Expansion, International Associates and Fundraising

Significant changes within the film industry will be documented within the history books of 2020 and 2021. It will certainly involve the major impact the CoronaVirus-19 had on the industry and all of us.

But in this post, I wanted instead to focus on iFilmGroup’s tremendous ability to adapt and evolve to these challenging times within the Indie Film Industry.

This pandemic has caused devastation for some, and a major inconvenience to all. But throughout all of this turmoil, production people and actors just like you, from all across Canada have played their part, by continuing their vision and offering their services to the indie film industry.

As a collective, I am thoroughly impressed by the adaptive thinking and downright ingenuity of execution that has been brought forth. So, as we move through two turbulent years, I would like to personally thank all the fantastic people that I have had the opportunity to interact with (both virtually and socially distant alike!) during this time.

For me personally (and I know Matthew Marshall would agree), the opportunity to learn from, collaborate with, and produce from a wide range of actors, crew, and new people joining iFilmGroup has been an absolute blessing. I cannot fully express all my gratitude to everyone who has shown support to our Production Team and myself over the past years.

As I look back, I admit there have been many learning challenges. We are feeling absolutely blessed for every engagement we have had along the way. I will look back at these strange times and know that our Production Team, actors, and crew used this period to reflect, adapt, and relaunch. We have never stopped learning from all the lessons 2020-21 introduced to us along the way.

As an organization, we have spent months assessing needs, analyzing options, and implementing solutions for a generally unpredictable future. After all the learning, we are now into the execution stage.

With 'Summer Film Camp 2021' (associated through the teaching program by Matthew Marshall; iFilmGroup's co-founder and Head of Production) and the iFilmGroup Studio renovations in a donated warehouse (for future productions and Workshops), we are steadfastly committed to growth.

It is through the pandemic that delays and/or limited production schedules that we turned to options of ‘safe indoor filming’ due to the pandemic. The enhancement of a warehouse property becoming available to build a Studio has lead to our total property and production assets.

During this downtime, we have been catching up in 'post-production'. It also allowed Don Hickey (co-founder and Community Engagement Manager at iFilmGroup) to engage in the International Indie film market. In talks with international contacts (for over a year) iFilmGroup now has associates in Sweden, South Korea, Greece, Italy, Switzerland, and the USA. These associates have already contributed in many ways to our production processes in 2020 and 2021.

The truth is that this process of ‘limited shooting’ has been time-consuming and frustrating at times, but we are confident that the strides we are making will be good for iFilmGroup and our associates, actors, and crew.

We are not funded by any government programs. Our funding comes from the generous funding of corporate and individual donations. To make a donation, please contact either Matthew Marshall or Don Hickey of iFilmGroup.

We are burdened with the costs of renovations in the warehouse as we convert the interior to sound stages. Renovations of the warehouse to sound stages will be ongoing into 2022. We have already shot scenes for the film 'Not Ready' in this warehouse.

Post-production costs for several of iFilmGroup's movies need to be financially covered. We are always looking for donations to support our films. Please consider a financial donation.

Thank you... and we look forward to having you continue with us throughout our journey together. Let’s make movies and win more awards. It's our passion, isn't it?

Don Hickey
Community Engagement Manager

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RELEASE SUMMARY
Expansion, International Associates and Fundraising.

iFilmGroup
London ■ St. Thomas ■ Chatham-Kent
Ontario - Canada
WEBSITE - www.ifilmgroup.org

Matthew Marshall Hosting Filmmakers’ Camp 2021

Digital Creative Arts Centre has award winning filmmaker, Matthew Marshall from iFilmGroup to teach Filmmaker's Camp! Teaching about camera controls, how to catch the viewer's attention, lighting, and the key roles of crew members!

The Camp/course will run from August 9 to 13, and August 16 to 20, 2021.
From 6 pm to 7 pm each night.
Camp is geared towards individuals in grades 7 to 12 (ages 12 to 18).

