Local Company Filming Latest Production in Shediac
SHEDIAC — Connections Productions is no stranger to filming in Shediac. Over the past years, the seaside town has become a hotspot for the film industry, benefiting not only the industry but the economy of the region itself. The production company is currently filming its latest project, En Résidence, a thirteen-episode television series that will air on the Canadian French channel UnisTV in September of 2024.
Co-owner and producer of Connections Productions, Marcel Gallant, says En Résidence tells the story of a group of students who move into a senior complex after their university dormitory burns down. En Résidence explores intergenerational conflicts with a lighthearted approach that brings two generations together. The series is being filmed over a 36-day period in locations throughout Shediac and Moncton.
“We found the historical Webster House in Shediac that fits the character of the storyline and converted it into a seniors’ facility for filming. Most of the time we’re shooting at the house, but we also film at The Université de Moncton and École Mathieu-Martin,” Gallant says.
Connections Productions began in 1992 and specializes in French projects, the majority being television series and variety shows. With offices in Halifax and Moncton, the company prides itself on hiring actors and set crew from the area, allowing for opportunities that can otherwise be difficult to come by.
“For En Résidence, a few actors are from Quebec, but over 65 of our actors are hired from within the province and 90 per cent of the crew is hired locally as well. In total, for the 36 days of shooting, we’re looking at a total of 110 people that worked on the show from various departments.”
Gallant says a project of such size requires an array of expertise and services which production sources locally. Lodging, catering, and prop supplies from local hardware stores are just a few of the day-to-day necessities.
“We tap into a lot of different markets for support as well through vendors and rental companies. It’s money that directly gets injected again into the province, which is our number one goal in all our productions.”
Funding for productions is not always easy to come by. Gallant explains larger projects rely on partnerships with the provincial government.
“They put in about 20 per cent of the budget, then we get the other 80 per cent from outside the province. We bring it in from either broadcasters or the Canadian Media Fund- it’s all money that would normally not come into the province.”
Limited funding opportunities create setbacks for growth within the industry. Last year, the government doubled the amount of money to bring in new projects and Connections Productions has already doubled their number of productions.
“Government funding is supposed to double every year so we’ve maxed out what we can do. This year, every other province in Canada announced more funding because it’s a big business. I know the government is working on it but there’s a lot more room to make the industry flourish. We have missed opportunities, which is why we have an office in Moncton and Halifax, so we can bounce around if need be.”
Lack of funding also heavily impacts reliable employment. Gallant says that it is important for Connections Productions to be able to provide ongoing work for their employees.
“When you look at an industry like this, that’s freelance based, we’re fortunate enough that we’re going to film for 36 days and then have projects in August and September. We all rely on having the right people to do the job and to create that for ourselves is stimulating. The more support we can get to attract bigger projects, it keeps everybody working.”
Ongoing work has benefits for the economy, many of Connection’s Production crew who originated outside the province have ended up moving to New Brunswick.
“150 people for a few months that work in this cultural-based industry are profitable for everyone. We’ve had tons of crew move here because of that, they fall in love with the place and the New Brunswickers. It’s fun to see the new faces coming up that can rely on having a job in a few months- I think that’s important for the industry as a whole.”
Cortney Ellis is a Huddle contributor covering Moncton. Send her your feedback and story ideas: [email protected]