Leadership
CEO
Prem has been named one of Canada’s 100 most powerful women, Vancouver Magazine’s “Power 50” and received the Community Catalyst award from the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade. She brings more than 20 years of experience from the digital media and entertainment industries to her current role as CEO, where she is responsible for delivering a wide range of programs and services that will expand B.C.’s creative economy to reach its economic, social and creative potential both at home and globally.
Before Creative BC, Prem spent eight years with TELUS, most recently in the role of Director of Production & Original Programming. Her commitment to the advancement of B.C.’s creative economy can be seen through her achievements there, including the successful development and launch of the STORYHIVE program and TELUS Optik TV community channel.
For many years, Prem has championed Canadian creativity as a representative and spokesperson to media, industry and government at all levels. Previous roles and responsibilities have included government and regulatory affairs, independent media consultation, cross-platform marketing, communications, research, public affairs and multicultural programming.
Prem currently sits on the Board of Directors of The Bell Fund, a not-for-profit organization supporting Canadian Media content makers and on the Board of Directors for BC Tech Association, representing B.C.’s tech sector.
Contact
Media requests: media (at) creativebc.com
General inquiries: info (at) creativebc.com
Download Headshot
B&W by Wendy D Photography
Colour by Wendy D Photography
Vice President
Now Creative BC’s Vice President, Robert markets British Columbia internationally as a destination of choice for projects and companies seeking a world class creative industries centre in which to do business. In his role, he leads the administration of Creative BC’s tax credit and granting programs, balancing attraction of international business with support for BC’s domestic content creators.
During his tenure with the organization, Robert has become the expert on motion picture tax credits, originally helping to launch the BC film and television tax credit program in 1998. He went on to play an integral role in the evolution of British Columbia’s motion picture industry tax policy.
Tel: +1 604 730 2236
Email: bwong (at) creativebc.com
Download Headshot
B&W by Wendy D Photography
Colour by Wendy D Photography
Executive Assistant to the CEO, VP + Board
Anita brings over 20 years of administrative experience to the organization and came to Creative BC from the former BC Film + Media.
Tel: +1 604 730 2249
Email: areichenback (at) creativebc.com
BC Film Commissioner + Director of Production Services
Direct Tel: +1 604 730 2247
Main Tel: +1 604 736 7997
Email: mgee (at) creativebc.com
Director, Business Operations
Previously, she worked with Emily Carr University of Art and Design for close to three years, most recently in the capacity of Digital Strategist and before that as their Media Relations and Communications lead.
Karin also spent five years as an independent professional consultant, providing strategic and hands-on expertise to organizations in the areas of brand positioning, marketing and communications; human resources and employee engagement; as well as operations and organizational development.
Prior to these professional activities, she worked for 10 years in various operational roles for Korn/Ferry International, a leading global talent management firm. Karin has a BA in Art History and certificates in both digital strategy and professional writing
Tel: +1 604 730 2250
Email: kwatson (at) creativebc.com
Board of Directors
Chair
Vice Chair + Secretary-Treasurer
Founder of Lark Productions, Louise Clark began her career at the National Film Board of Canada. Her work as a producer and broadcast executive spans television series, drama and comedy, documentaries and feature films. She honed her corporate skills as Head of Production and Development and acting CEO at the Ontario Film Development Corporation, now Ontario Creates.
As a Production Executive for CTV, Louise developed and oversaw production on five seasons of the number one comedy CORNER GAS, and three seasons of the critically acclaimed ROBSON ARMS. She also oversaw production on multiple seasons of FLASHPOINT and THE LISTENER, ground-breaking Canada/US co-ventures. As Vice President of Program Development, she was responsible for all original development and production across Canada, and worked directly with CTV specialty channels Bravo, The Comedy Network, and Space.
Louise founded and had oversight of all projects at Lark Productions with her partner Erin Haskett, who now runs the company. She is proud to note that Lark was named the 2023 production Company of the year by Playback magazine under Erin’s watch. Louise remains on the Lark Board and was Executive Producer on four seasons of CTV’s original drama series MOTIVE (ABC & USA), critically acclaimed documentary series and ratings success, EMERGENCY ROOM: LIFE & DEATH AT VGH for Knowledge Network, and the hit format series REAL HOUSEWIVES OF VANCOUVER, among others.
Board Member
As selected by her peers, Jeevyn has been included in Best Lawyers Canada since 2014 and she is a Lexpert Zenith Award winner.
