Overview

Synopsis

John is a young farmer in the dirty thirties with a rare talent: he's an ace at cracking safes. To survive the drought, he and his friends lead a double life, farming by day and robbing by night. When a big score turns bad and two cops are killed, the boys take off across the Canadian prairies, hoping to lose their pursuers in the Rocky Mountains. As they con, cheat, and charm their way west, John is confronted with the harsh realities of life as an outlaw, and must decide how much he is willing to sacrifice to stay one step ahead of the law. Based on an amazing true story.

Team

Derek Hyland

Producer, Social Media

By day, Derek is a middle school teacher in Lloydminster. He teaches Humanities as well as Performing Arts. His filmmaking journey began when he himself was a student. He tries to ignite the same passion for making great films in his students.

His involvement in recent years has been as an actor in commercials, independent films, and musical theatre stage productions.

Joel Salt

Writer

Joel recieved an M.A. in literature from the University of Saskatchewan and is currently at the U of S Library working on the project Saskatchewan History Online, a repository for historical culture of Saskatchewan. Joel has published an academic paper and has self-published a chapbook called "Two Women," as well as worked on independent non-distributed films in Saskatoon.

Eric Thiessen

Director, Marketing Strategist

Eric wants to make Canadian films that make money. He has worked in the Saskatchewan film and television industry, most notably as a writer and director for the Gemini award winning "Hell On Hooves" documentary series.

Eric currently splits his time between Saskatoon and Calgary, where he is completing his M.A. on Canadian historical films.

Reviews

Ratings (508)

Average 7.30 / 10

10 - 9

174

8 - 7

163

6 - 5

115

4 - 3

2 - 1

Reviews (149)

Alex C.
Posted 6 months ago

Cool!

Allie D.
Posted 6 months ago

Looks really interesting. Love the concept and the trailer was really well done. The props fit well with the time period.

Paul J.
Posted 6 months ago

cool car

Yanni M.
Posted 6 months ago

Ok, but interesting!

Jason M.
Posted 6 months ago

well done!

Heather H.
Posted 6 months ago

Awesome job!!!!

Doug M.
Posted 6 months ago

sounds like a recent police killing in the west -could be more interesting. Has potential but needs to give a clearer idea of what is ahead while not giving the endind away just yet.

Angela S.
Posted 6 months ago

Looks good.

Bobby L.
Posted 6 months ago

Interesting, bringing history back to life.

Kyla P.
Posted 6 months ago

It reminds me of the alcohol smuggling days in Moose Jaw. The prairies are flat and that does not provide many hiding places if you are on the run. Great story idea.

Dawn E.
Posted 6 months ago

I love Canadian history. What a good idea for a movie.

Louise R.
Posted 6 months ago

i'm not normally a fan of western genre films but thought this looked quite good from the trailer

Tyler S.
Posted 6 months ago

Acting seemed a bit forced but that can be forgiven. To me this film is a 17 century take on a modern idea.

Chad M.
Posted 6 months ago

could be interesting

Tracy R.
Posted 6 months ago

Can't wait to see the final film after you win!

Cristina Q.
Posted 6 months ago

very nice keep it up

Ange M.
Posted 6 months ago

Great concept. Would definitely want to see more of this

Michelle E.
Posted 6 months ago

The music definitely sold me the most on this one. Nothing too new in terms of story, and the acting pulled me out of it, but it was shot well.

Joslyn P.
Posted 7 months ago

I realize that it is set in the past but I think you did a decent job at keeping things looking more westerny and old. The woman was a bit cheesy. But it had potential. Good luck :)

Trish M.
Posted 7 months ago

I like the concept but the acting threw me off....has potential though

Meg L.
Posted 7 months ago

I like that it's a unique story compared to the others on here. Could use some actual women characters though. But that bearded outlaw is a babe!

Wendy S.
Posted 7 months ago

Very cool.

