Meet the Phanta Media team

"Mark’s unique approach to communications, marketing and outright challenging clients to ensure projects succeed has lead to the development of Phanta Media’s unparalleled process. Cutting his teeth in broadcast TV and an internet-franchising organization has brought him to embrace his philosophy: “good enough is never enough.”

Mark is particularly proud of his work with RBC on “The Weekend to End Breast Cancer” and Phanta’s involvement with the Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship. He loves his work, but would rather be in his garage working on his 1974 Austin Mini (which he painted his favourite colour, tangerine orange!)

Daniel’s media sales background has given him a great understanding of how to bridge the gap between creative concepts and the business reasons that support them. He gets technology and understands how to make it work for Phanta Media and our clients. Honing his sales skills in conference sponsorship sales at ALM Insight Information, where he facilitated finance and legal conferences, was a lightbulb experience – parting bankers and lawyers from their money spelled SUCCESS for him!

His time at various .com-company startups allowed him to stretch himself on such accounts as The Toronto Port Authority, SC Johnson and Trojan Condoms. Daniel is a true geek-at-heart; a real gadget-guy. His love of the movies (to the extreme) reminds him fondly of his climb up the corporate ladder from popcorn slinger at 13 to General Manager at 19 for Cineplex Odeon theatres. He even has a projectionist license to his credit.

Roland is a Cinematographer first, Producer second, and all around hard worker third. His vast technical knowledge and experience in cinematography, as well as the polished and artistic style he brings to every project, allows him to infuse the creative into business.

Thinking back to a short film he produced during film school, he remembers fondly the moment he was pushed out beyond cameras and lighting to the world of producing. Transformative is the word he uses to describe “The Battery-Powered Duckling” project. Overcoming health, management and logistical obstacles that demanded his perseverance and tenacity, he saw the project through.

Roland often dreams of riding off on a shiny Harley-Davidson into the sunset (while listening to Bruce Springsteen).

Over the last 6 years, Kyle has developed a healthy obsession for film and video editing. Working with various footage, people, processes and techniques fuels his creativity. He’s driven by stress and late nights while he guides a project from bins to a final cut, bringing a clients’ vision to reality. Always telling the best possible story from the material provided. Should we believe him when he says it’s not always easy (he makes it look easy)? He claims it’s a good reason to get up in the morning. A healthy dose of caffeine helps too.

Experience at all levels and stages of production and development has given Josh the bragging rights to the title “award-winning producer". He’s proudest of his commercial work with companies such as PepsiCo, Aviva and Telus. Josh has also produced several narrative pieces that gained exposure on the film festival circuit including The Toronto International Film Festival, The Dubai Film Festival and The New York City Film Festival. When Josh isn’t producing projects for Phanta, he resets his spirit by hiking or enjoying outdoor sports.

For the past four years, Kirk has thrived on the adrenaline jolt delivered by fast-paced TV broadcasting. Known for burning the candle at both ends - early mornings and late nights – he’s covered live breaking news as a Video Editor and Graphic Artist and found a passion for capturing the story through visuals.

When life seems too quiet, Kirk explores the world, already having traveled to Japan, France, England, Ireland, Belgium, the Netherlands and Thailand. If that’s not possible in person, he’ll resort to all the virtual-travel that an avid movie watcher like he is can tolerate.

Barbara brings the spirit of creativity along with persistence and determination to her marketing and administration tasks at Phanta. She’s seen both sides: during the 1990 recession voluntarily putting to rest her children’s clothing company; on the other hand, nurturing a writers’ conference into health existence during the difficult climate of 2009-10. She’s proud to bring all she’s learned to projects like MicroSkills Annual Gala Celebration.

Aside from working for Phanta, Barbara’s trying to write the next great novel or hot screenplay to get to Hollywood!