EXCLUSIVE: Former Stargate Universe and The Originals star Elyse Levesque has gathered a high-profile ensemble Canadian cast for her debut short film Hot Chocolate, which she wrote and is co-directing with Michael Driscoll, as filming begins in Vancouver and Port Coquitlam.
It features multi-award-winning musician and actor Jann Arden, Clare McConnell (Star Trek: Discovery, Murdoch Mysteries), Paul Campbell (Battlestar Galactica), Kristian Bruun (Orphan Black), Leah Gibson (Jessica Jones), Jana Morrison (Astrid and Lilly Save the World), Alvin Sanders (Riverdale), Jay Brazeau (Day of the Dead), Luisa d’Oliveira (The 100) and Paula Giroday (Family Law).
Based on a true story, Hot Chocolate revolves around Margot, who is on her way to a wedding with her boyfriend Cameron, when she finds herself the plus one to a most unexpected event: his uncle’s assisted death.
“The core theme of our story is about exploring the dignity that comes when we decide to live, or in this case die, on our terms. While our film sets out to explore aspects of assisted death, the heart of it is really about the ramifications of living inauthentically and how it often takes an external or existential event, to stir us into action,” says Levesque.
“When Elyse first told me her true story of Hot Chocolate, I — like all our friends who had to pick our jaws up from the floor – urged her to write it into a script. I love how this story examines how life is a cycle of endings and beginnings – and how the two are essentially the same thing. It’s a great balance of sadness and hilarity and I’m so happy to be on board directing this project with her,” continues Driscoll.
Elyse Levesque is best known as an actor for her recurring role in CW’s The Originals, her starring role as Daisy Channing on Shoot The Messenger, and a recurring guest arc on the final season of BBC America’s award-winning series, Orphan Black.
Recent credits include The Orville directed by Seth MacFarlane, Fox Searchlight’s feature Ready or Not, opposite Andie MacDowell, Samara Weaving and Adam Brody, as well as the MGM+/Amazon limited series Earth Abides.
Elyse is stepping behind the camera for the first time alongside London-born Driscoll who started in the film industry in the Art Department on films including Casino Royale and Batman Begins, before assisting directors like Ridley Scott, Jonas Åkerlund and Joe Carnahan.
His directing career began at RSA Films in London and his 2nd Unit directing credits include 26 episodes of Netflix Original / Canal+ TV drama series Borgia and HBO/Cinemax/RTL/M6’s Transporter: The Series. In 2018, Michael was selected for the BAFTA Newcomers in LA program.
Hot Chocolate is produced by Omatidio Media and Marilyne Lamontagne (Heirloom, Mas Alla), and executive produced by Leah Gauthier (Jann), Andrew Barnsley (Schitt’s Creek, Jann, Son of a Critch) and Michael Daniel Driscoll. Director of Photography is Emmy-award nominated Jonathan Pope (The Social Dilemma),
Gauthier was co-creator on the TV series Jann, a fictionalized version of Jann’s quest for renewed fame.
“Getting to work with Elyse Levesque on her very first directing gig is beyond exciting. I have so much admiration for her and what she’s bringing to this project,’ said Arden.
“Her vision, her humour, her heart, it’s all there. And of course, reuniting with Leah Gauthier, who I adored working with on Jann, means I know I’m in the very best hands. I can’t wait to work with Michael and collaborate on his project, he is so incredibly talented. Looking forward to everyone seeing this incredible short film.”
The production equipment is being provided by Panavision New Filmmaker program.