Her larger community involvement extends to singing at charitable and sporting events and she has, over the years, been a frequent guest anthem singer for the Vancouver Canucks NHL hockey team.
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Shirley has served on the boards of Vancouver Writers Fest and West Coast Book Prizes Society, and for two years was a juror for the City of Vancouver Book Awards. She was President of BC Libraries Association and past Chair of the BC Libraries Cooperative board. She co-edited and contributed to the collection Feminists Among Us: Resistance and Advocacy in Library Leadership, published in 2017. With her co-editor, Shirley was recognized with the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) Significant Achievement Award in 2018.
Shirley has a Bachelor of Arts in Human Geography and a Master of Library & Information Studies. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in education at UBC.
Board Member
Laura Lightbown, President of Terra Films Inc., is a CSA (Geminis) and Leo Award-winning prime-time dramatic television producer. Laura has produced and consulted on feature films and projects across Canada, including her work in 2023/2024 as a consultant with Lark Productions Inc. on their three series and development slate. Laura is best known for her work with Creator/Writer/Showrunner, Chris Haddock, beginning in 1998 with the critically acclaimed eight-season series for CBC, “DaVinci’s Inquest” and continuing on as CEO of Haddock Entertainment, where she executive produced the successful CBC series “Intelligence”, “Da Vinci’s City Hall”, and “The Romeo Section”, as well as MTV/CTV’s “4Real” and several TV movies. Laura went on to be VP Business Affairs/Producer with Brent Butt’s company Sparrow Media Inc.where she produced the feature film NO CLUE, and executive produced two seasons of the series “Hiccups” for CTV. Laura has sat on both the National and the B.C. branch boards of the Canadian Media Producers Association and has long been committed to mentoring a diverse group of professionals starting and building their careers in Canada’s motion picture industry.
Board Member
Most notably, Kesi was Sr. Project Manager for Carly Rae Jepsen during the peak of her Grammy-nominated blockbuster hit, “Call Me Maybe”. During that time Kesi was responsible for an array of activities including strategic marketing, day-to-day operations, and logistical planning for performances like the MuchMusic Video Awards, Billboard Music Awards, American Music Awards, and more.
Kesi is a Board Member of both FACTOR (The foundation assisting Canadian talent on recordings), and the Canada Independent Music Association (CIMA).
Board Member
Jamie began his professional career as the First Nations Liaison for Klohn-Crippen Consultants, an environmental consulting firm based in Vancouver BC. At Klohn-Crippen, he built a solid reputation in community engagement, consultation, and commercial information technology applications.
In 2005, Jamie launched Sahetxw Consulting, where he has planned and delivered a wide range of successful projects for his clients, from broadband network projects and customized computer science courses to community capacity development and planning.
Now, as both an Information & Communications Technology (ICT) expert and a seasoned Aboriginal Governance consultant and facilitator, who has a background in traditional and digital arts, Jamie brings a truly unique blend of expertise, a remarkably diverse skill set, and a wealth of experience to any project he takes on. He also brings his passion and boundless energy.
He is a member of the Gitxsan Nation and currently sits on the Board of Governors for the Justice Institute of BC and First Peoples Cultural Council. He relishes the overlap between his various disciplines and fields of knowledge, embracing both the traditional and the modern.
Board Member
Bill forges partnerships across private and public sectors to accelerate economic growth and foster inclusiveness. He serves on the Steering Committee of the Cascadia Innovation Corridor initiative – a cross-border partnership between British Columbia, Washington and Oregon to develop and promote a globally recognized hub of innovation and commerce.
Bill serves as a director of CBC-Radio Canada and Creative BC. In addition, he serves as an advisor to the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation, Founders Institute, the Rideau Hall Foundation and is as an industry advisor at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Simon Fraser University and the British Columbia Institute of Technology. He is a recipient of UBC’s Dean’s Medal of Distinction for his contributions to the engineering and tech community.
Board Member
Kate Wattie is an entrepreneur in B.C.’s dynamic music industry and a leader within the province’s broader arts and culture community, where she also currently chairs the board for Karen Jamieson Dance. Kate is both co-owner of boutique guitar store, Exile Electronics, and artist manager and general manager of her own boutique record label and management company, Tonic Records. Kate brings a global perspective of the industry, combined with a deep understanding of the business behind music. Her career in the music industry began with Virgin Records in London, UK and led her back to B.C., with increasing responsibilities and experiences spanning from management of vintage guitar store, Not Just Another Music Shop, to serving previously for four years as a board member of the industry membership association. Her company Tonic Records has been recognized by the Western Canadian Music Awards for Impact in Artist Development and its current and past roster of award-winning clients includes: The Harpoonist and The Axe Murderer, Leeroy Stagger, Rebecca Lappa, We Are The City, Ryland Moranz, The Harpoonist, Terence Jack, Buckman Coe, Bocephus King, Rodney De Croo, and Jody Peck.
