Three iFilmGroup Members win Awards

Joey Awards Won in Vancouver, BC
London’s Top 20 Under 40 Award

Maysee McLean- London’s Top 20 Under 40 . Chosen by Junior Achievement London and London Inc Magazine as the 2019 Junior Achiever.

Max Steinberg and Jordyn Taylor have won Joey Awards in Vancouver. Jordyn won for Best Commercial Voice-over Actress. Max won Best Featured Actor in a Feature Film. Ashleigh Morrison won a Joey Award for Best Featured Actress in a Feature Film.

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iFilmGroup
London ■ St. Thomas ■ Chatham-Kent
Ontario - Canada
WEBSITE - www.ifilmgroup.org

Year in Review. 2019 with iFilmGroup

The clock has ticked down on the days of another year and with the striking of midnight, we move into the year 2020. With this New Year, it brings around the discussion and evaluation of what was accomplished the previous year.

The iFilmGroup team has much to be excited about. 2019 was an exciting and event-filled year. The list of events and accomplishments are more than ever could be listed in a year-end review. We would like to highlight some of the major events of the last year and we reflect on iFilmGroup in 2019.

For those interested in seeing all the events please check out our articles, blogs, and press releases. iFilmGroup has had a busy 2019. With the focus being on finishing two films and taking another film through the entire production process from script to the point of being in post-production.

The iFilmGroup leadership team has expanded by two talented individuals. The team has worked not only on filming but also on the aspect of education and training through workshops and partnerships for training with theatre groups and educational organizations. The team has had a number of requests to speak at various organizations to talk about the film.

Over 2019 there has been a growing interest in iFilmGroup and what the group does.
So let’s share some accomplishments with you…

‘Struggles Within’
Kicked off with iFilmGroup on a number of fronts. The New Year opened up with the announcement that ‘Struggles Within’ received another official selection and nomination at a film festival. The film would finish the year with 1 award and 2 official selections, and 3 official nominations. These were a smaller amount of awards than other recent films that award-winning director Matthew Marshall and the iFilmGroup team have been accustom to recently. But the film was an iFilmGroup ‘associated film’ and not one of their actual productions. iFilmGroup co-founders Marshall and Don Hickey were part of the production team of the film but not at the helm in making all the creative choices.

The film was released originally and then iFilmGroup did some reworking before it was released again in the summer of 2018. Marshall was pleased with the results all things considered and feels it’s a film that not everyone understands when they watch, as it has a deeper level, dealing with mental illness.

The film is a 14 minute telling of a “story through almost all music and dance” about a girl struggling with depression and contemplating suicide. It’s about her choices to find the hope to continue to live. “The story is told through the thoughts of the main character”, Marshall says. The film is a timely story that speaks to what many people in society are struggling with. It’s done in a way that words do not fill the story, but images, dance, and music do, so the viewer can “feel” the story being told on screen. It also can be related to, if the person watching has had experience in their life either personally or through a member of their family with the issue of depression or mental illness.

“Many who have seen the film feel it shows what many people “feel” in struggling with depressions and mental illness.”

— Movie Audience

Drama Therapist and a Registered Psychotherapist
added to the iFilmGroup Leadership Team
January 2019 also brought about the announcing of a new member of the iFilmGroup leadership team in Angel Bilagot. She is a Drama Therapist and a Registered Psychotherapist. Angel graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University with a combined degree in Psychology and Theatre. She completed her Master’s Degree at Concordia University, specializing in Drama Therapy. She continued her training in Drama Therapy in New York City while working as a Therapist at the PTSD Clinic in New Haven, Connecticut. She was provided with the opportunity to have gained professional experiences to work, teach, and develop programs for environments such as the Jewish General Hospital (Montreal), The Canadian Institute for Neuro-Integrative Development (Montreal), The Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter, and The University of Alberta (Edmonton).

Drama Therapy at an iFilmGroup Workshop

After being added to the team, iFilmGroup did a drama Therapy workshop. The focus was on expressing emotions and character through puppets and acting.

iFilmGroup Working with Fanshawe College
The month of January 2019 continued to be busy for the team as iFilmGroup and m & s Marshall Productions working to help Fanshawe out in looking for some key roles for an event that school was hosting dealing with its various medical-based programs where they had actors play simulated Patients for student evaluations. Fanshawe also had its large Mock Disaster event which not only need actors to play patients but also dramatic makeup/SFX artists that could do the makeup for Mass Casualty Incident day.

FEBRUARY 2019
Audition Calls for anticipated movie “Not Ready”
Things did not let up in February for the iFilmGroup team. Don Hickey was busy working on the finish touches to his new script “Not Ready” which was to be the summer 2019 production for iFilmGroup. The film follows Professor Richard Pratt as he finds out he has a short time to live due to a medical condition.

Matthew Marshall would direct the film and co-produce with Hickey on the film. Marshall was busy preparing aspects of the production side. Audition calls were put out and Marshall searched for crew for the film. The big search was for cast and finding two individuals to anchor the film leads as well as four secondary characters to secure the second level of talent. The team was also looking for people for an intern role and for nurses and PSW’s to consult and play the medical aspects of the production.

