COCHRANE - A short film shot in Cochrane last year is set to make its festival debut in 2025.
Early in 2024, Timothy Girgis and Ali Watson, the creators and producers of the short film The Oddsmakers, shared their plans to shoot the 17-minute film in Cochrane. Filming took place over three days in May.
As post-production nears completion, Girgis provided an update on the film’s progress and discussed the success of the comic book adaptation.
“Filming went particularly well,” he said. “We only went over time by one hour on the last day, which is great for a non-union production, especially for first-time filmmakers.”
The crew worked 12-hour days, Girgis said.
“Everyone was super happy to be up here. The beauty of the north and the hospitality of the town were highlights for many,” he said.
The film was shot at several notable locations including the Railway Cafe, which closed its doors in July, and the Polar Bear Habitat. Girgis highlighted how the settings contributed to the mood of specific scenes.
“We have this one scene where the dark hero enters as the polar bear in the background is exiting the frame, so it's almost like we're replacing one predator with another, which added so much to the story,” Girgis said.
“And then being able to take advantage of shooting on concessions eight and nine at night where it's quiet and you don't have to worry about a subway rumble or about random people walking by and shouting obscene things. It's just a nice, clean environment to be able to just focus on the art.”
SEE: Film being shot in Cochrane using as much local talent as possible
As of now, post-production is nearing completion, Girgis said.
“School Editing from Toronto has helped us with the final touches, so they are in the final days of finishing that part,” he said.
“We basically have the edit sequences locked, we have the colour done, the sound is getting finished this week, and the composer is hoping to have everything wrapped up from her standpoint by the end of the month. Maybe a touch into January.”
Once complete, the film will be ready to submit to film festivals. Girgis said they are planning to submit The Oddsmakers to the Cinéfest Sudbury International Film Festival, the Toronto International Short Film Festival and the Tribeca Film Festival.
“We'll see how it goes. As first-time filmmakers, you're up against more of a wall, but I think we've turned out a quality product. It tells a good story. So, we're going to take our chances,” he said.
As festivals typically don’t permit public showings before the official festival submissions, Girgis said they will be organizing an exclusive private screening of the film.
He added that they’re aiming to make three short films next year.
“Our goal is to continue creating projects that can have an impact on Canadian filmmaking,” he said.
In addition to the film, Girgis and Watson partnered with Legacy Comix, a company based in Staten Island, New York, to produce a comic book adaptation of The Oddsmakers. Released in the spring of 2024, the comic has been well-received and helped raise awareness for the project.
“The comic book has done well in terms of publicity and sales,” Girgis said. “It gave people something tangible to experience the story, and we think it was a great way to engage with audiences before the film is released.”
SEE: Comic book based off of Cochrane film to be released in spring
Girgis plans to continue working on comic adaptations in the future, with a focus on creating entirely Canadian-produced works.
“I’m working on making the next comic 100 per cent Canadian,” he said. “I have a Canadian writer, being myself, and a local printer based in Timmins, and now I’m looking for an illustrator to complete the team.”
The comic book can be purchased here.
