Principal photography has begun in Halifax on feature film Hard Drive, written and directed by William D. MacGillivray.

The film stars Douglas Smith (Big Love), Laura Slade Wiggins (Shameless), Megan Follows (Anne of Green Gables) and legendary jazz drummer Jerry Granelli .

Hard Drive, based on the novel Ditch by Hal Niedzviecki, is about coming of age in the digital age.

“Hard Drive explores the ways in which technology informs our connections to each other, often creating emotional distance where it’s least welcome. Sometimes the images we capture of people become more important than the people themselves. I want this film to explore that through music, through point-of-view and through stylized camerawork,” said MacGillivray in a statement.

Hard Drive is produced by Nova Scotia- and Newfound-based Picture Plant, which is headed by partners MacGillivray and Terry Greenlaw, with participation from Telefilm Canada and Film Nova Scotia.

The film was also financed by tax credits and private investment. The script was developed with support from Telefilm, Film Nova Scotia and the Harold Greenberg Fund.

Cinematography is by Stephanie Weber Biron, and production design is by Jennifer Stewart.

Toronto-based IndieCan Entertainment will distribute Hard Drive in Canada, and The Yellow Affair will handle international pre-sales. Theatrical release is slated for 2014.

Hard Drive will shoot in locations across Halifax to Nov. 30.

Here’s a look at the first day of shooting:

Photo courtesy Atlantic Canada Tourism