Provincial Film Commission
Katharine Pavoni, Deputy Director, Provincial Film Commission
In this newly established role of Deputy Director within the BC Film Commission at Creative BC, Katharine Pavoni is responsible for oversight and delivery of the film commission’s operations and services, specifically those relevant to B.C.’s marquis collaborative initiatives, Reel Green™ Creative Pathways™, and the regional services that drive and promote production across B.C.’s unparalleled World of Looks™ and locations. This role will support the stewardship of engagement and meaningful progress in green standards, inclusive practices, and professionalism in the industry. Katharine will work in collaboration with the Commission and key stakeholders to market B.C. as a leading jurisdiction in the global motion picture industry.
Katharine Pavoni brings more than 15 years of film and television production experience across a variety of roles and functions, most recently as Director of Industry Programs and Services with Actsafe, the entertainment industry’s health and safety association, previously as Manager, Industry and Community Affairs for five years at the Commission, and as a key creatives’ agent with Meridian Artists.
Tel: +1 604-730-2254
Email: kpavoni (at) creativebc.com
Julie Bernard, Manager, Production Services + Reel Green™ Partnerships
Julie Bernard, is the Manager of Production Services + Reel Green™ Partnerships at Creative BC, and was previously in the same position at the BC Film Commission for 13 years. Julie works closely with local and international producers providing service including valuable resource information and location expertise helping to market the province as a film destination.
In Julie’s 20 years of experience in the film industry as a location manager and production coordinator, working on many productions: commercials, television movies, pilots, series, and feature films, she brings extensive knowledge of the film industry, having worked directly with producers, production managers, directors, and the creative teams.
Julie has also been working with industry partners for the last five years to evolve the Reel Green™ initiative and takes great pride in helping transform B.C. and the rest of Canada into becoming one of the greenest production centres.
Tel: +1 604-730-2244
Email: jbernard (at) creativebc.com
Seán Hernández, Consultant, Production Services + Business Intelligence
Tel: +1 604-730-2243
Email: shernandez (at) creativebc.com
Mike Jamont, Consultant, Production Services + Lead, Reel Scout
As Location + Listing Consultant, Mike has the responsibility to connect incoming production companies with British Columbia’s many and varied filming locations. He conducts a creative location breakdown of film and television scripts for potential projects. For several years, Mike has been responsible for overseeing the Creative BC proprietary digital library, ensuring the effectiveness and quality of those services to Creative BC, the regional film commissions, property owners, and locations professionals.
Previously, Mike worked in the Locations Department on a wide range of television series and feature films. He brings to the role more than 20 years of experience in B.C. film and television industry including positions with B.C. and regional film offices.
Tel: +1 604-730-2246
Email: mjamont (at) creativebc.com
Andrea Connacher, Specialist, Reel Scout + Business Listings
Andrea Connacher joined Creative BC in February 2020 on the Provincial Film Commission team. Andrea is responsible for coordinating the operation and maintenance of Creative BC online locations library, which is one of its key vehicles for promoting British Columbia and attracting domestic and international productions to the province. Andrea ensures that the data is current and catalogued correctly and liaises with members of the public and businesses who want to add images of their property for inclusion in the locations library. She also provides training to location managers, scouts, and regional film offices on its use.
Andrea brings to the role a broad range of experience and knowledge of motion picture production in B.C. which includes 17 years of experience in the locations department; most recently with 8 years spent as a location scout/coordinator doing episodic television. Andrea is also an honours graduate of the BCIT Broadcast Media & Communications: Television Program.
Tel: +1 604-648-7899
Email: aconnacher (at) creativebc.com
Julie Stangeland, Regional Initiatives Lead
Julie is responsible for the ongoing evolution of Creative BC engagement, support, and collaboration throughout British Columbia’s economic regions. This includes facilitating investment in, and partnership with, the Regional Film Commissions.
Building strong regional ties and connections, she undertakes strategic projects, initiatives, and policy work to support the sustainability and growth of the motion picture industry, as well as the broader creative industries, across all of B.C.
