Vancouver Film School Storyteller's Studio Podcast
Vancouver Film School
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Every week, notable figures from the entertainment, media, and the arts join us in the studio to discuss how they perfected their craft and became leaders in their field. Whether you're an aspiring creative or simply want to be inspired, this podcast is for you.
Available episodes
Newest first
Oldest first
May 5, 2020
Aaron Gilman: VFS3D to Head of Animation @ DNEG
After graduating from UBC with a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy, Aaron Gilman spent years doing odd jobs while trying to figure out what to do with his life. Sitting down now with fellow animator Colin Giles, Aaron recounts how spotting a VFS ad on a bus got him started towards a long, successful career in animation on films including Avatar, the Avengers, The Hobbit, and Godzilla. A career learner and generous insight dispenser, Aaron’s episode is a must for aspiring animators.
*http://www.aarongilman.ca/read-me*
*https://vimeo.com/112316727*
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Mar 26, 2020
Erich Saide: How to Create Award-Winning Photos
Highly motivated, energetic and full of passion for his craft, professional photographer Erich Saide is happiest when he's creating powerful images for his clients. In this episode he reflects on how a series of accidents spurred him on his creative journey, how his artistic process has evolved over the years, and offers tips for creating unforgettable images. A must for photography enthusiasts.
https://www.erichsaide.com/
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Mar 25, 2020
Matt Toner: Re-Inventing How Kids Play
Throughout his career, #VFSwriting alumnus and serial starter Matt Toner has built businesses that specialize in the design of ground-breaking video games and new models for player engagement.
His latest venture, Biba, creates free mobile games that work with any playground to turn screen time into healthy, imaginative outdoor play for the entire family. We sat down with Matt to discuss where he finds inspiration for his inventions, being recognized by Time Magazine and Fast Company as one of the most innovative companies of 2019, and the future of socially responsible game development.
https://www.playbiba.com/
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Mar 19, 2020
Ahsan Nanji: Creating the Future of Game Development
As the Director of Product Management at EA,* *Ahsan Nanji and his team are exploring new ways to leverage the Cloud and AI to shift how game teams can build new game experiences and service capabilities. In this episode, he takes us deep into the forefront of technology, design, and development at one of the world’s biggest studios. A must watch for aspiring game designers and technologists everywhere.
https://www.ea.com/en-ca/careers/news/ahsan
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Mar 17, 2020
Riaz Meghji: How to Snag Your Dream Job
Riaz Meghji is a firm believer that a good conversation has the power to change everything. When he was 22, a pivotal exchange persuaded him to explore life as a presenter, rather than chase the stock markets as an investment broker. Seventeen years of broadcast experience later, Riaz has hosted for brands such as Citytv’s Breakfast Television Vancouver, CTV News, TEDxVancouver, MTV Canada’s 969 and marquee events like the Toronto International Film Festival.
https://riazmeghji.com/
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Mar 12, 2020
Prem Gill: Building BC’s Creative Economy
Prem Gill is the CEO of Creative BC, where she is responsible for delivering programs and services that will expand BC’s creative economy to reach its economic and creative potential. In this episode, Prem discusses the state of the industry both globally and in BC (flourishing), and the worldwide rise in demand for content that makes right now such an exciting time to be a part of the creative economy.
https://www.creativebc.com/about-us/staff#prem-gill
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Mar 10, 2020
Graham Clark: How to Write Comedy
Graham Clark is an award winning stand-up comedian, TV writer, and co-host of Stop Podcasting Yourself. In this episode, he shares deep insight into the craft of being funny. A must for comedy fans and anyone who’s aspired to write or perform stand-up.
https://maximumfun.org/podcasts/stop-podcasting-yourself/
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Mar 5, 2020
Cameron Herold: Storytelling for Entrepreneurs
Known by many leaders as the “CEO Whisperer”, Cameron Herold is a top business consultant, best-selling author, and speaker. In this episode, we unpack Cameron’s proven strategies for growing successful businesses in any industry. A must watch for creative entrepreneurs.
https://www.amazon.ca/Free-PR-Chased-Without-Hiring-ebook/dp/B07MK3H1RS
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Mar 3, 2020
Steven Ogg: Grand Theft Actor Exploring the Craft
Steven Ogg is a Canadian actor best known for his roles in Westworld, The Walking Dead, and as the legendary Trevor Philips in Grand Theft Auto V. In this episode, he joins us in the Storyteller’s Studio to discuss where he finds inspiration (hint: it’s not other actors), the highs and lows of his job, and his celebrated performances as the bad guy in some of entertainment’s biggest franchises.
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Feb 27, 2020
Susan Fox: How Casting Directors Find You
Susan Fox is the president and founder of Casting Workbook, the leading online platform for casting directors, agents, and performers. In this episode, Susan discusses the evolution of the casting process and how talent gets matched to projects. An invaluable resource for all working actors and aspiring performers.
https://home.castingworkbook.com/
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Feb 25, 2020
Lino DiSalvo: From VFS to Disney, Frozen & Oscars
Brooklyn-born Lino DiSalvo is an Italian-American animator, director, writer, and voice actor. After 16 years at Disney that culminated in being named Head of Animation on Oscar winner Frozen, Lino made his directorial debut on Playmobil: The Movie. In this episode, Lino tells the story of growing up in his family’s pizzeria in Long Island, moving to Vancouver to study animation at VFS, and graduating with a job at Disney at age 23. A must for animation lovers, Disney fans, and aspiring artists everywhere.
