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Toronto’s hardcore music scene is loud, abrasive, and passionately independent; yet, even here, numerous independent bands and artists slip through the cracks.
Just earlier this year, the Toronto Hardcore music scene was introduced to POISON 11, a young band still defining who they are while fighting to be heard. introducing POISON 11, directed by Christian Picken and Jacob Smith, explores what it is to be an artist in the big 2025. |
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VENUS - VOCALS
"the garden enthusiast + music is cool i guess" 
EVAN PEN - GUITARIST AND BACKUP VOCALIST
"I came to do 3 things: smoke grass, eat ass, and shred fast. Fawkyoumean" |
FRITHA - BASS GUITAR
TINA MAIO - DRUMS
"im here to drum, i love to drum, all i know is drum. drum🥁." |
CAIO - GUITARIST
"fuck genres, what tempo r u playing?" |
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CHRISTIAN PICKEN - DIRECTOR
I am directing this film because I am super interested in the Toronto hardcore scene, and what’s a better way to introduce myself into it than by making a documentary about it. I also believe that POISON 11 has an uncontrollable energy about them, and I’m excited to introduce them to you alongside this lovely crew. 
NOAH ATRILL - ASSISTANT CAMERA
Hi, my name Noah Atrill and I am the 1st AC on Poison 11. I wanted to work on this project when first I heard Christian and Jacob talk about it. I don't know much about the punk scene (other then my love for The Sluggs) but I thought this would be a great way to learn about a music genre I am not familiar with. Along with that, Christian and Jacob are two great people that I owe my life to. 
SAGA SMITH - SOUND
I joined the crew because I love local music and it felt like a great way to support the scene outside of going to local shows. Im very excited to see the final form of this documentary I think its going to be a lot of fun. 
KEAGAN SQUIRE - EDITOR
My name is Keagan Squire, and I am the editor of Introducing Poison 11. I wanted to work on the project because I am a generally new fan to the hardcore genre and its' scene. I want to combine my love of music with my new interest in hardcore to create an engaging and passionate documentary |
JACOB SMITH - DIRECTOR
Hey Poison 11 fans! My name is Jacob Smith and I am the co-director of this documentary alongside Christian Picken. When the deity Christian asked me to co-direct this project, I knew I had to work with such a talented team. The premise of following and highlighting the importance of this up and coming hardcore band, Poison 11, was super exciting to me and I immediately felt attached to this band and wanted to help highlight their musicianship 
BEN DASHWOOD - TRANSMEDIA PRODUCER/BTS
I am Ben Dashwood, and I am the Transmedia Producer, BTS, and Assistant Editor of Introducing Poison 11. When I heard the pitch for this film from my personal deity, Christian Picken, I immediately knew I wanted to join in some compacity on this project, as I am very passionate about how modern tech has consistently screwed over artists. I myself have made some very high quality music that the streamers refuse to spread. 
OPHELIA - SOUND
I joined onto this production as sound because Saga begged me to help and I love hardcore music so I was very interested in the general concept, how we would execute the unique challenges of the sound recording, and how sonically interestingly things could come together in the final mix. 
MATTHEW NOLAN - WRITER
When I first heard that Christian and Jacob Smith were working on a documentary adapting the journey of the infamous POISON 11 I knew I had to contribute in some form of way. I was ecstatic to have the opportunity to work on such an important documentary with so many amazing and talented people, and I believe the story of POISON 11 is incredibly heartfelt and a necessary watch for any music lover. Considering current global issues, the story of POISON 11 is something many could attest too. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity and I'm so excited for you all to see this project!! |
LLOYD FROMSON - DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
My name is Lloyd Fromson and I am the Director of Photography on Introducing Poison 11. I joined this project because I love music and say the vision that Christian and Jacob (deities) had for this project and love the story that they wanted to tell. I am incredibly excited to shoot this production and telling the story of Posion 11. 
COEN GAGNON - SOUND/BTS
My name is Coen and my role is location recording. I’ll be trying to get the crispiest of audio for the documentary. Introducing poison 11 isn’t just a film about a small hardcore band, it’s a documentary about the backbone of the music industry. Without bands like these who’s going to inspire other musicians and artists with their unique style. Maybe if you’re lucky enough, someone will rip off your whole style and deem it as their own. That takes pure talent to achieve. I think maybe, one day, poison 11 will get their style ripped off by the next Jimmy Page or Vanilla Ice. One could only dream. 
CARA MCNALLY - PRODUCER
Hi I’m Cara and I’m producing Poison 11 and I was looking forward to helping out on the project because I think the spaces we can get for it would be really cool and it’s cool seeing a bands story and how they are growing in the scene. |
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