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MARTIN WATSON ELLIS
Born: Aug 09, 1979
Date of Passing: Aug 22, 2023
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryMARTIN WATSON ELLIS
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Martin Ellis. Martin passed away at his home in Vancouver, BC on August 22, 2023.
Left to cherish Martin’s memory are his father Mac Ellis and his mother Vivian Ellis; his sister Larisa and her children, Noah, Katya and Roxy (Ayden) and his brother Cameron (Jennifer) and their children, Hannah and Connor. Martin will also be dearly missed by his aunts, uncles and cousins. Martin’s memory will also live on in the hearts of his special friends, Jeannie and her dog Bugsy; and Kawangoo. Thank you to Jeannie and Kawangoo for your friendship to Martin; and for your support, love and care.
Martin was predeceased by his grandparents, Gordon and Allison Ellis and Paul and Mildred Galatiuk; and by his uncle Warren. Martin was very close with all of his grandparents and often referred to all of the special times that he spent on each of their farms. He especially loved checking out all of the equipment and started honing his driving skills at an early age. Grandpa Paul also patiently took him to his special spots in the Shell Valley so that he could spend hours rappelling down the mud cliffs using his homemade harness.
Martin was born on August 9, 1979 in Dauphin, Manitoba. When he was one, his family moved to Winnipeg (Charleswood) where Martin grew up and attended Beaverlodge School, River West Park School and Oak Park High School. Martin’s interest in the movie industry started at a young age and prior to completing school he did whatever he could to get himself noticed by those with influence in the industry. Martin was forever grateful to Louise and Wanda for giving him every opportunity and gofer job they could find, and with their help and the help of many others, he eventually built up enough hours to get his union card and his dream of working in the movie industry became a reality. While in Winnipeg, Martin worked as an Assistant Location Manager, Location Manager and then, with a lot of hard work and persistence he became a Second Assistant Director in Winnipeg and then in Vancouver. He worked on productions across western Canada, including Churchill. During his career he worked on over 50 productions, including Movies, TV Movies and TV Series. Notable movies include A Dog’s Journey and the soon to be released movie Monster High 2, a production he enjoyed working on, especially with regards to turning actors into monsters. Notable TV Series include The Flash and the recently released The Power. As a history buff and political follower Martin commented on the similarities between the fictional series and the abortion debates going on in the US at the same time that the series was being shot (the summer of 2022). Martin loved how history and politics could be reflected in movies and television and not only entertain us but also be used to educate us and to explore new ideas and different worlds.
Martin was a soft spoken, kind and intelligent young man. He will be missed by family, friends and colleagues.
If you wish to honour Martin’s memory, please make a donation to the Bruce Oake Recovery Center.
Martin’s family will be honouring his life and memory by spreading his ashes in one of his favourite places in the Shell Valley. A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, September 11, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Charleswood United Church, 4820 Roblin Blvd., Winnipeg, Manitoba.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 09, 2023
Condolences & Memories (7 entries)
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Martin and I came up in film about the same time and we worked closely together in Locations very often. While he was younger than me, he had the passion that success in film demands. His incredible work ethic and dedication to the craft were something to behold and he was a great role model for PA's. I was very happy to see him rise amongst the ranks and find his way to leadership roles long after I left the industry. Film demands long hours and incredible discipline and Martin brought those qualities in spades. I especially admired his very dry sense of humour in challenging circumstances which brought relief when tension on set could be crushing. I know his spirit lives on though the many people who valued his contributions not only at work but in his personal life. He will certainly be missed. - Posted by: Shane Clements (Colleague ) on: Sep 14, 2023
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I had the good fortune to work with Martin as both a 1st and 2nd Assistant Director. Martin was an extremely dedicated and talented AD, but more importantly he was a good man and a gentle soul. Talking to Martin on set in the morning before call always relaxed and grounded me. Martin will be sorely missed in the Vancouver film community. - Posted by: Carl Mason (Co worker) on: Sep 11, 2023
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I am so saddened to hear of Martin's passing. My condolences go out to his family and friends. I remember Martin as a good friend to my sons Christian and Ryan when they went to Cadets together. He was a kind and gentle soul with wonderful manners and just an all round super young man. Such a loss. - Posted by: Sharon Tardi (Mother of fried) on: Sep 11, 2023
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Oh such sad news - Martin came to FTM in the early 2000s and started as a location PA- the most thankless job in our industry. He persevered and showed no sign of complaint whether standing in the rain at 4 am or cleaning up garbage at midnight. What a great guy. I’m so sorry for your loss to his friends and family but also our industry as a whole. Holly Moore - Posted by: Holly Moore (Colleague) on: Sep 10, 2023
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Very saddening news to hear about Martin. I recall him starting in the film industry back in ‘99. Always eager to learn (taught him how to make ‘sides’), willing to do the time and endure the long hours. I’ve worked with Martin on so many projects that they all blur into one. He was a great AD, sometimes under difficult circumstances but always found a way to get the job done. He was passionate about his work. We didn’t always see eye to eye but we always worked professionally with each other but sometimes that’s the way the business goes. Definitely sad that he passed so young and I won’t get to work with him again. Clearly he will be missed by all that knew him. My deepest condolences to his family. - Posted by: Scott Layton (Friend /colleague ) on: Sep 09, 2023
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I am shocked and saddened by this news. Martin was an amazing human being with such a big heart. I have many fond memories of Martin, including; going for bike rides to the Assiniboine river where he would dream of building an airplane out of an abandoned swing set, and then heading to Robins Donuts so he could buy himself two Apple fritters. We worked at McDonald’s together and always had a blast, and when I couldn’t find a ride home on a bitter cold day, Martin would drive me home, way out of his way, so I wouldn’t have to catch the bus. He then got me side gigs in the movie industry so I could experience the industry and all it offered. Martin was a musician, a visionary, a true friend, and will be missed by so many. RIP Martin - Posted by: Christian Tardi (Friend from air cadets ) on: Sep 09, 2023
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Martin & I worked on many productions from Seven Times Lucky through to New In Town with Renee Zellweger and helped to train him as a Second AD on the Less Than Kind TV series (he didn’t need much training). He was a real class act and I will miss him dearly. - Posted by: Charles Crossin (Colleague) on: Sep 09, 2023
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