It was a great honour this past Monday to receive an award from Women in film and Television Vancouver – Volunteer of the Year.  President Robyn Wiener presented the award to me.. she said some pretty nice things… Thanks Robyn.

I wanted to just tell you a little bit about Women in Film and how I got involved.  Ten years ago (yikes) I came to Vancouver to make huge changes in my life.  I didn’t know anybody in this city and wasn’t sure exactly how to start.  I decided doing Acting headshots was going to be my start here.  So I got on the phone and was doing cold calls to all the agents in town, introducing myself and my services.  One of those calls literally changed things for me.  I called Deborah Gillam (was Deborah Harry) and she was so open, kind, and so damn helpful.  I don’t know if you have ever cold called people or not, Deborah was like a ray of sunshine! She asked if I had heard of Women in Film. I had, but hadn’t done anything about it yet, she encouraged me to come out to one of the breakfast meetings.  I took her advice, I attended and I was blown away by the amount of talent, enthusiasm, support and kindness that was in that room.  I meet Jessie Kergan who was working in the office at that time and it was then that I started volunteering in the office (packing boxes for I think 2 moves) then photographing events.  I made some amazing friendships through women in film, some amazing working contacts, I got involved in film more than just headshots. I surrounded myself with others who were working their way through the film industry.. and I have watched some of these ladies go from .. “yikes what am I going to do?”, to being accomplished in what they are doing and now helping others.  The best part is… the friendships that were created 10 years ago are still strong.. we support each other, and encourage each other.  We may not see one another quite as much, but thats because we are all so busy doing what we love to do. When one of these ladies calls and says.. “can you do me a favor” I’m there in a second!

 

So I say to all of you.. its been so rewarding to be involved with such a fantastic organization, I suggest to you, if you are in the film industry check out Women in Film & TV Vancouver (website) If you aren’t involved in the Film industry.. there are so many fantastic organizations out there.. what are you interested in? Step up and volunteer.. you won’t regret it!

 

 

This entry was posted on Wednesday, May 18th, 2011 at 2:35 pm