Movie director returns to his hometown of Orillia to film his latest production
The City of Orillia has been the backdrop of an upcoming comedy movie over the past three weeks.
Film director Sean Cisterna returned to his hometown for the production of his latest movie, 'Boy City.'
"It's a nice feeling to come back and be working with the same people you grew up with," said Cisterna.
'Boy City' revolves around a group of friends in their mid-30s attempting to make it in the boy band industry.
The Orillia native said that after reading the script, he knew his hometown would be a perfect fit to move production with its diverse locations, like the waterfront, neighbours, and modern and historic architecture.
"One thing about shooting in a small community is that you draw on those personal relationships to get us into certain locations," Cisterna said from the set Wednesday afternoon.
One of the locations filmed was Creative Nomad Studios in the heart of the Sunshine City.
"It was so perfect because we've been in lockdown." The president of the studio, Anitta Hamming, said Cisterna utilized several spots in the building and allowed her to make a brief cameo in the film.
"It was exciting, it was interesting," said Hamming.
Orillia Mayor Steve Clarke said the film would help stimulate the local economy following a challenging year and a half.
"Especially as we work our way out of the pandemic. We are looking for many ways to bring our economy back to where it was before and maybe beyond, and certainly, this is an indication that it is happening," the mayor said.
With filming wrapping up, many of the movie's crew members said they made memories in Orillia that would last a lifetime.
"It's been such a joy being up here, especially during this time of the year everyone has been so accommodating," said 'Boy City' screenwriter and lead actor Matthew Karzis.
"It's been really cool to explore Orillia as well as work here," said Mariah Owen, the film's producer.
'Boy City' is expected to be released in late 2021 or early 2022.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.