REGINA — A movie shot in Regina has recently wrapped production, with its lead star a young actress with Down syndrome (DS).
One Perfect Date stars Madison Tevlin, who plays the lead role of Emma.
“Going into this movie, I never would have thought that I would be in the lead in a movie like this,” said Tevlin.
Tevlin previously starred in the movie Champions, where she played a minor role.
In a bigger role, Tevlin said she felt more pressure being in front of the camera more often.
“I had to make sure that I’m always at my best. Even if there were hard times and tough times for me, I had to get through them by listening to my music to help me cope with that.”
Even while dealing with challenges, Tevlin described having a blast with the experience.
“She didn’t want to stop filming every day,” said Lucas Frison, writer and director of One Perfect Date.
“[Tevlin] was so enthusiastic wanting to stay there, [and] that just gives everyone else a little boost.”
Frison had been in touch with Tevlin since 2022 about his idea for a new film, inspired by his short film Pen Pals.
“I asked her if she would be interested in a lead role, and she jumped on board right away.”
One Perfect Date started filming in Regina earlier this summer at several locations, including the John Hopkins Regina Soundstage, Bar Willow, and more.
Regina was chosen for filming as Frison’s company, Prairie Cat Productions, is based in the city. He also credited the city’s strong film community.
“It was really easy to tell the story here because people out in the community were excited that a movie was being shot here.”
The film follows Emma as she finds her place in the world through exploring romance and entering the workforce—experiences her character has never had before, Frison said.
Editing will begin this week and continue until Christmas. Frison hopes for a fall 2026 release.
“I’m really hoping for this to be a big deal,” said Tevlin. “I’m hoping this goes into theatres after all these festivals. And then all my family and everyone can watch it on their big TV screens after this.”
