The Cinematheque

Are you interested in a career in film? Want to hear from industry experts and emerging artists about their career paths? Curious about what a day in the life of various film jobs looks like? Check out the recording of our Film Career Event for Youth, which took place at The Cinematheque on November 18, 2023! While the event was originally aimed at aspiring filmmakers aged 14–19, the conversation was so candid and thoughtful that it is sure to be of interest to any cinephile or aspiring filmmaker. Panelists included filmmakers in all stages of their careers, each of whom were open about the twists and turns they’ve taken to find success. Our veteran panelists included Oscar-winning sound designer Craig Berkey (who gave a behind-the-scenes look at his work with the Coen brothers and Joe Wright), veteran editor and VFX producer David Legault (who worked on Elf, Elysium, The Twilight Saga: New Moon, and more), and writer-director Karen Lam (whose psycho-horror The Curse of Willow Song won Best BC film at VIFF in 2020). Our emerging panelists, cinematographer Diana Parry (winner of Best Cinematography at Chilliwack Film Festival 2019 and Vancouver Shorts Film Festival 2020) and producer Thea Loo (who is just about to complete Inay, her first documentary feature), were incredibly insightful about navigating the transition from film school to early career. All five speakers were funny, relatable, and open, with tons of practical wisdom about weathering downturns, taking advantage of unexpected opportunities, learning to network, and being more comfortable with not knowing everything.

Watch the panel discussion here and the lively Q&A here!