Helen Shaver (pictured), Gabrielle Miller, Jennifer Spence and Colleen Rennison are starring in writer/director Ben Ratner’s Down River, which has started production in Vancouver.

The Pearl Pictures film sees Miller plays an insecure actress, Rennison perform the role of a gifted rock singer teetering on the brink of self-destruction, and Spence as a lead singer of a fast-rising band.

All three women live in the same building and receive guidance from a neighbor, played by Shaver.

Babz Chula

Down River is loosely based on Ratner’s long-time friendship with the late actress Babz Chula.

Rounding out the ensemble cast is Jay Brazeau, Ali Liebert, Brian Markinson and Teach Grant.

James Brown and Andrew Halliwell are producing Down River.