Both Marshall and Hickey were in discussions with medical professions from Fanshawe and Western for research dealing with doctors, nurses and PSW for characters and roles in the film.

FEBRUARY 2019
Western Smartphone Film Festival (WSFF)
February 2019 also brought about the 4th annual Western Smartphone Film Festival (WSFF) at the Western Film Theatre. Marshall was asked for the second year in a row to be a judge on the panel. The event was the showing of the top ten films of the 2019 festival. The theme was “Perception verse Reality” and the ten finalist filmmakers did not disappoint as there were five of the ten films that were contenders for the top prize. The festival is a student-run organization at Western University in London, Ontario that is focused on developing youth in the field of film and entertainment by means of an annual smartphone short film festival. The 2019 theme was “Perception vs Reality”.

Sheridan College students with Matthew Marshall- iFilmGroup Co-founder

The winning team was a group of Sheridan College students under the title of EMG Productions who came together to make a film called “Filtered” about two best friends walking home from a party only to be attacked by an unwanted follower. The entire film is told through the footage on a cell phone and when Marshall first saw the film he admits that he was not entirely in favour of it due to the film being presented in a vertical format verse tradition horizontal. “The film broke the traditional rules of film, and as a filmmaker, it bothered me at first, but then I started looking at it more closely.

“The Film would win at the WSFF and go on to win “Best Canadian Film” at the Toronto Smartphone Film Festival.”

— Matthew Marshall of iFilmGroup

FEBRUARY 2019
Stanton Academy in London, Ontario
Also in February 2019, the month finished with Matthew Marshall being the guest presenter at the Stanton Academy in London, Ontario. He spoke to a group of students from the Academy about being an award-winning film director, film making and the iFilmGroup. The students were working on small film projects either on their own or in small groups. Many were focusing on stop motion animation while others were working on scripts, short films, and trailers for film ideas they have.

Reception area at 2019 Auditions with iFilmGroup

MARCH and APRIL 2019
Scripts, Editing and Casting Calls. Scouting Locations and More Auditions.
The months of March and April 2019 would seem to some outsiders much calmer for the iFilmGroup team as publicly the team was not as visible, but much work was going on behind the scenes preparing for filming and scouting talent. Hickey was working on the “Not Ready Script” and consulting professionals to get all the details of the film from a medical perspective accurate. Marshall was watching various plays and film as well as putting out “casting calls” for upcoming auditions. Marshall also had started editing on his short film “Malicious Attack” and looking to find the location needed to finish filming his other film “Blue Love”.

The team was also having production meetings to define procedures and where things were headed in the New Year after such a fast start and further growth within the group. “ I would call March and April 2019 very much a plowing and planting season for the team,” says Marshall. They were preparing the ground for the upcoming months.

MAY 2019
Scripts, Editing and Casting Calls. Scouting Locations and More Auditions.
After the calm before the storm, May started the non-stop ride that would continue until the end of 2019 for the team. iFilmGroup held auditions in May for their upcoming film “Not Ready” written by iFilmGroup co-Founder Don Hickey. The film is about a professor named Richard who is facing death straight in the face and has to look at his life, the time he has spent with his loved ones, how he has used his time and whose lives has he changed. The auditions were held at Elgin Theatre Guild in St. Thomas and were attended by close to 30 people ranging in ages from 10 years of age up to seniors.

Actors David Parisian and Diane Newling

Some familiar faces from iFilmGroup’s recent past were in attendance as well as some new faces from London and surrounding areas. “We had people from London and St. Thomas but we also had people come in from as far away as Sarnia and Toronto audition as well”, says Hickey.

When Auditions were done the two main characters of the film would be brought to life by a pair of actors from Toronto. The team believes that they had found the right combination in David Parisian and Diane Newling to play the Pratt couple. Secondary characters in the film would be played by some familiar faces with Max Steinberg, Zachary Wilson, Talia Mielke, and Shelby Simpson. Also, the iFilmGroup team found some new faces that would become a bigger part of the iFilmGroup world in the months that would come.

Auditions were followed up with the addition of a new Production Team member with Sharon O'Leary who specializes in marketing, promotion and fundraising. She has been a part of several community organizations in London and area and was a welcome addition to the team to help in the area of marketing, promotion and fundraising.

The cast from the film ‘Not Ready’ during the scenes at the Elgin Theatre Guild.

Busy movie director and producer Matthew Marshall found time during his busy schedule preparing for “Not Ready” to visit the Elgin Theatre Guild and be the VIP guest prior to their Youth theatre production of ‘The Exciting Exploits of an Effervescent Elf ‘. The day was during one of their last rehearsal and Marshall offered some additional advice to the youth to the young actors dealing with acting and lines. Some of the cast from the ETG production were cast to be part of “Not Ready” so Marshall thought the day was a benefit on several levels. Lesley Chapman, President at Elgin Theatre Guild (Community Theatre) said, “It’s a great event when we have professionals like Matthew coming by to visit our actors. The boost of energy and excitement is seen in the actors. Matthew is keen on sharing, teaching and definitely re-enforcing skills and attitude of our actors and volunteers”.

