Its all in the eyes.
In the CTV series The Listener, Craig Olejnik plays Toby, a paramedic with telepathic abilities.
Seconded to the Integrated Investigated Bureau to help solve, or prevent, crimes, his ability to listen to other peoples thoughts is at times a dangerous asset.
But, as an actor, its Olejniks mesmerizingly grey-blue eyes that seem to see through the wall that most people erect to hide what theyre really thinking.
Tobys just an average guy except he can read minds, Olejnik says, pulling his coat a little tighter on a grey Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»morning.
Hes trying to come to terms with the meaning of life; he just has a little more information.
Being the lead on a television series has been a revealing experience for Olejnik, who was born in Halifax but has lived off and on in Vancouver.
Im dealing with my weaknesses and strengths every day. You come face to face with all your shortcomings.
No matter how he feels when he wakes up and on this morning, it was a very early wake-up call he must be able to turn himself on when the cameras are ready to roll.
Hes being paid to deliver an exciting, compelling character and his own mood at that particular time is secondary.
The more comfortable hes become playing the lead, the more comfortable hes become in his own skin.
Just as this role has taught him how to dig deeper into his own creativity, in Yaletown is a place that encourages people to explore their own creative urgings while enjoying wine and tapas with friends.
Olejnik became a partner in the coolest room in North America after he returned to Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»for the Olympics.
The idea is to give people the tools and inspiration they need to open up the more creative sides of their nature.
Instead of having it in a neighbourhood where artists already tend to gravitate, Raw Canvas enjoys being an anti-Yaletown establishment right in the heart Yaletown.
When hes not , Olejnik is honing his talents as a producer with Finding Ricky, a documentary with director Michael Nguyen and Developing Trail, a movie set in BCs interior.
Season 4 of The Listener premieres on CTV at 10pm on May 29.
