U.P. Native brings Up There film to Bay Theatre

By Chris Loud

Sun contributor

Actress and filmmaker Zoe Kanters, a native of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, will bring her movie Up There to The Bay Community Theatre in Suttons Bay, November 8-14. Kanters gave the Glen Arbor Sun some insight on shooting her film in the U.P., and the excitement around Michigan’s film industry.

Glen Arbor Sun: What is the movie about?

Zoe Kanters: When a down on his luck journalist finds himself with a less than ideal assignment in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, he acquires the help of a local, who he soon discovers possesses the story that could jump start his career. Unbeknownst to her, he’ll do whatever it takes to get it. 

Sun: How did being from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan influence the movie?

Kanters: Having the support of my community helped make this film become a reality. Businesses opened their doors and allowed us to film there, community members gave us their time and help in front and behind the camera, and of course, having my mom feed and house us for two weeks was a highlight! We were able to make a tiny film feel much bigger with everyone’s support. Given the opportunity to be in my hometown as I dove into the biggest challenge of my career so far, made the experience a special one. 

Sun: Was it it important to you to shoot the movie in Michigan?

Kanters: Shooting in Michigan was so important to me. The town presented the perfect visual backdrop to tell this story, just full of charm and natural beauty. It was a magical playground, with as much character as the people living in it. In addition, as I said before, I knew this wouldn’t have been possible without the support of my community.

Sun: What was your experience like shooting the movie?

Kanters: We made it through the shoot with a lot of 5-Hour Energy Shots, faith, and breathing… lots and lots of breathing. We had an ambitious schedule that we quickly realized we needed to pare down. Being first time filmmakers we were learning as we went and making adjustments along the way. Everyone pulled off multiple roles. I was the costume designer along with many other jobs, the Sound Mixer was the AD, the Director was the DIT, and the list goes on and on. Given our micro-budget and crew of four, this film is the truest example of ultimate collaboration. 

Sun: Any classic UP experiences during production?

Kanters: As anyone who lives in Michigan knows, “Don’t like the weather? Wait ten minutes.” Now, for filmmakers this is both a blessing and a curse. One second it would be beautiful and sunny, the next it would be raining. In addition, it was a cold August, so when it was time for a scene in the lake, I was not-so-pleasently surprised with a brisk 55 degree water. Also, only in the U.P. can you strap a camera to the back of a truck and have an actor run down Main Street in the middle of the day without anyone blinking an eye! 

Sun: How do you think the movie will resonate with northern Michigan viewers?

Kanters: As someone who grew up in the U.P., my hope is that people from the area will be excited to see their home genuinely portrayed on the screen. It’s a beautiful place that not many people get to experience, and I’m so happy we get to share a little taste of it with people around the world. 

Sun: What are your thoughts on a the movie industry in Michigan?

Kanters: It’s so exciting! It was one of the many reasons I decided to go to acting school at The University of Michigan. There was an emerging industry right in our backyard, full of opportunities and to see it continue to grow over the years is so exciting. Having the opportunity to make art in the community that helped mold me into the artist I am today, leaves me filled with gratitude and excitement. 

Below is the schedule of Michigan showings of Up There, including the upcoming run in Suttons Bay. 

Stephenson, MI – Tivoli Theatre – November 8th, 9th, 10th and 14th

**Q&A with filmmakers after on the 8th and 9th

Suttons Bay, MI – The Bay Community Theatre – November 8th – 14th

**Q&A with filmmakers after on the 10th and 11th

Ann Arbor, MI – The State Theatre – November 13th and 14th

**Q&A with filmmakers after both screenings

Bloomfield Hills, MI – The Maple Theatre – November 17th

**Q&A with filmmakers after screening