“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 and Doyle Pictures this project is set to release in 2026.

Currently in the midst of principal photography, this feature length film follows a struggling actress who gets stretched to her limits trying to save her relationship… and eventually her own life.

Starring Sloane Geofroy, Harrison Stewart, Rafia Iqbal, Kaylah Hope Felker, Alaina Walker, and Teige Atfield.

Directed by Darryl Ayles

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

“Performance of the Year” was originally conceptualized around seven years ago undergoing rigorous rewrites and revisions. Pulling inspiration originally from the #MeToo movement, infamous behind the scenes set stories, and personal accounts from friends, the character of Olivia, the struggling 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 will be working opposite London talent, Harrison Stewart playing André Elliot-Price, the Director, in “Performance of the Year.” Harrison was most recently in the London-based feature film “Alterations” directed by Jen Romnes which was recently accepted into the Chatham-Kent International Film Festival. 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.

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

Filming will take 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.

Post production is set to begin November 2025 and continue until May 2026 when both festivals and the inevitable Hyland Cinema hometown premiere will be considered. 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 written and directed. He will additionally be filling the role of Director of Photography, Editor, as well as acting in a small role for this film.

Darryl is shooting this film on both the Black Magic Pocket Cinema camera 4K as well as the Black Magic Ursa 12K, using a mix of both modern and vintage lenses.

For this project, Darryl brought on local Gaffer Bradley Pilon of Pipe Bomb Productions, local Camera Operator Cody O’Brien of OB Video Production, 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.