JUNE and JULY 2019
Productions and Guest Appearances
The team during June turned its focus toward preparing for production of “Not Ready” as the start of filming loomed large with the 10-day production schedule starting at the end of June start of July with the first four days of filming in London and area. The filming would take place at the local establishment of the Cardboard Café, Western University, and a local residence in London.

During the early weeks of July, Marshall broke away from production of “Not Ready” to again return to the Elgin Theatre Guild to be a special guest of Lesley Chapman’s again for the week-long workshop for the ETG Youth dealing with Scriptwriting. The group came up with a theme of “Then There was Silence” and each of the three groups ( “The Purple Alligators”, “The Unknown”, and “The Bactors”) had to come up with a concept, write a script and then rehearse it and perform it at the end of the week. Many of the youth from last year were back for this year’s workshop.

Matthew Marshall, co-founder of iFilmGroup Speaks at Elgin Theatre Guild’s Workshop

There were also a number of faces from the ETG Youth who are part of the cast of the film “Not Ready” as theatre kids in the Theatre Guild that is part of the film. By late July the team was back to principle production with three more days of filming for “Not Ready” taking the team over the hump of having most of the film in the can. But still having several more days to finish before the film would be done.

The scenes again took place at a Local London Residence and also took in a day of filming at the Elgin Theatre Guild in St Thomas where a number of the ETG kids got to play “Theatre Kids” that tied into the storyline. Also, ETG Adults like Jessica Fediw played bigger roles within the film as well.

AUGUST 2019
Filming Continued with Several Productions
Filming continued in August with two more days within London. The cast and crew were left with one more date that could not happen until the fall when the leaves had changed. Which took place in October on a nice autumn day with sunshine and warm temperatures. The scene was filmed in Dorchester, in southwestern Ontario. It is the opening scene of the film and included not only the opening scene on a dock fishing but also some drone footage that will be incorporated with previously shot drone footage to be part of the opening. The fall also included a few scenes to finish up some other films that have been pending. After much time a courtroom set was secured to do filming of a few remaining scenes for "Blue Love" by m & s Marshall Productions. Also, a police interrogation room secured to film one other outstanding scene to bring the dramatic film to a full wrap and ready for post-production.

Movie ‘Blue Love’ Courtroom Scene Cast and Crew

FALL 2019
Wrapping Up the Season with Multiple Productions and 100’s of Actors and Crew
Fall of 2019 also opened up to some new scenes for the bully film “Malicious Attack” were added to enhance the film and deal with some issues that had come up during editing of the film. This opened the door to some new people who had become part of iFilmGroup to be a part of a film they had been interested in but had not been able to be a part of. With these scenes, Marshall hopes the two-year journey of this film is wrapped and it is just down to post-production. “Malicious Attack” will be the featured project for marshal heading into 2020.

“2019 has brought much success for several iFilmGroup members”

— Matthew Marshall- co-founder, iFilmGroup

This year has brought much success for several iFilmGroup members outside of being a part of iFilmGroup. Talia Mielke won an Arts & Culture Award and headed off to Sheridan to be part of the BA of Music Theatre Performance program. She has been a part of two of the upcoming films. “Blue Love” as Maizie Dunne and cast in “Not Ready” as Katherine Campbell. George Crosby who played young Richard Pratt in “Not Ready” is now an Original Kids Theatre Company main cast member. He still walks the boards of Elgin Theatre Guild but he will be appearing in Original Kids in London Ontario in various productions in the upcoming year.

Jacob Gagen and iFilmGroup member cast in “The Ace and the Scout” for Electronic Motion Pictures. Jacob Gagen plays Collishaw in the film. He had a small role in “Not Ready” as a Night PSW.

Max Steinberg and Jordyn Taylor won Joey Awards

Max Steinberg and Jordyn Taylor have won Joey Awards in Vancouver. Jordyn won for Best Commercial Voice-over Actress. Max won Best Featured Actor in a Feature Film. Jordyn and Max have been part of the iFilmGroup family on different productions. Max is a principal actor in the movie called ‘Not Ready’, that’s in post-production and will be released in 2020. He also had small roles in “Blue Love” and “Malicious Attack”. Jordyn was part of the new scenes of ‘Malicious Attack’, produced by m & s Marshall Production, and was also had small roles in “Not Ready” and “Blue Love”

NOVEMBER and DECEMBER 2019
Catching Up and Forecasting 2020
Late November and December have been a recovery time for the iFilmGroup Team. While they are recovering, they are looking back at all they have done and looking forward to what 2020 has in store for them. The team is still working on much administrative business and making plans for the upcoming 2020 year for workshops and possible productions.

