Held annually on March 8th, International Women’s Day provides an opportunity to highlight and celebrate the achievements of women and the progress made toward gender equality.

Today, and over the course of this month, we are celebrating by highlighting some of our incredible female-identifying members!

Carrie Wilson – 2nd camera assistant

1. How long have you been in the industry?
32 years.

2. What motivated you to join the industry?
I loved going to the movies my whole life. I wanted to be a part of and create stories and pictures on the big screen.

I also love doing something different every day. Meeting amazing people from all walks of life. Working hard and then having big chunks of time off.

3. What is your fondest on set memory?
So many fond memories. Walking across on a man-made log spanning Hope Canyon. Shooting in Sarah Mclaughlin’s house in Whistler on Fifty Shades of Grey and then getting a private concert. To flying to the top of the highest peaks across BC and Alberta. To an unsolicited hug from Bill Murray. I can’t pick one.

4. If you could give advice to a prospective female-identifying member, what would you say?
It is a lifestyle choice. There are so many adventures to be had in this business but many sacrifices in other parts of your life. Time away from family and friends outside the business. Some days can really suck but then there are days people can only dream about experiencing.

So if you’re up for hardworking creative work becoming a member might be for you?

Amanda Trimble – 2nd camera assistant

1. How long have you been in the industry?
About 10 years now.

2. What motivated you to join the industry?
I ran into some health problems right out of high school that helped me sit down and really think what I wanted to do with my life, however long or short it was going to be. Making the swap from a masters’ program in Biology, I found my calling in film. Always having an interest in filmmaking and photography, turning my school news reports into short films at the behest of my teacher, it just felt like the right path to jump on.

3. What is your fondest on set memory?
I have had a pretty great career so far, so I have quite a few to choose from. I’d say one of the top set memories would be when the props team and the creatives on Ghostbusters Afterlife let me try on some of the gear after watching me crawl under the house set to get their cables and monitors out one night. Even if it was a pity gesture, I loved every minute of it and think back to that show fondly!

4. If you could give advice to a prospective female-identifying member, what would you say?
Everyone always says there are opportunities out there for you to succeed and move up, they’re not wrong but they miss the most important part. Support is what you need, and what you can find in this industry if you show up with a good attitude and a strong work ethic. As a female-identifying member I was always told about those opportunities, but it wasn’t until I started to make connections and find support from other members and people on the set that I was able to reach for them. People will remember if you were kind and worked hard, I promise you that.

Bettina Strauss – still photographer

1. How long have you been in the industry?
I’ve worked in the BC film industry since 2008.

2. What motivated you to join the industry?
Due to a strong photographic background in European theatre, opera and dance performances, I was drawn to the idea of working as a still photographer on movie sets when I came to Canada. The team spirit around set felt familiar, and I immediately resonated with the of the creative energy of filmmaking. It reminded me of and was so similar to the original vibes of my theatre roots.

3. What is your fondest on set memory?
One day on set during a big party scene for the TV series Lucifer the camera operator invited me to join him and sit on his dolly. The dolly was moving throughout the scene, and while sitting there I was able to capture some amazing imagery. This is one of my fondest on set memories.

4. If you could give advice to a prospective female-identifying member, what would you say?
 Follow your heart and keep your dream alive. Don’t lose the big picture while concentrating on the next step ahead. Take it easy and don’t be hard on yourself. Claim what is yours, and ask for support. Learn from setbacks, share your insights, and celebrate your victories. Always lend a hand, and be a stepping stone for those behind you.

CHRISTINA KASPERCzyK – Camera OPERATOR

1. How long have you been in the industry?
35 years – 30 of which, as a member of ICG 669

2. What motivated you to join the industry?
People and Storytelling. Telling people’s stories and if you are lucky enough, your own, is the catalyst for me to be part of this film industry.

3. What is your fondest on set memory?
There are so many memories working with amazing folks, people like, Attila Szalay, Brad Creasser, John Bartley and Peter Menzies Jr. When any of those gentlemen told you your shot was great, it became my fondest memory.

I was also fortunate enough to work with Laszlo George. Almost every show he brought out his classic stories, his go-to phrase, “One more story then we shoot”. Though my fondest memory with him was not on set but during prep at his home in Pt. Grey. We would be gathered for lunch by his lovely wife, Ilde and served with the same amount of panache and flair as a fine restaurant in Europe. While you enjoyed lunch Laszlo regaled us with more stories. They treated you like family, with a great deal of love.

4. If you could give advice to a prospective female-identifying member, what would you say?
Be yourself. Work Hard. Push yourself. And if an opportunity presents itself, be bold and take it.

Ivona Ries – 2nd Camera Assistant

1. How long have you been in the industry?
Since 2008 

2. What motivated you to join the industry?
My father was very involved with photography and I grew up watching him develop film and take pictures of everything. After high school being involved with all sorts of multi-media, I went to SAIT and graduated from the Film and Production Program. From there I started working as a trainee within the union, and 14 years later am still enjoying what I do! 

3. What is your fondest on set memory?
There are so many, it is hard to pick just one. But I always love standing on top of a mountain as the sun is coming up starting a fresh day, in the fresh air surrounded by beautiful scenery and beautiful people. 

4. If you could give advice to a prospective female-identifying member, what would you say?
Do not deviate from who you are to please those around you. Hard work does get noticed by the ones who matter, and the ones who will remain in your life. 

Cherise Keown – 1st Camera Assistant | Underwater camera assistant | Motion Picture Video Assistant

1. How long have you been in the industry? 
15 years – I started as a camera trainee with IA 667 in 2008

2. What motivated you to join the industry?
I am an avid scuba diver and wanted to pursue a career that would allow me to travel as an underwater camera person.

3. What is your fondest on set memory?
My fondest on set memory would be the first time I was given the opportunity to assist on an underwater project with Braden Haggerty. It was for a short film and I drove halfway across Canada to volunteer my time – it was amazing and reaffirmed I was heading in the right direction with my career.

4. If you could give advice to a prospective female-identifying member, what would you say?
I would recommend always approaching our industry with a positive outlook, a strong work ethic and a team player attitude.