Documentary Film Production
“Tough Pills: a Tristan Connelly Story”
Project Background:
A Zest Media Productions Original documentary film
Dir. by Gabe Roy
Production Type:
Documentary, Observational
Documentary Backstory
In an effort to elevate exceptional people with inspiring stories in the Vancouver area - we sought out stories we believed could resonate in a postive way. One of the stand-out stories we came across was that of BC-born UFC Fighter, Tristan Connelly. His gripping tale is one of an underdog we all root for. From rehabilitating after major neck surgeries, battling an opioid addiction and struggling with mental health issues, he experienced adversity at every stage of his athletic career and was determined to overcome each hurdle. After communicating with him on several occasions, he agreed to us producing a documentary about his story.
Creative Approach
In order to get a full sense of what Tristan had gone through, we documented personal accounts from both Tristan and those closest to him. We interviewed family and friends who stood by him when times got tough.
We also filmed portions of the film from a "fly-on-the-wall" perspective - for over six months we followed Tristan through his routines as a professional mix martial artist as he trained for an upcoming UFC fight. The goal was to give perspective to the viewer about the dedication this career path takes, even when things are good.
The Result
We premiered the full 30-minute-long documentary for free on YouTube, which has to-date accumulated thousands of views. News of the documentary was even mentioned on UFC.com, as well as several other platforms.
“What you think and you feel is your entire universe. So, my entire universe has been changed”
Watch the Official Documentary Trailer
More than Just a sports documentary
This 30-minute documentary film offers perspective on the serious implications of prescription opioids and the impact they can have on any unsuspecting person’s life. Invasive surgeries, injuries, bloody battles, and intense training have all been part of a regiment that Tristan knew well, but it was the aftermath of a prescribed opioid that had the biggest impact.
Tristan truly is a humble hero - an underdog we can all cheer for and it may come as a surprise to those around him that he was battling these demons in silence. This film aims to humanize his story and act as a call to action for any viewer who may find themselves silently struggling with their own mental health to seek help.
Video Production Services Provided:
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Developed creative concepts
Storyboard
Location scouting
Interview question development
Shot-planning
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Shoot and interview direction
Cinematography
Sound recording
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Editing
Sound design
Colour grading
Audio mastering
Subtitle creation
Marketing Strategy
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Documentary distribution and marketing
Now Available for Streaming
"Tough Pills" full film is now available for free on YouTube!
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