Applications have been coming in from people very interested in being part of the cast in any new productions. Both Hickey and Marshall have a number of ideas for what might be on the slate for 2020. But both have expressed a focus on getting the current three films edited and out. ■

“2019 has been an amazing year filled with great moments for the team and our actors & crew. The team is looking forward with great excitement to 2020.”

— iFilmGroup Co-founders

iFilmGroup
London ■ St. Thomas ■ Chatham-Kent
Ontario - Canada
WEBSITE - www.ifilmgroup.org

“Blue Love” by m & s Marshall Productions Wrapped Its Final Scenes.

“Blue Love” wrapped!

The hour-long independent drama “Blue Love” by m & s Marshall Productions wrapped its final scenes of filming recently. The scenes feature the film’s lead Helena Rose who played the role of Kaitlyn Butler. Rose has been part of a number of films associated with Marshall and is part of the iFilmGroup production team leaders. She is the lead acting coach of the organization.

She also branched out in Blue Love to take on roles behind the camera as the film's co-writer and co-producer. It was a learning experience for her and with iFilmGroup support of the production during filming, it helped fulfill the iFilmGroup mandate of mentoring as Rose got a firsthand look at what it is like to be part of the team behind making a film.

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Helen Rose- actor and acting coach.

7th Film with Marshall and iFilmGroup

This marked the seventh film Rose has done in association with Marshall and iFilmGroup. She has played various roles throughout those films ranging from small parts right up to leading roles.

The production was produced by m & s Marshall Production with the production company’s co-owner Matthew Marshall at the helm directing the film and co-producing with Rose. iFilmGroup was not involved in producing the film but supported through production services such as finding cast and crew and assisting at a number of filming dates with the filming support services.

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The final few scenes for the film had been delayed due to finding and securing locations. Recently the team gather to film in a courthouse and then the final scenes took place in a law office finishing the legal portion of the film that the lead character faces. Kaitlyn through connection with her husband could be facing some time in prison. But there is more to the story then what is on the surface. The role was an opportunity for Rose to stretch herself as an actress and her journey with the character through the movie is a roller coast of emotions.

Helena Rose as Kaitlyn Butler in “Blue Love”. © m & s Marshall Productions.

With the wrapping of these scenes, it also wrapped filming of the film. It now moves into post productions along with two other films that the team has finished filming recently. Marshall is hoping that the winter provides some productive time to get some of the films edited and out for public viewing. ■

Helena Rose happy on set of “ Blue Love”.

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iFilmGroup
London ■ St. Thomas ■ Chatham-Kent
Ontario - Canada
WEBSITE - www.ifilmgroup.org

Malicious Attack Re-wraps Principle Filming.

Recently m & s Marshall Production with the help on iFilmGroup did some filming for the short film “Malicious Attack” which deals with bullying.

Award-winning director Matthew Marshall who is behind the film had completed the short film a while ago but had run into a few delays with the film during post-production.

The first was a lack of a solid editor. He went through a few before deciding to take the project on himself. Using his skills from his post-graduate certificate in digital nonlinear editing.

Although Marshall likes to keep his distance from holding too many crew positions due to it not giving an objective point of view he felt with the delay it was important to take over the role of editor to get the project moving forward.

But as he has been working on editing the film, a few delays have come up. First, Marshall's talking to various people has turned up some ways that the film could have been more enhanced and brought in some other aspects of the issue of bullying.  This could be just looked at as hindsight in what could have been done better. But a second more serious issue aroused. The project had some technical matters to be overcome and a possible timeline issue within the film that made it necessary to add some additional scenes.

Shelby Simpson (playing Zoe Carwin)

New Ideas

This has allowed Marshall to incorporate some of the ideas that had been presented to him. It also allowed for some people who had missed the original film to be incorporated in the film. Several up and coming people in both acting and crew within the iFilmGroup community now had an opportunity to be part of this film.

Jordyn Taylor (playing Brynne Jameson)

The scenes feature Jordyn Taylor (playing Brynne Jameson) and Shelby Simpson (playing Zoe Carwin). Both girls have been a part of a couple of the films that Marshall and the iFilmGroup team had been working on. Most recently was the iFilmGroup short film Not Ready, where both played roles of a group of private school girls.

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Team of Merucci and Simpson.

Other Opportunities

The shooting day for Malicious Attack presented some other opportunities for the additional cast. Including putting Simpson together with someone that she has danced within Elliette Merucci.  The team of Merucci and Simpson has been called “Ellby” when they have done pair dancing. The chemistry between the two girls was clear. They have not only danced together they are good friends.

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Flashback Scenes

Taylor, Devynn Carver and Leeann Finkbeiner.

The scenes also included a flashback scene where two other ladies were part of the scene and played cheerleaders who bully Taylor's character. The two ladies involved in the scene are Devynn Carver and Leeann Finkbeiner.  Carver has been part of a few of the productions also, whereas Finkbeiner is new to the iFilmGroup but shows promise and is interested in future opportunities.

