This is a Megan Lawson (aka magoo) appreciation post. It is far, far overdue. She is one of the (many) important support systems in my life. A dear friend and collaborator (and auntie to my pup), Meg is not only a killer dancer, mathematician-choreographer (ahem, @madonna ), inspiring teacher, seaweed sister (@theseaweedsisters ) and joyful human, but I got to have her for a few days on the set of Fresh and here’s why that mattered sooooo much to me. Shooting my first feature during pre-vaccine pandemic times in Canada meant I wasn’t able to hire anyone from the states. It meant an entirely new team of people to build relationships with (which luckily I did and now have an amazing Canadian team!!). Most filmmakers would agree that familiarity and a working team of trusted colleagues is hugely important - so when I was able to get my friend Megan (a proud Canadian) over the border, through a 14-day quarantine and finally onto set for a few days on @freshmovie, I cannot tell you the magnitude her presence had. I’m pretty certain I cried when she walked into the room. What a trying time 2020/2021 was — to see a familiar smile like hers was nothing short of a dream. Megan is such a magically raw artist that at times it intimidates me. Her natural abilities to tap into movement and the body are at such a level, it’s beautiful to witness. I have learned from her for years, whether it be something she says in a class or the way she narrates her sequences into picture-stories, or her ideas around camera and dance for the camera. Being around her is to experience lightning in a bottle⚡️. Magoo, I love ya and I couldn’t have done those days without you and your Olive* outfits. ♥️