Moses (Amik) Beaver - Documentary Filming at Fort William Historical Park

Documentary Filming at Fort William Historical Park
July 15, 2004 MEDIA RELEASE

(Thunder Bay, Ontario)
At Fort William Historical Park, the life of the voyageur is one of many fascinating stories from the Canadian fur trade that is re-enacted for thousands of visitors every summer.

That very story will soon find its way onto North American and international television as the Fort is participating in the production of “Les Voyageurs,” a two-hour docudrama detailing the history of the voyageur and the rise of the Métis in Canada during the 19th century.

Les Productions Rivard, an independent film and video production company based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, is shooting scenes for “Les Voyageurs” at the Fort during the Great Rendezvous, happening July 16-18.

The cross-generational story follows the exploits of voyageur Francois Comptoi, from Lachine, Quebec as he begins his career with the North West Company. The focus later turns to Adele, Francois’ Metis daughter and then goes on to his grandson, Antoine, as he begins his first journey to Montreal.

Pre-production began three years ago with intensive historical research and scouting for shooting locations. Several prominent Canadian historians including Sylvia Van Kirk, Denys Delage and Nicole St. Onge are providing commentary throughout the narrative. Filming has been going on since February. Locations have included Manitoba and Montreal and additional shooting is slated for in Saskatchewan and British Columbia throughout summer and autumn.

Scenes at Fort William will involve the Great Hall and at the wharf. Dozens of Fort staff, volunteers and re-enactors will be involved in the shooting sequences. Several individuals from the Thunder Bay area have been hired as actors, extras and crew assistants.

The impetus for the $2 million project emanated from Les Rivard Productions, whose mandate is to promote French-speaking culture in Canada. Louis Riel is among several historic subjects profiled by the production company. Fort William Historical Park was an ideal choice as a partner in the project, given its expertise and vast resources in depicting the history of the North West Company and the Canadian fur trade. Such exposure would serve to attract more visitors to the Fort and thus further stimulate economic activity in the Thunder Bay region.

As certain areas of the Fort will be dedicated to the filming during the day, Les Productions Rivard is sponsoring half-price admission Saturday and Sunday. Visitors may have opportunity to see the filming sequences. At the same time, many customary activities and demonstrations usually devoted to the Great Rendezvous are still happening throughout the weekend.

Broadcast for “Les Voyageurs” is slated for 2005 on several French and English language networks throughout North America and Europe. Local Thunder Bay filmmaker Kelly Saxberg has been commissioned to produce “The Making of Les Voyageurs,” also for television broadcast. A comprehensive educational website is also in the works for winter 2005.