The Crew
We have built a team of versatile, award-winning film makers to squeeze every possible penny of production value out of our budget to create a memorable and lasting take of this legendary true story.
AARON HUGGETT - Writer/Director
Aaron got his start when he wrote and directed one of the lowest budget feature films to win an award at the 'New York International Independent Film and Video Festival' (Flicker, NYIIFVF 2005). "Prodigal" was Best Picture Runner-Up at BCFF, earned a Young Artist Award, and screened at SCFF and the CIFF. 2016's historical fiction short film "Red Ryan" Premiered to sold out crowds, won Best Produced Screenplay at Cinema Worldfest Awards, earned Awards of Recognition for Acting & Cinematography, a Jury Mention at LAIFFA and Best Picture at the Hollywood International Moving Pictures Film Festival. Huggett is also a 2016 Ontario Premiere's Award Nominee. Aaron's passion is for creating positive change through story telling.
RYAN GRAMS - Director of Photography
An award-winning filmmaker, commercial cinematographer and editor, Ryan has framed dozens of shortfilms and feature films in 3 countries (India, Canada, USA). Based in Minneapolis, MN, Grams travels the continent full-time capturing breath taking images for commercials, corporate videos, music videos, and films.
MARK MCNABB - Producer
McNabb has Produced over 25 films, with career highlights that include Producing "Manimals", starring then-newcomer Chris Klein ("American Pie"), the acquisition of "Dark Fields” by Lionsgate Entertainment, Producing "Blindeye" with action-film legends Roddy Piper and Nick Mancuso, and Directing and Producing the family fantasy-adventures 'The Mystical Adventures of Billy Owens' and 'Billy Owens and the Secret of the Runes' for Los Angeles-based Artistview Entertainment. Mark brings a wealth of experience to the team.
FELIPE TELLEZ - Score Composer
Born and raised in Colombia, Felipe Téllez is a composer and orchestrator for film and media. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Composition and Music Production from the Universidad de los Andes in Bogotá, Colombia, as well as a master’s degree in Scoring for Film, Television and Video Games from Berklee College of Music, Valencia Campus. After graduating Magna Cum Laude, he remained at Berklee Valencia as the Post-Graduate Fellow. His concert music has been performed by the Bogotá Philharmonic, the Colombian National Symphony Orchestra, and the San Rafael Symphonic Band from Bunyol, Spain. He has also recorded and conducted his music with The Budapest Art Orchestra in Studio 22 and in Abbey Road’s Studio One in London.
LEE BERNIER - Associate Producer
Lee is from the small ghost town of Napier Ontario. His love for history introduced him to the world of acting as well as producing. His most recent work was on Tears Of A Mother where he acted as well as produced securing filming locations as well as casting. Other work includes the historical documentary A Desert Between Us And Them as well as the TV series Paranormal Survivor.
JOE KESSLER - Associate Producer
Joe is a gifted storyteller and communicator. For over 16 years he’s acted in commercials, film and TV, as well as toured the country performing improv and stand-up. His success lies in his ability to connect with an audience, whether it’s an audience of thousands or just one. As a Producer, Joe has lead many award winning festival productions.
HOLLY HUGGETT - Associate Producer
From her first role as Producer with 2005's Flicker, Holly has proven women can set a standard for effective producing. Her background in indie film is accented by her experience Stage Managing for Kids Studio and she maintains a focus on high quality Canadian content.
SHAUN HOOD - Associate Producer
Shaun’s experience in feature films Flicker, The Den and Blind Eye have given opportunities to work with industry veterans such as Nick Mancuso and Roddy Piper among others. He also portrayed Russell Ryan in the historical fiction short film Red Ryan. While his roles in Sarnia stage productions of Rock of Ages and Les Miserables helped smash local box office records at Imperial Theatre, Sarnia ON. Above all, Shaun’s passion for movies and theatre bring enthusiasm and energy to every project he touches.
JEFF MCCOY - Photographer
Jeff has built a solid reputation creating stunning images for commercial use, film marketing, portrait photography and beyond. His attention to detail and sharp eye have made him an in-demand talent.
JUSTIN YACKS - Grip
In true independent filmmaker style, Justin makes things happen, moving the "big elephant" from point A to point B so the show can go on. Using his skill set from years of church ministry Justin knows how to stretch budget dollars and also bring people together to accomplish big things.
JESSICA HEXT - Key Make Up Artist
Jessica is a film set veteran and owner of Crave Cosmetics. Her passion for beauty and creative arts has made her the elite MUA in a number of fashion, commercial, film and theatre communities.
