Santa Clause Gets an Acting Job with iFilmGroup

Thomas William Brown a mall Santa auditioned with iFilmGroup for the production of "Not Ready" written by Donald Michael Hickey (co-founder of iFilmGroup) and directed by Matthew Marshall (co-founder of iFilmGroup) of m & S Marshall Productions.

Hickey scouted for a particular character actor over a year ago and found Brown in his annual role of Santa Clause at White Oak and Westmount, and Masonville malls in London Ontario.

In conversation with Hickey who is the Community Engagement Manager for iFilmGroup and scout for local talent, Brown disclosed his acting resume. He started as a young 13 yr. old as Snoopy in the Santa Clause Parade (29yrs) and The Turkey Festival (8yrs) in Strathroy, Ontario 1966-1995. Also played Sir Topham Hatt with Day Out with Thomas the Train in St. Thomas and Ottawa and even Winnipeg. Brown also was a clown in parade & festivities.

His debut as the "Happy Daze Clown" for the Western Fair in London Ontario lead to his debut in a commercial as the "Happy Daze Clown" in 1989 for the Western Fair District. Mrs. Anne Eadie, Public Relations Manager of Western Fair District was quoted, “Mr. Brown performed most professionally, bringing the character to life and interacting with fair visitors”.

To add to his list; in 1992- Rocky Horror Picture Show - St. Catharines Gay Players in Toronto, St. Catharines and Kitchener, Ontario. He was “Homer House" covered in fun fur for the Niagara Lifestyle Home Show. Then onto “Mr. Grape “ at the Niagara Grape & Wine Festival in the fall of 1991. “He was one grape looking Mascot,” said- Kim Pecora Executive Director of the festival.

His volunteer work 2012 to Present- London Pride Festival 2013-2017, and Fringe Festival 2011- 2014, also Aeolian Theatre and Palace Theatre and Grande Theatre London as an usher.

Thomas Brown has been involved in small acting parts over many years. Matthew Marshall co-founder of iFilmGroup always expresses that, "all roles are important. There's no such thing as an unimportant role. And most likely, playing a small role will lead to a bigger role, if the right opportunity shall arise!" The opportunity arose with the audition through iFilmGroup's casting call.

Bernadine Spencer of Pride London Festival says, "Thomas is very caring and compassionate about his work. He is kind, considerate, enthusiastic, provides a great deal of enjoyment for adults & children, pleasure to work with, very gentle, hard-working and dedicated to all those he touches, in all that he does. Thomas has been highly recommended over the years. As a person who has worked closely with Thomas, I can attest to his art. He is a hard worker and committed to whatever he puts his heart and soul .”

When Thomas left the auditions held by iFilmGroup he was quoted saying, "I waited all my life for this opportunity. All my small acting gigs have paid off and I always looked forward to this day.. the day I would be discovered. This day will change my life! Thank you iFilmGroup."

iFilmGroup Press Release - Thomas Brown (mall Santa) - Cast in movie “Not Ready” - 05-19-19