FILMS. by David Porteous
257 DOWN
Documentary
For Alex Abbott, the moment of truth came when his dirt bike landed on his head and broke his neck.
Abbott had been a winning dirt bike freestyle rider. Now he was a quadriplegic.
During the months Abbott lay immobilized in hospital, the notion of ever getting back on his bike seemed so remote he barely gave it any real thought.
But ten years later, with the help of friends and family, Abbott is on the verge of finding his way back onto two wheels.
'257 Down' is a documentary film about patience, endurance and courage. It is a story that will inspire people of all abilities to follow their dreams, no matter how inaccessible they might seem.
“…257 Down, a film focused on patience, endurance, and courage, to raise awareness about individuals who experience barriers in our society and inspire them, as well as open public discussion about this vital subject matter…a great example of how we can progress as a contemporary society.”
JUSTIN TRUDEAU , PRIME MINISTER OF CANADA
BAJA
Documentary
The Baja 1000 - one thousand miles through city streets, desert and mountainous terrain. And what happens when three rookie drivers attempt to compete in one of the most infamous and dangerous off-road motorsports events in the world?
Follow alonside the support crew for Robby Gordon's 1927 SPEED Energy UTV FATBOY RACING! entry to find out. Features special guest appearance by 9-time Baja 1000 winner Walker "The Legend" Evans, Top Gear’s Freddie Flintoff, Robby Gordon and many more.
WAR MUSIC
Documentary
Row after row of white marble headstones. Beaches that were stormed by Allied troops during World War II. A young Canadian with only his acoustic guitar and his camera.
War Music documents 22-year-old singer / song-writer David Porteous' solo journey across Europe as he writes and records music inspired by the people he meets and the places he visits.
David's journey is one to understand the war from the perspective of those most affected by it - the soldiers who survived, the civilians who still live with the war, and a younger generation who struggles to find a new identity.
David's powerful, emotive music provides a soundtrack that draws us deep into an often glamorized time in human history and gives us an incredibly honest look at how World War II continues to affect us.
“not only a talented singer/songwriter, but a talented filmmaker."
THE MOVIE CAFE, BBC
"Any project of such wide scope has potential for missteps, but Porteous's earnest songs, which we literally watch him write on the battlefields of Europe, bring some urgency to events that for many of us are usually just pieces of history. And that's no small feat."
BLOGTO
"A moving documentary film."
RIVER ARTS FESTIVAL
"Porteous was at his best when singing about World War II."
RON THOMSON, THE SHIELD
FAT BOY RACING!
Documentary
When filmmaker and musician David Porteous first encountered FatBoy Racing at the NTT IndyCar series race in Toronto, he discovered a team lounging on a black leather sofa wearing green paisley team shirts complete with team logo of a man sipping a martini and puffing on a big cigar.
And then there was the team motto: ‘A race team hell bent on having fun’
The end result was FatBoy Racing!, the first of a multi-episode documentary series which captures FatBoy Racing’s seemingly impossible pursuit to compete in top-tier motorsports events without any real budget.
FATBOY RACING! affords race fans a unique and rare opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of a race team in a sport where confidentiality and closed door meetings are the norm - even the film itself doesn't forget about having some jokes and fun along the way.
Includes special guest appearances by Kyle KIrkwood, Rob Howden and the very enthusiastic motorsports journalist Marshall Pruett.
THE FINE PRINT
Documentary
Motorsports journalist Marshall Pruett returns to the IndyCar paddock after a three-month hiatus. Canadian documentary filmmaker David Porteous captures Pruett's highly anticipated and well-received return in Porteous' documentary short film, "The Fine Print."
As a former team manager, mechanic and engineer, Pruett has spent over 20 years working in top-tier Motorsports, including IMSA and IndyCar. After exchanging his pit pass for a press pass, Pruett transitioned to reporting Motorsports and now hosts the widely known racing podcast, “The Marshall Pruett Podcast”.
"The Fine Print" shows not only Pruett's competitive nature as a reporter but also his uncanny ability to navigate the delicate balance of maintaining relations in the paddock whilst adhering to his duties as a journalist.
Filmed over the course of two days at Portland International Raceway in Portland, Oregon, Porteous' film affords race fans a rare opportunity to follow alongside Pruett as he uncovers one of the most unsettling stories of the 2019 NTT IndyCar race season.
The film also includes interviews with Indy 500 Champion Dario Franchitti, team owners Sam Schmidt and George Steinbrenner IV and a behind-the-scenes look at Pruett's video podcast with IndyCar driver co-host Sébastien Bourdais.
OUT OF NOWHERE
Documentary Short
Filmed at CBC Studios in Toronto,
get inside the minds of one of Ontario’s
most beloved Dirt Rock bands as they
record their Hamilton Music Awards
BEST ROCK RECORDING nominated album
“Out of Nowhere”
LEAVING APRIL
Documentary
From one of Toronto best independent studios to Sigur Ros’ pool-turned-studio, go behind the scenes during the recording of David Porteous’ solo album ‘Leaving April.’