CHEK Upside: Netflix show still giving back to Victoria after filming ends

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It’s a show that features many familiar Victoria places.

“They had 160 locations in total which is amazing for any show,” says Victoria Film Commission film commissioner Kathleen Gilbert.

Maid is about a single mother who turns to house-cleaning to make ends meet after fleeing an abusive relationship. The Netflix series was one of the biggest TV productions ever shot in the Capital Region, with over a $10-million estimated impact.

“What a godsend it has been for the local businesses and certainly the hotels to have all of this filming happening during COVID and to fill their hotel rooms,” says Gilbert.

“We know that there was a crew of about 200 to 250 plus all of the background people, plus all of the suppliers.”

It also featured local talent such as five-year-old Rylea Nevaeh Whittet, who plays the character Maddy on the show.

“It’s been a really interesting experience to say the very least,” says Rylea’s mom Sarah Ramsay.

“I’ve never experienced anything like this before, especially with Rylea.”

When asked about what it was like to star in her first TV role, the young starlet was reserved in her response.

“Good,” smiles Whittet.

Maid has even helped local organizations supporting women and single mothers with donations of clothing and set materials as well as providing exposure for their services.

“It’s great in a sense that we struggle sometimes to get the word out to let folks know that services are available in our community for women that are fleeing from violence and abuse in the home,” says Victoria Women’s Transition House Society development director Susan Howard.

“I think the producers really felt that the proper place to make any donations would have been our shelters for this show,” says Gilbert.

It’s all part of leaving a lasting legacy even after the cameras and equipment pack up and leave town.

 

Cole Sorenson

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