COMPLETED

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RELEASE SUMMARY
Matthew Marshall teaching at Digital Art Centre; Filmmakers’ Camp

iFilmGroup
London ■ St. Thomas ■ Chatham-Kent
Ontario - Canada
WEBSITE - www.ifilmgroup.org

‘Social Disobedience Film’ Has Selected Its Cast

‘Social Disobedience Film’ Has Selected Its Cast

Olivia Jackson

Mary Ellen Herder

Jensen Fraser

Brie Bennett

Jordyn Taylor

Max Steinberg

Ashleigh Morrison

Jessica Windibank

Mariah Butt

Shelby Simpson

George Crosby

iFilmGroup and m & s Marshall Productions are happy to announce their cast for their upcoming film called Social Disobedience. Filming of the entire film will take place through social distance with scenes being filmed throughout Ontario and the United States, with smartphones, tablets, and Wi-Fi devices.

“The concept of this film excites me. As we are all relating right now to dealing with a virus and having to stay at home and or isolate” says award-winning film director Matthew Marshall who is the film’s writer and director.

Short List of Actors:
Olivia Jackson will be taking over a previously cast role in Social Disobedience. She originally had a small part in the film in a scene in the role of Abigail McDonald. That role will now be expanded to tie into that original appearance and now take over the role that had been previously cast. Her character of Abigail is away at a private school due to some mistakes she has made. Now with the virus, she is forced to stay at the private school because her parents are more worried she might bring the virus home than being worried about bringing her home from school. Now she is stuck in her dorm under the strict rules of the school and forced to ride out the pandemic.

Social Disobedience is the first time that Olivia has worked with the team on a film. The entire production team looks forward to her shining in this role.

Mary Ellen Herder has been added to the ‘Social Disobedience’ team. She will play Ms. Anna McGlaughlin, a private school teacher at Laidlaw Academy. Mary Ellen is the owner of ‘Take A Bow Productions’ in Chatham. She was worked with the Production Team on two previous films. She was Ms L. Mahaffy, chair of the school Board in “Malicious Attack” and Dr. Fairbanks in “Blue Love”. The production team is excited to have Mary Ellen be part of this newest production

Reshma Rajan will be joining the “Social Disobedience” cast. Reshma will bring her acting experience and knowledge from the medical field to play the role of nurse Mia Kaur, who is at the local hospital facing the pandemic head on.

Jensen Fraser has been added to the “Social Disobedience” team. She will have a duel role within the production. She will be both in front of the camera and behind. Jensen will play the role of Jessa in the film as well as be the fight choreographer. Jensen comes to the team with experience on screen and on stage. She is also had extensive training through the Fanshawe Theatre Arts Program.

Atarah Soekhradj has been added to the “Social Disobedience” cast. Atarah will play the role of Ilana an exchange student trapped during the pandemic.

Brie Bennett will be playing the role of "Bailey" in “Social Disobedience”. Brie is studying Theatre at York University. She has played a number of leading and supporting roles in various films and Theatre Productions.

Jordyn Taylor has been selected and cast to be a part of “Social Disobedience”. London Actress Jordyn Taylor will play the role of Danica, Eden’s best friend.
Jordyn is an award-winning actor that has credits to her name in both stage and film. Jordyn has worked with the iFilmGroup and m & s Marshall Production teams on three films. She was Brooke Armstrong in “Not Ready”, Brynne Jameson in “Malicious Attack” and Correctional Officer T. Walker in “Blue Love”. The production team is excited to have Jordyn be part of the production and see what she brings to the role of Danica.

Max Steinberg has been cast in “Social Disobedience”.
London Actor Max Steinberg will play the character Greyson who likes to cause trouble for both Eden and Danica.  Max is an award-winning actor that has credits to his name in both stage and film. He brings his vast acting experience of working on over 25 film projects to this new film. Max has also had his own TV show on Rogers Television in which he was not only the host, but also was a writer and the director of some of the episodes. Max is no stranger to the iFilmGroup and m & s Marshall Production teams. He has had smaller character roles in “Malicious Attack” and “Blue Love”. Both of which are in post-production. Most recently Max worked with the team and played the role of Michael, one of the main characters in the film “Not Ready”.