Nicole T.
Posted 7 months ago

Impressive production! The story line is excellent and realistic! The sets and costumes are great! Can't wait to see this developed further.... :)

Parminder P.
Posted 7 months ago

Great landscapes and production design, but not sure how I feel about the acting. I'm intrigued though

Romy J.
Posted 7 months ago

The car is pretty cool

Jennifer R.
Posted 7 months ago

Some good shots guys

Kirsty R.
Posted 7 months ago

Great work!

Ben B.
Posted 7 months ago

I got to say nice edit on this trailer.

Ryan S.
Posted 7 months ago

Definitely love that you went the difficult route in going for a period flick. Looks good!

Shannon L.
Posted 7 months ago

Great look so far, especially for the very small budget you are working with. I am really excited to see what is coming next!

Simon H.
Posted 7 months ago

Some of the shots look nice. Some look really low quality i.e. the car shots. Acting seems mediocre at best.

Cheryl M.
Posted 7 months ago

Looks awesome! Yay for Saskatchewan filmmakers!

Dana B.
Posted 7 months ago

Very impressive production value on such a small budget period piece. I can't wait to see what else you guys have in store!

Krista B.
Posted 7 months ago

Great story line, costume and set design looks awesome

Mike M.
Posted 7 months ago

The concept and setting I like, but although the trailer provides a solid overview of the story, the dialog/acting seems like it might be the weak link in the project.

Warren C.
Posted 7 months ago

Great. Liked it. Wondering if they will introduce the cop who pursues them. Well shot and edited.

Bill R.
Posted 7 months ago

I think this has a lot of potential. I found the acting a bit weak though.

Enzo V.
Posted 7 months ago

looks good! good job on some of the action sequences.

Ben R.
Posted 7 months ago

Great film work week acting

Jordan N.
Posted 7 months ago

Wow I am impressed, really well done, yes robber movies have been done before, but it interesting how they get caught up in their own mess and they at least understand their predicament and deal with the consequences! Well done!

Michelle G.
Posted 7 months ago

definitely has potential - just feel like you've been a little limited in making the trailer realistic for a period piece - I'm sure you could do more with a bigger budget -say a cool million?

Alexa H.
Posted 7 months ago

that car... is awesome...

Alexei F.
Posted 7 months ago

Wow, looks great. I hope the action is done well otherwise a great story. The actors should be more dramatic, they have just killed two cops!

Bernardo C.
Posted 7 months ago

it starts of promising something that doesnt quite deliver. It kind of "hopes" to look good, but technically it doesnt quite achieve it. Average lighting, and very poor location sound. Pity, because i really like westerns.

Gemma P.
Posted 7 months ago

Awesome to see a Canadian tale featured!

Brian R.
Posted 7 months ago

good luck

Trevor S.
Posted 7 months ago

Trailer is great! I'd love to see the antagonist appear chasing these boys.

William B.
Posted 7 months ago

Great work, love to see the 1930s on the big screen.

Iris B.
Posted 7 months ago

Really great trailer!

Sarah D.
Posted 7 months ago

Looks good!

Karen D.
Posted 7 months ago

Westerns are my favorite genre. I could spend all Sunday watching them. I love this one combines true, local history with great actions.

Paul D.
Posted 7 months ago

Love a good western!

Lisa L.
Posted 7 months ago

Different story. Very interested in seeing it.

Colin T.
Posted 7 months ago

nicely done

Reese g.
Posted 7 months ago

Looks like a great movie with a very professional look.

Helen M.
Posted 7 months ago

Decent trailer, I like true stories but I wasn't sold on the acting....it didn't take me to a 1935 feeling.

Kristie P.
Posted 7 months ago

well shot, good acting, based on a story I now need to know more about. Could be promising for sure!

Peggy G.
Posted 7 months ago

I like true stories and this one looks to be well done.

Rod N.
Posted 7 months ago

Wasn't to bad. I thought the dialog could have been more period.

Lindsay A.
Posted 7 months ago

Love the story and adore the soundtrack!

Jordon W.
Posted 7 months ago

This is just a great overall. Can't wait to see more.

Mike D.
Posted 7 months ago

Best video I've seen so far!

