Vancouver Islanders can keep their eyes open for some familiar sights on the silver screen after two Paramount movies recently wrapped filming there.
One Mile will be released to theatres by Paramount Global Content and will likely hit theatres in the summer or early fall of 2025. After that, the concurrently filmed sequel One More Mile, will also be released in theatres.
“After that they will likely find their way to Paramount+ streaming service," said Chris Rudolph, production manager for One Mile Productions. “Without giving too much away, the storyline is based on a recently discharged marine who is reconnecting with his family and especially with his daughter. They are on a quest to reconcile their estranged relationship while visiting and researching colleges for her.
"A trip takes the duo to a remote area, searching for an art college where they encounter an off grid community. The disconnected group start to create trouble and kidnap the daughter, but soon realize they are not prepared for the havoc the ex-marine is willing to inflict on the recluse clan in order to get his daughter back.”
The two films were shot entirely on Vancouver Island with time in Port Alberni, Parksville a couple of days in Victoria as well as in Ladysmith and area. The Nanaimo Airport is also seen in the upcoming feature films.
“The movies feature Ryan Phillippe (from I Know What You Did Last Summer), Amelie Hoerferle (from the Hunger Games), with guest start C. Thomas Howell (from ET and The Outsiders),” said Rudolph.
The filming was a boost for island actors and others involved in film as there was roughly 300 people involved as performers, stunt performers and background extras.
“Many of the crew and background performers were previously employed with the Chesapeake Shores series, which was a TV series filmed on the Island,” Rudolph said.
The two features were directed by Adam Davidson along with Phillippe and Jaiden Kaplan. Kaplan got the inspiration for the feature when she was actually touring for a college in 2018. Davidson is a prolific director who has worked on a variety of products, including Shooter, starring Phillippe. He served as director/executive producer on I’m Dying Up Here, Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist and Lie To Me, and directed the pilots for Fear The Walking Dead, Kingdom and Ordinary Joe. Early in his career, Davidson won an Oscar for his short The Lunch Date.
“Between this past July to October the production spent in excess of $3 million,” Rudolph said.
“Ladysmith, in particular, was very accommodating and our locations department commented several times on the co-operative nature of the local film liaison’s office,” Rudolph said. “Over the years I’ve had good experience on other projects in and around Ladysmith, starting with a movie I filmed in Ladysmith called Big Bully. It starred Tom Arnold and Rick Moranis and we had a lot of filming in the town core.”
“I also know the series Resident Alien has been frequenting Ladysmith, as well, over the past few years, and they say the community is largely supportive of this project.”
He said working on the Island in general has been a good experience.
"There is a great diversity of locations and talented crew available," he said. "These experiences leave a good legacy and encourage future scouting in the region. Most film makers, in my position, are looking for new and fresh filming spots. The North Island Film Commission was wonderfully supportive on One Mile, assisting in many ways including scouting resources and liaison services which helped us crew up and access other business services.”
“We definitely will be back in the future. Our time on the Island, and Ladysmith, gave us plenty of time to explore the possibilities in the area for future projects. I look forward to returning, again, soon,” Rudolph said.
