“On Fire”: A Cinematic Triumph of Survival and Action by david j. moore
In a world grappling with the escalating threat of wildfires, the upcoming film “On Fire” by filmmaker Nick Lyon (Bullet, The Surprise Visit) emerges as a timely and powerful narrative that underscores the harrowing realities individuals face in the wake of these horrific natural disasters. Set to be released by Cineverse on September 29th, 2023, this gripping film was co-written, and produced and directed by Nick Lyon with actor/director Peter Faccinelli, and co-stars Fiona Dourif, Asher Angel, Lance Henriksen and Ashlei Foushee, that not only captivates with its suspenseful survival drama but also serves as a compelling call to action, highlighting the urgent need to address the pressing issue of wildfires on a global scale.
The origins of “On Fire” can be traced back to a pivotal moment when filmmaker Nick Lyon embarked on a camping trip with his sons in 2017. Gathered around a campfire, the mere thought of being surrounded by a forest fire ignited a terrifying concept in Lyon’s mind. This initial spark of inspiration eventually blossomed into a riveting survival disaster film set in the midst of a raging wildfire. Co-penned by writer Ron Peer, the film draws from true events and real fire victims, and the movie’s compelling narrative weaves together fictional elements with the grim reality of escalating forest fires across the world. Recalls Lyon: “I remember that camping trip vividly. The idea of being engulfed by a forest fire struck me like a lightning bolt. That initial spark of inspiration eventually led to the creation of On Fire as a gripping survival story.”
“As a film director,” Lyon relates, “On Fire is one of the technical accomplishments I am most proud of.” Tackling the calamity and terror of surviving a forest fire posed significant challenges, especially when portraying the burning chaos without setting an actual forest ablaze. Leveraging his expertise, Lyon ingeniously combined lighting techniques, fog, smoke, real fire, and visual effects to craft a visually stunning disaster film within the constraints of a lower budget production. The result is a film that authentically captures the intensity, horror, and destructive impact of wildfires. Lyon continues, “I wanted the audience to feel the heat, to sense the danger, without compromising safety. It was a technical puzzle, but we found innovative ways to bring the fire to life on screen.”
Beneath its visually spectacular exterior, On Fire delves into the realm of human resilience and the unbreakable bonds of family. Lyon and writer Ron Peer chose to focus on the Laughlin family, an all-American working-class unit whose lives are intertwined with their home. As they confront the imminent loss of their livelihood due to an encroaching fire, the stakes are immensely high. By adding the layer of Sarah Laughlin being nine months pregnant, Lyon and Peer heighten the urgency of their survival quest. The ensemble cast, featuring Peter Facinelli, Fiona Dourif, Asher Angel, and film veteran Lance Henriksen, wholeheartedly brings these characters to life, infusing their roles with depth and emotion, and embodying the role of the 911 responder, young actress Ashlei Foushee brings emotion, humanity and displays the helplessness that many 911 operators must endure in such disasters. “It’s a beautiful and inspiring film about family and the strength of first responders,” notes Ashlei Foushee, who plays Kayla, adding, “It was very challenging as an actor both technically and emotionally. But I love a challenge! Nick Lyon was such a supportive director, he really made me feel safe so that I could open up and access those tough emotions needed for the role.”
The cast members of “On Fire” provide their perspectives, echoing the film’s relevance to current events. Actor/co-director Peter Facinelli (Twilight) who portrays Dave Laughlin, recently said, “On Fire takes you on an intense, nail-biting journey inside the harrowing experience of a family trapped by a wildfire, fighting for their survival. The film also pays tribute to the incredible support from first responders and the unwavering courage displayed by firefighters.” Fiona Dourif (Chucky), who plays the nine-month pregnant Sarah Laughlin in the film, emphasized in a story by Deadline that the importance of telling this narrative in the midst of the ongoing crisis: “It’s an important story to tell. Fires are ravaging the west coast, yet I have somehow never seen this film before.” Playing the high school son Clay Laughlin you will see Asher Angel (Shazam!), shared his excitement in a recent press release about the script: “I was on the edge of my seat reading the script waiting to find out what was going to happen to the family!” Veteran actor Lance Henriksen (Aliens, Rabbit Hole), who understands the constant threat of fire firsthand, addressed the broader climate crisis in a recent press release for the film: “I live in an area where there is a constant threat of fire. I want to bring attention to that and the threat of the global climate crisis.” Lyon had this to say of working with Henriksen: “It was such an honor directing Lance Henriksen as George, and taking into such a vulnerable state. His performance as an older man struggling with the loss of his wife is extremely touching, and for Lance to trust me to take him there was a huge compliment of his trust in the film and me as a filmmaker. It’s not every day that a filmmaker gets the chance to work with such an iconic actor.” And in her stand out performance as Kayla, Ashlei Foushee says, “It’s such a heart felt and relevant story about family and survival. It also brings to light the effects of natural disasters. It’s more important than ever given the recent events happening in Hawaii.”
