MEET THE CREATIVE TEAM
Reese Brunelle
Cinematographer, Editor,
Executive Producer.
Meet the cast
Tom Melissis - Spiro Saunders
Tom has been in the business since the mid 80s. Just a few of his memorable projects have been performing improv/sketch comedy with "The Second City", a series regular in "Due South", a recurring role in "Degrassi: Next Generation"/ "Degrassi: Next Class" a guest lead in such TV shows as "Da Vinci's Inquest", "Flashpoint" "Heroes Reborn" and he was a supporting lead in the TV movie "The David Milgaard Story".
Zade O'Blenes - Sally Saunders
Zade O’Blenes is a classically trained actor whose career began on stage in elementary school theatre and quickly evolved into leading roles in iconic productions such as Grease (Rizzo), Guys and Dolls (Adelaide), and Rent (Maureen). Her early passion for performance earned her a scholarship to a prestigious conservatory in New York City, where she spent five years training and working Off-Broadway, refining a bold, emotionally grounded style rooted in live performance.
Since returning home, Zade has transitioned seamlessly into film and television, building an impressive resume across numerous series and feature projects. She is also highly sought after in the commercial world, booking national campaigns for major brands including Dove, Budweiser, Pepsi, M&M’s, Lysol, and more.
Grounded by her theatre discipline and sharpened by years of on-camera experience, Zade brings authenticity, versatility, and a fearless presence to every role.
Paul James Saunders - Vic Dimitri
Paul James Saunders is a veteran Canadian actor whose screen career spans decades and includes a wide range of film and television roles marked by versatility, depth, and a natural presence. Saunders has built a body of work that reflects his professionalism, character range, and commitment to authentic performance.
Saunders is perhaps best known for his recurring portrayal of the Police Chief in the television series Good Cops (4 episodes), a role that showcased his ability to bring authority and nuance to a central character in an ensemble cast. His television work also includes roles in Lost Girl (as Mario), The Transporter (as Chandler), 72 Hours: True Crime (as Paul Doyle), Mayday (as Alexander Gross), and appearances in numerous other series dating back to classics such as Due South, E.N.G., and Street Legal.
On film, Saunders’ credits include an eclectic mix of features and shorts. He appeared in the cult comedy Half Baked, the biographical drama Polanski Unauthorized (Eugene Gatowski), and the award-recognized comedy feature Assisted Fishing (Bernie). He has also been featured as Bill in the 2025 comedy Old Guys in Bed, and in titles such as Gotham Blue (Frankie Cat), Chokeslam (Bruno/Horatio), Zena (Grandpa), Saving Dinah (George Owens), Alone With Mr. Carter (Mr. Carter), Mud (Dad), Shark City (Pauly the Limo Driver), and Intergalactic Combat (Crusher).
Saunders began his performance journey in theatre, notably appearing in landmark musical productions such as Hair and Jesus Christ Superstar, foundational experiences that helped cultivate his stage presence and character instincts — skills that carry through his screen work today.
Known for his versatility and reliability across genres, Paul James Saunders continues to pursue meaningful roles in film and television, bringing depth, professionalism, and nuance to every performance.
Daryl Marks - Hymie Bernstein
Daryl Marks is an award-winning actor who has called Toronto home since 1973. He began his career in 1972 with a role in the groundbreaking British comedy series On the Buses. Over the decades, Daryl has appeared in more than 100 television, film, commercial, and stage productions, building a reputation for versatility and depth.
His film credits include Switched at Death, Hostage, Love You, Goodbye, and The Taste of Blood. On stage, he has delivered memorable performances in acclaimed productions such as The Sunshine Boys, Whose Life Is It Anyway?, I Ought to Be in Pictures, Love Letters, and Laughter on the 23rd Floor.
Beyond acting, Daryl is an accomplished writer. He created the stage play Best Friends and, more recently, helped develop the period drama The Other Side of Yonge Street.
Passionate about storytelling in all its forms, Daryl continues to embrace—and enjoy—the remarkable journey of his creative career.
Shawn Vincent - Jimmy Saunders
Shawn Vincent is known for Cup of Cheer, Dark Side of the '90s, and Howlin' Circus: McCandless, Blunt & Toledano.
Shawn Parker Davidson - Chris Saunders
Shawn Parker is a performer with over twenty years of experience in the entertainment industry. He began as a child actor in Toronto before moving to North Bay, Ontario, in 2012 to study theatre at Canadore College. Shawn has appeared in numerous stage productions, including As You Like It, Zastrozzi, and Becky Shaw. On screen, he has played leading roles in Lavenders Blue, The Missionary Position, and the upcoming Bell Fibe TV1 series Guide to Female Creatures.
Inspired by his late sister Rachel—who once staged Spice Girls performances with him for friends and family—Shawn continues to bring that same joy and imagination to his work, honouring her memory in every performance.
