BusyBees Productions was founded in August 2015 by Dr. Stephanie J. Brister, a heart surgeon at University Health Network in Toronto and Dr. Michael R. Buchanan, Professor Emeritus, Pathology & Molecular Medicine, McMaster University.

So, what are they doing making films, one might ask ? Well, they retired. Golfing was out. Let’s just say, their handicaps exceeded the ‘par for the course’. They have always had a passion for film, television and theater, so, why not the arts. They simply applied their discipline and habit for continuous learning to second careers.  First came the acting classes. To increase their chances of obtaining starring roles in a movie, it soon became apparent – one had to write your own story, form a production company, and make your movie. Hence, the formation of BusyBees Productions, a film production company in the Niagara Region. As a heart surgeon, Stephanie was known as the  Queen of Hearts . So now, of course, she is the Queen Bee. And, of course, there is no doubt who is the Drone. Their first film, The 12th, was filmed on location in the Niagara region.

Initially,BusyBees Productions  focused on short films which traditionally have not garnered the same appeal from audiences that feature films have. However, in this fast-paced digital world, short films provide focused bursts of entertainment for busy individuals who want brief interludes from the fast-paced life in which they find themselves. BBP will continue their work in this area.

In addition Stephanie and Michael hope to move in to full length feature films and TV in the near future. They have been busy writing and “pitching”.

If you would like us to update you regularly or you just want to chat, send us an email: busybeesproduction@gmail.com

BusyBees Productions & Kicking Tire Films present The 12th.  Liam, a broken, desperate anti-hero, reverts to his old life in an effort to save his wife, Connie, the love of his life.
The story was created and written by Michael R Buchanan, Stephanie J Brister and Patrick Hodgson.  Parts of the story are based on actual events and real life experiences. It is being filmed in the classic neo-noir style – a haunting thriller inspired by some of our favorite films such as Blood Simple, Lone Star, and No Country for Old Men. A conflicted anti-hero, trapped in a difficult situation is forced to make choices out of desperation. Visual elements include low-key lighting, striking use of light and shadow, and unusual camera placement. The 12th was filmed on the shores of Lake Ontario in late spring. The grey, rainy days and unpredictable water crashing on the rocky shoreline suit the neo-noir style, thereby providing the perfect backdrop for a story of betrayal, violence, love and ultimately sacrifice.

The 12th was accepted for presentation in the Short Film Corner at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival and also received an Award of Recognition from the Hollywood International Moving Pictures Film Festival – April 2017 Edition.  http://himpff.com/april-2017-winners.html

Watch the trailer now

In addition to The 12th, Stephanie and Michael have worked as producers on Typical Love Story, Walter and Pink. Details of these films can be found on the website  Kicking Tire Films .