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Published July 7, 2024

What is the 2024 Leo Awards Event in Canada?

In the world of television, and motion picture arts, the Awards started annually in 1999 as a prestigious foundation and marker of excellence, celebrating the best in British Columbia’s vibrant industry. King & Kot Creative Studios celebrated the 2022 Leo Awards and Leo Awards 2023 with many more and are happy to see the team and students’ recognition at  the ceremony.

2 King & Kot Creative Studios’ Owners Support the Upcoming Awards as Jury

King & Kot Creative Studios is proud to announce that Beatrice King and James Kot co-owners have been invited as members of the jury for the Adult Performance Category. This honor and achievement not only highlights their expertise in the film and television industry, but also underscores their significant artistic contributions through their impactful short film production “You Are the Blue,” and their professional acting school, King & Kot Creative Studios where their young students and associates are eligible and nominated to win in more than five different categories.

The Winning Coaching and Producer Journey of Beatrice King & James Kot

Beatrice King is a multifaceted artist—a mixed Asian Canadian writer, producer, actor, acting coach and emerging director. Based in Vancouver, BC, she has garnered over 40 acting credits in film and television, including roles in Warner Brothers’ “Mortal Kombat” and the CW’s “The 100.” Her directorial debut, “You Are the Blue,” is a deeply personal narrative inspired by her own experiences. Eden Summer Gilmore, a student of King & Kot Creative Studios and the lead in “You Are the Blue,” has been training with Beatrice from the age of 11 to 16 years (when “You Are the Blue” was filmed). This film has been celebrated for its authenticity and emotional depth and has screened at festivals like the Edmonton International Film Festival, Vancouver Asian Film Festival, Whistler Film Festival​​, and the Diversity in Cannes Short Film Showcase, where Beatrice was nominated for Best First-time Filmmaker.

James Kot, an accomplished actor, producer, and acting coach, has made a lasting impact in the film and television industry, as well as the arts community. His extensive portfolio encompasses work for major networks and studios such as Netflix, ABC, CBS, Warner Bros, Hallmark, and the CW. James is known for roles on Netflix’s “Virgin River,” a recent Guest Starring role on “When Calls the Heart,” and is currently a supporting lead on Hallmark’s newest series. He is also a producer on “You Are the Blue,” which garnered recognition at the Leo Awards. James first worked with Beatrice on the short film “A Tremendous Heist,” which earned Beatrice King “Best Actress in a Short Film” award at the Oregon Independent Film Festival​​.

King & Kot Creative Studios’ Owners Direct a Production in British Columbia Vancouver that could also lead to Leo Award Winners from their Acting Classes

“You Are the Blue”  Television & Motion Picture Arts Nomination at the Gala Ceremony

The complete movie is a gripping coming-of-age drama that tells the story of teenage Kay, an aspiring dancer struggling with her identity amidst an invisible illness and a consuming secret. The British Columbia film industry devoted a lot of activity to creating it, which beautifully captures the emotional journey of its young main character, which was held and shot over two years. This allowed them to capture multiple months, well over 9 and more than 2 seasons such as fall and summer in October, May, and June to finish in 2023 when the 2023 Leo Awards were being held. The idea behind the seasons uses the changing environment to mirror the protagonist’s transformation. Beatrice King’s directorial debut and direction are notable not only for its heartfelt storytelling, but also recognized for its innovative visuals and authentic voice, derived from her journey​​.

The Family at King & Kot Creative Studios Leading and Nurturing Talent to Potential Leo Award Winners 

King & Kot Creative Studios, founded by Beatrice King and James Kot, is a premiere acting school dedicated to nurturing both youth and adult actors. King Creative Studios is the Youth Division for young actors developing their skills and artistry, and Kot Creative Studios is for adults of all ages taking the next step in their careers. Their studio offers comprehensive training programs designed to develop the skills and confidence of performers. Their approach combines extensive industry experience and professional training with a supportive community, allowing students to thrive and reach their full potential.

See our eligible five talented associates from British Columbia receive nominations at the Leo Awards 2024

King & Kot Creative Studios’ students and colleagues listed below have earned multiple nominations to win awards this year. 

Their Best titled categories include: 

• Performance Youth or Children’s Program or Series: Rosemary Diab for “Sixteen”
• Performance or Host(s) Music, Comedy or Variety Program or Series: Thailey Roberge for “Reginald the Vampire”
• Performance Short Drama: Eden Summer Gilmore for “You Are the Blue”
• Cinematography Short Drama: Stirling Bancroft CSC for “You Are the Blue”
• Picture Editing Short Drama: Peter Carlone for “You Are the Blue”

These achievements reflect “You Are the Blue’s”  impact at the Leo’s and the exceptional talent involved in its creation to potentially be a winner. See this link here where you can access the IMDb for the movie. 

Check out the 3 actors who received Leo nominations this year, who have been a part of King Creative Studios’ Young Adult Company

• Eden Summer Gilmore as a winner at the Whistler Film Festival’s Stars to Watch, and her role in “You Are the Blue” has given her recognition with the nomination for  Best Youth Performance.
• Rosemary Diab, for Best Youth Performance, “Sixteen” 
• Thailey Roberge, for Best Youth Performance, “Reginald the Vampire”  

We hope some, if not all, become Leo Award Winners in these categories! Either way, their achievements are celebrated! The acting studio absolutely enjoys following their upcoming successes as they continue to shine under Beatrice’s mentorship and what they receive along their journey ~ as these acting students have been part of the Young Adult Company Classes.

Congratulations  to the entire Community and fellow Nominees  

The invitation of Beatrice and James as jurors for the Leo Awards is a testament to their expertise and dedication to the arts. Their students’ present and future successes further underscore the impact of their mentorship and the quality of training at their acting school. As Beatrice and James continue to inspire and foster a new generation of actors who are ready to make their mark on the Film & Television Industry, their contributions as jurors, creators, and mentors continue to shape the future of the arts, ensuring that talent and creativity thrive.

King & Kot Creative Studios have 7 Members attend this year on projects, and so could you in the future!

Our mission is to empower, embrace authenticity from youth to adults, and give tools not rules to step into your potential. Given Beatrice and James have established themselves with +15 years of expertise as Acting Coaches in the Film and Television industry, we’re available and happy to support your inquiry and acting journey.

Written by King & Kot Creative Studios Media Team

Thank you!