The ON SET Workshop with Jason Bourque

Price range: $545.00 through $795.00


Jason is a 10-time Leo Award nominee and 3-time Leo Award winner, and has directed / written / produced 80+ features, TV movies, series, and documentaries in a career spanning almost 30 years.

His film My Favorite Christmas Tree recently hit #2 on Netflix Canada, his film Merry Christmas, Ted Cooper! was Hallmark’s highest-rated film of 2025, and his new series Blue Skies is about to release in Canada (casting: Bim Narine).

As one of the most prolific genre screenwriters on the west coast, Jason has written over 35 produced features, mows and episodic scripts with several high-profile projects slated for 2026

Jason is a real actor’s director. He takes time to get to know every actor personally before we roll. He takes time between takes talking CRAFT and CAREET — auditions, set etiquette, and how to elevate your work. Don’t be shy with questions. We learned so much from him last time — between takes and on set!

WHEN:
SATURDAY February 28th 2026, 9am – 5pm (In-studio)
SUNDAY March 1st 2026, Morning group 8am – 2pm OR Afternoon group 1pm – 7pm. (ON SET)
PARTICIPANTS: All AGES, LEVELS and ABILITIES welcome!! //
FEES: $545 [1 scene] OR $795 [2 scenes] (GST included). Prior payment is required to reserve a seat.

CANCELLATION POLICY: Participants will not be able to cancel for this workshop.
* ActorVan Studios may need to change coaches at the last minute if coaches are sick or on set.


Step on to a live film set with an exclusive opportunity to hone your craft alongside director Jason Bourque. What’s more, you’ll walk away with a professionally shot scene to add to your demo reel.


WHO:

Jason Bourque

A self-proclaimed 80s film nerd with a penchant for comedy, drama, thrillers and sci-fi, award-winning international filmmaker Jason Bourque has written, directed and produced a combined portfolio of over 80 features, television movies, series and documentaries.

Jason co-wrote and co-directed the ground-breaking theatrical documentary “Shadow Company” narrated by Gerard Butler. An in-depth look into the global soldier of fortune industry, the festival hit (SXSW, Hot Docs) was reviewed favorably in the New York Times, Variety and has been used as a teaching tool for the US Senate. Jason co-directed “Darwin’s Brave New World” for CBC and ABC Australia, an award-winning docudrama series shot in five countries. “Music For Mandela”, his last feature documentary shot throughout South Africa, won the People’s Choice Award at the Amnesty International Film Festival.

As one of the most prolific genre screenwriters on the west coast, Jason has written over 35 produced features, mows and episodic scripts with several high-profile projects slated for 2026 including the action comedy “Sixteen”, the supernatural horror “Ivy” and the comedy drama “Widows Club.” Jason served as story editor and writer (2 episodes) on the high-octane thriller series “Insomnia” on Amazon Prime.. As a script doctor and ghost writer, he has worked on theatrical films with budgets up to 40 million.

Jason served as an executive story editor and writer (2 episodes) on the new high-octane thriller series “Insomnia” shot in Moscow, released through STARZ International in 2018.

His movie “Counterfeiting in Suburbia” received several Leo noms and was released on Netflix US. Jason is also the director of the sequel “Hotwired in Suburbia”.

Jason co-produced the comedy “Godfrey” with his producing partner Ken Frith (Gold Star Productions) with an LA team.

Gold Star Productions, owned by Jason Bourque and Ken Frith, is shooting alongside with writer/director/producer Connie Cocchia (Cocchia Productions) the awesome feature “When Time Got Louder” with “Lost” Alum Elizabeth Mitchell and “Hunger Games” Actress Willow Shields.

Jason’s theatrical feature “Black Fly” (writer/director) premiered at VIFF and received nominations for Best Canadian Film as well as 10 Leo Award nominations. It won for Best Male Lead Actor. Accolades include Best Feature at the Arizona Underground Film Festival. Jason’s latest award-winning theatrical feature “Drone” is an indie success story. Starring Emmy-award winner Sean Bean, it was released theatrically in the US and was the #1 Indie and #2 thriller on iTunes. Recent releases include “Merry Christmas, Ted Cooper!” (highest rated Hallmark movie of 2025) “Game Of Love” (2024 Leo-award for Best Director) “A World Record Christmas” (2024 Christopher Award for the Highest Values of the Human Spirit) and “My Favorite Christmas Tree” (#2 on Netflix). Recent sci-fi releases include two episodes of the award-winning “Medinah” (34 Telly Awards) shot in Qatar. Jason produced the romantic comedy “The Right One” through Lionsgate Entertainment and exec produced “Mercy” for Paramount+. This was followed by the award-winning theatrical drama “When Time Got Louder.” Recently Jason executive produced and co-wrote the sci-fi horror feature “Night Comes”, slated for a 2026 release.

