resume
Derek Solodzuk
Email: dereksolodzuk@yahoo.ca
Career Highlights and Achievements
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I have designed 10 restaurants, a house, and a Toronto condo. This design work included the coordination of all the trades to ensure compliance with design goals.
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In 2004, my screenwriting came to the attention of Oscar winning producer Steven Hoban and I was hired to write an eight part miniseries about the war of 1812. I worked on that project for one year.
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In 2000 my design work lead to an opportunity to start a live music bar, called the Casbah, located in Hamilton, which I operated for two years.
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After completing two years at the University of Toronto I opened the Razor – a used clothing store on Queen St. West (Toronto).
Work Experience
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Started “the Craft House” website to feature my artwork and woodwork. (2016)
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Interior design. (1997 – present)
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Painting. (2014 – 2016)
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Designed logos and business cards. (2013)
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Worked for IMAX as an assistant editor. (2011 - 2012)
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Hired by McWood’s of Toronto - a design and build studio for theater, conventions, and exhibitions. (2007 – 2009)
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Painted - faux finish. (1996 – 2007)
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Employed by Viking Building Design to complete CAD drawings. Hamilton (2006)
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Built the Blue Moon Bar out of an unfinished basement. Burlington. (2006)
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Manager and part-time server, Fava in the Middle (Java Fava). A busy and trendy Lakeshore café. Responsible for all evening operations with a hectic summer patio season. Burlington. (2004 -2005)
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Waited tables at La Luna Burlington. (2003 - 2004)
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Designed La Luna Burlington on Brant street. (2003)
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Owner / Operator, The Casbah. Still operating, the Casbah is a live music venue. I ran all aspects of the business from book-keeping to bartending. I added the Lounge in 2002. Hamilton (2000 – 2002)
Design Experience
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Designed the second, third, and fourth "La Luna Express" restaurants, Hamilton. (2011 – 2014)
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Designed the first La Luna Express on Upper James St. in Hamilton. (2010)
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Designed and built the Blue Moon Lounge in Burlington. (2007)
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La Luna number three was completed in Burlington. I designed the exterior as well as the interior, my third of seven La Luna restaurants. (2005 - 2007)
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Completed work on my first house in Stoney Creek (2006)
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Extended the Casbah and designed and built “the Lounge” (2002)
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Completed my second La Luna Restaurant in downtown Hamilton (2000)
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Completed the Casbah live music venue (2000)
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Completed Java Fava Cafe in Stoney Creek’s Design Center (1999)
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Designed my first condo in downtown Toronto 1998
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Designed the La Luna Restaurant on the Hamilton Mountain 1998
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Designed my first restaurant, called Bourbon Street, in Hamilton 1997
Other Creative Work (1998 to Present)
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Hired to write a four part mini-series about the war of 1812 by Toronto based Copperheart Entertainment – winner of the 2005 Oscar for short animated film RYAN
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I have completed numerous screenplays and have written for on-line magazines including Cinematic Group X and SceneandHeard.ca.
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My script writing is represented by the talent agency “The Characters”.
Additional Skills
I am proficient with Photoshop, Illustrator, Word, and AutoCad. I have a working knowledge of Office, Sketch-Up, PC and Apple formats. Woodshop experience. Forklift experience.
Interests
Art, design, bonsai, camping, woodwork, screenwriting, tennis, and music.