James Genn: Director, OLD STOCK

1Q: Tell us a little about the origins of OLD STOCK, from concept to financing.

Old Stock was inspired by our grandparents and the curious thought that it might be nice to retire really early. The film was developed at the Canadian Film Centre in Toronto (Canada’s advanced film and TV training institution) where our writer Dane Clark and producer Geordie Sabbagh were doing a residency. Together we applied to have the film made through their feature film program, funded through Canada’s premier distributors and broadcasters partnered with the CFC. We shot the film in and around Toronto, filming parts of it in a working old age home.

2Q: It appears that the film has been screened at other festivals. Do audiences respond differently at some festivals than they do at others? And do you ever stop being nervous?

I love the experience of seeing the film with an audience. It’s so satisfying to hear the reactions and feel their connection to the film. I’m always surprised at how different moments get a laugh in different rooms. It’s never the same, and it’s a great pleasure to hear a stranger finding a new joke amusing.

3Q: What was your best and/or worst experience while making OLD STOCK?

Much of this film was made from my apartment in Toronto where I live. Countless hours of work on the script, many production meetings, and all the picture editing happened there. I may never make a film at home again but it was a joy to do it this way.

Noah Reid and Melanie Leishman as Stock and Patti

4Q: Festival audiences often have to make hard decisions about what to see, and the catalog descriptions sometimes run together. In your own words, why should people see your film?

We really wanted to make a film that was fun, sweet, and funny, while at the same time showing something familiar about the human experience of letting go of your mistakes and moving on with your life to find love. If these are things that interest you then I’m certain you’ll have a good time.

5Q: There are now so many different ways in which to distribute a film; each has pros and cons. What are your hopes or plans for future distribution?

The film will be released theatrically in Canada in April and I deeply hope that people of all ages and all walks of life will come to see it.

Watch the trailer!

Buy tickets to see OLD STOCK at Cinequest!