Marshall now moves the film into post-production to finish it up over the winter. The release date for the film has not been set as of yet. ■

iFilmGroup
London ■ St. Thomas ■ Chatham-Kent
Ontario - Canada
WEBSITE - www.ifilmgroup.org

iFilmGroup Youth Actor Jacob Gagen in WWI Movie

iFilmGroup Actor Jacob Gagen as Raymond Collishaw

GAGEN’S acting career soars to new HEIGHTS

iFilmGroup is proud to announce that our youth actor Jacob Gagen has been cast as ‘Raymond Collishaw’ in the movie- ‘The Ace and the Scout’ by Electric Motion Pictures, directed by Aaron Huggett.

They filmed these scenes at the Great War Flying Museum located at the Brampton Airport. The museum builds and maintains flying replicas of WW1 aircraft.

The film itself is set over 3 days in late August 1918. A band of Canadian soldiers are cut off from supply and must fight to survive the Orix Trench on the Western Front of the Great War.

The Ace and the Scout Poster

The 15-day filming of ‘The Ace and the Scout’ will be shot in Lambton County with a recreated battlefield scene – trenches and all. At least one day will be spent filming in Hamilton with plans to use vintage warplanes.

The film itself centres around Billy Bishop and includes the story of Francis Pegahmagabow. Billy Bishop story will be told alongside that of First World War sniper Francis Pegahmagabow.

Although Bishop became famous, some historians regard Pegahmagabow, an Ojibwe soldier from Parry Sound, as the greatest sniper of the war.

iFilmGroup Actor Jacob Gagen (on left). Cast of ‘The Ace and the Scout’.

Bishop in the cockpit of his Nieuport 17, c. August 1917.

William Avery Bishop, was a Canadian flying ace of the First World War. He was officially credited with 72 victories, making him the top Canadian and British Empire ace of the war. He was an Air Marshal and a Victoria Cross recipient.

During this period, Bishop became the highest scoring flying ace in the Royal Flying Corp.

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Francis Pegahmagabow

-Francis Pegahmagabow was the First Nations soldier most highly decorated for bravery in Canadian military history and the most effective sniper of World War I. Three times awarded the Military Medal and seriously wounded, he was an expert marksman and scout, credited with killing 378 Germans and capturing 300 more.

Electric Motion Pictures, also made ‘Red Ryan’, ‘The Black Donnellys’ and ‘Black Gold’. ■

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iFilmGroup Actor- Jacob Gagen in “The Ace and the Scout”.

We are happy to see GAGEN REACHING FOR THE SKY!

iFilmGroup
London ■ St. Thomas ■ Chatham-Kent
Ontario - Canada
WEBSITE - www.ifilmgroup.org

"Blue Love" Has Day in Court.

“Blue Love” Has Day in Court.

Kaitlyn Butler played by Helena Rose. Prosecution: Maria Piccoli-Zimmerman. Defense: Robert Herder. Correctional Officers: Bree Hamilton and Jordyn Taylor. © “Blue Love”.

The wheels of justice often move very slowly. Sometimes it can take a year for an accused to have their day in court. The same can be said for the dramatic film “Blue Love” under the direction of Matthew Marshall and his m & s Marshall Production team.

“The location of the courtroom scenes have proven to be a test for the team. It has taken a while and a number of possible locations before the details could be worked out to find a location willing to host the team for filming” says Marshall. He, along with the support services of iFilmGroup has been scouting for an appropriate location for over six months, which has delayed the finishing of the filming of the movie.

Actor Helena Rose as Kaitlyn Butler in “Blue Love” ©

Many locations were approached and a lot of negotiations went on. But the location proved to be a tough one to nail down. Especially with the strict rules of fully functioning courtrooms. Several options were explored but for various reasons, those locations did not work out.  Finally, one worked out and was approved.

The team moved forward with the location and the date was set for “Blue Love” to appear in court.  Lucky for Marshall and the “Blue Love” cast and crew the scenes were flashbacks and were all-new characters, except for the main role of Kaitlyn Butler played by Helena Rose. With a little hair magic and the help of the wig that has been used for much of the filming to keep Helena’s hair constant, you would not have known much time had passed. The gap in time meant a little rework of the way the scene was originally written and also allowed for some roles to be re-cast to some new faces that have been associated with Marshall and the iFilmGroup team. These included Bree Hamilton, Hazel Parsons and Taniya Sheikh.

Cast and Crew of “Blue Love”- courtroom scene. © m & s Marshall Productions.

The rest of the cast for the scene were some very familiar faces of m & s Marshall Productions and iFilmGroup. They included…

• Judy Cormier played the Judge (previous films; “Daughter of the King”, and “Malicious Attack”).

• Maria Piccoli-Zimmerman played the Prosecution (Previously; “Not Ready”).

• Robert Herder played the defense lawyer (previously “Malicious Attack”).

• Jordyn Taylor played a Correctional Officer (previous films; “Not Ready”, “Malicious Attack”).

