By Dianne Cornish • FLAMBOROUGH REVIEW STAFF
A 30-second commercial shining the spotlight on the abilities of children with autism was shot at the Royal Coachman in Waterdown last week with owner Ross Nelson looking on from the sidelines and waitress Jo Gale appearing as an extra in a non-speaking role.
The traditional British pub at the corner of Dundas and Main streets was chosen by Hamilton director-producer Tyrone Greenidge for the commercial shoot because of the local business’s ongoing efforts to support autistic students at the Woodview Learning Centre in Burlington through its annual fundraising charity golf tournament. Greenidge, president of My Three Angels Pictures Inc. (M3A Pictures), has a close association with the Flatt Road educational facility and a fast friendship with the Whitell family of Waterdown.
The Whitell’s son, Michael, attends Woodview where he has experienced significant growth in his social skills and academic development. Michael and another young autistic boy, Daniel Poulin, are featured in the commercial along with their moms, Karen and Heather, respectively.
Appearing in a lead role is Miss Canada International 2013, Melanie Williamson of Kitchener-Waterloo, who welcomes guests to the pub with a warm greeting and winning smile.
Negotiations to air the commercial on Cable 14 during the week of Nov. 20 are under way; Greenidge is also hoping to run it on CHCH TV and on the web during an Indie gogo campaign to raise money for his upcoming documentary on autism.
The commercial is a byproduct of the documentary and “represents a great opportunity to collaborate between the two,” he explained
Michael’s success in reaching a number of milestones in his development is the inspiration for the documentary. Entitled “Autism; The Fight that Never Ends,” the film will also raise awareness of autism spectrum disorder.
To help finance the independent film project, Greenidge and Woodview hosted Jam 4 Autism in June featuring Calvin the Magician, musical entertainment by Canada’s premier KISS band, Destroyer, a raffle and games. Jam 4 Autism 2, the second in the fundraising series, is scheduled to be held Saturday, Nov. 23 at the Royal Canadian Legion Hall in Dundas.