Filming T.S. Spivet was an amazing experience. The crew were both French and Canadian. When we were filming in Montreal, that meant a Quebecois crew. Pincher Creek, Alberta was standing in for Montana, and when we moved to Pincher that meant we mostly crewed up with Albertans, with a few key Quebecois for continuity. The French team stayed with us for the duration. The bilingual nature of the production was always interesting and occasionally challenging. For for the French crew: Callum became Caloom. For the Canadian: Re-Jean was Rejean. Our great hair and makeup team encouraged me to use my French.
In Pincher Creek we survived near twister severe weather and frigid rain, between beautiful clear sunny days. A baby bear was seen in the distance. Waterton National Park called to us on long weekends and we found deer walking the streets.
I had the chance to work people who had inspired me, and continue to be an influence: Helena Bonham Carter, Jean Pierre Jeunet and Callum Kieth Rennie. And I was lucky enough to work with two incredible young talents: Kyle Catlett, a giant-brained, multi-talented nine year old who had the responsibility to carry the leading title role, and Jacob Davies, the sweetest, most grounded young actor I've met who brought Layton to life in a way that was richer than the words in the script.
