Being on the big screen is the dream of many people, but for Bryan Pawlachuk it has become a reality.
Originally from Flin Flon and now living in Saskatoon with his family, Pawlachuk was working as the general manager of Tequila Nightclub when opportunity knocked.
A production crew was using the venue to film commercials when Pawlachuk was approached by Fahrenheit Film producers about the idea of a reality TV series.
“We went out for supper and talked about our past, about my wife being from Paris, France and me coming from Flin Flon, and they thought we had an interesting story,” he said.
Originally, the couple laughed at the idea and didn’t expect it to go ahead, but the show was pitched to Rogers TV, which picked it up.
Filming is now taking place for the third season of the show, which followed Pawlachuk in his duties as general manager and landlord of the nightclub in the first season. In season two he retired from his managerial duties but remained the landlord to the club.
“Now in season three I’m going back to my roots,” said Pawlachuk, who has a background in the carpentry business.
The show, called Nightlife Confidential, has included scenes with Pawlachuk’s family and their home in Saskatoon. Being part of the show is a unique experience for the man who is still trying to get used to the fame that comes with being on TV.
“I walked into Starbucks the other day and these guys start talking to me,” he said. “I was trying not to be rude while I figured out where I knew them from, and then they said they really liked the show. It was then I realized that they’ve seen me on TV. It’s sort of a weird feeling. People think they know you from seeing you on TV.”
But Pawlachuk is able to keep things in perspective and is hoping to have a chance to introduce viewers to his hometown.
“We’re trying to get the film crew up to Flin Flon this season,” he said, adding that he owns a cabin in the area with his father, Ken Pawlachuk, who is a member of the city council, as well as his brothers.
The show airs on CityTv in Saskatchewan but is also available online or via satellite in Flin Flon, giving his family a chance to watch. Plans are in the works for the show to move to a national market, although nothing has been finalized yet.
Pawlachuk wouldn’t give away any spoilers about the third season but encouraged people to watch, saying there are exciting things coming.
The show has been well received and was in sixth place on viewing charts in the province last year.
“It’s pretty exciting,” he said. “We were right up there with Everybody Loves Raymond.”
Currently in production, the third season will begin airing in October.
