My Old Ass, starring Aubrey Plaza and shot in the breathtaking Muskoka Lakes region, premiered at Sundance on January 20! Wider Lens caught up with three of the many DGC Ontario Members who played key roles in bringing this film to life. Read what Production Designer Zazu Myers, Location Manager Glenn Carter, and Exec Producer Dan Bekerman (who is also a DGC Ontario Member!) had to say about the making of My Old Ass.
“In the film, we see Elliott’s home as her future self sees it, through an idealized, nostalgic lens. I added classic Muskoka details wherever I could, from creating handmade wood signage referencing old local businesses, to vintage Duke boats, crokinole boards and local art. I grew up in Muskoka, so this was all a nostalgic treat for me as well.
Production Designer Zazu Myers
Setting the film in Muskoka allowed us to infuse Elliott’s teenage world with specific local flavour. Her bedroom contrasts natural nostalgic Muskoka elements, like birch bark crafts and my own personal childhood rock collection, with cool contemporary teenage details like flashes of neon orange plastic, sexy collages and psychedelic stoner art.
As Elliott is a teenager, her luxury speedboat is more like a rusty old tinner. We sourced, painted and aged three identical boats to serve as Elliott’s boat.”
“The Director loved Muskoka to portray the backdrop for this film. The beauty of the Muskoka region was the perfect fit for the story and the struggle with the young girls decision to leave home. This was Director Megan Park’s love letter to Muskoka as a beautiful place to live and grow up.”
Location Manager Glenn Carter
“More and more international productions are choosing to shoot in Northern Ontario as the industry learns of the depth of its talent, the resourcefulness of its crews and the unique natural landscapes that have been inspiring artists for centuries!”
My Old Ass Executive Producer and DGC Ontario Production Manager Daniel Bekerman