Ilana D.
Posted 7 months ago

Great concept! Can't wait to see more.

Amy Z.
Posted 7 months ago

So well done!

Doug H.
Posted 7 months ago

What impresses me most about WEST is that it has story; a great true story. Good guys, bad guys and a hunt for the wrong-doers across rugged, inhospitable terrain. Not to mention an unruly climate. This trailer picqued my interest and makes we want to know more. What drove these men to commit such a crime? And how did it resolve?

We Canadians should showcase our history. It's what shaped our nation, and culture. While I wouldn't necessarily cast these actors in a feature version, I give the creative team props for re-creating the mood and feel of a bygone era. Good editing, good writing.

(And good luck!)

Chado M.
Posted 7 months ago

Story grabbed me right away. Really good trailer. Acting needs some polish, and the back and forth from sepia to normal was kind of jarring. Otherwise, I'd definitely watch this! Good job

Catherine M.
Posted 7 months ago

Looks interesting.

Simon P.
Posted 7 months ago

think this could make a great feature, in the vain of Jango

Rob H.
Posted 7 months ago

Could be cool!

Cinnamon C.
Posted 7 months ago

I really liked your storyline and film making!

Jonathan R.
Posted 7 months ago

Potential story. poorly executed

Nina F.
Posted 7 months ago

Violence and more violence

Cara S.
Posted 7 months ago

Ambitious project, and the cinematography looks stunning.

Jody T.
Posted 7 months ago

Looks like n interesting story

Rhianna M.
Posted 7 months ago

Brilliant!

Danielle M.
Posted 7 months ago

I enjoy a good period piece. Best of luck to your team.

John K.
Posted 7 months ago

Could be great. Love to see a bit more

Glen H.
Posted 7 months ago

Great work!

Thomas A.
Posted 7 months ago

Wow, great work! Amazing attention to detail. I would love to see a period piece that is a CANADIAN STORY! Very intriguing.

Brenda H.
Posted 7 months ago

Great story! We're excited to see more!

Maureen M.
Posted 7 months ago

This looks like a good story

Corey T.
Posted 7 months ago

Looking forward to seeing a little more. The scenes felt really stiff but I am hopeful that as we go through the process they will become more natural. The story is really interesting.

Dan Z.
Posted 7 months ago

Good story idea. Maybe try for period hair and bad teeth to really sell it.

Will B.
Posted 7 months ago

Strong concept.

Leslie H.
Posted 7 months ago

I love historical films, and one from close to home is even better. Can't wait to see the final film.

Lauren C.
Posted 7 months ago

Although I agree with the comments pertaining to the acting, as a concept trailer this is fantastic!

Steven R.
Posted 7 months ago

Love the plot, visuals, and camera work! The backdrop is also fantastic :)

Rachel W.
Posted 7 months ago

The more I watch this trailer, the more I love it! Can't wait to see what could be done with a larger budget.

Jacky D.
Posted 7 months ago

Seems interesting, the concept is unique due to the fact that the characters are compelling but they are really not the good guys. I almost don't know who to root for which makes me want to watch it more. Keep up the great work!

Milan S.
Posted 7 months ago

Great job guys!

Chris F.
Posted 7 months ago

Bold setting in 1930's on shoe-string budget. Love it!

Milinda K.
Posted 7 months ago

very entertaining, even though I am not a crime movie buff.

Jeff C.
Posted 7 months ago

kinda coen bros-esque! nice work!

Jeremey S.
Posted 7 months ago

acting could of been better forsure

Jeff S.
Posted 7 months ago

Fresh!

June B.
Posted 8 months ago

Nice camera work & lighting.

Alex L.
Posted 8 months ago

Really well made. The acting & storyline are perhaps a bit shaky.

Jolianne L.
Posted 8 months ago

To the WEST!

Jim M.
Posted 8 months ago

I don't want to see cop-killers as protagonists

Treena U.
Posted 8 months ago

So excited to see the complete movie! So many questions unanswered...

