Blog Layout

NOVEMBER 16, 2017: STARLAND STUDIOS RELEASES STUNNING MUSIC VIDEO FOR CREE SISTERS ‘MOODY X 2’ OF SINGLE “MAHEKAN” FROM UPCOMING NEW ALBUM ‘ONLY UP FROM HERE’

Please watch: Mahekan available on Vimeo at https://vimeo.com/477262990


It shares we are “stronger together than apart” and could not come at a better time in our divisive society. Manitoba Grand Chief Arlen Dumas and real timber wolves make cameo appearances. 

Drumheller, Alberta, Canada: President of Starland Studios Matthew Todd Paproski says “we are now working in the music industry with breakthrough recording artists Moody x 2 releasing their new album. Through good fate we met the two singing Moodie sisters of the Cree Wolf clan and made an exciting music video for their new single “Mahekan” (The Wolf). Their music will also be featured in a feature documentary we are making called ‘How Will Wolves Survive?’ involving wolves being raised by us.

Natashia Moodie says she “can’t believe that she is a single mother with three young daughters, and since she was eleven has now sang 22 years, made six albums, received a 2015 Indigenous Music Awards nomination for Best Pop Album and is finally entering the Canadian Juno Awards!” Her and her sister Alexandria are from Nelson House in Northern Manitoba (Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation) and are singers, songwriters and public speakers on anti-bullying, suicide prevention and missing and murdered women.

Paproski says Mahekan is a perfect first sample of the diverse styles on new album ‘Only Up From Here’. Mahekan is enchanting and unique in how it mixes English with Cree lyrics and is set in old and modern times. It also carries a strong social message about people now needing to come together. It is intertwined with a compelling story involving filming the wolves from our How Will Wolves Survive? film and a cameo appearance of Manitoba Grand Chief Arlen Dumas wearing headdress howling with the wolves.

It is a catchy and soulful tune with eye-catching imagery that you just can’t stop replaying in your head. Think subtle influences of Adele, Shania Twain, Celine Dion, Buffy Sainte-Marie and Robbie Robertson. It is intended that the music video goes viral and the sisters are asking everyone to share it world-wide…
Mahekan is released with “Calling All Hearts” and four songs: “Last Night”, “Pullin Me”, “YOUniverse” and “When Your Heart Has Wings” – by writer Chris Burke-Gafney of Winnipeg, Manitoba. Chris helped launched the careers of Chantal Kreviazuk, McMaster& James, Sierra Noble, Mackenzie Porter and more.

Matthew Todd Paproski is a respected filmmaker of global TV specials Fire Attack with host William Shatner and Cougar Crossings with music by David Bowie; host of TV series Wildlife Wranglers in Canada, Europe, Russia, Africa, Israel and the Middle East; and founder of Starland Studios, a full service media production company, online distributor and animal sanctuary, based in Drumheller, Alberta.

Special Thanks: Editor, Jason Carlson; Spirit Way Inc. and Boreal Discovery Centre in Thompson, MB.