Jason Bourque – Biography – IMDb

 


Cliff Hokanson Cliff Hokanson

Director of photography and a camera operator with 25+ years of experience based in Vancouver, British Columbia. He has a successful career as a camera/Steadicam operator working in feature films, documentary and television around the word. Working as a Steadicam/Camera operator Cliff had the pleasure of working with great Directors like Tyler Perry and David Leitch and many more. Also, Cliff has learned to film all types of Cinematic looks with the pleasure or working with Rob Mclachlan and Roy Wagner.

Moving on from Steadicam Operating Cliff works as Director of Photography and Camera Operator/Camera Movement Specialist.

Cliff is know for his fast execution of beautiful lighting/creative camera movement and his fun positive set attitude.

Cliff Hokanson


Petar Gatsby Petar Gatsby

Originally from sunny Croatia, Petar began his acting journey in Germany before taking his craft across the globe — living and working in Sydney, Australia, and Auckland, New Zealand — before ultimately settling in Vancouver, BC.

With a rich and diverse background in performance, Petar has worked extensively as an Actor, Stunt Actor, Stage Actor, TV Presenter, Drama Teacher, Audition Coach, Stage Manager, and Director/Producer. His experience spans both stage and screen, giving him a well-rounded and dynamic approach to storytelling.

Since arriving in Vancouver, he quickly found his place in the city’s bustling film and television industry. Petar was fortunate to land a recurring role on the last standing CW series filmed in Vancouver, portraying Lex Luthor’s henchman Hacksaw Kronick in Superman & Lois. His favorite screen credits include Tracker (CBS), Animal Control (FOX Network) Arrow (CW Network), Upload (Amazon), Turner & Hooch (Disney+), Project Blue Book (History Channel) and The Detour (TBS), among others.

This summer, you can catch him on the big screen in the theatrical release of BAU – Artist at War, alongside Once Upon a Time in Hollywood alum Emile Hirsch — and several of his own clients, who also booked roles in the film.

Over the years, Petar has spent thousands of hours working one-on-one with actors and has participated in hundreds of casting and director workshops, developing a sharp eye for what works — and books — on camera. His clients have landed roles in everything from high-profile network series (including one starring Owen Wilson) to major commercial campaigns shot locally.

Through his production company, based at Actorvan, Petar is also creating his own original content. His short films have received international awards, and he’s now gearing up to produce his first feature film, shooting this summer.

Petar continues to grow as both an artist and mentor, dedicated to helping actors develop, connect, and thrive — both in front of the camera and behind it.

Petar Gatsby – IMDb

Testimonials

Ella De GreyI booked a role on Christie’s latest project that begins filming in Kelowna next week! That would never have happened if I hadn’t done your workshop with her, so thank you!!!
Ella De Grey

Tuck AbbottI used the scene from Martin Wood’s director workshop in my demo reel, and it played a big role in my first agent search. My reel got great responses from multiple agents, and I just signed with a fantastic team this week! Thanks a lot for your coaching in getting my scene ready for the shooting day. I’m very grateful to have been a part of the workshop!
Tuck Abbott

Amanda KhanThank you for organizing a wonderful weekend workshop. I learned so much!! It was such an incredible experience to work with Jon Rosenbaum on a multi cam set. Thank you for prepping us so thoroughly for set!
Amanda Khan 

Mariko ZamaniIf you are thinking about taking an ON SET weekend workshop with ActorVan, the value for the money is very well worth it and I highly recommend the opportunity! From the invaluable high-quality coaching with Petar and the team, to the very unique opportunity to work directly with highly experienced professional directors in a fun and safe learning environment, to receiving a well-produced new scene to add to your demo reel – be brave and just go for it! I’ve made great friends and have learned a lot through my experiences with ActorVan, and I know you will too!
Mariko Zamani – Actor/Voice Actor

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WHAT TO EXPECT:


Day 1 – Studio Scene Coaching:
Join us on Saturday for an intensive in-studio session led by Petar Gatsby. In a dynamic group/class setting, you’ll refine your scene work and perfect your craft, preparing for the excitement ahead. Scripts will be chosen by the director from TV shows the director has worked on.

Day 2 – On-Set Experience:
It’s your time to shine! On Sunday, you will step onto a real film set. You’ll be called to hair and makeup, followed by on-set blocking, rehearsing, and ultimately filming your scene under the expert guidance of JASON BOURQUE. In between takes and camera setups, there will be plenty of time to ask questions and get to know Jason.

Professional Production Quality:
Your performance will be captured with TV movie quality, professional-grade lighting and top-notch sound recording.

Post Production:
Within approximately 14 days post workshop, you’ll receive your professionally edited demo scene.

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