- Get Educated, Get Connected, Get to Work.
Featured Member: Julia Niendorf
JULIA NIENDORF | POST PRODUCTION MANAGER
“You know what you are doing, don’t doubt yourself!”
-Julia Niendorf
Check out Julia’s IMDB page to see more of the projects she’s worked on!
How many years have you spent studying and/or working in the Vancouver Post Production industry?
In Vancouver, it’s been 18 years.
What is your favourite project that you’ve worked on, and why?
What a hard question! So many projects to choose from. “Real Housewives of Vancouver” sticks out because it was the beginning of Lark Productions, and it was exciting to be a part of their first projects, plus it was a hoot editing it. Those ladies knew how to bring drama to the screen! Most recently though, I will have to say Netflix’s “One Piece”. It was one of the last projects I was working on before ending my time at Picture Shop, and it was incredible being a part of the very large wheel that put that show together.
Where/How did you get your start in the community?
I worked the night shift dubbing VHS dailies and transcribing for reality TV in Los Angeles.
What do you see as the biggest asset to your sector, relative to the industry in Vancouver
We are a very talented crew, and most of us have grown and risen up in our careers together. It’s a small, but very strong community, and we are able to help and support each other. Sharing information and experiences helps us navigate how to approach the larger and bigger budget projects that decide (thankfully!) to keep their post here. Together, we help elevate those experiences to strengthening the reputation that Vancouver has a strong and more than capable post industry.
What do you see as the biggest hurdle for your sector, relative to the industry in Vancouver?
That we are a small community! It has its pros and cons, unfortunately. When we do have more than a few large projects here, on top of all the regular projects that keep us employed, it’s a lot of long days and nights to keep the machine going. A lot of times as well we no longer have the budget to hire all crew in post, so vital positions (example: post coordinators) are excluded, and these are the type of positions that train people properly as they grow in their career. I see a lot of new people jumping 5 steps ahead in roles they don’t have the experience for yet, and have to make do, just because there is no one else available.
Why did you join the VPA?
To have a voice within my community. Knowledge is power, and the more I can share my experiences and learn from others, the stronger we are. As well, after the amount of years I have been doing this, I believe in paying it forward and I am focused on mentorship and supporting newcomers in our industry. I learned from hands-on experience, but also because so many people took the time to mentor and teach me in my first 5 years. That is something I feel strongly about continuing, and the VPA gives me access to newcomers and workshop/mentorship opportunities.
Who was/is your mentor/inspiration/idol?
Well, I have Andy Levine to thank for my first job in Vancouver, and we have continued to cross paths our entire careers on various projects. He is a mentor, but also a dear friend. And yes, he still patiently answers my calls if I need advice. Thanks Andy!
If you could have worked on any series/film ever created, which one would it be, and why?
The X-Files. Not only because I am a huge fan, but because it’s the legend of Vancouver shows! So many careers were born, and it put the city on the map as Hollywood of the North. Even if David Duchovny complained about our rain. I forgive you David, call me!!!
In one sentence, what advice do you wish someone had given you five years ago, relative to your career today?
Use your voice. You have achieved and gotten to where you are for a reason. Don’t be scared to speak up and voice your concerns or opinions. You know what you are doing, don’t doubt yourself.
What is your favourite pastime outside of work?
Catching up on sleep? Oh, and I watch a lot of soccer. Nothing like yelling at a TV to release the rage after you were forced to deliver a show a week early 🙂