Working internally and externally, Julie ensures that Creative BC programs and services reach stakeholders beyond the Lower Mainland/Southwest, and facilitates collaboration between associations, governments, industry, and communities to expand the positive impacts of Creative BC activities.
Julie brings to the role a broad range of knowledge of motion picture production in BC which includes five years of experience in the locations department for a wide range of productions in BC. She is a graduate of the UBC Film Production Program. She also co-wrote and produced her own short film as part of the annual Crazy8 Short Film Competition.
Tel: +1 604-730-2245
Email: jstangeland (at) creativebc.com
Justin Barnes, Lead, Reel Green™
Email: jbarnes (at) creativebc.com
Katannya Yee, Lead, Creative Pathways™
Kat Yee is the Creative Pathways™ Program Lead, having joined Creative BC from ICG 669, the International Cinematographers Guild. There, for close to seven years, she designed, developed, and ran the successful Camera Trainee Program and managed all aspects of membership for the 1000+-member organization. Representing ICG669 at career fairs and trade events, Kat collaborated with other unions, guilds, and stakeholders, and delivered guest speaker sessions to post-secondary schools. Each year she dispatched over 90 active camera trainees across Western Canada to feature film and TV productions, and problem-solved through their internships, including finding the right opportunity and partnership.
Additionally, Kat ran and organized the union’s flagship “boot camp” course in Vancouver, Calgary, and Winnipeg each year including ensuring all materials were current with industry standards and protocols. Prior experience includes five years at the BC Sports Hall of Fame as the graphic designer and guest services manager. She holds a degree from UBC in Psychology and Film Studies.
Phone: +1 604-730-2241
Email: kyee (at) creativebc.com
Sina Moazeni, Creative Pathways™ Coordinator
Sina brings an MS in Industrial Engineering from Tehran University and a BM from the Tehran Music Conservatory and graduated from Capilano University’s Documentary Filmmaking program. Driven by a passion for blending creativity with technology, Sina has gained experience in producing and directing several short films, while also contributing to various roles within locations and production departments across TV series, commercials, and independent projects in B.C. His recent documentary, THE MINUTE I WAS BORN, received recognition at esteemed Canadian film festivals such as the Whistler Film Festival.
Phone: +1 236 471-8485
Email: sinam (at) creativebc.com
Peter Klassen, Manager, Motion Picture Industry + Community Affairs
Peter is responsible for support and engagement with a variety of stakeholders including all levels of government, industry, and community under the guidance of the BC Film Commissioner. He is responsible for a variety of projects and initiatives that support the sustainability and growth of the motion picture industry in British Columbia as well as the management of general inquiries, physical production concerns, policy work, and community relations.
Peter comes to Creative BC with 20+ years of experience in film and television production; having worked as a locations manager for the last 10 of those years. He has worked on a variety of productions from TV pilots and series to feature films. This range of experience has provided Peter with the skills to be a creative, effective, and collaborative problem solver.
Tel: +1 604-730-2248
Email: pklassen (at) creativebc.com
Giovanna Vargas, Consultant, Motion Picture Industry + Community Affairs
As part of the Industry + Community Affairs team, Giovanna supports the sustainability of the motion picture industry in B.C. through ongoing municipal outreach, engagement with industry and the community, and collaborative solutions for physical production and community concerns.
Giovanna brings to the role an extensive background in the motion picture industry. Prior to joining the Provincial Film Commission in 2021, she spent several years working in various positions within the locations department for film and TV productions. Giovanna is also an award-winning writer and director, recently releasing her first feature film, A PERFECT 14, on Amazon Prime Video. Her creative drive enables her to truly connect and provide support to new filmmakers reaching out to Creative BC for guidance on beginning their own journeys.
Tel: +1 236-455-6240
Email: gvargas (at) creativebc.com
Shahla Islam, Coordinator, Motion Picture Industry + Community Affairs
Before moving to Canada, she worked as a Content Manager at Bongo BD, a leading streaming platform in Bangladesh. She has directed four short films focusing on children and contemporary issues, with her first, TUKTUK’S SPECS, winning 1st prize at the 3rd International Children’s Film Festival Bangladesh in 2010. Her second film, SHOPNOJATRA, was nominated for the UNICEF Meena Media Award in 2011.
