Principal photography has begun in Nova Scotia on feature film Relative Happiness, directed by Deanne Foley.

Relative Happiness is based on the novel written by Atlantic Canadian author Lesley Crewe.

Foley co-wrote the script with Crewe, Iain MacLeod and Sherry White. The story follows a bed and breakfast owner who realizes that real relationships and romance aren’t like the Jane Austen-esque romantic ideals she’s been coveting.

Up-and-coming Australian actress Melissa Bergland has been cast as the lead for the film, which also stars Canuck actors Aaron Poole, Jonathan Sousa, Molly Dunsworth, Trailer Park Boys‘ Robb Wells in a cameo role, Susan Kent and Joel Thomas Hynes.

Jill Knox-Gosse and Lynne Wilson of St. John’s-based Wreckhouse Productions and Alan Collins of Dartmouth-based Lady Hammond Entertainment are producing. Avi Federgreen of Federgreen Entertainment is exec producing.

Knox-Gosse and Wilson previously worked with Foley on her short film The Magnificent Molly McBride, and wanted to work with Foley again on a feature-length project.

“When Alan Collins asked us to partner with him to produce Lesley Crewe’s novel as a film, we all felt that Deanne would be the perfect choice as director. Her films often focus on female underdogs who find the inner strength to overcome obstacles in hilarious and uniquely offbeat ways,” said Knox-Gosse in a statement.

Relative Happiness  is shooting in Nova Scotia through November, in and around Hubbards and Halifax. Post-production will take place in St. John’s, Newfoundland.

The film, which has a $1.25 million budget, received support from Telefilm Canada, Film and Creative Industries Nova Scotia and the Newfoundland and Labrador Film Development Corporation.