Life in the Circus

In this episode of Crew Tales, Life in the Circus, we sit down with Adrian, an actor and “accidental producer” whose path into the industry took a refreshingly pragmatic route: choir and school productions as a kid, an engineering degree, a full-time IT career, then a deliberate leap into Vancouver after one life-changing question from a coach: “Why not you?” Adrian shares how producing started as...

In this episode of Crew Tales, Life in the Circus, Dustin Trernard sits down with cinematographer Christopher Charles Kempinski (IATSE 669) to talk about the real job behind “making pretty pictures”: translating script into visuals, servicing a director’s vision, and leading a team with clarity and calm. Chris traces his path from skate videos and high school projects to major studio sets, commerc...

What does it really take to put a camera underwater on a film set? In this episode of Crew Tales, Life in the Circus, Dustin Schnart sits down with Aiden Zanini, an underwater camera operator and cinematographer, to talk about the niche (and wildly technical) world of water work for film and TV. Aiden shares his long road into the industry, from being an AV kid in the 80s to broadcast school, narr...

In this episode of Crew Tales: Life in the Circus, Dustin sits down with veteran Production Manager and Producer Mike Magnusson to talk about the real work of turning scripts into shootable reality while keeping the “director’s vision” alive in the fiscal pond. Mike shares stories from decades in the industry, breaking down the path from PA to AD to Producer, why calm leadership beats chaos on set...

In this episode of Crew Tales: Life in the Circus , we sit down with Jim Rowe, a veteran Executive Producer with over four decades in the industry, to talk about what it really takes to keep a production running. Jim breaks down the role in simple terms: hire great people, set them up to succeed, and solve problems before they reach set. We cover his early days in Vancouver, the path from AD work...

In this episode, we sit down with Tony Lazarowich , a Mechanical / Practical Special Effects Supervisor, to talk about the real-world craft behind on-set magic: rain, snow, smoke, fire, blood, hydraulics, pneumatics, explosions, and the safety-first mindset that holds it all together. Tony shares how he went from pulling cable as a teenager to “finding” his way onto sets in Vancouver, learning the...

In this episode of Crew Tales, Life in the Circus , Brad sits down with filmmaker, producer, and entrepreneur Gina Hole Lazarowich , whose career has taken an unconventional path through fashion, film, and business. Gina’s journey spans four decades in fashion and more than thirty years in the film industry. She began as a self-taught makeup artist in the late 1970s, worked her way through fashion...

Discover the fascinating world of still photography in the film industry through the eyes of a passionate professional. Hear from Kailey Schwerman as she shares her journey as a unit photographer in Vancouver. Explore her insights on what it means to capture the essence of a production through still images, the importance of creativity in film, and how she balances her work and personal life. Lear...

Discover how cinematography can capture the heart of storytelling! Explore the journey of Phillip Lanyon, a talented cinematographer who shares his insights on marrying visual storytelling with emotional depth. This engaging discussion reveals the nuances between dramatic and documentary filmmaking, the importance of spontaneity, and how different shooting styles affect audience perception. Gain v...

Discover how the transition from film to digital is reshaping the motion picture industry. Hear insights from Mike Sankey, a seasoned Digital Imaging Technician, as he shares his journey and offers advice for newcomers in the film world. Learn about the creative connections with directors and cinematographers, the perks and challenges of working on set, and the importance of an exit strategy in su...

Discover how a props master transforms scripts into unforgettable visuals! Explore the unique journey of Vava Renata, a seasoned props master with over a decade of experience. Gain insight into the essential role of props in film production, including how to source, design, and implement props that enhance storytelling. Learn about the challenges faced when collaborating with directors and product...

Discover the magic behind being a cinematographer in the world of film! This video features an engaging conversation with Mikah Sharkey, who shares her unique journey from a budding filmmaker to an accomplished cinematographer. It delves into how personal experiences shaped her approach to storytelling, the process of capturing visuals that resonate emotionally, and the significance of collaborati...

Discover the fascinating world of storytelling through the eyes of Peter Deluise, a multi-talented actor, director, and producer. Join us as we explore Peter's journey from a young child mesmerized by television to a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. Learn about his creative process directing hit shows like Stargate and Haunting Hour, and hear the personal stories that shaped his und...

Discover the secrets behind captivating cinematography. Learn how professionals in the film industry approach storytelling through the lens. Gain insights into the journey of acclaimed director of photography, Stirling Bancroft. Explore how he turns challenges into opportunities, the art of collaborating with directors, and the balance between creativity and technical skill. Find out how understan...

Discover the hidden world of sound in filmmaking with Neil McBride, an expert boom operator.  In this engaging session, learn about Neil's fascinating journey in the film industry from the mid-90s to becoming one of the best in Vancouver. Uncover the vital role sound plays in movies and how it can make or break a scene. Neil shares background stories, his passion for being on set, and the unique c...

Discover how to navigate the creative chaos of filmmaking and harness the power of collaboration. This episode features Todd Williams, a seasoned director of photography, who shares his unique insights into maintaining focus and fostering creativity on set. Learn about the importance of ego management, time management, and how a positive energy environment can unleash innovative ideas. Todd also d...

Discover the extraordinary journey of a director breaking into the competitive world of film and television. Explore the insights of Polly Pierce as she shares her path from camera assistant to acclaimed director. Key highlights include her experiences in directing, the challenges faced while working in the industry, and her involvement in prestigious programs like the Warner Brothers directing pr...

Join us in this insightful exploration of the filmmaking process with prolific writer and director Dana Barnaby. With over 30 years in the motion picture industry, Dana shares invaluable experiences from working on set and reflects on the magic that happens behind the scenes. Discover the excitement of pre-production, the art of character creation, and how the collaborative spirit of filmmaking co...

The audio from our intro animation! This is true. Tales Life in the Circus. In the motion picture world, there are an army of dedicated professionals who work behind the scenes to make the movies and shows we watched today. I'm Brad Hodson, and I've spent over 30 years in the motion picture industry. This podcast celebrates the people who make the magic behind the scenes.