When the neon
and the nightlife
comes together, anything
can happen.
From the late '40s to the 70's in Toronto, an Eastern European immigrant family contends with discrimination and corruption as they work to establish one of the first bars on Yonge Street; The Bermuda Tavern and Nightclub
CURRENTLY IN DEVELOPMENT
Paul James Saunders
Series Creator, Director, Executive Producer, Screenwriter, Soundtrack Composer
No stranger to the world of entertainment, Paul James Saunders has been on all sides of the creative arts from acting, theatre performing, songwriting, producing and directing. The Other Side of Yonge Street is a series Paul has created and written about his grandfather Spiros Saunders, a Macedonian immigrant who successfully made his mark in the entertainment world as owner of The Bermuda Tavern. Paul is the Director, Executive Producer as well as acting in the series.
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.
Reese Brunelle
Cinematographer, Executive Producer
Reese Brunelle is the one of the most multi-talented creative people in the entertainment industry. With decades of experience both on and off the stage, he has produced events throughout his career. As the owner of his own recording and production studio, Reese has been instrumental in creating the look, feel and presentation of The Other Side of Yonge Street.
His roles include Cinematographer, Editor as well as Executive Producer. With a commitment to quality presentations, Reese plays an integral part of the making of The Other Side of Yonge Street.
series trailer
"the other side of yonge street"
The Cast
If Tom Melissis looks familiar to you - well he should! 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".
Tom Melissis
[ Spero Saunders ]
Paul James Saunders
[ Vic Dimitri ]
Paul James Saunders is an established Canadian actor whose screen career spans decades in the film and television industry, marked by diversified roles reflected by his professionalism. character range and commitment to delivering authentic performances.
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Saunders plays the character Vic Dimitri in this family legacy series, who is a seasoned music promoter and power broker. Polished, perceptive, and always strategic, Dimitri deals in connections and favours that keep the system moving. With Spero Saunders, there is a trust but tension, because Vic Dimitri never makes a move without something in return.
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Check out more on Paul James Saunders IMBd page here: Paul James Saunders - IMDb
Shawn Parker
Davidson
[ Chris Saunders ]
Shawn Parker Davidson 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—ho 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. An interesting and complicated character – sure to be a fan favourite!
Shawn Vincent is known for his various roles in television and films, which include Cup of Cheer, Dark Side of the '90s, and Howlin' Circus: McCandless, Blunt & Toledano.
Capable of adapting his looks for what his character requires he has truly diversified skills, he embraced the role of Spero’s somewhat rebellious son,Jimmy Saunders both fought and loved his father and the lifestyle that he created.
Shawn Vincent
[Jimmy Saunders ]
Mark Ludwig
[Det. Johnny Anderson ]
Marc Rico Ludwig is an accomplished actor with over a decade of experience.Marc has starred in award-winning short films such as Forced Friendships (2022), A Lot Goin' On At 34 Maple Drive (2023), The Bored Room (2023), SCOOPS (2023), 10 000 Days (2023), Guy-Sight (2024), Living With Ads (2024), The Wicked: Reborn (2024), Maybe I Am The Villain (2024), NOW PLAYING (2024), Daily Dose (2024), The Client (2025) and Threadbare (2025), to television roles in Somebody Knows Something (Prime), Dark Side Of The 90s (ViceTV) and The Food That Build America (History Channel), The Lurker (2023), Switched At Death (2023), MurderFest (2023), Jackknife (2024) and A Farewell To Youth (2025). Detective Silver in Darkstead (2022), the Narrator in Tales of The Wasted West (2022), Mount Oblivion (2021), Sketchcast (2022), Hunting Grounds (2025) and is a recurring performer of Twisted Tales Of Murder And Madness (2022-2025).
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His role as the ‘good guy’ in The Other Side of Yonge Street shows how he easily adapts to characters and his versatility as an actor.
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. Her role will bring out the female character that men will fall in love with and women want to look like. And wow can she sing!
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’, 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. And what a role she has in this timeless streaming series. Revealing more soon.
Daryl Marks
[ Hymie Bernstein ]
British-born 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 continues to write, act and embrace his creative career.
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.
Gideon Heath
[ The "Redneck" ]
Sandy Graham
Logistics and Strategist Director
As a recognized Musicologist and a Choreographer, Sandy Graham 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. She was the Executive Producer for Earth Day 2021, a music documentary featuring actor Tom Jackson and a host of celebrities.
Sandy was recently awarded The King Charles 111 Coronation Medal 2025 for her role in creating awareness of ageism and gender equality.
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.
Thank you for your interest!
