On the set of The Performance
in Windsor
Rhys Trenhaile at the Capitol
Theatre
place where you’re not looked at like you have three heads
because you work and make a living in that industry here.”
In the last few years our city is becoming more
arts-oriented. The University of Windsor started a film course
less than five years ago. City council started a grant last year
called the Arts, Culture and Heritage Fund, the mission
statement for which says, “investing in the soul of our city.”
Rhys Trenhaile, who also works in real estate, is currently
producing and acting in
Stephen Wallace’s The
Performance, which was being
filmed primarily at the Capitol
Theatre. The Performance is a
drama directed by Wallis,
starring Genie-award winner
Nick Mancuso (Under Siege)
and actress Sienna Guillory
(Resident Evil), that follows a
well-known actor as he
prepares for a one-night-only
performance.
Trenhaile started as a
screenwriter 11 years ago and
through writing fell in love with
acting. While acting, people in the film industry noticed his
business background and he began producing.
Trenhaile said that in order for Windsor to become more
solidified in the film industry, someone would have to make
three to four movies a year here. He is the only Windsor actor
in The Performance but about 40 per cent of the crew involved
are residents of this community.
“We are not re-inventing the wheel, I point out to people
Halifax has a flourishing television/film industry,
Newfoundland has Republic of Doyle. There is no reason that
Windsor, right next to 5.2 million Americans in Detroit, with
all the advantages we have down here including lower
operating costs, can’t do the same thing here,” said Trenhaile.
The films shot in Windsor are mostly low-risk, with no
extravagant budget or heavy investors. The Performance has a
“There’s no
reason
Windsor...with
all the
advantages we
have...can’t do
the same thing
here.”
Windsor becomes Hollywood North as the Windsor
International Film Festival - fondly known as WIFF celebrates its 10th anniversary!
The festival runs from November 1 to November 9. During that
time, there will be more than 180 screenings of over 100 films.
The Festival offers a variety of ticket options - click here to see all
that WIFF has to offer.
12 The HUB - November 2014