Dave R.
Posted 8 months ago

Looks like an interesting true-life story of a killing on the Prairies, my old stomping grounds!

Natalia N.
Posted 8 months ago

Acting could've been a little better but great camera work. Had some really wicked angles and shots

Kismet T.
Posted 8 months ago

An interesting slice of Canadiana.

Stephen S.
Posted 8 months ago

Pretty cool concept. Might be hard to pull off a period piece on a small budget, but I hope they can do it.

Ryan B.
Posted 8 months ago

Holy ambitious!

Travis B.
Posted 8 months ago

Turned out to be way cooler than I was expecting.

Gregory H.
Posted 8 months ago

Aside from the classics I'm not usually a huge western fan. But I love a good crime thriller and the trailer won me over. Always great to see SK film productions as well. Looks very promising.

Mike L.
Posted 8 months ago

very well done ! good luck

Janine F.
Posted 8 months ago

I really like this story. Some of the acting was weak, but everything else is great.

Marshall L.
Posted 8 months ago

i'd like to see this play out

Amy-Leigh B.
Posted 8 months ago

I love this project. Lots of depth in the storyline.

David T.
Posted 8 months ago

Great to see a cool Canadian historical. Definite potential here

Neirrod E.
Posted 8 months ago

tough genre but this definitely has potential

Michael W.
Posted 8 months ago

At first when I read the title WEST I thought the story was going to be lame and just another one of those boring westerns, but as the action of the story progressed and the police were murdered I perked up and started to really watch. I felt drawn into the story as the risks became higher for the characters, and I found a new appreciation for the title of the Trailer WEST once I understood where the story was leading with that name.

Darryl L.
Posted 8 months ago

cool concept. i wonder if they had the car already then built the story from there.

Jason L.
Posted 8 months ago

Mixed feelings about this one. On the one hand: props for doing the difficult thing and actually TELLING A STORY! That alone puts you ahead of 90% of the trailers on here. On the other hand...the acting, sets, and especially the sound are pretty weak. But despite all that, I still find this one of the four or five more compelling trailers I've seen on here. And well *written* too, which you just can't underestimate. The only level playing field on here is the writing, and your team's writing is amongst the strongest. In fact, I just watched another Cinecoup trailer by a nationally-recognized filmmaker, and his trailer had no story in it. People are going to vote for story every time. Good luck!

Pierce H.
Posted 8 months ago

Shot well for the most part. The guy with the beard is talented.

Arjun M.
Posted 8 months ago

Solid production value! I'm diggin' it!

Tanya M.
Posted 8 months ago

does the world need another western

tom h.
Posted 8 months ago

Good story that I'd like to see developed

Sean Michael T.
Posted 8 months ago

Looks like a good story and like the environment.

Lowell D.
Posted 8 months ago

Visually strong, really ambitious. Great job! - Team WolfCop

Denise D.
Posted 8 months ago

more like a western

Jeff U.
Posted 8 months ago

Seems like an interesting story in a little-seen era of Canadian history, and the scenery is stunning, but the trailer is let down a bit by the acting. I'd definitely watch a more fully funded version of this.

Kris J.
Posted 8 months ago

Awesome western feel. I think this movie has lots of potential. I would suggest a little more character development to create drama. The car scene lacked suspense.
I loved the song choice and the feel of the scenery. I hope you guys do well in this competition

Joseph T.
Posted 8 months ago

Love me a good Western! Great music. The whole film seems pretty ambitious, good luck!

Chuck F.
Posted 8 months ago

period stuff is really cool and I am behind the canadian history and that automobile was great! acting was not so swell and i think some character development would be most beneficial

Nathan Z.
Posted 8 months ago

Not sure I'd side with the outlaws (I'm friends with my city's PD) but it sounds like it has merit.

Angus K.
Posted 8 months ago

Hey thanks for adding us on Twitter, we Watchlisted you. Looks like a great period piece :D

Lindsey M.
Posted 8 months ago

Great job guys! The music and the cinematography is excellent. Well executed on the period piece, that's difficult to do!

