For our Storyhive documentary submission, we have put together a great team of professionals and friends to help us tell the stories of the farmers.  For the application, we each wrote a little bio about who we are and what we do, so here those are, starting with the Project Lead, our very own Gillian.  And remember, voting starts July 30th, so stay tuned to our landing page for the project!

Gillian Williamson

Project Lead, Director, Editor, Camera Operator, Producer

As a child I was lovingly advised that if I kept my mouth shut and my ears open, and I would learn a lot more. Although this made me more of an introvert, it also made me fascinated by people and the world around me. I’ve been working in photography for the last 13 years, and broke into film in 2008 as the D.O.P. on a full length feature. The transition from photography to film was exciting and rewarding. Since then I have worked on short Indie Films and commercial projects. Through this experience, I have found that I am most passionate about the power of documentary, which marries my love of capturing poignant life-moments in still photography, and telling stories about the human condition and all the beauty in the world.

Jean-Marc

Production Manager, Camera Operator, Lighting, Electrical

I create beautiful photos and videos by solving technical, artistic and lighting problems using my background in art and engineering.

Jean-Marc only realized that photography could be a career after 10 years in engineering. While completing a Masters in aerospace, an encounter with a Toronto photography studio lead him to begin working in photography while simultaneously working in consulting engineering. The skills he learned in engineering, travel and work abroad, and working in industry, are extremely valuable. But it was working for a top photography studio in Toronto, and co-founding a photo and video company with Gillian Williamson here in Calgary, that have enabled him to meld his skill in photo and video with the technical sides of the trade, including equipment management and evaluation, lighting, and business skills like marketing, sales, project management, and effective business networking.

Blake Evernden

Writer, Producer

I've worked in film for the last 20 years in a myriad of departments, I'm confident that my experience, creativity and craft will benefit.

C. Blake Evernden is an award-winning independent filmmaker, illustrator, storyboard & make-up artist for film & television. He has undertaken professional training in makeup artistry and corresponding field work as key makeup and effects designer on five independent features (winning an award for Best Special FX in 2015) and many short productions. He has recent experience as cinematographer, art director, key makeup, special makeup effects, prosthetics, and assistant makeup work on a myriad of independent productions, short films, music videos and commercials. His second feature, "Prairie Dog", has played at 17 film festivals worldwide and won five awards, as well as being picked up for distribution through ITN in Los Angeles. His latest short film, "Spider", is currently being sent out to festivals, he's in development on three features and in production on his next short film, "A Wink or a Smile".

Kirsten Aubrey

Camera Operator, Sound Engineer

I come up with out of the box solutions to creative problems, and move ideas forward. I see potential, and draw on the strength of my team.

My training includes Undergrad Fine Art accreditation at Alberta College of Art & Design with a focus on Sculpture/Media + Digital Technology, a Diploma in Music Composition and Contemporary Technology from Selkirk College, and a Fine Art Degree with a focus on Critical Writing from Emily Carr University. In 2010 I started my own video production company in order to create opportunities for myself to be in a leadership role and gain the experience I wanted. After a large variety of projects including 2 mini- web-series and several promotional videos, I re-branded my business and divided my company into two different online presences; one focused on wedding videography and photography (Sweet Currant Video and Photo) and another, (Carbon Life Media) for artist and business promotions.

Tom Prilesky

Camera Operator, Sound Engineer

I can help projects capture the heart, achieve their creative vision, and raise the quality of production both visually and sonically.

A co-partner at Carbon Life Media, my main role is to help brands tell their stories. That often places me behind the camera or in the editing room, but where the foundation for a successful project begins is long before that. Deeply understanding our subjects, their hopes, ambitions and fears are key in all mediums, not just narrative fiction. My education is in audio (Master in Recording Arts), which led me to concert filming, and since 2013 I've been co-owner of two full time video production companies. This has pushed me into a variety of skill sets, technical (audio, video, animation, photo), business (vision, sales, marketing), as well as inter-personal (empathy, working with talent, stressful situations, work relations).

Vaishnavi Khullar

Editor

Hi! I'm a student at ACAD majoring in Media Arts. I specialize in film and editing and work with the Adobe suite for my projects.

I'm an aspiring editor/filmmaker currently majoring in Media Arts at ACAD. I have experience in working with the Adobe suite, mainly Premiere Pro, After Effects, Lightroom and Photoshop. While doing school work I take on side projects to expand and hone my editing and videography skills. In the future, I would like to use my arts for a bigger cause that impacts peoples lives in a good way.