Just over a month ago, we told you about a Trilight Entertainment project set to film in Saskatchewan: A.R.C.H.I.E, a family feature film about the friendship between a young girl and an Artificial Robotic Canine Hyper-‐Intelligence Experiment (played by Cosmo, pictured). Principal production has now begun. The film explores the power of friendship, being true to oneself, and what it means to belong.
“I drew inspiration for A.R.C.H.I.E from some of the classic films I loved growing up,” says writer/director Robin Dunne, also one of the stars. “Our goal is to make a modern film with a vintage feel that will resonate with audiences of all ages through its humour and heart.”
Dunne appeared in Space Milkshake, which Jesse Brown in his talk at Bloor Hot Docs Cinema gave as an example of a not-well-known-enough Canadian film.
The cast also includes Katharine Isabelle (Ginger Snaps, American Mary), Fred Ewanuick (Corner Gas, Just Friends), Farrah Aviva (Bates Motel, Swindle), Sarah Desjardins (Into the Grizzly Maze, Clue), and Jonathan Whitesell (The Unspoken, The Hollow).
A.R.C.H.I.E is financed in partnership with Clairwood Capital and brings a significant boost to the production community in Saskatchewan, according to a media release. Clairwood’s President (and also a producer on the film), Glenn Paradis, says “Clairwood strongly believes in Trilight Entertainment and the team that has been assembled for A.R.C.H.I.E,” adding that the story has what it takes to be a financial success internationally. The two companies are planning to shoot a number of films in partnership throughout Canada.