Featured Member: Brad Goodman

How many years have you spent working or studying in the Vancouver post production industry? About 1820 weeks.

Where did you get your start in our community? I started in Los Angeles as a security guard at Universal Studios and soon after they assigned me to work at Steven Spielberg's new offices for Amblin Entertainment. A few months later Amblin hired me as a Production Assistant. I eventually took a position in the Post Production Department where I worked my way up to Post Supervisor.

What do you see as the biggest asset to your sector, relative to the Vancouver industry? A few things. Lots of talented people to start. Proximity to LA and Seattle is huge. Other assets include the enthusiasm of the up and comers in this town, a thriving technology community, the ability for needed talent to work and immigrate to Canada (compared to US) and government support for the M&E sector in general. Quality of life here is also very high.

What do you see as the biggest hurdle for your sector, relative to the Vancouver industry? The lack of investment in post production training and infrastructure. It's one of the reasons I started FrameRiver, which is a hybrid post production management and creative services company located in Mt. Pleasant. Also, like Los Angeles and New York, the Lower Mainland is an expensive place to live. Wages and benefits need to better reflect the cost of living in BC, otherwise talent will leave or go to work in other sectors.

What support does the Vancouver post community need most now? It's needs more support from the organizations that promote production and VFX. It seems that if production and VFX are thriving that everyone thinks post production is as well and that is false. Remote collaboration has made BC a post production destination for everyone and it should be promoted as such. Finally, the VPA needs it members contributing a little time to the organization. Even if it's just getting a colleague to join. There is strength in numbers!

Why did you join the VPA? I previously helped create a community for Post Supervisors in Los Angeles. When I came to Vancouver I found like minded people working on the plan for the creation of the VPA. I was honoured to be asked to be a founding member. The VPA has allowed me to network faster than if I had to go it alone. It also allows me to give something back in terms of mentorship.

Who was/is your mentor/inspiration/idol? An inspiration of mine is my friend Jenni Gold, Director/Producer of the film "CinemAbility: The Art of Inclusion". She's pretty amazing.

What is your favourite project that you've worked on, and why? I've had many awesome experiences in this business, from working on ground breaking films like "Who Framed Roger Rabbit?" and "Twister" to helping "Far From Heaven" get an Oscar nomination for Best Cinematography. "Borat" was also special, every screening was just insane. I also have a fond place in my heart for Neill Blomkamp and his film "Elysium" because it allowed me the opportunity to relocate to Canada and ultimately become a dual citizen.

In one sentence, what advice do you wish someone had given you five years ago, relative to your career today? Prepare for a pandemic.

What is your favourite pastime outside of work? Day trips out on the bicycle, pickleball and tending to my community garden plot in Rogers Park.