Vantropolis Podcast

It’s been quite the year, right? (Deep exhale). Here’s to a brighter 2024, full of call sheets and crafty and headsets and gravel crew parking lots and hugs and Arc’teryx jackets in the rain and sweet, sweet paycheques (or pay checks if you are south of the border). The strikes are over but many are still not back to work - so this holiday season, be kind to yourself. The Strike Stories episode resonated with so many of you who took the time to write lovely messages about your experience as well. My partner works in film and it’s been a tight year. So here’s to the New Year for everyone in the film industry. Thank you also for listening to my humble little podcast. I am a team of (practically) one. But every time I publish an episode and hear from someone who liked it or found it interesting it reminds me why I created it in the first place - to learn the stories and journey to film that all of you took - each one so different yet so relatable. That part never gets old. Wishing you a time of connectedness this season and to a bright and busy New Year. ROLL SOUND. 🎬

As a kid growing up in the suburbs outside Vancouver, 21 Jump Street was the start of my intrigue with the film industry. ♥️🎬 True story: our third grade class went on a field trip to the show’s set which BLEW MY MIND 🤯

Let’s gooooo!!!!

We're thrilled for HBO's The Last of Us - Season 2 to start filming in British Columbia soon and to see our members back in action contributing their incredible skill and talent to making magic for the screen. The show is up for 24 Emmy nominations, with several IATSE members up for awards. Congratulations to 891 members Connie Parker (Makeup), Cynthia Ann Summers (Costume), Kelsey Chobotar (Costume/Production Office), Joanna Mireau (Makeup), and all our IATSE 212 kin nominated for their incredible work.

The Motion Picture Association (MPA) just released an economic impact study showing that this is the largest series ever filmed in Canada, with over $141 million spent across Alberta. Read the full report here: https://www.mpa-canada.org/press/the-last-of-us-the-largest-series-ever-filmed-in-canada-with-over-141-million-spent-across-alberta/

What a career!

Lara Fox retired just this year at the age of 89 after working as a Script Supervisor for BC film for more than 60 years. She shared stories about her career, treasured moments from working on Jumanji, and the importance of Union members looking out for each other. "The most valuable part of being part of the Union for so long I would say is the security. The Union in BC has a very high reputation of being top notch, and that's because we all work together and help each other.” Read our Member Spotlight on Lara Fox on the OurWork blog: https://ourwork.ca/blogroll/posts/member-spotlight-lara-fox/

The WGA and SAG AFTRA strikes are now settled.

It’s been a long, worrisome summer and there’s now 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 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 POV’s 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 stories provide a source of resilience and support for anyone who might need it. 🎬✊🏻

Thank you for your generosity of time and honesty .gorman.dop and James McMurachy who is an enigma so if you know him just envision his lovely face here as well. ☺️

Happy Halloween! 👻🎃

The Horror Classic That Ushered In a New Era in B.C. Filmmaking The Changeling was the greatest film of Canada’s notorious “tax shelter era.”

Some folks stumble into the film industry and some know from the very beginning it’s what they want to do! is the latter. She would watch movies as a child and fantasize about the elaborate costumes and fancy dresses. Needless to say, she’s now a veteran Costume Designer!👗👚💃🏻

The latest episode of chronicles Allisa’s journey into film and she also breaks down how the entire department runs. Such an informative and entertaining listen (especially her time at design school in LA!) 🥳

Link in bio to listen, or available wherever you get your podcasts (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, etc) 🎬🎥

A brand new episode of is here! Allisa Swanson is an award winning Costume Designer and a film and television veteran with over 25 years of industry experience in the BC film industry.

Knowing her calling early on, she moved to Los Angeles, CA after high school where she earned a BFA in Fashion Design & Marketing. She then returned to Vancouver, BC and started her Costume Design career, where she’s worked on TV series like The 100, Once Upon a Time and Firefly Lane, to feature films such as The Snow Walker, which earned her a much deserved Leo Award for Best Costume Design. 🏆

Such an informative and insightful episode about a fascinating department in the film industry! Thank you so much for the generosity of your time. 👗👚🧣🧥👔

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts (or you can listen with direct link in bio!) 🎬

Peter Leitch wasn’t wrong. Hang in there, folks. 🎬

🏳️‍⚧️🎉

A shout out to all 891 Trans and Non-Binary members! Today we celebrate you, your work, your creativity and the beauty and strength you bring to our communities. Thank you for your contributions to your Union and the community. Happy !

Great news! 🎉

JUST ANNOUNCED: HBO's revealed Vancouver has been selected as the location for filming the highly-anticipated second season! The Pacific Northwest will set the back-drop for the post-apocalyptic survival drama starting Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey. The episodic series is based off a 2013 video-game and has amassed millions of viewers worldwide. Read more here: https://deadline.com/2023/03/the-last-of-us-season-2-location-1235314676/

Have you checked out the latest episode of yet? Mike Groner, VP of shares what it was like to grow up in LA and move north (to Hollywood North!) where he works with (practically) every show in town. He makes insurance fun! Check it out - link in bio. 🎬

A brand NEW episode of drops today! 🥳

Insurance probably isn’t the first thing you think about when reflecting on the film industry, am I right? But in the wise words of Mike Groner, Vice President of Front Row Insurance Brokers, “You can’t make a film without it.”