Chuck E.
Posted 8 months ago

This project has a lot of potential. The true life angle gives it some weight and the stakes seem really high.

Valerie C.
Posted 8 months ago

Love it! This is a really solid trailer and I definitely want to see more.

Cari J.
Posted 8 months ago

I want to see more!!! Well done guys. Great script, kick ass cinematography, well done with the acting, and costumes. Now THAT'S a real trailer!

Steve O.
Posted 8 months ago

NOT impressed with the Acting, as they seemed very amateurish and not believable. The story is a great idea, and the Cinematography looks good, but the Trailer didn't show the Authorities so gave no sense of them being hunted, and by the end I wasn't interested in what happened to the Characters.

Luke S.
Posted 8 months ago

Great arc to the trailer and well done. The script needs a period polish - "cop-killer" in '35 feels like a stretch. The setting and costume feel great.

Todd M.
Posted 8 months ago

Loved the period concept and it's great to have ambitious concepts coming out of Saskatchewan. The performances just seemed flat for the intensity of the cutting and the music.

Jeremy B.
Posted 8 months ago

I could see this really shining with a big budget makeover.

Matthew L.
Posted 8 months ago

Great concept and the execution makes me want to see more. Great work!

Donald Y.
Posted 8 months ago

Best work I've seen on this site, so far. Great story, good casting, a story that is more than fantasy, and the cinematography is the best I see on this site and would be a 10 in the real world of TV and Feature film. I am so impressed with this trailer and would love to read the screenplay, or see the movie. It proves that all the talent isn't in Toronto, Vancouver or Montreal (and there is talented people in those places.) This is better than much of what I've seen in Canada and better than much of what has come from the USA. I hope this gets produced - I'd like to see the movie.

Lynn K.
Posted 8 months ago

I thought it was awesome! The editing was just like a real Hollywood blockbuster. Acting was decent too!

Gabe R.
Posted 8 months ago

Expensive concept. Looks awesome, then very cheap. And WTF with the sirens?

Orest M.
Posted 8 months ago

This is a fabulous depiction of a historic era in Saskatchewan history. Well done, well executed and cinematography is great.

Marion M.
Posted 8 months ago

Fabulous! Well Done!

Rob N.
Posted 8 months ago

I like the use of Canadian content, and applaud the ambition to attempt a period piece. I wish you the best!

Joe C.
Posted 8 months ago

I liked it better than most here. I think the trailer was well made and told enough of the story to pique my interest. But. I didn't have any sympathy for the criminals. I just wanted them to be caught?

Bannister B.
Posted 8 months ago

Nice trailer - period piece on a $1m budget is ballsy. Best of luck!

Sara S.
Posted 8 months ago

Great potential... the acting could use some work.

Krystle B.
Posted 8 months ago

Love the story!

Brenda T.
Posted 8 months ago

I need to know if they all get away. Are they found guilty of the murders? What conflicts arise among them? Does someone get the girl? Who lives to tell the story? Hope to see more!

Press & Promo

A collection of creative marketing campaigns, collateral and earned media coverage.

Metro News features Saskatchewan's Cinecoup Teams

Posted June 17, 2013 3:53pm EST

Feature Article in Verb Magazine (Page 1)

Posted June 17, 2013 3:50pm EST

Feature Article - Verb Magazine (Page 2)

Posted June 17, 2013 3:48pm EST

CineCoup.com

CineCoup.com

West

Overview

Synopsis

Team

Derek Hyland

Joel Salt

Eric Thiessen

Social Networks

Links

Reviews

Ratings (508)

Reviews (149)

What people are saying...

Press & Promo

A collection of creative marketing campaigns, collateral and earned media coverage.

CineCoup.com

CineCoup.com

West

Overview

Synopsis

Team

Derek Hyland

Joel Salt

Eric Thiessen

Share this Project

Social Networks

Links

Reviews

Ratings (508)

Reviews (149)

Share this Project

What people are saying...

Press & Promo

A collection of creative marketing campaigns, collateral and earned media coverage.

Share this Project

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