Campbell River movie-biz guru Joan Miller will be one of the guest speakers at the 7th annual Vancouver Island Economic Summit.
Since the early 1990s, Miller has worked tirelessly, mostly behind the scenes, to bring the producers of movies, commercials and other features to the region and, since 2001, she’s been the Vancouver Island North Film Commissioner.
Miller will join a panel, which includes Emmy-winning producer Don Enright, for the Summit’s session entitled: Lights! Camera! Now what? - The Island’s Future in the Business of Digital Arts.
“Love it or hate it – and, often, both – what was once just the B.C. ‘film industry’ has evolved into an ever-expanding array of digital media formats and venues,” reads the promotional material for the event. “Traditional live-action production increasingly shares the screen with computer-generated fare, while the screen, itself, is both always on and everywhere.”
As the business of digital entertainment – film, visual effects, animation and games - sweeps through the Lower Mainland, the four-person panel will discuse what can the Island industry do – and what does it need – to bring more of that work home?
Other concerns include what is the current status of Island productions and what’s the role of government?
Miller began her career in 1993 as a community liaison for the feature film “The Scarlett Letter” and received accreditation through the Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI).
Miller is presently the first VP on the AFCI Board of Directors and is currently attending a symposium in South Korea.
Miller and her staff have attracted many productions to the Island such as the “Twilight Series,” “GI Joe Retaliation,” “Superman, Man of Steel” and “Godzilla” to use unique Vancouver Island locations.
For more program information and to register to attend, visit www.viea.ca/summit. Media interviews can be arranged on request to VIEA President, George Hanson, 250-667-5225, george@viea.ca.