Andrew Cymek
Encyclopedia
Andrew Cymek is the owner and creative force behind Defiant Empire and the creator of the Dark Rising
projects. His extensive knowledge in writing, directing, editing and graphics have made him a one-man operation in all creative aspects.
in Toronto where his friends attended as well. While attending York University
, Andrew, Rafael and Jimmy and another partner opened a film and editing company in Yorkville called “Four Horsemen”. He was also a teacher at Toronto Film School, where he taught editing.
. In 2005, Andrew and Brigitte created a film company called “Defiant Empire”. Andrew and Brigitte ran the company together till the end of 2007, when Brigitte became president on Black Walk
; the production company that helped create Dark Rising
. The two companies have now produced three feature films and a television series together.
in 2002, whom she met in 1999 while in school shooting the short film he wrote and starred in "Night Cries".
Dark Rising
Dark Rising is a 2007 independent Canadian horror comedy film directed and written by , and starring , , and Jay Reso. It received a theatrical premiere in Toronto and was released on DVD in 2007.-Synopsis:...
projects. His extensive knowledge in writing, directing, editing and graphics have made him a one-man operation in all creative aspects.
Education
Andrew started making films in high school with his best friends Rafael Ludwig, and Jimmy Martins, who still work together today. Andrew attended York UniversityYork University
York University is a public research university in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is Canada's third-largest university, Ontario's second-largest graduate school, and Canada's leading interdisciplinary university....
in Toronto where his friends attended as well. While attending York University
York University
York University is a public research university in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is Canada's third-largest university, Ontario's second-largest graduate school, and Canada's leading interdisciplinary university....
, Andrew, Rafael and Jimmy and another partner opened a film and editing company in Yorkville called “Four Horsemen”. He was also a teacher at Toronto Film School, where he taught editing.
Defiant Empire
In 1999, while still in school Andrew met Brigitte KingsleyBrigitte Kingsley
Brigitte Kingsley is a Canadian Actress best known for her role as Summer Vale in the multiple Dark Rising Films and Television series.-Early life:...
. In 2005, Andrew and Brigitte created a film company called “Defiant Empire”. Andrew and Brigitte ran the company together till the end of 2007, when Brigitte became president on Black Walk
Black walk
Black Walk is a production company located in Whitby, Ontario. They have a wide range of feature length films and television series.-History:...
; the production company that helped create Dark Rising
Dark Rising
Dark Rising is a 2007 independent Canadian horror comedy film directed and written by , and starring , , and Jay Reso. It received a theatrical premiere in Toronto and was released on DVD in 2007.-Synopsis:...
. The two companies have now produced three feature films and a television series together.
Career
- In 2002, Andrew launched a production company Defiant Empire Corporation with business partner Brigitte KingsleyBrigitte KingsleyBrigitte Kingsley is a Canadian Actress best known for her role as Summer Vale in the multiple Dark Rising Films and Television series.-Early life:...
. - In 2005, Andrew wrote and directed his first film Dark RisingDark RisingDark Rising is a 2007 independent Canadian horror comedy film directed and written by , and starring , , and Jay Reso. It received a theatrical premiere in Toronto and was released on DVD in 2007.-Synopsis:...
starring Brigitte KingsleyBrigitte KingsleyBrigitte Kingsley is a Canadian Actress best known for her role as Summer Vale in the multiple Dark Rising Films and Television series.-Early life:...
, Landy Cannon and WWE Superstar Jay Reso. - In 2008, Andrew received two Canadian Comedy Award Nominations for Best Writer and Best Director.
- In 2010 Andrew completed his second feature film, Medium Raw: Night of the Wolf, an action-thriller starring John Rhys Davies (Lord of the Rings), William B. DavisWilliam B. DavisWilliam Bruce Davis is a Canadian actor, known for his role as The Smoking Man on The X-Files. He has also appeared in Stargate SG-1 as Damaris, a Prior of the Ori and as Mayor Tate on Smallville...
(X-Files), Mercedes McNabMercedes McNabMercedes Alicia McNab is a Canadian-born actress perhaps best known for playing Harmony Kendall on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and its spinoff Angel...
(Buffy the Vampire Slayer) and Jay Reso (WWE) which will be released through Anchor BayAnchor Bay EntertainmentAnchor Bay Entertainment is a U.S. based home entertainment and production company and is a division of Starz Media, which is a unit of Starz, LLC. It was previously owned by IDT Entertainment until 2006 when IDT was purchased by Starz Media. Anchor Bay markets and sells feature films, series,...
on August 16, 2011. Andrew is also expanding the Dark RisingDark RisingDark Rising is a 2007 independent Canadian horror comedy film directed and written by , and starring , , and Jay Reso. It received a theatrical premiere in Toronto and was released on DVD in 2007.-Synopsis:...
brand with a television series The Savage Tales of Summer Vale, and the Dark RisingDark RisingDark Rising is a 2007 independent Canadian horror comedy film directed and written by , and starring , , and Jay Reso. It received a theatrical premiere in Toronto and was released on DVD in 2007.-Synopsis:...
sequel, Summer Strikes Back!
Personal Life
Andrew married actress/producer Brigitte KingsleyBrigitte Kingsley
Brigitte Kingsley is a Canadian Actress best known for her role as Summer Vale in the multiple Dark Rising Films and Television series.-Early life:...
in 2002, whom she met in 1999 while in school shooting the short film he wrote and starred in "Night Cries".
Filmography
| Year | Film | Job | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | The Pretender (Short Film) | Director, Editor | |
| 2007 | Dark Rising Dark Rising Dark Rising is a 2007 independent Canadian horror comedy film directed and written by , and starring , , and Jay Reso. It received a theatrical premiere in Toronto and was released on DVD in 2007.-Synopsis:... |
Director, Writer, Editor | |
| 2010 | Medium Raw: Night of the Wolf | Actor, Director, Writer | |
| 2011 | Dark Rising: The Savage Tales of Summer Vale (TV series) | Actor, Director, Writer, Editor, Cinematographer, Visual Effects | |
| Dark Rising 2: Summer Strikes Back! | Actor, Director, Writer, Editor, Cinematographer, Visual Effects | ||