On location

Emotion Productions producer Doug Pettigrew knew just where to look to shoot his most recent film, The Gospel According to the Blues. And, once again, the Town of Windsor was the location of choice.

Having grown up in Hantsport, Pettigrew was familiar with the lay of the land and says Windsor is the ideal location for Halifax-based production companies. “I believe Windsor will continue to get more and more of this. It’s the first location outside of Halifax that has a variety of looks to chose from.”

The one-hour dramatic special exclusive to Vision TV was written and directed and co-produced by Pettigrew's partner, Thom Fitzgerald. “We travel to Hantsport quite often to visit family, and whenever we are looking for a location we’ll just go for a drive around. He knows I’m familiar with the key areas.

“Basically, what we were looking for originally was a church for one of our scenes,” he said. Although they considered a few in Halifax as well, the Anglican Church on Wentworth Road was a perfect match. “We put inquiries out and Rev. David Curry responded and invited us to come and take a look.”

Once in Windsor, the easiest thing to do was to continue filming from there. “Everyone in the Town is just so helpful and accommodating.” he said.

Further scenes were filmed at Maple Lane Cemetery, along Stanus Street and at the Victoria Park gazebo.

The film stars Jackie Richardson as ‘Mama-Lou Steele,’ a mother struggling to cope with life. “She sings the gospel in church during the day and the blues at home,” Pettigrew said. Windsor native actress Tara Baxter was also cast as ‘Lyddy Thompson.’

“It’s funny, because years ago I was a swim instructor at the Windsor pool and I remember her from there.”

As well ,the choir scene shot at the Anglican church involved more than 50 local stand-ins.

“People here are really great to work with,” Pettigrew noted. Windsor really hasn't changed that much, and that’s a good thing. It still has that small town feel and that’s what we needed.”

The scene shot on location at Maple Lane Cemetery Monday, Oct. 27 was the funeral of Mamma Lou's son. Second assistant director Nicole Close said it was fitting location, “This whole area is just so beautiful. When Thom saw this cemetery he was just thrilled; he loved the location.”

Pettigrew noted, as well, the area’s architecture is what draws producers to the area. “Here you have some lovely old homes and main streets and heritage buildings that give off the authentic vibe.”

He said Windsor hasn't changed that much from his days as a student at Windsor Regional High School, and he’s glad. “Really I haven't been to visit Windsor for a few years. It still has that small town feel and that’s what I like about it.”

He hopes to do a shoot on location in his hometown of Hantsport. The Gospel According to the Blues will air sometime next September on Vision TV.