Ashleigh Morrison was selected for a role in Social Disobedience. Ashleigh will be playing the lead role of Eden Patterson. Newmarket, Ontario Actress Ashleigh Morrison will lead the cast as Eden. The pandemic has gotten to her and she doesn’t want to play by the rules.
Ashleigh comes to the production with credits in a number of Films and TV shows. Including a number of leading roles in features and short films. Select credits included; "The Daughter Of Babel", Salvage, Detainee X, Goldfish and her TV series on Rogers Television with Ashleigh's Kidz Korner and Kidz Korner. She has received awards for her acting and hosting talents. This is Ashleigh’s first production with iFilmGroup.

Jessica Ladd will be playing the role of Dove Linney. Jessica has been a part of many theatre productions in London, Ontario. She has also been a part of previous films (Not Ready & Blue Love) with iFilmGroup and m & s Marshall Productions.

Jessica Lynn Windibank has a part in Social Disobedience. She will be playing the role of Bridget. Jessica Windibank has been a part of two previous films with iFilmGroup and m & s Marshall Production's (Not Ready & Blue Love).

Mariah Butt to the cast of “Social Disobedience”. She will be playing the role of "Zahra" in the film. Mariah previously played the role of Sara in the 90 minute film “A Witches’ Ball”. She also was a person attending a funeral in the short film “Falling For You”. Most recently Mariah has work with the iFilmGroup and m & s Marshall Productions as nurse, Ava Hussein in the film “Not Ready”.

Lauren Fraumeni will be playing the role of "Blair" in this film. “Social Disobedience” will be Lauren’s first film role with iFilmGroup and m & s Marshall Productions.

Violet Goens will be playing the role of "Sophia", a essential retail frontline worker who is dealing with the public during the pandemic.

George Crosby will be playing the role of Ethan in the film. George has worked with the iFilmGroup team in the past. His roles include a small role in “Blue Love” and most notably as young Richard Pratt in "Not Ready".

Shelby Simpson will be playing the role of Madison in the film. She has worked with m & s Marshall Production and iFilmGroup on three previous films. She played Cassandra Campbell in "Not Ready", Zoe Carwin in "Malicious Attack and two smaller roles in "Blue Love".

Additional casting for other roles is on-going.

What Marshall likes about this film is going inside the characters to see the struggles they are having with dealing with a virus that has changed their lives. How isolation is affecting them on emotional and mental levels and how each character has a different response and is pushed to the point of social disobedience. Marshall feels that each person cast so far will bring to life the characters he has created in very interesting ways.

m & s Marshall Productions and iFilmGroup are very excited to work with the talent selected and look forward to filming Social Disobedience in the upcoming months.

For Social Disobedience filming information and updates, please follow iFilmGroup at https://www.ifilmgroup.org or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/ifilmgroup

For more information or media inquiries, please contact Matthew Marshall of m & s Marshall Productions and iFilmGroup.

IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12752650/

Award-winning Actors include:

• Max Steinberg

• Jordyn Taylor

• Ashleigh Morrison

At the Joey Awards in Vancouver, BC.

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RELEASE SUMMARY
Movie ‘Social Disobedience’ Has Selected its Cast.

iFilmGroup
London ■ St. Thomas ■ Chatham-Kent
Ontario - Canada
WEBSITE - www.ifilmgroup.org

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ABOUT iFilmGroup:
We are a leading group of experienced film-makers in Southwestern, Ontario working with any member of the public that desires to enter into the film industry at NO COST. We incorporate a network-mentoring program where participants learn and instruct others as they become skilled. Also, we teach and support students from local universities and colleges and high schools. Students from these campuses range from actors and crew. We promote sharing knowledge within our programs and workshops. Fields of expertise include; Film, Acting, Print Media, Broadcast Media and Music.

CONTACT:iFilmGroup
Don Hickey
Community Engagement Manager
donhickey@ifilmgroup.org

Movie "Not Ready" Completes Shooting Schedule

OCTOBER 21, 2019 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight time
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Southwestern Ontario - Canada
London ■ St. Thomas ■ Chatham-Kent

Movie "Not Ready" Completes Shooting Schedule on Day 10

A scene from movie “Not Ready” produced by iFilmGroup.org © 2019

Sunday, October 20, 2019, will be remembered for a long time by the production crew and actors with the movie “Not Ready”. An Autumn day with sunshine and warm temperatures were required to shoot the scene. The scene was shot in Dorchester, in southwestern Ontario.

