TOLD YOU SO

By Nikki COLE

MOVING VISIONS PRODUCTIONS - as PROD

Documentary - Development 2021

Bad Boy Music Genius,
Ashley MacIsaac
Survives his Controversial Past, Learns an Untold Family Secret, and Claims his Future

An International Feature Road Documentary with Newly Discovered links to his First Nations Past

    • Year of production
    • 2021
    • Genres
    • Documentary, True Story, Art - Culture
    • Countries
    • CANADA
    • Languages
    • ENGLISH
    • Budget
    • 0.3 - 0.6 M$
    • Duration
    • 90 mn
    • Director(s)
    • Nikki COLE
    • Writer(s)
    • Nikki COLE
    • Producer(s)
    • Paul KEMP
    • Synopsis
    • He’s been called many things…a freak, a vagabond, a crackhead and a jester. But no one has ever disputed the musical genius of Ashley MacIsaac. Fiddle music may not have been hip before, but MacIsaac made it mainstream…and he’s still ‘poundin’.

      In the wake of black listings, broken violins, and a publicly excessive rock star lifestyle, Canada’s bad boy fiddle genius, Ashley MacIsaac moves unapologetically into his 40’s playing to packed audiences. Can he make it on the world stage? Will his past ultimately catch up with him? And will a newly discovered family secret send him on a new life course?

      With over 7 hit albums behind him and the new FDLR album recently released, MacIsaac continues to push musical and cultural boundaries with collaborator Jay Andrews, an electronic beat box player with his own extraordinary talent.

      In the middle of his newly forming next generation fame, an extraordinary fact emerged that is changing the way he views his life. As a Nova Scotian with a not so unusual French and Scottish background, Ashley always thought of himself as careening between his mother’s emotionally charged French temperament and his father’s hard-working, stern Scottish makeup. This year, after a long-held family secret was revealed, Ashley was shocked and delighted to find that there is more to his “muttdom” now that he knows his grandmother is a full-blooded Micmac First Nations person. Setting off on a personal journey to discover his newly discovered roots, Ashley will do everything he can to find out more about his Native background and see how that all plays into his music. A firm believer that fiddle music crosses many cultures, he has done concerts in the past with various tribes but now the experience becomes much more personal. He will take a DNA test, visit with relatives and friends who can enlighten him further, and explore new musical directions as a result.

      Ashley MacIsaac has always pushed the envelope…lifting his kilt and baring it all on national television, openly discussing his sexual proclivities, or performing for Queen Elizabeth while high on cocaine. His colourful exploits have often landed him in the headlines – an openly gay fiddle-playing protégé who got caught up in an excessive rock star lifestyle. His brash honesty has cost him music contracts and legions of fans. But he’s undeterred as he embarks on new music with young, innovative collaborators. Along with learning about his true past, Ashley is opening another chance to break new ground. Another chance to reach the top in the full bloom of his entire heritage. MacIsaac has been dragged through the mud many times…praised, condemned and cursed. But he’s not giving up. In fact, he’s just getting started.

      Sizzle reel:
      https://vimeo.com/254437847
      Password: thefightteam2012

      Open to co-producers, distribution, international broadcaster, and investors.

      For further information contact Nikila Cole,
      1-416-949-0982, Nikila@primus.ca
    • Production schedule
    • On-going
    • Beginning of shooting
    • May 17, 2019