The filming was of two scenes that deal with the lead Kaitlyn being in court due to the choices she has made in the story-line. “It is because of her choices and lack of trying to help herself that she ends up where she is,” says Helena Rose, who not only played the lead role but also crossed over to the crew side and co-produced with Marshall.  Marshall and Rose are also co-writers of the film as well.  “These scenes will hopefully help the audience feel for Kaitlyn’s situation. But some may feel she is right where she belongs based on her choices.” Marshall adds.

Judge: Judy Cormier, Court Recorder: Hazel Parsons and Court Police Officer: Taniya Sheikh all cast in movie “Blue Love”. Court scenes © “Blue Love”.

The film is a 1-hour dramatic film about Kaitlyn BUTLER enduring domestic violence and having her life spin out OF control. She struggles to overcome and comes to grips with mental and emotional issues from events that have happened to her.

The team has a couple remaining small scenes left, and then “Blue Love” officially moves into post-production.

Blue Love IMDB Page  - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7479634 ■

iFilmGroup
London ■ St. Thomas ■ Chatham-Kent
Ontario - Canada
WEBSITE - www.ifilmgroup.org

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Acting Coach on Set of Movie “Not Ready”

Acting Coach on Set of Movie “Not Ready”

We all know that when groups of people get together and function as a team, there are some people that stand out from the group. Like a captain on a sports team or a valuable player. It doesn’t lessen the spirit of the team when it happens. In fact it strengthens the team, and the other team players have a role model or a new drive to excel to the position, or beyond, of the person that stands out.

Director Matthew Marshall mentoring actor Bree Hamilton.
[Photo by Louise McBride]

Bree Hamilton is one of those actors. During the shooting of the film “Not Ready”, director Matthew Marshall kept speaking about Hamilton.

The Production Team is trained to watch for raw talent from any extras. There are signs from these “yet to be cast in bigger role” actors. At iFilmGroup we don’t think of extras having a “small, unimportant role”. Every role contributes to the finished product.

If you look hard enough, one can find the hidden gem or sparkle of a star yet to be born.

Matthew Marshall gives testament to this. When operating a few years ago through his m & s Marshall Productions, he encountered a young extra in a movie he was working on. He knew she had something that was special, and it was natural talent of expression and a mind-set to take on hard to play characters.

iFilmGroup’s Acting Coach and actor- Helena Rose coaching Bree Hamilton on the set of “Not Ready”.[Photo by Louise McBride]

After being cast in many roles and some leads, this actor is also an acting coach and teaching young actors like Hamilton, how to take on the role. Helena Rose, plays a dog walker in the movie, “Not Ready”.

While on the set, Rose helped Hamilton. Hamilton was scheduled two different days of shooting to play a PSW in the movie. The director Matthew Marshall told the other Production Team Leaders, "We are watching a star in the making.”

Don Hickey, iFilmGroup’s Community Engagement Manager said, “It would be great to see these two actors excel in the industry and, we today, on this set have both of them together, working in the same movie.

Helena Rose applying make-up on actor Lee Highgate.
[Photo by Louise McBride]

One will quickly learn if you are ever on a movie set of m & s Marshall Productions and along side, the support organization of iFilmGroup, that there is respect and honor towards the goals of others.

This summer had many high temperature and humid days. One can tell, just from the Production Team that they are all proud of the work of all actors and crew, along with all the family members and supporters of this film. Many times actors held more jobs than acting. Helena Rose was doing make-up on actors and keeping the canine actor in a happy state.

Both co-founders of iFilmGroup, Matthew Marshall and Don Hickey love it when people in their group anticipate the needs of others and attend to the job without being asked.

Hickey says, “Here we are producing movies that people care about and involve people (for some) whom otherwise would never have the opportunity to act or be on crew in a movie, and we do it as volunteers.

There are costs, and we try to cover expenses, but our purpose is not to make a profit. Our purpose is to make award winning movies that include all ages, especially youth and seniors working together.

Hickey likes to ask… “What did your kids do this summer?” I know iFilmGroup kids had good fun and took on new skills. Skills like…

• Presentation

• Timing

• Speaking with movement for auditions

• Building pose

• Confidence.

• Memorization of lines.

• Control

• Improved attitude

• Working with a team.
  And best of all… learning to be humble and also forgiveness.

Think about it for a minute! Humble, because you might fluff a line and have to do it over again. Forgiveness, when your line is perfect, but the actor playing opposite you fluff their line and you have to retake the shot or somebody spoils the take with a cough or sneeze during a take.

“Quiet on the set” is another favourite of Hickey’s. Mouths closed and cell phones are off. Yes, parents, they can do it, it’s expected on a movie set. They also learn about patience…. they have to wait quietly between scenes.

Seniors that join us on productions really enjoy working with the youth. Seniors feel young again… how good is that?

