Doug was honored to work as SPFX Supervisor on the true story of revolutionary oncologist, and co-founder of Ronald McDonald House Charities, Dr. Audrey Evans. Sakmann provided fog and environmental FX as well as working with Key MUA Katie MacGregor and Production Designer Amber Unkle to create several key FX for the movie.

Starring Natalie Dormer (Game of Thrones, Captain America) as unconventional British oncologist Dr. Audrey Evans who burst onto the scene at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia in 1970, when nearly all children with cancer die, and discovers groundbreaking ways to save their lives. In a bid to test new treatments on dire patients, and to provide housing for out-of-town families seeking care, Audrey breaks the rules and goes to extreme lengths to save her children. Inspired by the life of legendary oncologist and co-founder of Ronald McDonald House Charities, an organization that serves millions around the world. The movie also stars Jimmi Simpson (Always Sunny in Philadelphia) and Clancy Brown (Dexter: New Blood).

From the director, Ami Canaan Mann:

“It is such an honor to help tell the story of this incredible pioneer, a legend and personification of the truism that tenacity, goodwill and grace can move mountains if we let it,” said Mann. “Thousands of children continue to benefit from the advancements Audrey fought for in children’s oncology. Our team feels great privilege in the opportunity to shine a light on the life of the woman behind that work.”

“The hurdles that Dr. Evans had to jump over to effect change in a male-dominated field in 1970 were astounding. Ami’s singular vision for Audrey’s Children pays homage to Dr. Evans’ tireless efforts to fight for a new standard of care for cancer patients,” said Gallo. “Michael and I are so honored to be telling Dr. Evans’ story – and the story of her brave young patients – with this remarkable team.”

A portion of the film’s proceeds will go to organizations that are important to Audrey and her life’s work.

Find out all about the film and Dr. Audrey Evans at www.audreyschildren.com

About Audrey’s Children on COLLIDER and DEADLINE:

Jimmi Simpson (Pachinko) and Clancy Brown (Dexter: New Blood) have boarded Audrey’s Children — the biopic that Ami Canaan Mann (Jackie & Ryan) is directing for Amasia Entertainment (Wild Mountain Thyme) and Resonate Entertainment (Sitting in Bars with Cake) — with Brandon Micheal Hall (Search Party), Julianna Layne (Prodigal Son), Ben Chase (The Thing About Pam) and Evelyn Giovine (The Crowded Room) also signing on for roles.

The film, produced in Philadelphia tells the story of Dr. Audrey Evans (Natalie Dormer), the revolutionary pediatric oncologist best known as the co-founder of Ronald McDonald House Charities — the world-famous organization that provides housing and support to millions of families in 62 countries around the world. Pic’s set in 1969 and follows her as she bursts onto the scene as the Chief of Pediatric Oncology at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, when the survival rate for children with cancer was less than 10%. In an effort to revolutionize treatment and to provide housing and support to families of sick children, Evans pushes boundaries and implements a total care approach that, to this day, benefits millions.

Jimmi Simpson will play the late Dr. Dan D’Angio, a kind and brilliant leader in radiation oncology whose by-the-book approach to care contrasts Audrey’s irreverent ways. Together they embark on a lifelong partnership in pioneering pediatric cancer treatments that change the field forever.

Clancy Brown will take on the role of Dr. C. Everett Koop, the larger-than-life Head of Pediatric Surgery at CHOP and eventual Surgeon General of the United States. Dr. Koop is known for his decision to recruit Evans to lead the oncology department, though he quickly becomes frustrated with her unorthodox methods.

Branden Micheall Hall will portray Dr. Brian Faust, Evans’ eager and talented resident who is hungry for change, with Layne as Mia McAlister, a dire young patient who Evans enlists in a trial study in an attempt to save her life. Chase plays Dr. Jeremy Lewis, Audrey’s adversary and later champion, with Giovine as Kate Watson, the stoic single mother of a cancer patient who connects with Audrey’s strength of character.

Julia Fisher Farbman (Modern Hero) wrote the screenplay, which was based on years of research and conversations with Evans, who is now 97 years old and supports the film. Farbman will also produce the privately financed pic alongside Amasia’s Bradley Gallo and Michael Helfant. Brent Emery, Suzanne Farwell and Susan Cartsonis will exec produce for Resonate, alongside Michael Leahy (Paradise Highway), with Clément Bauer serving as co-producer. Orly Sitowitz (Star Trek: Strange New Worlds) is the project’s casting director.