JEN TAYLER - Key Hairstylist
As owner/operator or The Rooted Bohemian, Jen draws from her extensive experience to create period correct hair styles that suit the unique facets of each character in the films she works on.
STEVE SCOTT - Sound Technician
Steve is a very sought after and well respected sound recordist for indie films shot in Ontario. As a full-time film "sound guy" he's heard it all and brings a wealth of skill and experience to the crew.
BRAD MILLER - 1st Assistant Director
Brad studied film production in Thunder Bay. He started out in Post-Production and then move back north to begin working on film sets. He strarted as a locations PA, abd was quickly attracted to the AD Dept. Brad has continued to work as a 3rd Assistant Director for the last 3 years. He has worked on shows such as: Letterkenny, Mean Dreams, The Cardinal and Two Lovers and a Bear. He hopes to one day live in Sarnia and have a career as a producer.
DAN HUGGETT - Associate Producer
Dan is an award winning actor, writer and producer from Southwestern Ontario. He takes a unique approach to each project, and his versatility and experience make him a valuable asset on film & television production sets.
DOUG MURPHY - Script Supervisor
Doug is a gifted screenwriter and filmmaker with a passion for story-telling and a network of talent to draw on. He has worked on numerous film projects, including: The Adventures of Billy Owens, Ugly Lights, the episodic Comic Book Store: The Series, and Red Ryan. He co-wrote and starred in Beside You, and is currently in pre-production for his latest film project Fludgeony. Doug has also been a member of Theatre Sarnia since 1997.
IAN ALEXANDER - Grip
Ian graduated from the International Academy of Design & Technology Toronto Film School and now runs his own media company, Rocketship Productions, specializing in creative, industry standard music videos for local bands, promotional videos for businesses and events, feature films and shorts.
STEPHEN MCDOUGALL - Grip
Steve McDougall is a Producer, Comedian, and Actor with more than two decades of experience. A gifted character actor, Steve's performances in Flicker, The Den and Study Hell make you wonder if the same person is playing the roles. A graduate of Ohio Film School, Steve has built a solid career behind the camera with production turns in Lemon Crackers, Spirit Seekers and now Red Ryan.
KEVIN WYVILLE - Grip
As a stage performer, actor and film maker, Kevin brings endless energy and creativity to set. His well known characters Boku the Great and Jayden the Jester entertain on stage for all ages. His character acting includes film performances in Lemon Crackers, Spirit Seekers and Red Ryan. He also enjoys producing family content for his Youtube channel.
CHRISSY JACKSON - Production Assistant
Chrissy draws on her vast experience in a variety of theatrical productions at the prestigious Victoria Playhouse Petrolia with a turn to film production.
The Cast
After searching far and wide, looking through a field that saw 30,000 views on our casting call, over 400 applicants, and more than 150 auditions, we have assembled an incredibly talented cast to bring this true story and its characters to life.
KYLE NAYLOR / Will Donnelly
"Kyle Naylor started out in modelling and branched into acting after landing his first lead role in the film Pig Dogs. His performance garnered industry attention and he has since been cast in a variety of independent films, often taking a methodical approach and playing complex characters. Naylor’s recent performance as a young Ernest Hemingway in the film Red Ryan gained him further recognition South of the border, while his talent and work ethic are quickly making him a character actor very much in demand on Canada’s burgeoning Indie film scene."
MARINA GWYNNE / Norah Kennedy
Marina is delighted to be playing Norah in the upcoming film The Black Donnellys. She is a recent graduate of the acting program from the Fountain School of Performing Arts at Dalhousie University. Her most recent credits include: Hannah Coulter in Canada: The Story of Us, which will premiere on CBC next year, Emma in The Pain in my Ass, which appeared in the 2016 Toronto Fringe Festival and was a member of the haunting chorus in Melancholiac: The Works of Scott Walker, which appeared in both the 2015 SummerWorks festival and the 2016 In the Soil festival. Marina is a bit of a nerd and loves history, so naturally she is thrilled to work on this period piece. She also has a bit of a personal interest in this story because her beloved grandmother hails from the town where the infamous Black Donnellys lived and died!
BRENDAN O'GORMAN / Jim Donnelly
Brendan O'Gorman is a 45 year old British-Irish actor who first discovered his love of acting while living in Denmark in 2010. He performed with the Copenhagen Theatre Circle while also appearing in several on-screen productions. In 2014 he arrived in Canada as a visitor, but a chance romantic encounter led to his deciding to stay and now, happily married, he has brought his acting talents to Canada! His passion for acting and dedication to his work has made him a serious contender, and he has quickly established himself as a well-respected and sought after actor.