For information, please contact: Laura Dougan, 
Email:  office@starlandstudios.com Phone: 403-334-1450
August 27, 2020
Unveiling is at socially distanced special event 8pm, Wednesday, September 2, 2020- at the Royal Canadian Legion in Drumheller…
By Brian Yanish September 12, 2018
Of the thousands of minutes of film judged, ‘Universe’ to be featured in 90 Minutes “selected” to be screened at Red-Carpet Gala on October 13.   ‘Universe’ was made in tribute to the Humboldt Broncos hockey team.
By Brian Yanish June 11, 2018
Dedicated to the Humboldt Broncos and Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation and supporting #strazstrong efforts for survivor Ryan Straschnitzki
By Brian Yanish April 23, 2018
Appear 8pm, May 4 at Newcastle Pub in Drumheller and 3pm, May 5 at SpringFest in East Coulee. Launch of 6th album, Only Up From Here by singers Natashia and Alexandria Moodie (with writer Chris Burke-Gafney) being independently distributed by producer Starland Studios via CDbaby to Spotify, Itunes, Amazon…
By Brian Yanish October 6, 2017
Huge success filming ‘How Will Wolves Survive?’ as wolves Timber and Aurora sell out tours, help smash Guinness Record for ‘Most People Wolf Howling’ and appear in ‘Mahekan’ music video with Moody x 2.
By Brian Yanish September 13, 2017
Animal actors Timber and Aurora filming ‘How Will Wolves Survive?’ in western Canada with wildlife filmmaker Matthew Todd Paproski.  It documents the journey of two rescued wolves going to Aurorafest & being ambassadors for The World Wolf Capital - Thompson, Manitoba.
By Brian Yanish June 10, 2017
For Canada’s 150th anniversary, wildlife filmmaker Matt Paproski is appearing with wolves: ‘Timber’ as mascot of Thompson, Manitoba, “Wolf Capital of the World”; and ‘Aurora’, as guest of honor at their “Aurorafest: Celebrating Canada’s Wilderness and Wildlife”.
By Brian Yanish February 7, 2017
For those interested in being an actor or performer, working behind the scenes or providing services for the film industry.  ‘Making Drumheller film friendly!’ free all-ages speaker panel.   7 pm, Thur., Feb. 16th, Canadian Legion, 295 Centre st., Drumheller.   Speakers: Jolayne Motiuk (Calgary Film Commission), Tina Alford (ACTRA/CSIF), Damian Petti (IATSE INT’L) and other special guests…  Drumheller, Alberta, Canada: Matthew Todd Paproski, the President of Starland Studios, says “we are happy to present a free initial public information session oriented to educating residents on ‘Making Drumheller Film Friendly’ and work opportunities in the booming media industries.    We based Starland Studios in Drumheller because it is one of the top film locations in Canada and to provide infrastructure, technical expertise and a pool of talent for producers coming here. To get things rolling, we have invited high-level contacts to speak to the Badlands community”.   Jolayne Motiuk (Calgary Film Commission Representative), will discuss how the building of a new state-of-the-art Calgary Film Centre and advent of new government initiatives geared for the digital media and tourism industries make it good timing for Drumheller to position itself in the market. Drumheller has unique world-class topography and may also double for many places.  Tina Alford (Branch Representative, ACTRA Alberta; President, Calgary Society of Independent Filmmakers) will share information on how to be a professional actor, stunt person or filmmaker. Keeping in mind the levels range from no and low budget to medium and big budget, she assists talent in getting jobs, training, agents and casting, as well as filmmakers seeking qualified talent.  Damian Petti (President IATSE Local 212 Calgary; Int’l Vice-President IATSE Canada) will reveal that it looks like an exciting year for communities with good highways near Calgary as union studio zones were recently extended further from city limits. It now makes more economic sense and is safer to go to locations like Drumheller, by commuting or staying at local lodgings. (IATSE is huge global union representing large percentage of vital technical jobs on and off set)  Paproski says “With the ongoing volatility of our resource-based economy, it is more important than ever to now learn new vocations and work with businesses in entertainment and technology, whether performing, doing work behind camera ranging from artist or technician to carpenter or truck driver, or off set providing services related to locations, accommodations or restaurants.”  “Not only may film production result in millions for a community like the Town of Beiseker now hosting the filming of Fargo, Season Three, starring Ewan McGregor, it also has a direct positive effect on tourism. It lures visitors to locations like the Badlands and provides even more jobs. The Lord of the Rings increased visitors to New Zealand by 50% and triggered a multi-billion-dollar economy and now growth in the British Columbia film industry is reflecting a similar situation.”  Paproski has been a military officer, firefighter, actor, journalist, filmmaker and entrepreneur. Now based in Drumheller, Alberta, he operates Starland Studios, producing its own projects and providing media services for clients, and Construction Productions, a commercial contractor.  For Info: Phone: (403)334-2530, Email: office@starlandstudios.com , Facebook page: Starland Studios
By Brian Yanish December 14, 2016
WOW! A deer stuck in ice. Was trying to have a rare nap on a weekend afternoon and a facebook post I was following was bothering me. I kept checking my phone. Before resting I saw a post by a neighbor about a deer that was stuck in ice on the Red Deer River we live on. Being an ex-firefighter and feeling empathetic to a living-being suffering and near death and knowing I could do something about it made me respond instinctively. I filled my truck with canoe, sled, ropes, harnesses, hip waders and a life jacket. I asked Laura to come for safety and as an after-thought she brought her camera. For bread and butter we are construction contractors but are also passionate wildlife filmmakers that have been saving animals. We want to inspire others to care for animals in distress. While helping out, Laura managed to get footage of the deer rescue. It was scary but the right thing to do. We never would have attempted this if we did not have the training and abilities to succeed and do not encourage those that do not have experience. Upon arrival at the scene anonymous neighbors helped us as I went down a steep bank. I had to go on thin ice to try and get close to the old doe but she tried to get away. I had to circle around behind her and get in the river myself to coax her toward shore. I tried lifting her out but she was weak and heavy. I wrapped a rope around her and with help from the shore pulling and me pushing at the same time, we got her out of the ice. It was an incredibly rewarding feeling to work with our neighbors to save the life of this animal. In a world where wildlife is being eradicated at an unprecedented and apocalyptic rate, we are motivated to use social media to increase our awareness of this environmental crisis. We need all species to survive! To this end we have produced a TV series called Wildlife Wranglers and short films about animals, please check out the videos on this page or on our website www.starlandstudios.com and support our work. Please Like, Comment and Share this Page to inspire other people to care about wildlife and each other…
Share by: