“Performance of the YeaR” is…

The fourth self-produced feature film from Orange Hat Film Productions and the eighth feature film OHFP has been part of since 2019. In association with On Spec Entertainment and Production, this project is set to release in Fall 2026.

Currently in the editing room, this feature length film follows an aspiring actress who gets the chance to work with an emerging director with something to prove.

Starring Sloane Geofroy, Harrison Stewart, Kaylah Hope Felker, Brent Baird, Alaina Walker, Teige Atfield. David Parisian, James Magwood and Rafia Iqbal.

Directed by Darryl Ayles

Produced by Darryl Ayles, Karen Ayels, Tad Brock, Jamara Forbes, Michael J. Doyle, Pete Comrie, and James Magwood

“Performance of the Year” was originally conceptualized around eight years ago undergoing rigorous rewrites and revisions within the Orange Hat writing community. Pulling inspiration originally from the #MeToo movement, infamous behind the scenes set stories, and personal accounts from friends, the character of Olivia, “the aspiring actress,” was brought to life. Sloane Geofroy, a Hamilton actress, found the role online through Casting Director, Elle Bernardo and was selected amongst many to be the one to bring Olivia Billings to the screen.

Miss Geofroy worked opposite London talent, Harrison Stewart playing André Elliot-Price, “the emerging director.” Stewart was most recently in the Chatham-based television series “A Long Ride Home” now streaming on Bell Fibe. Harrison is bringing a lot of the grit, energy, and expression needed to fill this role and chemistry between the two on set is laying a solid foundation for this Horror/Thriller.

In a very prominent supporting role is London-local Actor/Director Brent Baird as Brian, “the co-star.” Brent took a step back from his usual director-lead actor set role for this suspenseful role. His performance adds both mystery and suspense to the film helping shape the on-set world in the film.

Pre-production cranked up to full force sometime around November 2024 paving the way for principal photography to commence on August 16th, 2025.

Principal took place from August 2025 through to October 2025 shooting on weekends only in London, ON and surrounding areas. The first weekend began with a shoot at London’s own SoHo Studios on South St. and continued into the night at Frank E’s Studios in Vanessa, ON. The crew continued at the studio in Vanessa for the next few shoot days before returning to London. With principal photography wrapped, there are a few outlying pickup scenes to be shot yet as we move forward with the edit.

Post production is currently underway with both festivals and the inevitable Hyland Cinema hometown premiere on the horizon. Orange Hat is actively seeking channels for further distribution for VOD and other online platforms for future streaming.

“Performance of the Year” is the fourth feature film that Darryl Ayles produced, written, and directed. He additionally filled the role of Director of Photography, Editor, as well as acting in a small role for this film.

Darryl shot this film on both the Black Magic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K as well as the Black Magic URSA Mini 12K, using a mix of both modern and vintage lenses.

For this project, Darryl brought on local Gaffer Brad Pilon of Pipe Bomb Productions, local Camera Operator Cody O’Brien of OB Video Production, local filmmaker Mason Buchko of Buchko Films as gimbal operator, and local filmmaker Devon King as 1st Camera Assistant to allow him full control as a true Director of Photography.

Darryl is excited beyond words to have the privilege of bringing this story to camera after such a long time in the making. He extends a sincere “thank you” to everyone helping him breathe life into this script.