The interviews are wrapped up, the editing phase is in full swing and the much-anticipated marijuana documentary, The Culture High, is months away from hitting the big screen.
Producer Adam Scorgie said his crew is working around the clock to finish the film in time to submit it to the Toronto International Film Festival.
“We hope it premieres there,” said Scorgie.
“It’s a bucket list for us…it would be the best market for us. TIFF has become one of the biggest film festivals in the world.”
The Culture High is the sequel to Scorgie’s first marijuana documentary, The Union: The Business Behind Getting High.
Scorgie said there has been a lot more pressure on himself and director Brett Harvey this time around.
“Me and the guys have fully signed off that we’re never doing another drug documentary after this.
“We’re completely done; it’s too draining. There’s been times when literally both Brett and I have been in tears.”
A Kickstarter campaign during the summer of 2012 raised more than $240,000 for the film to be created. Scorgie said he has since borrowed more money from his family “to make the greatest film (they) can possibly make.”
“The pressure is unbelievable on us…but I can confidently say I know this film will be something special.”
The Culture High features interviews with Sir Richard Branson, Snoop Dogg, Wiz Khalifa, Joe Rogan as well as various university professors, undercover agents and medical professionals. Oliver Stone was lined up for an interview; however, he had to back out due to scheduling conflicts.
If the film isn’t accepted into this year’s Toronto International Film Festival, Scorgie said the plan is to put on several theatrical releases starting in October and bring in a panel of experts for question and answer sessions after the screenings.
“Between what we’ve seen on Kickstarter and how big our social media (audience) has grown…we know it will do well theatrically, if we go to the right markets where the audience wants to see it.”
wpaterson@kelownacapnews.com
Twitter: @PatersonWade