Shahla participated in the SUSI-exchange program at the University of Oklahoma in 2012, which inspired her to co-found “Dream On,” a youth-led organization empowering young filmmakers. Since then, she has been actively involved in filmmaking and youth leadership programs, attending international workshops and conferences in India, Nepal, China, Hong Kong, USA, and Macedonia. She has assisted on feature films like SATURDAY AFTERNOON and NO MAN’S LAND by M. S. Farooki, and worked as a Trainee Script Supervisor for the Netflix film EXTRACTION by Sam Hargrave. She is passionate about creative storytelling, entrepreneurship, and environmental activities.
She previously worked in academia and earned a Master’s degree in Film from the University of Kent.
Tel: +1 604-730-2230
Email: sislam (at) creativebc.com
Motion Picture Tax Credits
Biljana Radovic, Manager, Motion Picture Tax Credit Programs
Biljana Radovic is the Manager of the Motion Picture Tax Credit Programs at Creative BC. She provides direction and oversight to the department in the administration of the Film Incentive BC and Production Services Tax Credit programs. In addition to overseeing certifications and operations, Biljana maintains liaisons with government, industry clientele, and stakeholders while also supervising policy implementation, reporting, data collection, and communication within the department.
Prior to joining Creative BC in 2019, Biljana had a diverse career in the entertainment industry, working across stage, page, and screen in creative, business, and academic capacity. Her academic competencies are post-baccalaureate diploma: North American Business Management (Capilano University, North Vancouver), a master’s degree: Production of Dramatic Arts and Media – Film, and TV (University of Arts, Belgrade), and bachelor’s degree: Dramaturgy (Academy of Arts, Belgrade).
Tel: +1 604-730-2232
Email: bradovic (at) creativebc.com
Joanne Chow, Data + Administration Lead, Motion Picture Tax Credit Programs
Joanne Chow is a Data + Administration Lead for the Creative BC Motion Picture Tax Credit Programs team. She builds and manages internal tools for data analysis and reviews applications for the motion picture tax credit programs, while providing expertise and service to local and international producers.
Prior to joining Creative BC in 2019, Joanne worked as a software engineer in California for many years. With a degree in Computer Engineering from the University of British Columbia and a diploma in Film and TV writing from Vancouver Film School, she brings a unique blend of technical expertise to her work.
Tel: +1 778-657-6278
Jill Reilly, Certifications Lead, Motion Picture Tax Credit Programs
Jill Reilly is the Certifications Lead for the Creative BC Motion Picture Tax Credit team. She is responsible for providing functional expertise and operational oversight of tax credit certifications.
Jill has degrees in Economics from the University of Manitoba and in Law from the University of Toronto.
Lea Chambers, Senior Analyst, Motion Picture Tax Credit Programs
Lea Chambers has been an analyst in the tax credit department since 2021, transitioning from her coordinator role on the tax team beginning in 2019.
As senior analyst, Lea is responsible for eligibility reviews and production certification recommendations with either of the province’s motion picture tax credits programs – Film Incentive BC (FIBC) or Production Services Tax Credit (PSTC). From program requirements to application procedures, Lea welcomes inquiries from Creative BC’s continuing and prospective motion picture tax credits clients.
Graduating from the University of Waterloo with a Bachelor of Mathematics, Lea’s educational background is in maths, business and economics.
Tel: +1 604-730-2252
Email: lchambers (at) creativebc.com
Andrée Laplante, Senior Analyst, Motion Picture Tax Credit Programs
Andrée Laplante is a Senior Analyst for the Creative BC Motion Picture Tax Credit Programs team. She reviews applications for the Film Incentive BC and Production Services Tax Credit programs, is involved in other related functions, including providing expertise to local and international producers in relation to these programs.
Prior to joining Creative BC in 2021, she previously worked for BC Film + Media (now Creative BC) as part of the tax credit team for 7 years, and with the SODEC tax credit team in Quebec for 7 years. She also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from Laval University.
Tel: +1 604-262-8678
Email: alaplante (at) creativebc.com
Patricia Lee, Analyst, Motion Picture Tax Credit Programs
Patricia Lee is an Analyst for the Creative BC Motion Picture Tax Credit Programs team, in charge of processing PSTC pre-certifications, and applications for Film Incentive BC and Production Services Tax Credits.
Patricia has a professional background in theatre and entertainment arts. She worked as an executive producer and arts administrator for a number of performing arts organizations in Hong Kong prior to joining Creative BC.
Phone: +1 236-471-0786
Email: plee (at) creativebc.com
Derek Clayton, Analyst, Motion Picture Tax Credit Programs
Derek Clayton is an Analyst for the Creative BC Motion Picture Tax Credit Programs team, in charge of processing pre-assessments, and applications for Film Incentive BC and Production Services Tax Credit programs.