Mia Praught - Gloria
Mia Praught is a Canadian actor and singer-songwriter with a background in theatre and extensive experience in commercial and voiceover work. A seasoned recording artist, she is currently working on her fifth self-written and produced album and spent over 16 years living and producing music in Chile, where several of her albums were recorded. Since returning to Canada, Mia has been performing with touring musical acts while continuing her work as a multidisciplinary artist. She is also the founder of a creative wellness company that blends music, movement, and mindfulness—reflecting her belief in the transformative power of the arts.
Marc Ludwig - Detective Johnny Anderson
Marc Rico Ludwig is an award-winning Canadian actor, writer, comedian and producer whose work spans stage, screen, and audio. He has starred in several films, such as Sorority Shark Attack, Jackknife, The Lurker, Switched At Death, Last Chance At Shangri-La, The Things Beyond The Darkness, Threadbare, Now Playing, and Maybe I Am The Villain. You might recognize Marc from popular podcasts such as Sherlock & Co, Hunting Grounds, or Darkstead. Working in theatre for over a decade, Marc has performed all across Canada. Jack and The Beanstalk (Alberta Opera Tour); Urinetown (Grindstone Theatre); Harun (In Arms Theatre); The Importance of Being Earnest, The Hobbit (Capitol Theatre); Evil Dead: The Musical, Tuesdays With Morrie (Mansfield Entertainment); and the world-premiere of his own play: Butcher The Pig (The Theatre On King), to name a few. Marc also co-founded Rapid’s End Improv, producing and performing in comedy shows: The Ball Pit, Let’s Get Lit, BREW-HAHA Stand Up Comedy and the notorious Rico & Rostrup: a musical improv duo.
Gideon Heath - Seamus the Redneck
Gideon Heath is an award-winning 30-year veteran of over 60 Theatre productions in theatres as an actor, director, producer and, most recently, an emerging Canadian playwright. His one-act play, "Warren (This One Is On Me)”, was featured at the 2024 Snap Shots Short Play Festival in Port Perry, Ontario, receiving Audience Favourite honours and most recently at The 2025 Newmarket International Festival of One Act Plays, "Warren” was chosen as Best Production for the Festival. His most recent film role as "Boss Billy" in the hot new director Steve Birtles' award-winning short film "Chain Link" has been featured at short film festivals across Canada throughout 2025. Gideon is a native of Kingston, Ontario.
meet the crew
Chris Saunders
Second Camera & Grip number two
Luke Roote
Sound Director
Holly Eiren
Hair and Make-up
Shawn Brunelle
Second AD/Grip
MEET Sandy Graham. Logistics, Strategist and PR Director
Sandy Graham is a logistics strategist and consultant who has had perhaps one of the most diverse and interesting careers in the Canadian Music Industry.
With a track record of being the second female Radio Music Director in Canada, as well as being the first female a major label hired (RCA/BMG) as Eastern Promotions Manager for RCA Records in Montreal, Quebec, which gave her experience in being a tour director and stage manager for major artists, and currently owns the legacy music magazines, Cashbox Canada and Record World International. Sandy Graham is the Recipient of the King Charles 111 Coronation Medal 2025 for her role in creating awareness of ageism and gender equality.
As a recognized Musicologist and a Choreographer, Sandy was hired by Atlantis Films as a choreographer on the successful Series Maniac Mansions-SCTV, created by Eugene Levy, Michael Short, John Hemphill and starring Joe Flaherty and Debra Theaker. She was also the Choreographer and Music Supervisor on RoboCop and was sought after by David Chase (The Sopranos) to be the Music Supervisor and Choreographer on his US-released TV Series Almost Grown starring Tim Daly and Eve Gordon.
Sandy Graham has owned various music venues throughout her career, including the Legendary Horseshoe Tavern and Route 66, and has produced shows for The Tall Ships, Starlight Foundation, Toronto Blue Jays Baseball Club, and Variety Village. She was also the Executive Producer for Earth Day 2021, a music documentary featuring actor Tom Jackson and a host of celebrities.
As an industry person steeped in the history of the musical past of our country, Sandy is excited to take on the role of Logistics Strategist Director and PR Manager for The Other Side of Yonge Street and welcomes the opportunity to be able to work with her
long-term colleague Paul Saunders, again, and the whole team at
The Other Side of Yonge Street.
Email us at theothersideofyongestreet@gmail.com
The Other Side of Yonge Street
The Other Side of Yonge Street
Created by Paul James Saunders.
Written, produced and directed by Paul James Saunders and
Daryl Marks, with cinematography by Reese Brunelle.
Original Soundtrack: Music and Lyrics by Paul James Saunders.
SOCAN ©
Currently in development with
Saunders Marks Media.
Contact us:
Contact us by email at theothersideofyongestreet@gmail.com
or General Chat at the bottom right side of the page.