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Big Drive

This short animation film tells the story of a family road trip across the Canadian prairies set in the 1970s. In an era before in-car movies and video games, 4 sisters squeeze into the back of the family car for a long journey. While the parents keep a steady watch on the road ahead, restlessness gradually gives way to mayhem in the car’s close quarters. Just before the ride becomes unbearable, the sisters are inspired to combine their creative energy and the big drive becomes an even bigger adventure.
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This short animation film tells the story of a family road trip across the Canadian prairies set in the 1970s. In an era before in-car movies and video games, 4 sisters squeeze into the back of the family car for a long journey. While the parents keep a steady watch on the road ahead, restlessness gradually gives way to mayhem in the car’s close quarters. Just before the ride becomes unbearable, the sisters are inspired to combine their creative energy and the big drive becomes an even bigger adventure.

Families Canada - Images of a Country All subjects
Animation for Kids Family Stories All channels
  • writer
    Anita Lebeau
  • director
    Anita Lebeau
  • original music
    Dan Frechette
  • musician
    Dan Frechette
    Clint Dutiaume
    Gilles Fournier
  • music recording
    Norman Dugas
  • cast
    Nathalie Daudet
    Emma Collins
    Annie Rose Daudet
    Maggie Collins
    Anita Lebeau
  • animation
    Anita Lebeau
    Chris Cormier
  • digital paint
    John Tanasiciuk
  • compositing
    John Tanasiciuk
  • backgrounds
    Anita Lebeau
  • digital imaging consultation
    Susan Gourley
    Pierre Plouffe
  • technical coordination
    Julie Laperrière
  • biplane footage
    Claude Savard
    Michael Linton
  • voice recording
    Norman Dugas
    John Hildebrandt
  • sound editing
    Howard Rissin
  • foley
    Ben Wytinck
  • re-recording
    Jean Paul Vialard
  • on-line
    Denis Pilon
  • production coordinator
    Rolande Petit
  • program administrator
    Cyndi Forcand
  • marketing manager
    Julie Armstrong-Boileau
  • producer
    Derek Mazur
  • associate producer
    Scott Collins
  • executive producer
    Derek Mazur
    Michael Scott

Education

Ages 10 to 14

Study Guide

Guide 1

Notes

Discuss the clues that would indicate this film is not set in the present day. Comment on the various ways today’s family car trips are different. Decide what the filmmaker’s reasons may have been for creating this film. Discuss the changes in our culture that have occurred since the period in which this film is set. Citing situations from the film, decide whether those were “the good old days.”

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Big Drive
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