knock knock…
When 2020 began, we were well into pre-production on our next feature film, but the pandemic brought that progress to an unexpected halt. We needed to channel our creative energies and momentum into something else. Isolation tapped into the angst and frustration of quarantine, the listlessness of wayward possibility, and the hope that new dawns would approach. With cast and crew under new health and safety protocols, this short was testament to creativity making the best of the situation. The landscape had changed, but the horizon hadn’t disappeared.
viral conditions
Masks, social distancing, and readily available sanitizer became routine for cast and crew alike during the production of ISOLATION. Much of the filming took place outside, which helped further mitigate transmission risk. All participants were asked to maintain small social circles during production, in accordance with local health authority guidelines. ISOLATION provides a strong template for independent filmmaking in the age of COVID. Keeping things small, nimble, and flexible allowed for forward momentum, without sacrificing creative control.
making of
Production of Isolation took place between April and September, 2020, spanning approximately ten non-consecutive days. Shooting occurred throughout Vancouver and its surrounding Lower Mainland region, as well as in the heart of the Fraser Valley – notably the farming community of Chilliwack. The overall team (cast and crew) comprised up to twelve individuals on set at any given time, with other parties involved remotely.
Filming was carried out in partnership between Roguescots and All-in-One Productions. Both companies had worked together on commercial videography projects beforehand; Isolation represents their first narrative film collaboration. All-in-One’s founders, Calum Farquhar and Tyler Seib served as associate producers and camera operators, among other roles on set.
Directed and Edited by Justin MacGregor • Written by Justin MacGregor • Produced by Justin & Kristopher MacGregor • Associate Producers: Calum Farquhar, Tyler Seib • Line Producer: Mark Luongo • Sound Mixing by Hugh Barbour, Tyler Seib • Featuring Alexander Johnson, Lillith Foxx, Evan-Riley Brown, Jarrett Kristiansen, David MacGregor
roundtable chat
As an Audience Choice Award winner at the Berlin Lift-Off Film Festival (2021), director Justin MacGregor was invited to speak at a roundtable live-stream event with the festival’s other award recipients. He discussed the film at length as it played in silence in the background, covering inspirations, motivations, and sharing behind-the-scenes details…