A graduate of the University of Alberta, Derek has over twenty years of experience working in film and on film festivals.
Phone: +1 236-471-0877
Email: dclayton (at) creativebc.com
Troy Taillon, Analyst, Motion Picture Tax Credit Programs
As an analyst for Creative BC’s Motion Picture Tax Credit Programs, Troy Taillon processes Production Service Tax Credit (PSTC) and Film Incentive BC (FIBC) applications while providing service and support to local and international producers.
Prior to joining Creative BC in 2022, Troy was involved with business affairs and production in the transcreation of international animated IPs, with successful tax credit applications for over 3000 TV episodes, specials, and movies.
Email: ttaillon (at) creativebc.com
Phone: +1 236-471-0681
Nikki Yee, Coordinator, Motion Picture Tax Credit Programs
Nikki is a film and TV professional with a diverse range of industry experience. She joined Creative BC in September 2024 as a Coordinator, Motion Picture Tax Credit Programs. In this role, she is responsible for managing inquiries, supporting clients, and assisting the tax team in administering provincial Film and TV tax credit programs for British Columbia.
Originally from Toronto, she has previously worked on productions such as Backspot, Ice Road Truckers, Maps to the Stars and The Shrouds among many others. Her background also includes labour relations and film festivals. She brings with her an extensive knowledge of film financing, production, business affairs and communication.
Email: nyee (at) creativebc.com
Phone: +1 236-466–1075
Funding Programs
Book, Magazine Publishing, Motion Picture, Interactive
Mathew Parry, Manager, Creative Industry Programs
Mathew began his career in film locations in his native Wales, spending a decade working for the Wales Screen Commission, attracting and providing support to productions of all shapes and sizes. His locations talents eventually led him to Vancouver by way of Los Angeles where for a number of years he helped facilitate international productions on behalf of the UK Film Council from their Hollywood office.
Now at Creative BC, Mathew’s primary responsibilities lie within the Funding Programs team, where he oversees a number of programs including the Project Development Fund, and other partnership programs with external organizations supporting film and TV development.
Mathew has a Master’s degree in history and is also a graduate of the Documentary Film Production program at Langara College. A short film he produced and shot as part of the program was selected for screening at DOXA (Vancouver Documentary Film Festival) and at other festivals in Canada and the UK.
Tel: +1 604-730-2239
Email: mparry (at) creativebc.com
Lou-ann Neel, Indigenous Lead + Program Analyst
Lou-ann Neel is from the Kwakwaka’wakw people (the Kwak’wala-speaking people) but most of her life has been spent in the lands of the Lekwungen (the Songhees and Esquimalt people), also known as Victoria, BC. Her formal education includes a Certificate in the Administration of Aboriginal Governments and a Diploma in Public Sector Management from the University of Victoria’s School of Public Administration, the Provincial Public Service Management Training Program, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from Emily Carr University of Art & Design.
Lou-ann has worked as an arts and culture manager for over 30 years, within the Provincial Public Service and with First Nations and urban Indigenous organizations. She has helped to develop, launch, and oversee several grant programs and other initiatives designed to support Indigenous artists in a range of artistic practices; and recently worked with CARFAC to create the “Indigenous Protocols for the Visual Arts” publication and website.
Lou-ann is also a practicing visual artist, working in textiles, painting, and vector-based design. “I feel very fortunate to be able to balance my work in program and policy development with my artistic practice; I think they support one another beautifully and often inspire new, creative solutions that enable us all to do really positive and impactful work.”
At Creative BC, Lou-ann is responsible for the consultation, design, and launch of the new suite of targeted programs from Rogers Group of Funds and Creative BC to support Indigenous filmmakers and drive the advancement and growth of this province’s creative industries with a focus on Indigenous creators.
Tel: +1 236-427-4695
Email: lneel (at) creativebc.com
Robin Macabulos, Program Analyst, Funding Programs
Robin joined the Creative BC team as Funding Programs Coordinator in August 2021 to support the administration of book and magazine publishing, interactive and digital media, and motion picture industry funding programs. He comes from a background in film where early on in his career he gained years of coordinating experience working as a Production Coordinator on various international co-productions and features.Miranda Ryan, Program Analyst, Funding Programs
Miranda joined Creative BC in September 2023 as a Program Analyst in the Funding Programs team. In this role she designs, implements, and administers funding programs for the motion picture, interactive and digital media, and book and magazine publishing industries and supports creatives throughout the process.