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Feb 20, 2020
Dan Payne: From Pro Volleyball to IMDB's 100 Club
Dan Payne is a Canadian actor best known for his roles on Disney's Descendants, The Cabin in the Woods, and Stargate: Atlantis. In this episode, Dan chronicles how he transitioned from professional volleyball to a different kind of stage. Travelling the world as an actor has given Dan a deep appreciation and love of performing, and he breaks down the approach to his craft that has allowed him to have an enduring career in both film and on television.
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Feb 18, 2020
Omari Newton: From Black Panther to Dragon Prince
Montreal-born artist Omari Newton is a professional actor, writer, slam poet and MC whose work can be found on television, film, stage and radio. He is currently a City of Vancouver funded Artist-in-Residence with Urban Ink Productions. In this episode, Omari joins us in the studio to share how he found success as an actor, voice actor, and playwright.
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1191973/
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Feb 13, 2020
Graham Qually: Changing the Game in Motion Capture
Graham Qually has been building his career on the cutting edge of performance capture technology since 2007. After establishing Ubisoft Canada’s Performance Capture Stage in Toronto, he moved back to the west coast of Canada in 2016 to establish his own world class facility: Beyond Capture Studios. In this episode, GQ talks us through the mindset needed to succeed in an industry defined by ever-evolving technology, how to break into the performance capture industry as a performer, and his plans to finally rig up a kangaroo in Beyond Capture Studios in 2020.
https://www.beyond-capture.com/
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Feb 11, 2020
Sarah Edmondson: NXIVM and How I Escaped a Cult
Sarah Edmondson was a member of the infamous cult, NXIVM, for 12 years. Now, she has documented that experience in her book, Scarred: The True Story of How I Escaped NXIVM, the Cult that Bound My Life. In this episode, the accomplished Vancouver actor takes us through the shocking story of how she became a high-ranking cult member, her escape, and the physical, mental, and emotional scars she still carries with her today.
https://www.amazon.com/Scarred-Story-Escaped-NXIVM-Memoir/dp/1452184267
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Feb 6, 2020
Frank Palmer: Finding Truth in Advertising
Frank Palmer is a Canadian entrepreneur, marketing executive, and philanthropist. He served as president, chairman, and CEO of DDB Canada until April 2019. Since retiring, Frank has focused on painting, charitable work, and initiatives aimed at developing the next generation of creatives and advertisers. In this episode, Frank offers insights from his 50-year career building and leading the advertising industry in Canada. He discusses what it was like in the "Mad Men" days and how today’s over-saturated market has dramatically altered consumer trust and the media landscape.
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Feb 4, 2020
P. Lynn Johnson: How to Direct a Great Sex Scene
P. Lynn Johnson is an accomplished actor, acting instructor, and intimacy coordinator for the Capilano University Film Program. In this role, yet to be adopted as standard practice in an industry under intense scrutiny, P. Lynn is focused on ensuring the safety and security of actors and production crew during scenes involving nudity and simulated sex.
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Jan 30, 2020
Julie Vu: Transitioning on YouTube
Julie Vu is a Canadian woman who is passionate about social activism and increasing acceptance and equality for other transgender people. To her hundreds of thousands of followers, she is known for being the first to document her transition authentically on social media. In this episode, Julie opens up on starring in movies, what her identity means to her, and why she invited the world to follow along on the intensely personal journey of her transition.
Princess Joules Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/princessjoules
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Jan 28, 2020
Tim Holloway: Why Esports is Here to Stay
Tim Holloway is the Director of Esports at the Canucks Sports and Entertainment Group, overseeing the Vancouver Titans in the Overwatch League and the Seattle Surge in the Call of Duty League. In this episode, Tim offers unique insights into the fascinating lives of professional players, the importance of storytelling to the evolution of the industry, and why Esports isn’t the sport of the future - it’s the sport of right now.
Vancouver Titans: https://titans.overwatchleague.com
theScore Runaways Documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-IxW2JuAuNY
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Jan 14, 2020
Victor Lucas: Mastering the Art of the Interview
Victor Lucas is the iconic creator, executive producer, and host of Electric Playground, the world’s longest running program focusing on gaming and geek-related news, reviews, and commentary. In this episode, Victor sits down with Christopher Ian Bennett to discuss the evolution of video games, Stephen Colbert, and the importance of not faking it.
Electric Playground Live: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbeSMjoShh_QHXyLx68GRBg
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Jan 14, 2020
Coleen Christie: How to Consume Modern Media
Coleen Christie is an award-winning television news anchor with more than 20 years’ experience behind the anchor desk. In this episode, Coleen sits down with Christopher Ian Bennett to discuss why broadcasters are struggling to survive, Fake News, and the power of Baywatch.
Bio: https://globalnews.ca/author/coleen-christie/
TEDx Vancouver Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwmGTM5Py8Y
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Jan 13, 2020
Gabrielle Carteris: 90210 to SAG-AFTRA President
Gabrielle Carteris is an American actress and trade union leader who famously portrayed Andrea Zuckerman on the beloved ‘90s teen drama Beverly Hills 90210. In this episode, Gabrielle sits down with host and soap opera super-fan Christopher Ian Bennett in the Storyteller’s Studio to discuss Deepfakes, equality in Hollywood, and running the most important union in entertainment.
https://www.sagaftra.org/
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0142000/
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