From UofT Theatre to the silver screen
Mick Robertson and Margaret Rose will screen their film Every Other Weekend on Friday, September 13 at TIFF. The duo are alumni of University College and both majored in theatre. They met in a drama class and worked together on many plays during their time in undergrad. Margaret and their friend Fro would act, and Mick would direct. During their undergrad at UofT, they were heavily involved with all drama-related extracurriculars, particularly Drama Fest. This familiar dynamic led to the production of their first film, which Mick wrote and directed and Margaret produced.
Mick and Margaret were inspired to get into theatre at an early age. Mick’s interest in performances was sparked by an early role as the Virgin Mary and further practice in formal speech and debate. Margaret on the other hand had theatre parents who supported her through school plays and then at an arts-based highschool.
Mick was first inspired to make the transition from theatre to film after acting in a short film that went to TIFF. Mick then joined a TIFF incubator, asked for $500 and used it to learn how to edit and had Margaret act in that first film. After graduating, Mick considered going to film school, however, he chose to simply produce a film instead after a suggestion from a friend.
In order to fund her first project, Mick received a pot of money from a friend who acted as a patron, on the condition that Mick matched what was put in. The initial act of receiving money for their art taught them that they had an essential creative contribution to the world. In order to pay for their work, Mick used their tips from working at Casa Loma to pay for their first film, as well as garage sales.
For their second film, post-production was covered by a film grant from the government. A lot of people involved in the film also pitched their own money, so in total, the work was funded by private patrons, OAC grants, and personal funds. Although the two have always been able to find the funds to support their dreams, they are still operating at a loss, and it only gets more and more expensive to support their dreams.
Every Other Weekend
The newest film by Mick and Margaret focuses on a single mother whose weekend is derailed when her ex is unable to pick up their baby. The protagonist, portrayed by fellow UofT alum Pressy, then goes on an anxiety-induced bender. The film plays on social themes such as the false promise of upward mobility in Toronto and examines the way the geography of Toronto shapes the people who vie for a better life within its confines. Under capitalism, we are meant to always be chasing a better life, a life that likely does not even exist.
The seed of this wonderful work of fiction is a story told by a loved one. The tale is meant to draw on the boundary of hope and endangerment as the main character leaps through bounds to try to achieve the night she wanted.
The film-making duo draw heavy inspiration from the social realist films of Andrea Arnold (Fish Tank, ’09) and Shawn Baker (Florida Project, ’17). Mick draws from her Irish background and is inspired by Irish Social Realist films, as well as the Safdie brothers. Mick and Margaret are also inspired by theatre. Specifically, they have incorporated the collaborative approach of theatre, ran their rehearsals similar to theatre, and workshopped scripts in the way that they had been taught to in dramaturgy classes.
Although, theatre was not the only academic influence on the pair’s creative practice. Margaret’s second major in Critical Studies in Equity inspired her interest in various socio-economic conditions. Mick believes that her greatest inspiration at UofT was Clown, which taught her a lot about humour and relationship to the audience.
Mick and Margaret both agree that they would not have been able to do what they do without each other. To Mick, the key to their successful partnership is communication and generosity, knowing how to show up for each other and work with each other’s schedule. She advises everyone to find their creative village, whether that be people with whom they collaborate well or otherwise motivate them to keep chasing their dreams. Likewise, Margaret advises that all creatives take care of themselves on their pathway to bring their creations into the world.
In all, Margaret and Mick found within each other a friend, confidant, collaborator, and co-director. These UofT alum are an example of Toronto’s truly bright future as a creative epicentre in our world.