Miranda brings a breadth of knowledge of the local motion picture industry having worked in film production in BC for several years, as well a global perspective on film financing from her time at an Australian film funding agency where she implemented funding programs for production finance, development, and specialty initiatives.
She holds a Bachelor of Communications from Charles Sturt University and writes her own projects for the screen.
Tel: +1 604-696-7351
Email: mryan (at) creativebc.com
Rylan Friday, Coordinator, Funding Programs
Rylan Friday (Saulteaux Ojibway / Plains Cree) is a multi-disciplinary director, curator, writer and producer from Cote First Nation, Saskatchewan. Rylan’s focus is to bring an honest discourse of LGBTQ2+ & Indigenous representation to the big screen while being truthful to their own narratives. His short film This Bright Flash has screened at VIFF, FTQFF, The Lift-Off Sessions LA, FNFVF Chicago and Festival Mix: Film & Sexual Diversity in Mexico City. In 2019, he produced the feature film Portraits From a Fire and helped implement its peer-to-peer mentorship program for Indigenous youth.
Currently, Rylan is in post-production on his short form projects Looking For Tiger Lily, Musk., The Sound of You Collapsing; in development with MBM TV and Justin Hagedorn on Unsettled: Encounters With The Unknown; and is slated to go into production with Urban Ink on Terror/Forming with hopes of turning this project into a feature film.
Rylan became the first openly gay Indigenous filmmaker to spearhead the 2020 iteration of the Vancouver International Film Festival’s Catalyst Mentorship Program, and curated the highly successful #Indigeneity series for Reel Causes. He was also the lead curator for the Who We Are Indigenous Film Series, a collaboration with VIFF and the Museum of Vancouver.
Email: rfriday (at) creativebc.com
Heather Campbell, Coordinator, Creative Industry Programs
Heather joined Creative BC in November 2021. Heather brings a breadth of knowledge and administrative expertise having held varied positions across Canada. She spent four years with a Canadian artist and accessories designer, managing an archive of artworks, international sales, and coordinating shows for fashion weeks in New York, Paris, Milan, and London. She was the director of Fashion POP!, a segment of POP! Montreal International Music Festival for two years, and later worked for a Member of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia.Katie Czenczek, Coordinator, Creative Industry Programs
Tel:+1 236-471-8484Email: kczenczek (at) creativebc.com
Funding Programs
Music + Sound Recording
Gina Loes, Music Programs Lead
Gina Loes joined Creative BC in December 2016 as a Program Analyst in the music department. Gina is responsible for the Career Development program, and supports artists applying for recording, marketing and music video production grants.
Gina has her BA in Music from The University of British Columbia. Her primary music project was writing and performing with the Vancouver band The Ruffled Feathers. Gina worked in music publishing administration with Nettwerk Music Group, and has also held positions in fundraising, grant writing, sync licensing, and digital marketing. Outside of work, Gina studies flamenco dance, Spanish and Italian language, and has been making ceramics for over a decade.
Tel: +1 604-730-2253
Email: gloes (at) creativebc.com
Joseph Bardsley, Program Analyst, Music Programs
Joseph joined the Music team at Creative BC in early 2022. As a program analyst, he supports and administers a variety of funding programs for artists, companies, and collectives delivered via Amplify BC, the Province of BC’s dedicated fund for its music industry.
Prior to this role, he spent five seasons at Music on Main as the company’s inaugural Development Manager, leading all fundraising and grant writing efforts for the organization. Before Music on Main, Joseph spent seven seasons at Vancouver Opera as the company’s grants manager, building on earlier grant writing and fundraising experience at Theatre Calgary and Alberta Theatre Projects.
Beyond his work at Creative BC, Joseph serves on the Boards of the BC Alliance for Arts + Culture and the annual Indian Summer Festival, and has completed recent tenures on Vancouver Foundation’s Arts and Culture grants advisory and the City of Vancouver’s Neighborhood Matching Fund as a volunteer peer assessor. Joseph has also been a seasonal presenter on grant writing for undergraduate arts management students at Simon Fraser University, and has provided similar support to the UBC Faculty of Music. He’s served as a music panelist for the Canada Council for the Arts, the BC Arts Council, the City of Vancouver, and the Province of BC’s artsVest program. He’s also received professional development funding from the Canada Council for the Arts and the BC Arts Council for self-directed arts management and mentorship projects.
