We Have A Winner!

Paperny Films is pleased to announce the winner of the 2011 So You Think You Can Make TV? Contest.

The competition was fierce, but our audience standout was “The Challengers,” an inspirational film by Jackie Chan and Gary W. Hayes.

Thank you to all who took the time to vote - 3500 people in total. Your input has awarded Jackie and Gary a highly coveted internship with Paperny Films and a $3000.00 cash prize with which to pursue further creative interests.

Our two talented filmmakers were thrilled with the support of online viewers. When contacted about being the contest winner, Gary’s enthusiasm was obvious:

"It has been an incredible experience hearing the reactions to this trailer. It is another step in the right direction for the idea and the concept.”

Both Gary and Jackie are graduates of Humber College’s Film and TV Program, and both are no stranger to adversity.

(From left to right) Lee Harris - Editor, Jackie Chan - Host, Gary Hayes - Writer, Director, Producer, Stephen Beard - Director of Photography

At 23, Gary, writer, director and producer of “The Challengers,” is intimate with the idea of facing one’s challenges head on. He lost his mother to ovarian cancer at 17; he has watched his father battle an acquired brain injury for many years - but you won’t catch him complaining about it; instead, his life experience has motivated him to inspire others to live life to the fullest.

Gary has had much success in his young life. His college thesis project, “Extended Stay” was chosen by Air Canada as part of their student film festival and subsequently won Best College Level Short Film at the Worldfest International Film Festival. He then went on to work as the Production Coordinator for the Canadian series, Great Canadian Books. Gary currently works at Discovery Channel Canada as a media logger and is excited about where his new film, “The Challengers” is taking him.

Jackie Chan, host and development consultant of “The Challengers,” has lived with both depression and Tourette’s Syndrome for most of his life. You might think that these disorders would largely define who he is. But an avid martial artist and popular speaker more accurately characterizes Jackie. A second degree blackbelt, he has embraced both the physical and mental aspects of karate, aikido and kung fu and credits these disciplines with his ability to positively cope. He is passionate about mentoring young kids and inspiring them to realize their dreams and personal potential. His role in “The Challengers” is an extension of his life’s work as an ECE (Early Childhood Educator), martial arts instructor and public speaker.

We at Paperny Films consider it a privilege to have the opportunity to work with two such highly talented and socially-minded individuals and are excited to partner with them throughout the coming months.