In this Spotlight Q&A, Taize Powell shares about the illusionary magic the Paint Department can create for film, his career journey in motion picture production, why he’s excited about the growth of the industry on Vancouver Island, and the importance of the film industry honouring Black History and Futures Month by telling more stories of people of colour making motion picture magic in BC.

Dean Eilertson has spent 35 years helping to design and build worlds for the motion picture industry as an IATSE 891 Props Department member. A master of his craft, Dean’s credits include ‘Night At The Museum’, ‘I, Robot’, and ‘Shōgun’, for which he won a Property Masters Guild MacGuffin Award in 2025. With plans to soon retire, he reflects on highlights from his incredible career and shares advice for those interested in working in motion picture production in BC.

Emmy Award-winning makeup artist and member of IATSE 891 Rebecca Lee she shares behind-the-scenes stories from 'The Last of Us – Season 2' and 'Shōgun', and how becoming a Union member helped her build her career.

Long-time Sergeant-at-Arms Michael Billings provides answers on the importance of running for Union leadership positions that empower members to make positive changes to workplaces across BC.

Namowan Kirby is an Ojibwe member of the IATSE 891 Grips Department. He’s worked in the film industry for 15 years with credits that include ‘Shōgun’, ‘The Art of Racing in the Rain’, and ‘Dawn of the Planet of the Apes’. He is also a screenwriter and one of the founders of Tatus Creative, an organization amplifying Indigenous artists, actors, producers and directors to advance authentic representation and inclusion of Indigenous peoples in the arts and entertainment industries.