calgary Film Commission), Tina Alford (ACTRA/CSIF), Damian Petti (IATSE INT’L) and other special guests…

Drumheller, Alberta, Canada: Matthew Todd Paproski, the President of Starland Studios, says “we are happy to present a free initial public information session oriented to educating residents on ‘Making Drumheller Film Friendly’ and work opportunities in the booming media industries.

We based Starland Studios in Drumheller because it is one of the top film locations in Canada and to provide infrastructure, technical expertise and a pool of talent for producers coming here.

To get things rolling, we have invited high-level contacts to speak to the Badlands community”.

Jolayne Motiuk (Calgary Film Commission Representative), will discuss how the building of a new state-of-the-art Calgary Film Centre and advent of new government initiatives geared for the digital media and tourism industries make it good timing for Drumheller to position itself in the market. Drumheller has unique world-class topography and may also double for many places.

Tina Alford (Branch Representative, ACTRA Alberta; President, Calgary Society of Independent Filmmakers) will share information on how to be a professional actor, stunt person or filmmaker. Keeping in mind the levels range from no and low budget to medium and big budget, she assists talent in getting jobs, training, agents and casting, as well as filmmakers seeking qualified talent.

Damian Petti (President IATSE Local 212 Calgary; Int’l Vice-President IATSE Canada) will reveal that it looks like an exciting year for communities with good highways near Calgary as union studio zones were recently extended further from city limits. It now makes more economic sense and is safer to go to locations like Drumheller, by commuting or staying at local lodgings.

(IATSE is huge global union representing large percentage of vital technical jobs on and off set)

Paproski says “With the ongoing volatility of our resource-based economy, it is more important than ever to now learn new vocations and work with businesses in entertainment and technology,

whether performing, doing work behind camera ranging from artist or technician to carpenter or truck driver, or off set providing services related to locations, accommodations or restaurants.”

“Not only may film production result in millions for a community like the Town of Beiseker now hosting the filming of Fargo, Season Three, starring Ewan McGregor, it also has a direct positive effect on tourism. It lures visitors to locations like the Badlands and provides even more jobs. The Lord of the Rings increased visitors to New Zealand by 50% and triggered a multi-billion-dollar economy and now growth in the British Columbia film industry is reflecting a similar situation.”

Paproski has been a military officer, firefighter, actor, journalist, filmmaker and entrepreneur. Now based in Drumheller, Alberta, he operates Starland Studios, producing its own projects and providing media services for clients, and Construction Productions, a commercial contractor.

For Info:

Phone: (403)334-2530, Email: office@starlandstudios.com , Facebook page: Starland Studios

DECEMBER 14, 2016: DEER RESCUED FROM FROZEN RIVER – DRUMHELLER ALBERTA

Wed, 14 Dec 2016 22:38:18 GMT

WOW! A deer stuck in ice. Was trying to have a rare nap on a weekend afternoon and a facebook post I was following was bothering me. I kept checking my phone. Before resting I saw a post by a neighbor about a deer that was stuck in ice on the Red Deer River we live on. Being an ex-firefighter and feeling empathetic to a living-being suffering and near death and knowing I could do something about it made me respond instinctively. I filled my truck with canoe, sled, ropes, harnesses, hip waders and a life jacket.

I asked Laura to come for safety and as an after-thought she brought her camera. For bread and butter we are construction contractors but are also passionate wildlife filmmakers that have been saving animals. We want to inspire others to care for animals in distress. While helping out, Laura managed to get footage of the deer rescue. It was scary but the right thing to do. We never would have attempted this if we did not have the training and abilities to succeed and do not encourage those that do not have experience.

Upon arrival at the scene anonymous neighbors helped us as I went down a steep bank. I had to go on thin ice to try and get close to the old doe but she tried to get away. I had to circle around behind her and get in the river myself to coax her toward shore. I tried lifting her out but she was weak and heavy. I wrapped a rope around her and with help from the shore pulling and me pushing at the same time, we got her out of the ice. It was an incredibly rewarding feeling to work with our neighbors to save the life of this animal.

In a world where wildlife is being eradicated at an unprecedented and apocalyptic rate, we are motivated to use social media to increase our awareness of this environmental crisis. We need all species to survive! To this end we have produced a TV series called Wildlife Wranglers and short films about animals, please check out the videos on this page or on our website www.starlandstudios.com and support our work.

Please Like, Comment and Share this Page to inspire other people to care about wildlife and each other…