Pictured from left: Third-year Broadcasting students Dallas Suess, Joey Lavoie and Will Robertson prepare for a day on set at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus.
A recent film shoot at Niagara College’s Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus doesn’t only mean areas of the College are bound for the big screen – so too are some of its students.
The feature film, The Colossal Failure of the Modern Relationship, is described as a smart, sexy comedy that explores serious, dramatic and even devastating truths about relationships today. Through its main characters, Cat and Freddy, it takes its audience to the Niagara region, known as a wine region and as honeymoon capital of the world – where circumstance and setting create the perfect backdrop for fun, adventure and, ultimately, disaster.
Film crews descended on the NOTL Campus on Sept. 21 and 24, filming segments at Benchmark Restaurant as well as the Wine Visitor + Education Centre and surrounding vineyards. The College will appear in the segments of the film when some of its characters take a vineyard bike tour. Directed by Sergio Navarretta, it stars actors including Enrico Colantoni, David Cubbit, Tony Nappo and Kristina Nicoll.
Several students in their third year of the College’s Broadcasting – Radio, Television and Film program had the opportunity to become involved with the production.
While the production company, Platinum Image Films, had never worked with students before, associate producer Anna Jane Edmonds said it provided mentoring opportunities to NC students on set as an effort to give back to Niagara College for all the generosity that was presented to them. Students were given the opportunity to work with professionals from the area and Toronto as part of the experience. More than a dozen students participated, including a core group of seven students who were the most involved.
Edmonds said she was pleased with the result.
“Whether they were working in their area of interest or doing something they had never done, they were essential components to our crew. I was very lucky to have them on set,” said Edmonds. “They never stopped smiling and were always there to help anyone who needed it. Collectively and individually, they went above and beyond any expectations and represented the college extremely well.”
One of the students, Will Robertson, became Edmonds’ “right hand man” on the set. The aspiring producer valued the opportunity, particularly the experience he gained and the connections he made.
“School teaches you all the hands on things you will need to start your career in the film industry. Doing something like this gives you something you can’t get from just going to school and that is connections outside of the college who want to see you succeed in this career,” he said. “The cast and crew are amazing; they welcomed us with open arms. Making friends and networking will help more for a career than you can ever imagine.”
Student Joey Lavoie has been operating the boom on set, which captures the dialogue just above the shot while staying hidden from the film. The most rewarding aspect of the experience for Lavoie was having the opportunity to work so closely with professionals in the field.
“We learn a lot in class but when you’re here working with professionals it’s so much more engaging and rewarding,” he said. Having a seasoned professional work with me has been extremely valuable in my graduating year, and I think it will help me as I pursue my career.”
Their classmate Dallas Suess worked on the film’s lighting and electrical.
“I feel that I’ve learned a lot and getting the on-hand personal experience enhances the learning in the classroom,” he said. “I’m very excited to see the final product whenever it comes out.”
In addition to the students working on set, producer Edmonds applauded Niagara College’s involvement in the film.
“NC was an essential component to this film. Chef Bruce Worden at Benchmark, professor Greg Unrau, and college president Dr. [Dan] Patterson have all been a great support.”
The Colossal Failure of the Modern Relationship is now in its post production process. Its release day has not yet been determined.
