New medium
Summerside writer turns the page with new feature film
Summerside author Susan Rodgers is ready to lay down her pen and get behind the lens of a camera to shoot her first feature drama on P.E.I.
Susan Rodgers is ready to lay down her pen and get behind the lens of a camera to shoot her first feature drama on P.E.I. The Summerside author has captured many hearts with her series of novels, the Drifters, and is excited to capture many more with her storytelling in film. Her first feature drama is called, “Still the Water,” and is already underway.
“I started the development stage for this film about 20 years ago,” said Rodgers, while reflecting on a hockey game in Ontario with her son, Christopher.
“It gelled from watching the game, losing focus, and imagining the stories of the hockey players.
“The film is on healing and redemption. It begins when two troubled brothers meet after an estrangement of about 15 years. One of the brothers returns to P.E.I. after his life has taken a downward turn, and he has nowhere left to turn. “He has to make amends with his older brother, and fit into the family again. It becomes complicated when relationships form with women in the middle.”
A climax in the storyline is a fishing boat accident, and one brother is left with a difficult decision.
There are many layers to the film, which braids hockey and fishing boats, family and forgiveness.
“The film will be entirely shot on P.E.I.,” added Rodgers. Scouted scenes include Summerside, Darnley, Tyne Valley, Tignish, as well as rural communities dotted between. “We went to Toronto and Vancouver to cast our leads with a vigorous audition, so the actors are ready, and we are waiting for the final bit of financing before we can set the days.
“Our goal is to actually go to camera towards the end of March this year, so we are scrambling a bit now to put the final pieces together. But last week we did auditions in Summerside for secondary characters.”
There are many opportunities for Islanders to get involved in the film.
Islanders can invest in the Mighty Ocean Film Inc. Production, and become partowners of the movie. Extras are needed for hockey and restaurant scenes, and there’s the opportunity for the public to participate in fun competitions that will open the door to being featured in the film.
“People can participate through social media. We will have fun contests running throughout the filming. For instance, the first contest is with hats, and people can take photos and submit online and be entered with a chance to be featured in the movie.” Companies can also pay to feature their brands.
“We already have a number of Island singers and songwriters involved.
“The idea for me was to match the music with the visuals, and it’s like taking the books one step further.” Once filming is done, Rodgers will pitch the film to festivals to get the buzz going.
“Maybe at the film festivals we will find a distributer through that process,” she concluded.
For more information, visit “Still the Water” social media page or, check out the website www.stillthewatermovie.ca.