The weather was perfect. This day was hoped for by production people, that were eager to shoot this scene with perfect conditions The Autumn colours and the backdrop had to be perfect and match up with previous footage shot earlier in Parry Sound, Ontario.

There’s a lot of dynamics that make this scene special to the production:

• This scene completes the shooting of this feature film.

• Youth stage actor George Crosby plays an integral character in this production.

• Matthew Fenner debuts his acting skill in this production.

• This is the 10th and final day of the scheduled shooting of this feature film.

Actors Matthew Fenner and George Crosby in scene from feature movie “Not Ready”. © iFilmGroup.org

This movie… “Not Ready” created a network between 6 communities in Ontario:
Toronto, London, St. Thomas, Parry Sound, Dorchester and Chatham - Kent.

Through iFilmGroup, this film engaged actors and crew of all ages (inter-generational) and used multi-cultural talented actors from Toronto, London and St. Thomas and surrounding areas.

RELEASE SUMMARY
Movie "Not Ready" Completes Shooting Schedule on Day 10.

iFilmGroup
London ■ St. Thomas ■ Chatham-Kent
Ontario - Canada
WEBSITE - www.ifilmgroup.org

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iFilmGroup's Wildlife Consultant awarded Medal by Governor-General of Canada.

SEPTEMBER 20, 2019 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight time
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Southwestern Ontario - Canada
London ■ St. Thomas ■ Chatham-Kent

iFilmGroup's Wildlife Consultant awarded the Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor-General of Canada.

Greg Balch (on left) with London Mayor Ed Holder

iFilmGroup’s Wildlife consultant Greg Balch had us keep a secret about his achievements. He was up for a huge award… by a country. Yes, a country… Oh! Canada.

In February 2018, Greg was contacted by the office of the Governor-General and informed that he had been awarded the Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor-General of Canada

An official Canadian Honour, this medal recognizes exceptional volunteer achievements from across the country or abroad in a wide range of fields. He was awarded this medal for his volunteer work since 1993 with his Wildlife Ecology Education program, "Community Wildlife Management Workshops".

Since 1993 he has presented to 170,000 people from Ontario and Nova Scotia. The presentation ceremony took place at London City Hall, September 18, 2019, where His Worship Ed Holder, the Mayor of London presented the Medal.

In the past, Greg has consulted with iFilmGroup’s Production Team for several movie scenes. Don Hickey, iFilmGroup’s Community Engagement Manager has enjoyed working with Greg over the years. Don also supports any cross-platform services that each organization can utilize.

The iFilmGroup Production Team congratulates Greg on his lifetime achievement.

RELEASE SUMMARY
iFilmGroup's Wildlife Consultant awarded the Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor-General of Canada.

Greg Balch with iFilmGroup

Greg Balch FaceBook

iFilmGroup
London ■ St. Thomas ■ Chatham-Kent
Ontario - Canada
WEBSITE - www.ifilmgroup.org

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Jordyn Taylor receives a nomination for a Joey Award

Jordyn Taylor, Canadian Actor

SEPTEMBER 17, 2019 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight time
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Southwestern Ontario - Canada
London ■ St. Thomas ■ Chatham-Kent

Jordyn Taylor, Canadian Actor.

iFilmGroup member Jordyn Taylor has received a nomination for a Joey Award in the “Best Commercial Voiceover” category for her work on “Hope Letter Campaign”, a 7-minute video.  She is now working on the continuation of the “Hope Letter Campaign”.

Jordyn has extensive dance, singing, and acting experience. She has been a part of a large number of theatre productions in London and area. She also has been involved in several Ryerson student films; including playing the role of “Sandra” in the short film “Nothing Grows Here”.

Cast in a scene of “Not Ready”.

