The Gift
The Gift (short drama) 2019
Co-produced with 4SightMedia
Details
When you’re lost and broken what brings you back?
“The Gift” is a short film about a young man struggling with depression who embarks on a journey back into the world he withdrew from. We watch his first hesitant steps as he reaches out beyond himself to find a new lease on life. At its core, “The Gift” is a journey to find out what really motivates us as we navigate through the challenges in our lives.
Principal photography took place in locations around Ottawa, Ontario, Canada in October and November 2018.
In 2019 “The Gift” screened at the Stirling Silver Screen Film Festival and the Soo Film Festival. In April 2021, the film was part of OCan Film Fest’s Shorts at Home: Vol 4.
Head over to our Facebook page to see updates and announcements of where to watch “The Gift”
Music
We are very excited to have “Worth It” an original song performed by Brant Pethick over the end credits. “Worth It” was written by Brant Pethick and Jaylene Johnson and fits the theme of our film very well. Brant’s music is soulful and beautiful. Hear the story of what inspired Brant and Jaylene to write “Worth It”, click here. Watch the official lyric video here. Check out Brant’s site: BrantPethick.com
In collaboration with Hotcakes New Media, we have produced two music videos for Brant. “Awake” and “When I’m With You”.
Cast
Matt Will Lafrance
Melissa Anne-Carolyne Binette
Dr. Andrews Mark Templin
Writer’s Group Host Aisha El Shennawy
Guitar teacher Brant Pethick
Guitar players Jith Paul, Derek Jones, Steven Gravelle
Melissa’s friend Gillian Mattock
Crew
Producers Lorelei E. Miller, Blair Campbell
Executive Producers Donna Cotnam, Ed Cotnam
Director Lorelei E. Miller
Director of Photography Andy Morris
Writer Brodie Cotnam
Trainee Assistant Director Valerie Robert
Storyboard Artist Kayla Bowmaster
Continuity Marie-Christine Hebert
Camera Assistant Tinker Bell
Sound Recording Danick Gratton, Jason Sonier
On Set Photographer Jith Paul
Key Make-up Artist April Bradford
Assistant Make-up Artists Rachel Newman, Rain Fisher
Locations Manager/Scout Blair Campbell
Assistant Locations Scout Trina Malcolmson
Catering/Craft Services Lynn Griffiths
“Worth It” performed by Brant Pethick
Written by Brant Pethick and Jaylene Johnson
Production Equipment provided by:
Post Production Facilities provided by:
Special thanks to our financial supporters:
Viviane Ayala, Sharon Bedard, Tina Belanger, Sonja Black, Frank J Burchat, Laura Carroll, Natalee Castor, Dale, Bonnie, Jodi, Jeff & Erin Cotnam, Sharon Cotnam, Tessa Cotnam, Robert Craig , Chantal Dupuis, Miriam Farber, Janice Fleischmann & Jamie Miller, Godwin & Roshani, Catherine Green, Jon Green, David, Deanna & Sophie Hammel, Karl Hammel, Cheryl Hanniman, Brian Heney, Deb Hickey, Heather Hickson, Doug Hillman, Cynthia Jones, Roberta Kramchynsky, Karin Kratz, Katie Legere, Casey Li, John MacPhee, Megan Mahler, Mary Ann McEachen, Ross McOrmond, Molly McGuire, James Mollica, John Mollica, J Barton Moore, Claire Morris, D&J Mouchian, Samantha Murray, Donna Neff and Wayne Wink, Nicole A, Denis Roy, Aaron Sadhankar, Bradley Scott, Benjamin Schunk, Robert Sheppard, Patricia Sinicropi, Phil Sinicropi, Sharon Sinnott, Ryan Slaughter, Connie Sung, Griffin Viau, Lynne & Tony, Heather Wilson, Adrian Wing
Producers with to thank:
Spaceman Music
Book Market
Ross Campbell
Angelina Chupetlovska
David Hoffman
St James Anglican Church
Saint Paul University