Photo: Kristen Holliday
The Thompson-Nicola Film Committee has hired Gareth Smart as its new director, taking over the position of longtime retired filmmaker Victoria Weller.
Smart said he has worked in site management for many years – including working regularly with the Thompson-Nicola Film Committee – and previously lived in the Thompson-Nicola area for 10 years.
In a statement, Smart said he was looking forward to rekindling his passion for cinema in the area.
“Life at Cache Creek during this period gave me a unique opportunity not only to work on films at TNRD [Thompson-Nicola Regional District] river basin, but also in many other productions throughout BC “, said Smart.
“I’m looking forward to challenging another side of cinema, with the role of film commissioner.”
Smart is a graduate of the Vancouver Film School and also a member of the Directors Guild of Canada.
According to TNRD, Smart will begin his role in late April and Weller will retire later this spring.
Weller was hired as the TNFC’s first film commissioner in April 2000.
In a statement, Weller said she felt grateful and blessed for the opportunity.
“I’m so proud of our local filmmakers, crews and actors who now work professionally creating world-class films, documentaries and short films,” Weller said.
“I’m grateful to all TNRD residents, site owners and businesses who shared their know-how and resources as we worked together to attract and facilitate film production.”
The TNRD said nearly $ 9 million was spent in the TNRD area by film companies in 2021, spending a total of 329 filming days in the area – the busiest filming year in the periphery.
According to TNRD, a number of feature-length productions are committed to returning to the area in 2022.
