11/23/2022
๐ฟ Check out the online premiere for the Backlot supplied film: โLay Me by the Shoreโ
https://vimeo.com/774288555
Introducing a young cast of first time actors, โLay Me by the Shoreโ follows a week in the life of Noah, a high school senior in his final days of school as he comes to terms with his best friendโs passing. Bathed in the warm light of long June days and with the intimidating specter of an unknown future looming, the tale is told from the perspective of the recently departed and, through the prism of grief, highlights the raw, potent emotions of youth.
Production for LAY ME BY THE SHORE took place in Vancouver, BC for eight days at the end of June 2021. Made with a loving crew of close friends and passionate first-time actors, the film was shot by DP Evan Prosofsky on 35mm as well as 65mm film to create an arresting and unique visual style.
Very early on in the writing process, David found the song Lay Me by the Shore by the Norwegian artist The White Birch AKA Ola Flรธttum, composer of Ruben รstlundโs Force Majeure and all of Joachim Trierโs films including his latest The Worst Person in the World, among others. This is where everything clicked for him. The song served as a backdrop of sorts in creating a mosaic of quotidian as well as highly emotive scenes of adolescence to paint a striking and yet nuanced portrait of youth.
While casting for the film, David was adamant about casting non-actors to attain, above anything else, a genuine sense of authenticity โ aiming to point a highly cinematic lens towards real kids. Our casting calls went out to skate shops, community centres, high schools, in search of youths with no acting experience but strong artistic sensibilities. Once we found our wonderful central cast of Isla Pouliot and Kai Smith, we then mostly cast their actual friends.
The film world Premiered in competition at the Berlinale 2022, went on to play TIFF and will also play Whistler Film Fest after the online Vimeo Staff Pick Premiere.
