Vancouver-based actress Nicole Leier (Edgemont) and director of photography Brendan Uegama (Exit Humanity) have formed a new production company, Black Tree Pictures.

For one of its first projects, Uegama, who recently received obtained his Canadian Society of Cinematography certification, will begin work this week on the the locally shot feature Suddenly. Starring Ray Liotta, directed by German filmmaker Uwe Boll and produced by Odyssey Media, the film is a remake of a 1954 gangster thriller that starred Frank Sinatra.

The shoot runs from Wednesday until Dec. 20.

Meanwhile, Leier is busy hosting inspirational health and fitness TV series, Kiss My Incoming Abs.

Broadcast daily on Novus TV, the production is currently shooting second-season episodes at Vancouver gyms.

The program is touted as a transformational TV show that is designed to empower everyday viewers to make healthier health and fitness decisions.

As well, the company is currently developing its multi-Leo Awards nominated short film Henry’s Glasses into a feature, the company said in a statement.

Leier’s past acting credits include TV series, Edgemont, and film roles in True Justice and Dark Angel.

Uegama’s DOP credits include the feature films Random Acts of Romance, Exit Humanity,  and factual TV series Dark Matters.