Director Nick Lyon states that, “Survival dramas like On Fire are vital stories to tell, especially in the face of escalating forest fires threatening landscapes globally. The film pays tribute to the courageous first responders who put their lives at risk to combat these massive fires, saving lives and homes. In particular, portraying the story from the perspective of a 911 operator (Ashlei Foushee) added intensity, highlighting their incredible responsibility and the emotional turmoil they endure.“ Unlike many films that focus solely on victims, “On Fire” pays homage to the brave first responders who risk their lives to combat forest fires. The film doesn’t approach the story from the perspective of a firefighter, but instead, it sheds light on the world of first responders through the eyes of a 911 operator. Ashlei Foushee’s portrayal of Kayla, a novice operator thrust into her first fire, adds depth and conveys the profound responsibility and emotional turmoil that responders face. “Playing Kayla was both an emotional and educational experience,” says actress Foushee. “It’s easy to overlook the people answering the calls during emergencies, but their dedication is vital. On Fire brings their perspective to the forefront.”
Behind the scenes, collaborative efforts among the creative team were instrumental in realizing Lyon’s vision. Writer Ron Peer played a pivotal role in transforming Lyon’s initial concept into a feature-length script. Peer says, “Nick Lyon excels at maximizing production value within budget constraints. Witnessing him bring words on the page to life is a remarkable feat. With a VFX-heavy film like On Fire, the actors had to react to images that weren’t present during filming. This demands meticulous coordination, planning, and vision. When I saw the film with the added VFX, I was genuinely startled at certain moments. This movie is truly unnerving. Despite being an indie film, it rivals the quality of a $50 million studio production.”
The production team, led by Beth Bruce, Robbie Witte, and Joe Fernandez of Lonestar Media and Storytellers Group, Executive Producers Simon Crow and Matthew Joynes of SC Films International, and veteran producers Peter Winther and Suzanne Weinert ensured the film’s financing and production and post went off without a hitch. Executive Producer Matthew Joynes emphasized, “When you have a professional director [like Lyon], everything is taken care of. Nick showed how a good director can direct not only the drama on screen but off with professionalism.”
Editor Don Money skillfully molded the narrative, seamlessly interweaving the family’s struggle with the first responders’ viewpoint. Money offers, “Nick assembled a really fantastic ensemble of incredibly gifted actors, whom I’ve loved in other things I had seen them in, so getting to edit a film with them in it was something I really looked forward to.” He continues: “Making a film like this was incredibly difficult. It took a lot of work, and passion, and patience to craft it the way we wanted to, and that could only be done with a team of incredibly talented filmmakers who just wouldn’t stop until it was done.”
Speaking to his professionalism with some candor, Lyon iterates, “I had an incredible cast and team but in the final days of physical production, I contracted COVID, rendering me unable to complete the film on set. However, with all the pieces in place, Peter Faccinelli, who deeply understood his character, the story and grasped my vision, stepped in as a director, and with the valuable help of my assistant director Nick Ryan, the talented Director of Photography Phillip Roy, and Producer Peter Winther, he successfully guided the project to its completion. Peter’s contribution was pivotal in bringing the film to fruition, all while maintaining its integrity and established style.”
As the release of “On Fire” approaches, it stands as a testament to human resilience and storytelling power. Lyon’s dedication to raising awareness about wildfires, combined with the unwavering commitment of an exceptional cast and crew, has resulted in a film that entertains, engages, and ignites meaningful discussions about the environment, resilience, and the collective responsibility to safeguard our planet’s future. “On Fire is a wake-up call,” remarks lead actress Fiona Dourif, “and it reminds us that the consequences of our actions can be catastrophic. We’re at a pivotal moment where we must confront climate change and take measures to protect our planet.”
In a recent press release for the film, actor Peter Faccinelli expounds that he is “excited to bring awareness to a very important subject matter via a suspenseful, action-filled film,” He also stated that, “On Fire takes you on an intense, nail-biting journey inside the harrowing experience of a family trapped by a wildfire, fighting for their survival. The film also pays tribute to the incredible support from first responders and the unwavering courage displayed by firefighters. My hope is that this film will not only entertain but also inspire viewers to take action in safeguarding our planet’s future. I can’t wait for audiences nationwide to experience this film on the big screen September 29. In choosing this release date just before Fire Prevention Week, our hope is to inspire viewers to be uber vigilant during these times of extreme heat and to prepare for anything if they are in a fire-prone area.”
With its gripping narrative, visceral visual effects, and impactful performances, “On Fire” invites audiences to embark on a terrifying journey alongside the Laughlin family as they battle nature’s fury. This cinematic endeavor is poised to resonate deeply, leaving an indelible mark on viewers and urging them to contemplate their relationship with the environment, as well as to take actionable steps toward securing a sustainable future for generations to come.
Watch the Trailer for Nick Lyon’s ON FIRE: https://youtu.be/TbmM9Rugu4g
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0528963/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_0_nm_8_q_nick%2520lyon