PARRY SOUND – There’s a film crew in Parry Sound this month.
A production team shooting a Canadian film about an advertising agency has set up shop at various locations in town including the Charles W. Stockey Centre, Kudos Cuisine, and Waubuno Beach.
Michael Wright, the film’s writer and producer, previously filmed the 2010 movie The Dogfather in Parry Sound and said he loves coming back.
Wright is the owner of Los Angeles-based Spud Media.
“Right now I’m trying to open a studio in Parry Sound,” he said. “I would love for this to be my Canadian home.”
Not only would a local film studio mean more jobs and growth to the local economy, it would introduce the world of cinema and film to Parry Sound.
“It generates a new dynamic that doesn’t exist here,” said Parry Sounder Larry Evans, a transportation coordinator for the filming. “It would reach out to people who have interest and aspire to get into the industry.”
Wright said he prefers not to shoot in large cities.
“I insisted that we shoot here. A town this size is much more accepting of the film community.” he said. “It’s really beautiful out here – what’s not to like?”
According to Wright, some of the film’s leading talent are looking to enjoy Parry Sound amenities, with Parker Posey taking yoga at a local studio and Callum Blue hoping to get out on Georgian Bay on a jet ski.
The film and production crew of approximately 40 people began filming on July 11 and hope to wrap up their work by July 29.
“It’s fast, but Canadian films have to work fast,” said Wright.
One Parry Sound resident is moving out of her Bay Crest Drive home for three weeks to allow the crew to film.
“They just knocked on my door, it was really random,” said Sheri Cox, who noted they liked her home for its open concept design with lots of room for equipment and crew.
Cox said she emptied out some rooms and will stay in McKellar for three weeks.
“I did it mainly for the kids, I think it will be neat for them to see,” she said.
The film, with the working title AdMan, is set in Chicago. The film crew had the Charles W. Stockey Centre transformed to look like an advertising agency earlier this week, with the emblem of the fictional ad company Kundle seen in several spots throughout the building.
Wright said during their time in Parry Sound, he has recruited locals to work on set, and as extras.
Economy boost
Evans said having this filming here is a huge to boost to the local economy.
“Two or three of the town’s main hotels and motels are housing the crew and actors, they are having meals catered on-set, and they are all eating at local restaurants at the end of the day,” he said, noting the stars bring a little “buzz” to the town.
Evans said he and Canadian actor Bruce Greenwood, who plays one of the leading roles in the film, talked easily about their shared interest in woodworking.
“What a great, down-to-earth guy,” he said.
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