JUDY CORMIER / Johannah Donnelly
Judy Cormier is a London actor who has been on stage in London, St Thomas, Aylmer and Tillsonburg for the last 16 years. A few of Judy’s previous shows include: Calendar Girls, Jake’s Women and Alice in Wonderland (Elgin Theatre Guild), Trojan Women (Passionfool Theatre), The Last Blast – Chet Baker Story (Theatre Nemesis – London Fringe Festival), The Great Kooshog Lake Hollis McCauley Fishing Derby (Aylmer Community Theatre), Ten Times Two (Theatre Tillsonburg). Judy has also performed in several independent films, a music video and Toronto’s 50 hour film challenge and the TV show ‘Fear Thy Neighbour’ for Investigative Discovery Channel.
JUSTIN MOSES / James Donnelly
Justin is known for his strong work ethic on Indie films Bite, A Wasteland of Hate & Knuckle Up. He also has extensive experience as a professional stunt actor, and has also been featured in studio productions such as American Lawmen and Suicide Squad. His passion for his work is evident in every character he portrays.
DANTE ALBIDONE / Young Will Donnelly
Dante is very excited to be part of "The Black Donnellys" cast. In addition to his roles in the movies "Footsteps" and "Tapped", Dante has also been featured in commercials for Rogers Smart Home Monitoring, Sears and Christie Digital Projectors. He has also enjoyed being on stage as The Beast in "Beauty and the Beast", Augustus Gloop in "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" as well as Gus Gus in "Cinderella". When not on set you can find Dante playing football or hanging out with his friends in the great outdoors. Dante is grateful to his parents for their support and chauffeuring and to Ms. Sarah for introducing him to the arts.
TELSIE JACKSON / Young Norah Kennedy
Telsie is from a small town and has a love for acting. She has been involved with Petrolia Community Theatre since she was 5, acting in plays The Miracle Worker - a story of Helen Keller, Dear Santa, Thanks but That's Not Our Grandma and A Victorian Wedding. Telsie loves to learn about history. She is a fun loving and charming little girl.
MARIA MOGA / Jenny Donnelly
Eleven-year old Maria has many interests and one big passion is acting. She has performed on stage and on camera for a few years now and is always on the lookout for more opportunities. Maria is thrilled to be part of this production and is looking forward to learn new things from her more experienced fellow cast members.
MICHAEL LAKE / John Donnelly
Michael Lake has been working steadily in the film industry for several years. His film "Health Class"is currently on the festival circuit and has screened across North America and Europe. He plays the titular role in "David Robson", an upcoming espionage film, and the lead in the thriller "Days of Violence". He also starred in the television projects "Beck and Call", "UnFriends", and "Larry, the Vampire". He is excited and honoured to help bring this piece of Canadian history to life.
COREY CHAINEY / Michael Donnelly
Corey Chainey was born and raised in Wallaceburg, Ontario where he attended Wallaceburg District Secondary School and was introduced to Dramatic Arts and Theatre. Chainey also attended Lambton College of Applied Arts and Technology majoring in the field of Fire Suppression and Prevention, but could not snuff out his strong desire to act and began to pursue acting again. Chainey has since performed in a variety of memorable lead and supporting roles in student and Indie films.
MATT LARTER / Tom Donnelly
Matt Larter caught the acting bug early by way of Christmas plays and school concerts, capped off by a memorable performance as Freddie Mercury at age 12. His love of acting is matched by his passion for history, Larter is in his fifth year of a history degree at the University of Guelph. Larter also brings University level athleticism to his roles, and hopes to be able to bring awareness to the importance of understanding history, as it too often lays forgotten collecting dust.
LEE LAWSON / Maggie Thompson
Lee Lawson is a Toronto based actress, writer and lover of classic film. A graduate of George Brown's IPAC program, she has also studied extensively at Toronto's top acting studios, including; Armstrong Acting Studio, Pro-Actor's Lab and Improv Your Acting. She can be seen next in György Pálfi's forth coming feature His Master's Voice and L.A. Series Redwind Point.
MATT PALMER / Ryder
After putting it off for many years, Matt decided to follow his passion for film and television and started acting at the age of 37. Matt got his start when his auditioning for a small role in an Indie film caught the eye of the director, who instead cast Matt as the lead. Matt has gone on to star in indie films as well as Network TV productions such asThe Wronged One, John the Thief and Fear thy Neighbour.
