The Spark Cast

Donald Mowat’s love for film started early, but it was seeing Stanley Kubrick’s Barry Lyndon at the age of 12 that sparked his love for make-up specifically.

Today, Donald is one of the industry’s most sought-after makeup artists working with some of the world’s most notable directors including John Carpenter, Guillermo del Toro, Martin Scorsese, Sam Mendes, and David Mamet among many others.

Over the past decade, Donald has worked closely with Denis Villeneuve. Their latest partnership Dune, a project in which Donald is make-up and hair department head as well as prosthetic designer, is the culmination of Donald’s vast experience and his working relationship with Villeneuve.

We recently had a chance to speak with Donald about his career, the challenges of making Dune, how technology is changing the industry, and he provides great insights for young people interested in starting their careers in film.

As a child growing up in Burnaby, British Columbia, Prem Gill knew she wanted to work in TV, but she never imagined she would be helping to shape the mass media industry in British Columbia and across the country.

As CEO of Creative BC, Prem leads the organization responsible for maintaining and growing BC’s diverse creative sector — from films and TV, to magazine and book publishing. It’s a huge mandate, but one that Prem and her team have successfully continued to grow and nurture; even through a worldwide health crisis.

We recently had a chance to speak with Prem about her career, navigating the constantly changing technology landscape, and how mentorship has been integral to her career.

Before stepping into the role of educator, Larry Bafia was an animator with a love for stop-motion. His passion for the form eventually landed him at Will Vinton Studios working on such iconic commercials as the California Raisins.

Larry eventually made the move to feature films and after his first project was cut short, he found himself at Pacific Data Images where he was at the forefront of a new era for animation: CG.

We recently spoke with Larry about his career in the animation industry, his second career in education, and his next film.

Sharon Taylor is proof that passion, determination,

Sharon’s career at Animal Logic started more than

We recently had a chance to speak with Sharon about

Michael Fukushima spent the majority of his career fighting for improved diversity and inclusion behind the scenes of the National Film Board of Canada. This wasn’t an accidental role: Michael saw the advantage of working for change from inside an organization and dedicated much of his career to advancing minority voices within the NFB.

The road was not always easy but the fruits of his labour are evident in the legacy he left at the NFB after a 31 year career with the institution including new mandates for more inclusivity, as well as the ongoing Hothouse program.

We recently had a chance to speak with Michael about his career as a filmmaker, producer and champion for the under-represented.

Jinko Gotoh’s love for animation began as a child in Japan. But as someone who didn’t draw, she could never have guessed that she would go on to produce some of the largest animated blockbusters of all time, from Finding Nemo and Fantasia 2000 to Mortal Kombat and Space Jam, among many, many others.

The realization that animation could be a career path didn’t come until she studied engineering at Columbia University, where she stumbled upon a programming course.

We recently spoke with Jinko about her career, straddling cultures, technology, and her advocacy work.

Marv Newland didn’t plan to be an animator but after a career that spans over half a century, more than twenty films, and some of the industry’s most notable prizes, it’s safe to say that he’s done alright for himself. Especially when one considers that the film that launched his animation career almost didn’t happen.

From his first project Bambi Meets Godzilla, to last year’s Katalog of Flaws, Marv’s films blend his style, sensibility, and sense of humour, in a unique and instantly recognizable package.

We recently spoke with Marv about creativity, developing your style, and what keeps him inspired to continue making films.

Michelle Grady’s career in the CG industry started small: an unpaid job working in the equipment room of a post-production facility. Determined and in need of a paying job, she soon found herself as the receptionist.

Michelle has come a long way since that first receptionist job, all the way to Executive Vice-President and General Manager of Sony Pictures Imageworks, and her career has grown alongside Vancouver’s expanding production business.

We recently spoke with Michelle about her humble beginnings, the challenges of leadership, making mistakes, and how taking chances has shaped her career.

In his dayjob, Tibo Charroppin is a director and video editor for the ACLU, but in his spare time, he’s a visual effects wiz who, with the help and support of his partner Olivia Boone, edits their beloved cat Lizzy into famous movie scenes.

With a passion for problem solving and learning, and maybe out of a little bit of boredom, Tibo posted the first video with Lizzy on Reddit. Eventually, that little video turned into OwlKitty, an Instagram and YouTube sensation that brings joy, laughter and technical marvel with each short clip.

We spoke with Tibo about how OwlKitty came to be, his process for creating movie magic, and his white whale.

Ann Marie Fleming is a prolific filmmaker, visual artist,

Be it her powerful short film You Take Care Now,

We recently spoke with the artist about inspiration,