Joseph is a 2020 alumnus of the Banff Centre’s Cultural Leadership Program. In 2017, he was part of the inaugural Talent 2 Lead national arts management cohort, with support from the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Metcalf Foundation. Joseph holds a BA in Journalism (2006) from Mount Royal University, in Calgary.
Tel: +1 236-455-6232
Email: jbardsley (at) creativebc.com
Shannon Hunt, Coordinator, Music Programs
Shannon Hunt is a business development and administration professional, as well as an accomplished composer in film, theatre, and concert band music. Her educational background of a Bachelor of Music, along with an MBA from the University of Alberta has lent her the ability to work at the intersection of music and business.
Shannon previously worked in Music Education Sales at St John’s Music and joined Creative BC in 2021 to support motion picture tax credit administration. She now extends her expertise in music as seconded Coordinator, Music Programs. Her hobbies include hot yoga, performing in musical theatre, and playing Dungeons & Dragons.
Tel: +1 236-471-0138
Email: shunt (at) creativebc.com
Navreet Dhaliwal, Coordinator, Music Programs
Tel: +1 236-455-0945
Email: ndhaliwal (at) creativebc.com
Sandy Powlik, Coordinator, Music Programs
Email: spowlik (at) creativebc.com
Operations
Lisa Escudero, Manager, Brand + Communications
Lisa brings a diverse breadth of experience in brand marketing and communications, with skills in publicity, traditional and digital communications, digital marketing, creative operations, and project management, with a specialization in film and entertainment publicity. Throughout her career, she has been entrusted to represent award-winning talent and filmmakers, as well as lead communication strategies powered by industry leaders such as Warner Bros. Discovery, NBC, Netflix, Sony Pictures, and Amazon Studios.
She holds a Bachelor of Communications from Capilano University and studied graphic and digital design at Parsons School of Design.
Tel: +1 604-730-2235
Direct Email: lescudero (at) creativebc.com
Media Inquiries: media (at) creativebc.com
Logo + Brand Inquiries: brand (at) creativebc.com
Derek Liu, Coordinator, Brand + Communications
Derek Liu is a marketing and communications professional with a background in branding, content development, social activation, media and influencer engagement, and project management.
He has served as a brand guardian, telling compelling narratives for industry leaders, including Netflix, Disney, and Electronic Arts, while working in regional marketing capacities for impactful integrated communication campaigns across markets such as Hong Kong, Mainland China, Taiwan, Singapore, and Japan. Additionally, his experience at fashion events in Vancouver and a public relations agency in London has provided him with a global perspective, enriching his knowledge and skills on an international level.
He holds a Bachelor of Communications degree from Hong Kong Baptist University, where he majored in Public Relations and Advertising.
Email: dliu (at) creativebc.com
Phone: +1 236-471-0667
Nashlyn Lloyd, Manager, Systems + IT
Tel: +1 604-736-7997
Email: nlloyd (at) creativebc.com
Cristina Basgan, Operations + IT Coordinator
Email: cbasgan (at) creativebc.com
Finance + Administration
Daniel Gallant, Finance Manager
Daniel is Creative BC’s Finance Manager, responsible for financial operations and reporting, as well as supporting strategic decision-making and achieving objectives.
Daniel graduated with a BBA degree in accounting and has 10 years’ experience in the finance field. Prior to joining Creative BC, Daniel worked in the VFX industry and within municipal government. In his spare time, Daniel enjoys exploring B.C.’s beautiful landscapes.
Tel: +1 604-730-2238
Email: dgallant (at) creativebc.com
Valentina Pagetto, Accounting Administrator
Valentina joined Creative BC in March 2021 as an Accounts Payable Coordinator and transitioned into the Accounting Administrator role in June 2022. Working closely with the Finance Manager, she is primarily responsible for processing payments and expenses and will take on various duties and projects to aid in the functioning of the finance department.
Outside of her work at Creative BC, Valentina sits on the youth board for the Environmental Youth Alliance and performs freelance illustration for environmental non-profits. She holds an Accounting Diploma from BCIT and is working towards a Bachelor of Accounting.
Leona Choi, Accounts Payable Coordinator
Leona Choi serves as the Accounts Payable Coordinator at Creative BC, where she plays a pivotal role in managing and streamlining the company’s accounts payable processes and goals. She works closely with the Finance Manager and Administrator to ensure the timely and accurate processing of various payments such as invoices, program payments, and other miscellaneous items.
She holds a Diploma in Accounting from BCIT and is pursuing a Bachelor of Accounting.