Virginia Kingston
Toronto,Ontario
Summary
Innovative and experienced individual with expertise in project management and creative problem-solving. Skilled in project coordination, film crew management and innovative solution development. Committed to creating engaging and meaningful content for viewers.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Independent Filmmaker
Artemis Entertainment
01.2005 - Current
- Starred in and Co-produced East Coast Premier of Pulitzer Award winning play- Doubt, A Parable for three weeks in Saint John's, Newfoundland. Received positive acclaim from media outlets and warm audience reception from locals. Ticket sales generate positive cash flow revenues above targeted expectations.
- Wrote, directed, and starred in several short films (Boots, La Dolce Via, Obsession) Obsession premiered at WildSound Film Festival, Barrio Lounge, Arts and Letters Club, Toronto.
- Starred in and produced If Only You Were French winner of Best Short Comedy at Fort Worth Indie Showcase and Audience Choice Award at Fort Worth Indie Showcase.
- Each film required pre-production planning including setting budgets, hiring crew and cast members, obtaining permits and securing funds. Post production skills include overseeing editing, color correction, music composition, marketing, distribution and film festival strategies.
- Currently developing a feature film adaptation of a sport autobiography. Secured novel rights, completed co-writing the screenplay adaptation and currently securing funding via grants.
- Produced and directed a short documentary during the pandemic about iconic BIPOC Torontonian , Charles Roach, currently in post-production.
Server
Ascari Group
04.2021 - Current
- Demonstrate strong multitasking skills by managing multiple tables simultaneously without compromising service quality.
- Contribute to inventory management by monitoring stock levels and notifying management when supplies were low.
- Maintain a clean and orderly dining area for an enjoyable guest experience.
- Handle cash transactions accurately, contributing to balanced daily financial reports.
- Address customer complaints or concerns professionally, ensuring swift resolution and maintaining positive relationships.
- Adhere to proper food handling procedures and safety guidelines for the well-being of guests and team members alike.
- Coordinate with kitchen staff to ensure timely delivery of orders, resulting in satisfied customers.
- Increase sales per customer by listening actively, anticipating needs and recommending favorite or unique menu items.
- Use communication and problem-solving skills to resolve customer complaints and promote long-term loyalty.
- Cultivate warm relationships with regular customers.
Supervisor of Crossing Guards
Crosswalk Safety, Carraway
06.2019 - 06.2020
- Integral member of leadership team that transitioned the City of Toronto's crossing guard force from a police led service to a private company. This transition required agility, patience, flexibility, friendliness, creativity, curiosity and adaptability.
- Led a team of over 70 crossing guards throughout East Toronto. I concentrated on safety for employees and pedestrians with an emphasis on zerovision, a strategy to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries by increasing safe, healthy and equitable mobility for all .
- Primary responsibilities included daily scheduling of over 70 employees, quality and safety checks to ensure safety of pedestrians and employees. Strict adherence to company policies to ensure a high standard for employees and clarity in expectations.
- On-boarded new hires and provided exceptional training through on-going support.
- Assisted with payroll, data entry, community outreach and project development.
- Liaison between employees and WSIB and Human Resources.
- Brainstormed social media safety campaigns for students with another co-worker to increase awareness around safety.
Actor and Model
ANM, NTA, Kirk Talent
07.2010 - Current
- Professional actor and model in international campaigns for brands such as BMW, VW, Verizon, Arm and Hammer, Airwix, Casa Fiesta, Ancestry.com, Sears, Canadian Tire, The Bay, Tourism LA, Apple, Hallmark Chanel, Georgia Power, Disney and more.
- Responsible for refining and promoting my personal brand through unique marketing strategies on social media platforms.
- Collaborated with directors and other cast members to refine performances.
Catering Server
Santaguida Fine Foods
08.2006 - Current
- Supervise dining table set-up to prepare for diversity of event types, following strict service standards.
- Execute synchronized meal service while simultaneously serving multiple guests.
- Aid in food preparation and supply chain logistics with a focus on health and safety.
- Deliver product to locations across the GTA and to the company's Thornbury location in a timely and efficient manner.
- Display enthusiasm and promote excellent service to customers, successfully increasing referrals, walk-in business and repeat customers.
Remote Music Management Assistant
Bluegrace Music
04.2015 - 12.2018
- Logistical and administrative support to the CEO located in Ireland
- Prepared travel itineraries and accommodations for musicians with budget constraints
- Promoted musicians to various radio outlets via personalized updates on new music albums
- Networked with industry reps across multiple platforms to increase musician brand awareness
- Researched a variety of subject matter for musicians from areas ranging from travel visas to grant applications
- Worked flexible hours in order to deliver for tight deadlines.
Server
Ye Olde King's
01.2010 - 12.2016
- Provided exceptional service at this high volume tourist location in Santa Monica.
- Responsible for a 5-10 table section with an average of 20-30 international customers per hour. Maintained an upbeat and positive attitude while streamlining operations and communicating effectively with other co-workers.
- Collected payment for food and drinks served, balanced cash receipts and maintained accurate records at the end of each shift.
- Quickly and clearly communicated dining orders to kitchen staff, directing attention to special requests or dietary restrictions.
- Social Media Manager. Promoted local events, restaurant news and special discounts in a unique manner consistent with the brand.
Education
Schulich School of Business - Media Leadership Program
York University
Toronto, ON2023
Certificate - Entertainment Media
University of California
Los Angeles09.2009
Players Academy Actors Conservatory
Toronto, ON06.2005
Skills
- Project Multitasking
- Complex Problem-Solving
- Ensemble Collaboration
- Effective Organization
- Strategic Networking
- Content Development
- Independent Thinking
- Photo and Video Editing
- Digital Media
- Idea Brainstorming
- Creativity and Adaptability
- Professional Communication
- Brand Promotion
- Market Research
hobbies
Avid art museum attender, acrylic and painter, beginner guitar player. Coffee connoisseur and independent music enthusiast.
Additional Information
Meals on Wheels Volunteer since 2019
Improv Comedy Level 1-6 WestSide Comedy, Santa Monica
Created a choir; Le Choir in Los Angeles which included weekly singing session with a choral director and culminated in a Christmas Flash Mob.
Timeline
Server
Ascari Group
04.2021 - Current
Supervisor of Crossing Guards
Crosswalk Safety, Carraway
06.2019 - 06.2020
Remote Music Management Assistant
Bluegrace Music
04.2015 - 12.2018
Actor and Model
ANM, NTA, Kirk Talent
07.2010 - Current
Server
Ye Olde King's
01.2010 - 12.2016
Catering Server
Santaguida Fine Foods
08.2006 - Current
Independent Filmmaker
Artemis Entertainment
01.2005 - Current
Schulich School of Business - Media Leadership Program
York University
Certificate - Entertainment Media
University of California
Players Academy Actors Conservatory
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