When you watch the new supernatural mystery series Revival on Netflix, you will see familiar sights from across Saint John, Sussex and Hampton. The production brought significant investment to the local economy and gave New Brunswick film crews a chance to shine on a massive platform.

Based on a popular comic book, Revival tells the dark story of people who return to life after dying. The series is currently streaming on Crave in Canada and Netflix in the United States. According to a recent report by CBC News, this project marks a major milestone for the province.

A Big Win for Local Production

Executive producer Greg Hemmings calls the Netflix acquisition a massive deal. His company Hemmings House Productions partnered with Ontario based Blue Ice Pictures to bring the series to life. This stands as the largest production his team has handled in two decades of operation.

“There is something about Netflix that is very validating,” Hemmings told CBC. “For me to be able to see a show that we produced sold to Netflix, it is a big deal.”

The production injected substantial funds directly into the Saint John economy. It also allowed local crew members to work alongside experienced department heads from outside the province.

Opening Doors for New Talent

The series created unexpected opportunities for local residents. Sarah Mullin joined the crew as a props trainee. Within three days, producers noticed her resemblance to one of the main actors. They quickly promoted her to a stand in role.

Mullin spent the rest of the shoot working as a background actor and photo double. In one memorable scene, she wore prosthetics to double for actor Romy Weltman during a dramatic stunt.

“I have always wanted to break into the film scene,” Mullin said. “Living in Saint John, there just were not a lot of opportunities prior to this.”

By the end of the production, Mullin earned enough credits to join ACTRA, the union representing performers in recorded media. She says the experience opened a ton of doors for her career.

What Comes Next for New Brunswick Film

While Revival proves Saint John can host large productions, the local industry still faces hurdles. Hemmings notes that the current film funding program in New Brunswick struggles to compete with incentives offered in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador. He believes policy changes are necessary to create a more competitive tax credit system.

Despite these challenges, Hemmings remains optimistic about the future. He compares the impact of Revival to Children of a Lesser God, the Oscar winning film shot in the region during the 1980s.

“I see Revival having the same weight as Children of a Lesser God because it was the first time in a very long time we took a big swing,” Hemmings said. “We did it and people remember it.”

With the series now reaching a global audience, local filmmakers hope this visibility attracts even more projects to the province.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the series Revival about?

Revival is a dark mystery series based on a comic book. It follows the story of people who mysteriously return to life after dying.

Where can I watch Revival?

You can stream the series on Crave if you live in Canada. Viewers in the United States can watch it on Netflix.

Where was the show filmed?

Crews filmed the production across several New Brunswick communities including Saint John, Sussex and Hampton.