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FILM DIARY - JANE LEBLANC FILMMAKER AWARD WINNER - CORI BROWNLEE

We wrapped on my short film Distortion a while back.

The first weekend of shooting was very cold but amazing. The weather was perfect for the outdoor shoot on the Saturday. Our star, David, was pretty cold at times but he toughed it out and delivered an amazing performance. I, as both mom and director, was very impressed with how well he was able to repeat his performance over and over in perfect form for each cut and scene. Working through a subject matter such as teen depression can take it’s toll on everyone involved. To emote those feelings well enough to make it believable to the audience, requires a great deal of effort on the part of the actor that it did make for a tough day the next day. I really need to give him a shout out for the amazing job he did in sharing this story.

Being my first film, it was a blessing to be surrounded with so many people who were constantly supportive and helpful without taking over or running over my ideas. I learned much about the various roles on the film set from this crew and would happily work with any of them again. Britany Sparrow was invaluable as 1st AD and took time to coach me for that role while still keeping me on task and calm throughout the shoot. Jon Blizzard was enthusiastic and was constantly impressing me with both his knowledge of camera work as well as his constant advice and encouragement. John David Thornton brought laughter and his vast knowledge to the project. His lighting effects created the mood perfectly and his jokes lightened up the mood whenever it was needed. Laura-Beth Bird was someone I didn’t know before this project. As set decorator and art director, she kept our scenes consistent and clean. Her willingness to do whatever was asked was especially evident when we needed her to jump in on one scene when we didn’t have enough extras. 

Co-op members Jon Blizzard, Laura-Beth Bird and John David Thornton on the set of Distortion

There were many moments of laughter amongst the hard work. It was so easy to work with this team. I can’t say enough good things about them.

We filmed at various locations in various weather. No one complained or questioned whether it was worth it. Of course, we fed them well, and as everyone knows, good food keeps everyone happy. Though I have developed my own reputation in craft services, I could not do it all myself this time. I leaned on my dear friend Evelyn Brooks. She has recently opened her own coffee truck and she was excited to help out. She handled all the food for the first day of shooting and no crew anywhere will ever have better coffee or lemon bread! For the remainder of the shooting I prepped a lot of food while having Scott manage the serving and cleaning up. I don’t think anyone will say they starved.

Now that we are in post-production, I am thrilled to have Tracey Lavigne editing the film. She offers her guidance and suggestions but also accepts that this is my project and that I need to make the decisions. We have shared many messages back and forth while we work through the cuts and choices. She didn’t even throw up her hands in disgust when I sent several changes to her for the final edit. She happily made the changes in record time so that I made the submission deadline for Silver Wave. Rob Gemmell added his sound talents for a few small effects that will have significant effect on the film.

I am blessed beyond my dreams to be able to have my own in-house composer. Not only does my husband, Scott, compose but he is also a great sounding board for my ideas. He patiently allows me to explore the various ideas I have while offering his observations and suggestions. Then he adds in the final touch, the element that can make or break a movie – the music. It is amazing to work with such a patient and talented composer who delights in sharing my crazy film ideas.

I very much could not have made this film without the support of the NB Film Co-op. Having an organization full of members who are dedicated to independent film is the best thing that could have happened. I have never been involved in any organization that is this supportive. Even if someone is unable to help, they are still willing to offer suggestions or to point you in the right direction. I have had ideas for films before but never had anyone to help with the parts I don’t know how to do. The NB Film Co-op greeted me with enthusiasm and love and a willingness to listen to this prairie girl’s crazy idea to begin making films at 47 years of age with no experience. Thank you so much for all your love and support. I don’t know if New Brunswick truly understands and appreciates this organization and how it empowers people to follow their dreams.

Cori and her Film Co-op dream team on the set of her short film Distortion

Thank you.

My next film project is a music video for a song that we wrote for indie filmmaker Jeff Kelley’s “The Pugilist” followed by a documentary I began filming in August telling the story of Saint John’s newest drag queen – Normani. In the works for this new filmmaker who is kind of addicted now is a horror short called “Caliope” and a feature-length horror called “Legacy”. As both are still very much in the planning stages, I won’t say too much about them, however, there will be more coming from me.

Cori Brownlee, Prairie Girl Creations

NBFC PROJECT SUPPORT LINKS

PAST - Telefilm Talent To Watch Program (For members in good standing only): February 2020 - http://nbfilmcoop.com/content/talent-watch-program

PAST - imagineNATIVE/NBFC Incubator Program (open to members and the public): March 1, 2019 - http://nbfilmcoop.com/programs/imaginenative-mentorship

ONGOING! - Member Production Support Programme (For members in good standing only): http://nbfilmcoop.com/programs/member-production-support-program

PAST - Bolex Film Scholarship (for members in good standing only): May 13, 2019 - http://nbfilmcoop.com/content/bolex-film-scholarship

PAST - Errol Williams Filmmaker Award (for members in good standing only): May 13, 2019 - http://nbfilmcoop.com/programs/errol-williams-filmmaker-award

UPCOMNG - CBC/NB Joy Award (open to members and the public): October 23, 2019: http://nbfilmcoop.com/programs/nb-joy-award

UPCOMING - Jane LeBlanc Filmmaker Award (open to members and the public) - October 23, 2019: http://nbfilmcoop.com/programs/jane-leblanc-filmmaker-award

NB Film Co-op member and summer student Ashley Phinney is researching and producing a VR film for the NB Film Co-op as part of her work so, more members can use the VR equipment the Co-op has now. Tony Merzetti, Matt Carr, Jared Carney, Jan Thompson, Annick Blizzard, Erinn Sharpe are assisting her as well as actors, Rylan Melles, Sam Westfield, Tony Tomarchio and Kaitlyn Adair. (Photo by Erinn Sharpe). Film Co-op Prez Britany Sparrow dropped in recently to catch some of the action on set.