A new film from Barker Street Cinema to be shot on location in Prince George is part of the company’s plan to resurge the city’s previous success in film making.
Ariel ALPHA will be the first movie of its kind written, produced, and filmed entirely in Prince George in years, hoping to spark a renewed interest in local movie production. This science fiction story is set in the near future and will be filmed at recognizable Prince George spots including the University of Northern British Columbia, Betulla Burning, White Goose Bistro and the former location of Ohh Chocolat.
“Between 1999-2003, Prince George’s film industry was an economic driver and brought positive recognition to our city. Barker Street Cinema has a passion for filmmaking, an extensive network, supportive partners and a love for this City that can bring back that winning streak in film,” said Norm Coyne, producer. “What’s so incredible about this new project is that we are shooting it with a local crew, in our hometown, with an LA star and a Vancouver actor who is also from PG.”
The film will star Madison Smith, originally from Prince George, best known for his roles in Salvation, Riverdale, Supergirl, NarcoLeap, and Aftermath. Joining him is Becca Scott, best known for Geek & Sundry, Fail Lab, Tween Fest, Mothership, and Vampire: The Masquerade: L.A. by Night, and is the producer behind hit YouTube programs Game the Game and How to Play.
“I’m so excited about everything that’s happening in my hometown,” said Smith, “I can’t wait for the world to see what Prince George can do.”
Ariel ALPHA, written by local author Chris Dias, tells a story set in the near future in which a grieving young man questions love and life after an unexpected encounter with a service promising the perfect romantic solution.
Coyne points to Northern FanCon as a catalyst for recent film projects within Northern BC, including the critically-acclaimed The Doctor’s Case based on the story by Stephen King and paranormal/historical docu-series Wicked Ways. Northern FanCon has generated millions of dollars in economic benefit to Prince George and attracted over 100 celebrities and filmmakers to the city. Ariel ALPHA is another film with roots in FanCon – each starring past guests of the convention – a deliberate path Norm Coyne and team are pursuing to regenerate interest in northern BC filmmaking.
“We are lucky enough to have connected to guests of FanCon to bring in talent that augments our team and makes a real Prince George to LA connection. Bringing projects home with a built-in visibility helps lay the groundwork and seed interest for future filmmakers,” said Coyne. “We don’t want to just tell stories. We want to build a legacy. Anything that we can do to help build others up to succeed in our local film industry, we want to make that happen.”
What do you think about this story?