Martin Ellis Dies: 2nd Assistant Director On ‘A Dog’s Journey’, ‘The Flash’ Was 44

Martin Ellis, a beloved second assistant director who worked on films such as A Dog’s Journey and the upcoming Monster High The Movie 2, and television shows including The Flash and The Power, died August 22 at his home in Vancouver, family friend and producer Seth William Meier confirmed to Deadline. Ellis was 44. A cause of death was not released.

Born in Dauphin, Manitoba, Canada, Ellis’ interest in the movie industry began at a young age, according to a family statement announcing his death. In Winnipeg, where his family moved when he was a child, Ellis went on to work as an Assistant Location Manager and Location Manager, eventually becoming a Second Assistant Director in Winnipeg and then in Vancouver.

During his career he worked on over 50 productions, including films, TV movies and television series. Notable movies include A Dog’s Journey and the soon to be released television movie Monster High The Movie 2, the sequel to the successful live-action movie musical, which will air on Nickelodeon and stream on Paramount+. Notable television series include The Flash and the recently released Prime Video series The Power.

Described by Meier as “a gem in the entertainment industry,” Ellis’ additional credits as 2nd AD also included films Reasonable Doubt and Curse of Chucky and television series Limetown, Wu Assassins, Descendants 3, Charmed and A Series of Unfortunate Events, among others. According to IMDB, Ellis was most recently credited as second assistant director on upcoming dramatic feature Unspoken from writer-director Daming Chen, starring Zhang Hanyu, Vivienne Tien, Michael Cudlitz and Jake Abel; and Anna Kendrick’s directorial debut Woman of the Hour.

Ellis is survived by his mother and father, Vivian and Mac Ellis, his sister Larisa and brother Cameron, and several nieces and nephews.