“Lights, camera, action,” are the words George Gallant is used to hearing. Gallant is an award winning documentary filmmaker and instructor at Lethbridge College.  He recently completed, as one of the producers, an exciting local film production of Common Chord.

This film is an independent, full-length feature, shot in Lethbridge during June 2012. Both Lethbridge College and the University of Lethbridge were integrated in the project. The film has been in the works for seven or eight years.  The idea was to incorporate university and college students in a local production on a grass roots level.

Common Chord is the story about Kyle, who is a former foster child and talented guitarist, who must become the father he’s never had to his little girl when her mother dies. The grandfather, Bill, wants Kyle completely removed from her life. The pain and resentment these men have for each other is overshadowed by their love for the child.

The feature was produced and directed by U of L professor and independent filmmaker Deric Olsen, with Gallant co-producing the feature. Gallant also produced and directed a behind-the-scenes documentary for the film.

‘’The business side and fundraising of filmmaking was a challenge. Normally I would have chosen more traditional routes for raising fund such as government grants or Telefilm Canada,” said Gallant. The U of L assisted the film’s fundraising; helping with the administration and accounting costs. In return, The U of L will get a tax deduction. ‘’The film is being edited now and hopefully will be completed in the spring, after we will apply to various film festivals,” said Gallant.

Mike Johnston, a second year communication arts student from Lethbridge College, worked on the film as part of his practicum. “It was really intense but I learned a lot and I enjoyed the experience,” said Johnston.