PHOTOS BY LOUISE MCBRIDE

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iFilmGroup
London ■ St. Thomas ■ Chatham-Kent
Ontario - Canada
WEBSITE - www.ifilmgroup.org

Stage Actor Hazel Parsons Returns to Acting

Actor Hazel Parsons
[© Photos by Phyllis]

Here’s what she says…

“I have had a casual interest in acting since my early years.  In fact, in 1974, in my late teens, I joined the Elgin Theatre Guild.  Back then, believe it or not, our space was on Talbot Street, St. Thomas, upstairs above where that medical clinic currently is, where the walkway goes via beside the former Royal Bank.  It was no more than a cubby hole apartment, where we did all our rehearsals there, and our actual performances were on stage at AVSS.  It was way too long ago to remember the plays I was in, but I recall “Witness for the Prosecution”, “Scrooge”, “The White Sheep of the Family”...these are all back in probably season 7 or 8 of the Guild.  I was also on the executive of the ETG in those early years.   Later I returned for another and obviously older character in “Witness for the Prosecution” in approximately season 30.

 In between the years, well you know, life and family get in the way, especially when I started working or going to university classes out of town and would not be able to keep up with any kind of rehearsal schedule due to unavailability.  Now I am happily retired, and can go back what I love and craved to again become a part of for so long.   

I have not done any film, until Matthew Marshall gave me a chance with the movie “Not Ready”.  I was totally inexperienced re film work, and although some skills can be transferred over, certainly many aspects are different.  I have been told that stage work is all about grand gestures and voice projection, film is more subtle, using the eyes, facial expression and smaller movements more.  I think, from my small amount of experience in this production, that was certainly a correct statement.

iFilmGroup actors awaiting their turn.
[© Photo Don Hickey]

 I remember audition day in May.  Here I come, as a complete stranger, and was heartily welcomed and not made to feel awkward, strange, or that I had no business being there.   I had asked to be present only as an observer as I had not been cast, and was not really looking to be cast in a speaking part, but only as an extra.  I asked to be present to see what actually goes on.  Yeah, well, at the end of the afternoon there was some time left, was asked if I wanted to read, and I read a prepared monologue about death that I had just been handed a few mins before.  I had not memorized it, but was able to complete it, and hopefully conveyed the meaning of the words on paper.  At first, I felt that I had made a complete cock-up of it, but Matt and Don Hickey, gave me valuable information.  Yes, I rattled the paper a little too much for the sound equipment, and I also had had the benefit of seeing others do that particular monologue earlier in the afternoon, but in the end, I was deemed credible in the way I portrayed the words on that page.   I came away from that afternoon, satisfied that I had learned a great deal that afternoon, and the whole experience was a positive one.  I had no idea that I would be cast as a more regular extra in “Not Ready”, giving me the opportunity to really feel like I was part of the “Not Ready” family of performers/crew and associates.

Hazel Parsons on-set of “Not Ready”
[Photo by Steve Struthers]

 This whole experience has reminded me of some reading I did many years ago, and a particular passage that I often refer to. It is by Dr. Ralph Greenson (1974), and he speaks of how “it takes courage, honesty and modesty to grow old with joy and dignity”, and “to be able to have a sense of fun gives one a quality of youthfulness, no matter what age”. He further refers to how important it is to nurture a certain playfulness, and that man is the only animal who continues to enjoy that sense of play in adult life. Doing so will help to minimize or at least survive crises of adult life. What great therapy that is !”

“iFilmGroup has given me an opportunity to do just that.”

— Hazel Parsons

Photos by Phyllis
www.photosbyphyllis.ca

Photo Steve Struthers
Photo Don Hickey■

iFilmGroup
London ■ St. Thomas ■ Chatham-Kent
Ontario - Canada
WEBSITE - www.ifilmgroup.org

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Labor Day Thank You to Our Actors & Crew

Partial cast on movie set of “Not Ready” for theatre scene shot.

iFilmGroup thanks all actors and crew on the production of the movie “Not Ready”
Over 65 Scenes, with over 100 actors and many crew

This movie production was partially shot during one long week-end in the summer of 2019. This was the Canada Day weekend. Four days for Canadians to enjoy a long weekend. It was estimated that 45% of the footage needed for the movie was shot during this weekend. All the people on set chose to work on the movie knowing they were giving up their Canada Day week-end 2019.

A different week-end in the summer and a single Sunday was also required to shoot an editional 55% of the movie.

Later in the Fall, during autumn colours, the last 5% of the movie will be shot.

iFilmGroup wishes to send a huge thank you to all the crew and actors and their families for giving up their time to make this film. We also thank the owners of all provided locations.

Today is Labor Day in Ontario. iFilmGroup acknowledges your support and volunteerism. Thank you very much.

Don Hickey - iFilmGroup, Community Engagement Manager
Matthew Marshall - Film Director

iFilmGroup
London ■ St. Thomas ■ Chatham-Kent
Ontario - Canada
WEBSITE - www.ifilmgroup.org

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iFilmGroup Actor Excels

 George Crosby joins
Original Kids Theatre Company

George Crosby is a stage and film actor. George has worked many seasons with the Elgin Theatre Guild (ETG) in St. Thomas, Ontario. iFilmGroup closely networks with ETG, and had George audition for different parts for several film productions.

iFilmGroup cast George in several movie productions. George was as extra in the movie “Blue Love” as a clinic patient. “He’s not only a stage actor, but, a movie actor and we are proud of George's accomplishments. He has attended workshops with iFilmGroup and continues to be instructed by the various training programs at ETG,” said Matthew Marshall, movie director.

