Filmmaker from Thunder Bay creates music video for Artemis II space mission
Laura-Lynn Petrick, a filmmaker hailing from Thunder Bay, has taken a unique direction by focusing on space in her latest project, the music video for Emm Gryner’s new song, Touch the Sky. This song serves as a celebration of the upcoming Artemis II moon mission, which will feature Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen.
Petrick had the opportunity to direct, shoot, and edit the music video, showcasing her talent and passion for space and science fiction. Describing the experience as her own “Stanley Kubrick moment,” she expressed her excitement and honor at being involved in such an inspiring project. Moreover, she emphasized the unifying nature of this mission, highlighting the collaborative effort and accomplishment it represents.
The video, filmed in the fall, features local actor Leo James Durocher portraying a younger version of Hansen at Belluz Farms near Thunder Bay. Additional scenes were shot in Sarnia with Gryner at a piano, emphasizing the friendship and creative collaboration that brought this project to life.
Gryner shared her perspective on the genesis of the song, explaining that it was inspired by her friendship with Catherine Hansen, Jeremy’s wife. Initially contemplating a song for Jeremy’s upcoming moon mission, Gryner assembled a talented team to bring the project to fruition. The result is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant music video that pays tribute to the dedication and hard work of those involved in space missions.
The collaboration between Petrick and Gryner had been in the works for about a year, and they found the perfect opportunity to work together on this meaningful project. Incorporating footage from NASA, the Canadian Space Agency, and Hansen’s training, the video captures the essence of space exploration and the dream of reaching new heights.
Petrick’s cinematic approach to the footage allowed her to create a visually engaging and emotionally impactful video that captures the spirit of the Artemis II mission. With a keen eye for detail and storytelling, she pieced together a narrative that celebrates human achievement and the pursuit of dreams.
Overall, the Touch the Sky music video serves as a powerful tribute to the Artemis II mission and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen. Both Petrick and Gryner have poured their creativity and passion into this project, resulting in a visually captivating and thematically rich music video that resonates with audiences. Through their combined efforts, they have created a piece of art that honors the dedication and spirit of those involved in space exploration.