Most recently, Jordyn has been involved with iFilmGroup and m & s Marshall Productions. She has roles in three of their upcoming productions that are in post-production.  She played the role of Brooke Armstrong, one of the private school girls in “Not Ready”, Correctional officer T. Walker in “Blue Love” and teenager Brynne Jameson” who was one of the students bullied in “Malicious Attack”.

Joey Award Nominations - Link

Jordyn Taylor IMDb link - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7314041
Jordyn Taylor’s Testimonial

RELEASE SUMMARY
Jordyn Taylor has received a nomination for a Joey Award.

iFilmGroup
London ■ St. Thomas ■ Chatham-Kent
Ontario - Canada
WEBSITE - www.ifilmgroup.org

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Jacob Gagen cast in "The Ace and the Scout"

Jacob Gagen, Canadian Actor

SEPTEMBER 16, 2019 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight time
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Southwestern Ontario - Canada
London ■ St. Thomas ■ Chatham-Kent

Jacob Gagen, Canadian Actor.

London Ontario based actor Jacob Gagen and iFilmGroup member cast in "The Ace and the Scout" for Electronic Motion Pictures. Jacob Gagen will play (Collishaw).
Electronic Motion Pictures… “We are thrilled to cast talented actors Catherine Surprenant (Lucienne), Jacob Gagen (Collishaw), Kevin Wyville (Peterson), and Matt Palmer (CEF Officer). Welcome to the team !”

RELEASE SUMMARY
London Ontario based actor and iFilmGroup member Jacob Gagen cast in "The Ace and the Scout" for Electronic Motion Pictures.
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FACEBOOK: Jacob Gagen
WEBSITE: Electric Motion Pictures

iFilmGroup
London ■ St. Thomas ■ Chatham-Kent
Ontario - Canada
WEBSITE - www.ifilmgroup.org

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Max Steinberg Nominated for Three Joey Awards

Max Steinberg, actor with iFilmGroup

SEPTEMBER 8, 2019 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight time
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Southwestern Ontario - Canada
London ■ St. Thomas ■ Chatham-Kent

Max Steinberg, Canadian Actor.

London Ontario based Actor Max Steinberg has been nominated for Three (3) Joey Awards, announced September 7, 2019, on the Joey Awards website.

Nominations include:

• BEST ACTOR in a short film12-13, for his lead role in “What Normal Boys Do”

• BEST FEATURED ACTOR in a Feature Film, for “Afreen”

• BEST ACTOR in a Student or Youth Made Short Film, 13-16

• for his role in “Chester”, which was shot entirely on an iPhone.

• Projects were filmed in Hamilton, Kitchener, and London Ontario.

Previously Max was nominated at the Joey Awards in both 2017, and 2018 for BEST YOUNG HOST for his interview style talk show MAX TV, which he hosted on Rogers TV, London. Also in 2018, he received a nomination for BEST ACTOR in a Web Series for his role in the satirical comedy “The Waddling Dead”.

Max has earned his Black Belt in karate at Bernardo Karate Academy, where he is currently working towards his second -degree belt. He has also trained with Larissa Mair Casting in Toronto, Original Kids Theatre and Alexandra Kane at AK Arts Academy London as well as taking multiple stage combat classes. Max is currently in grade 10 at HB Beal Secondary School where he continues to study his craft.

The school itself is known for its famous alumni. Notably, Oscar-winning Producer Paul Haggis (Million Dollar Baby and Crash), Brad Turner director of Stargate SG-1 & Atlantis, Smallville, 24 and Hawaii 50, and Degrassi actress Olivia Scriven.

MAX is represented by: Hero Artist

(https://joeyawards.com/2019-nominations)

FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/therealMaxSteinberg
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7817469/
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/MaxSteinberg123

JOEY AWARDS ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
WEBSITE: https://www.joeyawards.com/past-winners
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/joeyawardscanada/
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/joeyawards1
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/joeyawards1/
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSusRbQg9AufVM8zsaGyoKw, announced September 7, 2019 on the Joey Awards website.

RELEASE SUMMARY
London Ontario based actor Max Steinberg has been nominated for three (3) Joey Awards

iFilmGroup
London ■ St. Thomas ■ Chatham-Kent
Ontario - Canada
WEBSITE - www.ifilmgroup.org

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