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In Episode 308, the Reel Debaters sit down with the Director Finn McCager, Actor and Stunt performer Kristen Sawatzky and Cinematographer Jesse de Rocquigny of Give a Chad a Spot for a deep dive into the making of the film. This conversation pulls back the curtain on indie filmmaking, creative collaboration, and the choices that shaped the final product you see on screen.
We cover:
- The origin of Give a Chad a Spot and how the story came together
- Writing the script and shaping the film’s tone
- Casting, performances, and character development
- Visual style, cinematography choices, and lighting choices
- The challenges and rewards of independent filmmaking
- Lessons learned from production and what’s next for the team
Next Reel Debaters Trivia+ Night
January 29th At The Handsome Daughter
5 rounds of Themed Trivia, a colouring contest and cosplay challenge all in the theme of........... THE GILMORE GIRLS
Tickets on sale now on Eventbrite and thereeldebaters.ca
Rush Seating
Doors open at 645, Register at 7, Trivia starts at 730
Episode Sponsors:
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Listener Deal:
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Credits
Executive Producer: Michael Petrow
Recorded and Mixed at: Sick Bad Panda Podcast Studios
Episode Description: If you give a chad a spot review and interview
Guests: Finn McCager, Kristen Sawatzky, Jesse De Rocquigny
The Reel Debaters Podcast combines movie debates, reviews, and interviews with filmmakers, actors, and creatives from across Canada and beyond — all from the heart of Winnipeg’s growing film community.
Proudly made in Manitoba, where Canada makes movies
Connect with The Reel Debaters Podcast
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Amazon Music | Google Podcasts
00:00 - Untitled
38:09 - Their Work
50:05 - Their Watchlist
Stunt Performer and Actor
Being lit on fire or getting in a knife fight in the kitchen is just another day in the office for Kristen Sawatzky. But don’t worry about her, it’s all safe and legal when you’re doing it on camera as a member of the stunt department.
Kristen is a graduate of Ryerson University (Theatre-Dance), trained in advanced stage combat at the University of Winnipeg (Rick Skene/Skene Stunts), and a three-time ACTRA Manitoba award nominee for Best Stunt Performance.
She’s performed on stages across North America and Internationally with over 80 credits in film and television as a stunt woman, stunt coordinator, dancer, actor, and puppeteer.
Cinematographer
Jesse de Rocquigny is a Director of Photography and independent filmmaker from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
His work spans narrative films and series, documentaries, music videos and commercials. Recent work includes Serve the Country, a short film that premiered at TIFF 2024.
Above all, Jesse’s passion lies in narrative filmmaking. He has and continues to collaborate with directors on narrative films, music videos and commercials of all scales. Jesse has also DP’d and worked on numerous documentary series for broadcasters such as CBC/Radio-Canada, APTN and UnisTV.
Jesse is an Associate Member of the Canadian Society of Cinematographers.