Colby Spencer hosts a series of candid conversations with some of the underslept masses working in Vancouver BC’s booming film and television industry.
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🇺🇲
Publishing Since
3/26/2019
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November 13, 2024
Sheona McDonald is a director, writer, and producer with over thirty years of experience in the world of documentary filmmaking. Throughout her career, she’s not only created and financed projects, but also written, directed, and produced a wide range of compelling films that tackle important and often challenging topics. Born and raised in Vancouver, Sheona took Media Studies at Capilano University in the 90’s and created two powerful student documentaries in the process. She moved to Toronto (and onto Script Supervision) and then after motherhood she eventually found herself back in BC, and again in the world of documentary filmmaking. Her work has always gravitated toward complex, thought-provoking subjects—examining everything from gender identity to cyber fraud and infant loss. Unlike many mainstream productions, Sheona’s documentaries are often made on tight budgets, yet they never compromise on depth or authenticity. She’s worked on everything from Love it or List it Vancouver, Season Two of the popular documentary series Emergency Room: Life and Death at VGH and Dead Man’s Switch - a crypto mystery which she wrote, produced and directed. Sheona has just finished directing, writing and showrunning the 4-part documentary series Transplant Stories which follows the intimate and dramatic stories behind just a few of the thousands of organ transplants performed each year in Canada. Her journey through storytelling proves that sometimes, truth is not just stranger than fiction—it’s far more compelling, pushing us to rethink our understanding of the world around us.
June 30, 2024
Darko Sikman is a Unit Stills Photographer in the BC Film industry. He captures those behind the scenes moments and killer images on set that are often the first glimpses you see when a new film or TV series is being promoted. As with many film folks, Darko Sikman’s journey to Unit Stills Photography wasn't exactly a straight line. Born and raised in Bosnia, he fled the Yugoslav Wars in the 90’s and settled in Canada, where he pursued his passion for photography. He worked his way through weddings and events and even spent time in the cruise industry, travelling to over 70 countries. And then, film. With credits including Alaska Daily, Allegiance, Big Sky, Family Law, and The Good Doctor, Darko's lens has captured the magic behind numerous productions. We delve into his experiences on set, his recent venture into documentary filmmaking, and the underlying theme of belonging that threads through his career trajectory. And who knows, we might just uncover a delightful anecdote involving none other than Bill Murray.
November 30, 2023
The 2023 WGA and SAG AFTRA strikes are now settled. It’s been a long wait, and there is a shared sigh of relief as film work slowly begins to ramp up again. How quickly is still to be determined. For many, this has been a very difficult chapter, and some collective collateral damage has been done, from people’s wallets to their mental health. Most will need months if not years to recover fully from this lapse. Some have sold assets, taken part-time jobs elsewhere or even left the industry altogether in the meantime. There is also a concern that production budgets will be reduced moving forward, adding to a future state stress. In the midst of these strikes, I reached out to four past Vantropolis guests to hear their thoughts, struggles and hopes for the industry as they navigated the uncertainty. A Production Manager, a Costume Designer, a Gaffer and a Director of Photography - varying points of view and experiences but throughout it all, a solidarity to each other and the craft. As we reflect on the rollercoaster of the 2023 strikes, I hope these strike stories provide a source of resilience and support for anyone who might need it.
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