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Maxwell McGuire was born May 16th, 1981 in Ottawa, Canada. Growing up Max had a positive outlook
on life and an insurmountable effervescence about him. Diagnosed with a chronic terminal disease
in his early years, Max soon realized that he had to accomplish his filmmaking dreams in less time
than life usually allotted.
At the age of eighteen, Maxwell shot, produced, and directed his first feature film, Newton's Law.
The film was shot on a recently purchased 16mm camera, which Max consequently sold. Using the funds,
coupled with the Canada Council for the Arts grant he won, Max was able to complete post-production.
The first screening was held at an independent film festival in San Francisco and subsequently was
licensed by an independent distributor in Canada. The film introduced Max to the industry and the
country when his story, told in both local and national papers, described the production as
being “… smarter than any $45,000 first film has a right to be”. The article continued, “Max had
never held a camera before but it turns out he has a knack for light and colour…” (National Post 2002).
Max spent the following years working on various productions; including a short film, guest lecturing
at colleges, while also taking production and acting courses himself. Following this tenure Max set
out to write what would become his second feature film Crossing The Wake. He directed and produced
the film to pay homage to, and be somewhat of an un-official prequel to the classic film “The Big Chill”.
The film was well received to positive audiences in Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal and Los Angeles - “If the
screenings result in Crossing the Wake coming to an independent theatre near you, see this
film” (The Fulcrum 2005). Crossing The Wake was licensed for distribution by one of Canada's most
reputable international distributors, Sullivan Entertainment (Anne of Green Gables, Road to Avonlea), and
is currently seeking North American distribution.
Salt, Max's most recent undertaking, tells the story of an obsessively morbid boy afflicted with a
terminal illness. After discovering new purpose in the arms of his least likely mate, Will sets out
on a quest down the Pacific Coast Highway, in search of the mystical salt spring that promises them a
new lease on life - together. The film draws strongly on Max's personal life-long battle with cystic
fibrosis. Max has aligned with the national cystic fibrosis foundation and together they plan to
promote the film through the regional and national chapters.
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