By Jia Yi Fan
Can you tell us about your background and how you got into film?
I grew up in Northeastern Ontario, then moved to London, ON, for school and work, then moved to Toronto, where I lived for years. There, I got into film through my background in improvisation, which I did on the side.
When my partner and I started looking at buying a house, we looked eastward and fell in love with St John, NB. When I first moved here, I started doing stand-up comedy and got introduced to a lot of people in the run & gun industry. I eventually connected with Mariel Hunter and her acting collective. She recommended me for a job on Revival, a series shot locally. At the same time, someone else from the NB Co-op approached me for a job as a Location Manager.
What do you do outside of film?
In addition to Savage Media Inc., which deals with my “fun stuff,” I am also a yoga therapist (Savage Yoga Inc.), as well as bed & breakfast owner and manager (Cozy Cottage Inn).
I am working on a fringe show about time and AI.
As well, I am studying psychology and hope to complete more advanced degrees.
What do you like about filming in NB
People are so nice and I have been able to do so much. There’s an incredible amount of talent, but unfortunately, it doesn’t get celebrated enough.
Why is storytelling so important for your work?
Stories make up everything around us. We tell stories from the day we are able to imagine to the day we die.
Where do you get inspiration or ideas for projects?
They come from my time spent in nature or from vivid dreams, which I write down in my notes app after waking up. I literally have hundreds of potential ideas. I also get inspired from being around other creative people and bouncing ideas around with them. I am craving to learn from people with widely different life experiences than my own.
What is your favorite project that you've ever worked on?
The Tuna Man Always Rings Twice is my favorite episode I worked on from the series Hard Times in the Maritimes. I was part of a ragtag crew and in a cis-heteronormative environment, but I had lots of fun and learning opportunities.
Any achievements you're proud of?
My achievement is less so about a specific film I produced but rather just being able to live my film dreams since I moved here. I’m proud of my bravery to say yes to everything (credits to Colin Mochrie). This mindset allowed me to do so much.
Did you intend to be a film generalist or did you want to try a bit of everything before honing in on a specific skill?
I didn’t intend to be a generalist. I just wanted to try everything I was interested in and I have been very lucky and privileged to have had the opportunity to do so. At the end of the day, my passions lie in sound and cinematography, which are also what I pay most attention to when I’m watching the media.
Any advice for aspiring or emerging filmmakers?
Try everything, say yes, and be brave! Also, you can tell any story you want. Don't let other people dictate what you can do.
Most enlightening advice you've received?
Go off-script. I actually got this from a yoga instructor.
What did you wish you knew before diving into film-making?
Working in corporate media can be soul-sucking, but also magical. When I started, I felt that everything was amazing, but I realised that you are beholden to shareholders, investors and studios. You don’t have the creative freedom of independent productions. It is more a job than a creative outlet.
What are your favorite things about being a filmmaker?
I like the camaraderie and fun experienced throughout the entire process.
What are the biggest challenges in your work?
Being heard. I have been on countless sets where a cis man voicing the same thing I did would be heard but not when I talked. And I consider myself as having an incredible amount of privilege. I can’t imagine what it is like for other people with more intersectional identities.
Rapid fire questions
What kind of films would you like to work on?
Untold stories, like Will & Harper.
Favorite themes and genres?
Comedy, horror, drama and real stories/documentaries
Favorite movie or show?
My favorite movie is Hot Fuzz and my favorite show is Star Trek: The Next Generation.
If you could work with anybody (including celebrities), who would it be?
Morgan Freeman and Whoopi Goldberg.
Any hidden talents?
I can sing opera. I actually did an operetta a few years ago.