qathet region filmmaker Tony Papa, who heads Powell River Digital Film School at Brooks Secondary School, landed an associate producer position on the recently completed feature film Can I Get A Witness?
Papa had previously made a connection with the film’s director and writer Ann Marie Fleming, whom he had brought to the digital film school in the past to speak with his students. When it came time to make this film, she was acquainted with the qathet region.
“It has been an ongoing thing, trying to get this film to come to this community,” said Papa. “Finally, we were able to make it happen.
“I love the locations. I’ve shot in lots of places around here with my students and I believe it's a fantastic place to shoot. Because of how friendly and amenable the various parts of the community are, it just makes it a joy. We enjoyed shooting here, the whole three weeks. It's just been amazing.”
Papa said the town serves as a character because of the way it looks and feels. He added that part of his job as one of the producers was to help with extras and find people locally who might be able to act, to bring human character to the film.
“I like to go around and audition kids and grown-ups,” said Papa. “We have some nice people who are willing to do that.”
Papa also brought back some of his former students to serve as crew for the film. Ryder Fletcher, Macy Bryce and Mel Yerna were hired to provide professional services for Can I Get A Witness? Fletcher and Bryce worked as grips and Yerna worked in the lighting department.
“The head gaffer there has taken Mel under his wing and she's going to be working now, as long as she wants to work,” said Papa. “I'm really grateful to be able to help people like that and help them realize their dreams.”
In addition to his associate producer role, Papa also worked on producing an electronic press kit to promote the film.
“I get to interview the actors and talk to the crew,” said Papa. “A lot of people are working on this film because of the way it’s written and the way that it feels. We were able to bring in some key people to work on the film that maybe wouldn’t be available otherwise because of the union strikes.
“The whole crew was really together on this film and it was one of the most harmonious sets I’ve ever worked on. It was magic and really cool to be a part of it.”
Can I Get A Witness? is the third feature film to feature production in qathet region. The first was Kayak to Klemtu in 2017, on which Papa worked, followed by Exile in 2021, on which Yerna and former digital film student Paul Human worked. Papa said of the three, Can I Get A Witness? was the largest production, with a significant number of cast and crew having to be accommodated during the production schedule here.
Papa said Can I Get A Witness? is a beautiful story about a relationship in a futuristic time.
“It’s about a mother and daughter and other relationships within that circle,” said Papa. “It’s going to be a really interesting watch.”
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