George Crosby attends iFilmGroup Workshop at ETG
[© Photo by iFilmGroup]

iFilmGroup is looking forward to the release of the movie “Not Ready” written by Donald Michael Hickey and directed by Matthew Marshall, where George plays a very important role.

iFilmGroup is proud to share the news that iFilmGroup member George Crosby is now an Original Kids Theatre Company main cast member. George worked very hard preparing for his audition for OKTC.

Original Kids Theatre Company, like iFilmGroup, have worked with many youth. The difference is, that iFilmGroup works as an inter-generational film group with people of all ages. Yet, OKTC is very impressive with 622 performances since 1991. This opportunity will be good for George.

His mom says he couldn't have done it without the help of his vocal coach Paula Thomas, and most definitely without the support of his favourite acting coach Lesley Chapman from the Elgin Theatre Guild (ETG).

The Crosby Family is all super excited to see where his journey takes him!

Training for George and other new members at OKTC begins in September, and is called TAG training (The Actor Grows). George will audition and be cast for a spring/summer show in 2020.

“We are looking forward to working with him in the future as he continues his acting journey at all levels. George is one of many youth that have excelled through the acting programs with iFilmGroup and Elgin Theatre Guild," said Don Hickey, Community Engagement Manager, at iFilmGroup. ■

Photos by Matthew Marshall

#ETGkidfirst #newbeginnings #OKkid #ifilmgroup #actorslife #acting #notreadyfilm

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iFilmGroup
London ■ St. Thomas ■ Chatham-Kent
Ontario - Canada
WEBSITE - www.ifilmgroup.org

iFilmGroup Adds New Recruits to Crew Members

 iFilmGroup Adds New Recruits to Crew Members

The word got around southwestern Ontario’s film industry, and it got around at camera stores, and it got around on social media. Students and graduates from film courses (or schools) lined up this summer to apply and be a part of a movie production. Social media from many different platforms carried the broadcast of the recruiting drive. Don Hickey, Community Engagement Manager of iFilmGroup said, “We had a lot of people to process. We were very pleased with the results.

A senior mentoring young Ben Gray, first time on a movie set.
[Photo by Louise McBride]

iFilmGroup is a free inter-generational mentoring organization that will teach newcomers to the movie industry the skill set of the trade. Many departments are available. From prop design, wardrobe, to acting and various positions on crew. Hickey says they get skilled crew, but he also likes to get new recruits with no experience, but with the right attitude. “I put them “right to the task”, Hickey says.

Hickey smiles when a new recruit is invited to a real working movie set and given a task at hand. They can’t believe the opportunity. They’re blown away and some are very nervous.

If the newbie is too nervous to perform, then Hickey tells them to watch as he or other trained production people share the methods of operation. Within a very short time the newbie settles down from their nervous tension and then begins the task with a person shadowing them. A few takes here and there and they have mastered the basics. Continued training will take them to higher levels in their production skill.

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Brad Wright being mentored by Matthew Marshall
[Photo by Louise McBride]

Brad Wright mastered camera work within a couple of scenes.
[Photo by Louise McBride]

Brad Wright came on set with some experiences with still camera and video experience and he was immediately refreshed on camera by director Matthew Marshall. This was Wright’s first time on set of the “Not Ready” production. Marshall says, “ This is what iFilmGroup is all about. If someone doesn’t have the skill set, but has the right attitude, we will work with them. We ask new recruits to treat our opportunity like a real job. Most individuals say that we have a great opportunity for anyone that has a drive for learning this industry.”

iFilmGroup Team with two new crew recruits.
[Photo by Louise McBride]

All Photos by Louise McBride

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iFilmGroup
London ■ St. Thomas ■ Chatham-Kent
Ontario - Canada
WEBSITE - www.ifilmgroup.org

One Scene With Lots of Extras

THIS SPECIAL SCENE IN THE MOVIE “NOT READY” CALLED FOR MANY EXTRAS

Mostly Extras For One Scene From The Movie “Not Ready” with Director Matthew Marshall and Some Crew
[Photo by Louise McBride]

London, Ontario. A group of actors (some new) and crew, pose for a group shot on the outdoor set of “Not Ready”. This scene was the second last scene scheduled to shoot this summer. On the same day, after the extras were released, another scene was shot on a “closed set”. This completed the summer schedule of filming for this movie.

One more scene is to be shot in the Autumn when the leaves change their colour.

iFilmGroup Production Team on the set of “Not Ready” fulfilling the Summer Film Schedule.
[Photo by Louise McBride]

Photos by Louise McBride

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iFilmGroup
London ■ St. Thomas ■ Chatham-Kent
Ontario - Canada
WEBSITE - www.ifilmgroup.org