In order to successfully produce the film, with zero budget dollars, we were forced to call on family, friends, and co-workers to fill the various roles required to bring the 22-page script to screen. Working around different (often opposing) work schedules, we began principal photography on September 7, 2007 and wrapped on November 17. The post-production process lead to a few pick-up shots in early Spring 2008 and culminated with a private screening on October 18, 2008.
Dealing with the subject of death and loss, the project called upon its primarily unskilled actors to deliver heartfelt, honest performances. Forced to adapt to both the talent’s schedules and the weather, a few scenes became particularly problematic. A pivotal scene shot under a bridge during inclement weather lead to a total reconstruction of the sound in post-production, and the day’s shoot for the penultimate scene at the end of the Kig's Landing Pier in North Bay, Ontario, almost didn’t happen when an early snowfall resulted in two hours of pre-shoot shovelling, rinsing, and hoping that the late autumn sun would melt away the wintry mess in order to maintain the illusion of autumn. The efforts proved to be worthwhile.
On April 25, 2009, the film was awarded Best Cinematography at the Music and Film in Motion Northern Ontario Film and Music Awards in Sudbury, Ontario. Beating out steep competition from around Northern Ontario, it was an honour for the first time filmmakers who had gone up against an Imax film, multiple graduates of Thunder Bay’s Confederation College film program, and an individual with over 60 productions to their name. We were also approached about featuring the film in background scenes of CBC Television's The Border.
Watch it here: About The Girl on Vimeo
Recognitions:
• Winner: Music and Film in Motion’s Northern Ontario Music and Film Awards: Ed Regan – Best Cinematographer
• Featured: National Screen Institute of Canada: 2008 Online Film Festival