Mike grew up in Los Angeles, CA and began his insurance career in 2003. He worked alongside entertainment business managers and provided insurance to touring musicians, various productions and the Hollywood elite.

He then moved north to Vancouver and joined in 2011, where he continues to specialize in insurance and risk management for film and television productions, equipment operators, video game producers and rental houses.

Front Row has offices across North America and they cover all sizes of productions - from 2K to 200MM.

Mike and I discuss the differences between US and Canadian productions in regards to insurance needs, how to minimize production hazards and transfer risk, and what it was like for him to leave sunny Los Angeles for rainy Vancouver. 😎

Have you wrapped yet? For film folks this is unrelated to gifts (well, it’s the gift of time!) From my little podcast studio to you, wishing you all the best for the holiday season - full of rest and repair at bare minimum. I am a one woman operation over here and without cast and crew, there wouldn’t be a . So thank you. For sharing your stories and supporting me in all sorts of ways. Wearing hats on set out there in the world or sharing my podcast with film folks far and wide. I see you and appreciate you. 💛 I am recording one last episode this week to finish off 2022 and it will drop in the New Year! 🎬 Right in time for your morning commute to set (*ducks*) See you in 2023! 🥳

Here’s to some of the best crews in the world! 🙌 If you haven’t already, be sure to check out the latest episode of with industry veteran Peter Leitch, past president of North Shore Studios and Mammoth Studios! 🎬🎥 Listen wherever you get your podcasts (or link in bio!)

Currently on vacay but don’t forget to check out the latest episode of with past President of North Shore Studios and Mammoth Studios, Peter Leitch! 🎬

A brand new podcast episode of drops today! 🎉

Peter Leitch is a true veteran of BC Film. He was the President of North Shore Studios and Mammoth Studios for over 35 years, and he is also past Chair of the Motion Picture Production Industry Association of BC.

He started his Vancouver film career in the 80’s with a degree in Commerce from UBC - and then he came on as a Financial Controller with Cannell Films in 1987, hired by Stephen J Cannell himself. He moved up the ranks and helped build North Shore Studios, which opened in 1989 and is still thriving today.

Peter and I talk about the rise of the Vancouver film industry from the early days to now, how he’s seen the industry change throughout his long and illustrious career and his thoughts on what the future holds for the next generation of BC Film. Check it out wherever you listen to podcasts (or link in bio!) 🎬

PS: This episode timing could not be better - because this weekend Peter is being honoured at the RE:U:NITE Gala in as the inaugural recipient of the Whistler Film Festival's Industry Champion Award, celebrating his leadership, promotion and endless contributions to the BC Film Industry!
📸: Brent Richter, North Shore News

Vantropolis made it to Malta! Thanks for representing Roberta! (Psst - both Roberta Cenedese of Oceanoid Freediving Vancouver BC Canada and Braden Haggerty are past guests of the podcast! Check out their amazing episodes if you haven’t already!) 😍🎬

Vancouver underwater crew representing in Malta So grateful to be here with the amazing and and Having a blast!

🥳🥳

Bridge Studios is slated to build 42 new sound stages over the next four years in the city of Burnaby, British Columbia, directly neighboring Vancouver. This new construction will bring the total number of sound stages operated by Bridge Studios to 55.

View the full press release here -
https://bridgestudios.com/bridge-studios-55-stages-vancouver/

Don’t panic…but it’s officially autumn 🍂🍁😱

The good news is that means we can dust off our beloved Canadian film “toque” - if you are interested in sporting one on set DM me! 🎬🎥🙌

Good to see! 🌎

Stunts Canada wishes to acknowledge the life and career of Lou Bollo.

Lou invested decades of his life into the Vancouver stunt community. Through his years on Supernatural, Wolf Lake, The Lone Gunman, Millennium & The Commish, Lou was known for his warmth and kindness with performers who shared a passion for the craft of stunts.

Lou used the skills he had gained as a teacher before joining the film industry to nurture and embolden those around him. This past, and his love of laughter, guided him as he defined his own beliefs in what it meant to be a stunt performer and coordinator. That in turn became an example and safe haven for a lot of new stunt performers to grow within. Many performers got their first breaks and jobs that kept the food on their tables as they struggled to climb to their own strong careers.

It is important to remember the past and the people that were instrumental in creating the community we are now all a part of. We would not be here without the industry leaders, with the strength and commitment they needed to build our futures. In his own casual way Lou was one of those leaders.

Our respect and condolences to Lou’s family and loved ones in this time and the days ahead.

Lights, Action, Lunch! • British Columbia Magazine Chefs in restaurants have undeniably tough jobs, with long hours trying to keep diners happy while dealing with the pressures of running a business. Now imagine trying to serve two meals a day to more than 100 people out of a truck, worrying about whether you will run out of propane or have to pack....

Amazing! 🤩