CELEBRATING ASIAN HERITAGE MONTH | MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: MILTON LOO
Milton Loo has been an IATSE 891 member for 16 years, though his career in the motion picture industry began long before that. Today, he is a primary member of the Lighting Department, a second-category member of the Grips Department, and, as of January 2026, a member of the Executive Board, serving as the Union’s Member-at-Large. In this Spotlight, Milton talks about his passion for cinematography, his priorities as a newly-elected Executive Board member, his appreciation for Asian-Canadian representation in the industry, and a message for the next generation looking to get their foot in the door.
FROM BLOCKBUSTERS TO BACKSTAGE
Ever since he was a kid, Milton has been a fan of movies. Like many, he was drawn to big blockbusters such as Star Wars, The Lord of the Rings, and Jurassic Park. As he got older, his appreciation deepened, particularly for the craft of cinematography.
Upon graduating with a Political Science degree from Simon Fraser University, Milton found himself weighing his next steps, but none felt quite right. When an opportunity at PS Production Services (now known as The MBS Group) came up, he took it, which led to stage-related work with IATSE Local 118. From musicals and stage lighting to live performances and concerts, this experience became a foundation for his path into his career today.
“As I got older, I started to really appreciate cinematography, which is why I chose lighting,” Milton says. He cites Legends of the Fall and Road to Perdition as two examples of the kind of cinematography he’s drawn to.
In recent years, Milton has built an impressive slate of credits, working on major productions such as The Last of Us, Avatar: The Last Airbender, Supernatural, Tomorrowland, just to name a few.
Milton and colleague Mike Mossman in the Impala on set of ‘Supernatural’.
Milton shares his feelings of gratitude and “wow” moments while working on award-winning television series, The Last of Us. Filmed across iconic locations throughout Vancouver such as Stanley Park, Gastown, Chinatown, and more, The Last of Us has become one of the largest and most all-encompassing productions ever filmed in British Columbia.
“It’s amazing to see the amount of care and craft that goes towards such a big production,” Milton says.
At IATSE 891, members in good standing, who possess the skills and experience required, are encouraged to apply for second category status in other departments. In 2014, Milton gained his second category status in the Grips Department.
“Supernatural is where I really cut my teeth. I got to work with an excellent rigging crew. I was there for 5 or 6 years, and I gained a lot of experience,” he says. Supernatural remains the longest show Milton has worked on. As an offset rigging technician, Milton says his favourite part about working the series was the time spent on location, hanging out and catching up with colleagues.
“I especially loved rigging at parks, where we ran into folks just taking their dogs out for walks and such,” he adds.
Milton and colleague stop for a chat with a dogwalker while on set rigging for ‘Supernatural’ in Boundary Bay.
“US FILM CREW ON SET, WE’RE LIKE FAMILY.”
For Milton, the combination of craft and camaraderie is the most rewarding part of it all. There is something so fulfilling about seeing your work come to life on the big screen, as well as the connections you get to build through the collaborative nature of the job.
Milton describes his coworkers as family. “I like interacting with people from other departments as well – my grip brothers, hair, makeup… everyone.”
Milton and Construction and Paint Department colleagues on the set of ‘Supernatural’.
STEPPING UP IN THE UNION
In January 2026, Milton was elected Member-at-Large. In this position, Milton investigates and, if necessary, forwards to the appropriate body, any internal issues or alleged violations of the Constitution and By-Laws. When an issue arises between members, he steps in to listen to both sides and work toward a fair resolution.
“I talk to both parties, because I'm supposed to represent both sides, and then I try to come to a resolution that satisfies both parties.”
Milton’s involvement with the Union didn’t start there. Over the years, he has been elected as a delegate to attend district meetings, Canadian Labour Congress conventions, and BC Federation of Labour conventions. These experiences deepened his understanding of the Union and inspired him to take on a more active role.
He went on to serve as a Shop Steward and later joined the IATSE 891 Good and Welfare Committee, which administers scholarships, grants, and charitable donations. “It’s nice to be part of something that gives back to members and their dependents,” he says.