JOSEPH REANY / Flanagan
Harold Hill in Music Man (TCP), Motel in Fiddler (TCP), Twelve Angry Men (TCP), Houdini in Ragtime (TCP). I love to see art have a positive impact on how we see the world and each other. Excited that one of my first film forays gets to dig into a rich and nuanced piece of Southern Ontario History. Thanks to Laurel and our little angles for all their love and support.
RONAN FULTON / Johnny O'Connor
Ronan’s love for acting began in community theatre at age 8. That year, his performance in “Dear Santa, We’ve Moved” was recognized by the Petrolia Community Theatre with the award for Best Contribution-Youth Actor. Since then, he takes every opportunity to work with the Petrolia Community Theatre. Performances include “The Miracle Worker” and “Dear Santa, Thanks But That’s Not Our Grandma”. Ronan has also been cast in the Lambton Young Theatre Players’ productions of "Clever Thomas and the Pirate Queen" and "Robin Hood". Last year, his grade 6 history class learned about the Donnelly Family and, Ronan is excited to be part of bringing this intriguing story to life.
DAVID PARISIAN / John Carroll
David Parisian is a Toronto born, London based actor who took longer than most to pursue his need to act , although some would say he has been acting his whole life. David had the opportunity to study the craft with Cindy Tanas of Cindy Tanas Actors studio and Sophie Rooney of Rooney Actors Workshop. These two incredible coaches started him on his journey of improving his “actor within”. David has been busy the past couple years having the privilege of being part of numerous feature films (including Liminality, Groupies and David’s Child), the soon to be released Paranormal horror comedy “Mercy Love – Possessed” and many shorts including the award winning “Cold one Night”. David can also be seen on TV in such shows as See no Evil, Fear thy Neighbor, Web of Lies, Nowhere to Hide, Paranormal Witness and American Lawmen. David is excited and honoured to be part a great team charged with telling the story of an incredible piece of Canadian history.
CAM SHIPLEY / Feheeley
Cam is very excited to be part of The Black Donnellys. Cam is a Sarnia native who has only followed his desire for performing in the past few years. His initiation to acting was on the stage at the Imperial Theatre. His most recent roles were playing a men's league hockey player as part of the cast of the award winning "Shorthanded" by Michael Grant, and also as the nervous producer and son of the star of a daytime cooking show, in the hilarious comedy by Caroline Smith, "The Kitchen Witches". Cam is enthusiastic about each new role, and looks forward to working with this great team.
PATRICK MARLON BENDER / John Thompson Sr
Toronto, Canada based Patrick Marlon Bender was born in Montreal Canada to Swiss parents and was privileged to have grown up fluent in English, French and Swiss German. Early signs in school and the workforce clearly demonstrated the constant changing creative needs and potential that was to culminate in the art of acting years later. To date Patrick has worked on numerous projects that include music videos-commercials-TV series as well as short and full feature film projects but always finds time to give back by contributing to independent projects that truly reflect the creative stars oftomorrow. A firm believer in the never ending learning experience, Patrick sees himself as a lifetime student and uses any opportunity to take on new and unfamiliar projects as well as insuring consistent fine tuning with respected workshops & training.
ZACHARY WILSON / Young James Donnelly
Zachary loves the stage and is excited about his first film production with “The Black Donnellys.” His past performances include parts in the operas “Hansel and Gretel” and “La Bohème,” presented by Western’s opera program, as well as a number of vocal solos around the city of London. A music lover, Zach takes voice and piano lessons, composes his own pieces, and has just picked up a new instrument—the saxophone. He competes on his school’s senior volleyball team and can play basketball and badminton for hours with his friends. Known as “Spades” to dozens of young kids in London, Zach thoroughly enjoyed working as a junior counsellor at a day camp last summer, and hopes to work with young people in Peru in a few years with his church’s missions team.
llys movie features a true Canadian story with elements of the frontier western, classic horror, adventure, romance, and courtroom thriller. There have been books and plays written about it, the story is taught in Public school history classes. It has gone beyond history into Canadian folklore. A generation ago nearly every Ontarian knew the tale and by preserving this story through the movie lens we can ensure it is told for generations to come. Our extensive research has also exposed key, little known details that fascinate while bringing to light not only the climactic events, but also the actual causes of the escalating feud. It’s about time the world knew the truth about Canada’s own - Black Donnellys.
