looking forward to more adventures with you in 2023
happy new year!
In 2022, we looked back on a year packed full of exciting stories, and we couldn’t be happier. From helping Khowutzun Development Corporation kickstart a new program for youth in the community; to working on an awesome new feature film, #TheGreatSalishHeist; to creating new online learning opportunities via Pacific Rim College Online, North Vancouver Island Aboriginal Training Society and Jen Segger’s online Adventure Running Course. It’s been an exciting year!
Thank you for entrusting us with your stories. We look forward to more adventures with you this year. We wish our team, clients, audiences, family and community all the best in 2023.
our goals for 2023 – what’s coming up this year?
Happy New Year! Here at Empress, we like to think about our New Year’s “resolutions” as adventures we want to embark on, not just goals we want to accomplish. This is an opportunity to look at the different parts of our lives – creatively, financially, and in terms of health, learning, our role in our greater ecosystem and community – and reflect on what we can improve.
new year goal #1: creativity
Make something everyday! “I think music gives me an ability to face a challenge head on,” says young clarinetist and composer Camilo Aybar. In our upcoming short documentary film, The Sound of a Pandemic, we follow Camilo and the success of his first symphony, which he wrote about the Covid 19 pandemic during lockdown.
If there’s anything we’ve learned from Camilo, it’s to embrace all the imperfections and chaos of life, and make art anyway. We may not always be creating a perfect masterpiece, but the act of creating in and of itself might just be what gets us through.
Stay tuned for more about the short documentary. We started principal photography in January!
new year goal #2: finances
It’s never too early or late to get money smart! Anna Hilberry has been on a mission to bring financial literacy to our fingertips with her YouTube channel. And part of being smart with your money is being secure with all the latest ways we access our accounts online. Check out this important video for steps on how to protect yourself, and be sure to subscribe to Anna’s channel for more helpful tips on taking care of your finances this new year.
For interested viewers in the Calgary area, check out Laurel Hickey’s channel, which she runs with her team at iii Global Wealth.
new year goal #3: health
Get moving! We know it’s a bit cliche to have a workout resolution for the new year. But after seeing all the Polar Bear Plunges happening across Canada, we’ve been refreshed and inspired to get outside and push ourselves to our limits! Do you love the outdoors and feel ready to get outside your comfort zone? The Jen Segger Adventure Racing Program might be just the thing for you!
Not quite ready to commit? Check out Jen’s inspirational videos and get hyped up!
new year goal #4: learning
Learn something new! We’re always looking to expand our horizons and learn new skills. We’re so grateful to have many talented team members, and we like to host a workshop every year, so that our team can exchange their amazing knowledge and skills with each other.
Pacific Rim College is gifting 6 free mini lessons when you subscribe to their newsletter (scroll down to the light green box). We loved helping Pacific Rim College film and edit these, and hundreds of other insightful courses. It’s a joy to learn and create with the team at Pacific Rim College. Between the dreamy backdrops of Ravenhill Farm and the Pacific Rim’s downtown Victoria campus, the exceptional content and material, and especially the outstanding teachers and staff behind the scenes, learning something new has never been more enjoyable.
The online Holistic Nutrition Certificate Program by Pacific Rim College Online from Pacific Rim College Online.
new year goal #5: self care, community care
We can’t help but include this one. Self care can take on many forms. For us, a vital part of our self care routine is getting out and soaking in the beautiful natural world that surrounds us! As Cowichan Valley locals, we jump on any opportunity to get outside, bathe in our beautiful Vancouver Island rainforests, be with our furry friends, observe the wild ones around us, and simply breathe. We know we are better humans, filmmakers and storytellers, when we are connected to the land around us, our community, and ourselves.
And we know that part of taking care of ourselves is to take care of this lovely little slice of Pacific Northwest where we live and work. We love to jump on any chance to show the world the beauty of this land and our community, so we are honoured to connect with local storytellers and change-makers, including Orca Cove Media. Their latest feature film tackles the issue of stolen First Nations artifacts through the creative lens of an action-comedy adventure. The Great Salish Heist is sure to be a must-see. Follow us and Orca Cove Media for all the latest news and behind the scenes sneak peaks.