When the 2025 Union Elections came around, Milton received several phone calls from fellow members and colleagues, encouraging him to run for a position on the Executive Board. “I initially wasn’t really thinking about it, but they convinced me that it was the right next step to do,” he says. In December 2025, Milton was elected Member-at-Large for the January 2026 – December 2029 term, earning a seat on the Executive Board.
Milton being sworn in by 891 President Amanda Bronswyk on January 5, 2026.
In his new role, Milton sees himself as a support to both the Board and the membership. “Our members come from all walks of life,” he says. “I have to be open-minded, curious, and not judgmental.”
Milton says that speaking with members across departments has broadened his perspective and deepened his understanding of the diverse needs within the Union. “It’s about the members, and what they really want.”
“My primary focus, as always, is the membership.”
“To all the members who are reading this, please feel free to reach out if you need to chat about something that’s troubling you.”
As expected, stepping into the role has come with a learning curve. Milton expresses his gratitude for his fellow Executive Board members that he has been able to turn to for support and guidance, particularly President Amanda Bronswyk, Recording Secretary Jeane Andrews, and Sergeant-at-Arms Michael Billings.
“Now that I’m in this position, I’ve called them a number of times just for advice, and often mentorship. They’ve all been very helpful.”
Milton is also continuously looking for ways to grow and better serve in this position. In April, he attended the Calgary Officer Institute 1.0 – a hands-on training program hosted by the IATSE International Education and Training Department. Over five days, the course provided practical knowledge across numerous topics from union organization and communication to union history and finances.
“It was really nice to be able to interact and chat with members from other Locals, including our American kin,” he says. “Our instructors were awesome. They took a lot of care to make sure that we were getting everything we need.”
Milton and IATSE International President Matthew Loeb at the Calgary Officer Institute 1.0.
ASIAN CANADIAN REPRESENTATION
As an Asian union member in the film industry, Milton’s experience has been nothing but positive. Over the course of his career, he has seen a significant increase in Asian representation, especially in leadership positions like Heads of Department.
He gives a special shout out to his Lighting Department kin, Knesha Yu and Yannie Yu, who he describes as amazing chief lighting technicians. He also mentions his namesake, Milton Ng, who is a member of the Grips Department and an independent filmmaker.
“It’s especially cool to see Asian Canadians in roles where they’re directing, producing, or writing… that’s really awesome, and I appreciate seeing that.”
While working on Avatar: The Last Airbender, Milton remembers looking around at the cast and crew and thinking, “Wow, this is awesome.” For him, seeing a major Netflix production with such a large fan base – especially one rooted in a story long embraced by the Asian community – reach a much wider, global audience felt especially meaningful. “I was pretty proud to see that.”
Milton on the set of Avatar: The Last Airbender Season 3
Milton was born in Singapore, but moved to British Columbia, Canada when he was around ten years old.
“When I was a kid, like a lot of Asian parents, my folks wanted me to go to school and be a doctor or a lawyer,” he says.
There were no specific barriers when it came to pursuing a career in film, but with an increase in Asian representation, it has become more accepted. Today, more young Asian kids are recognizing the film and entertainment industry as a viable career option.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Milton recalls reading about how folks turned to entertainment for comfort and connection, with movies and television shows becoming an essential outlet during a difficult time. This proves to show just how powerful storytelling can be in helping people cope, escape, and stay connected.
“It was needed for people. I think we’re doing something important”
ADVICE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION
For those considering a career in motion picture production, Milton emphasizes the importance of a strong work ethic, punctuality, and observation. He encourages newcomers to listen to and learn from more experienced crew members. For example, paying attention to how they approach their work and carry themselves on set. Having an easygoing attitude also goes a long way. Milton notes that working in the film industry also means constantly navigating change and learning to adapt to unpredictability.
“We just gotta keep our heads up, and I think we can adapt to that change.”
Written by Erica Lim, Copywriter for IATSE 891.
Are you an 891 member who’d like to be featured in a Spotlight? Know an 891 member making BC’s motion picture community a better place for all workers? Email Spotlight suggestions to communications@iatse.com. Read more 891 Member Spotlights here! Visit Ourwork.ca for more on the benefits of joining the Union.
