Photo Credit (top): Ingrid Valou
-Life as the Vancouver Film Commissioner-
Cities which flourish often owe much of their success to a careful balance amongst progressive leadership, policy and execution.
Not to be forgotten however, is a careful recognition and measured approach towards sustaining what positively defines a locale and delivers benefit and reward to its citizenry.
All of this, of course is easier said than done. Present day complexities of managing the interests of millions have an innate way of throwing wrenches into the maintenance of a city as a whole and its assets.
Take the example of a metropolis defined by an industry such as film and television production. Overseeing a city based around a sector like that can be both a real opportunity and challenge for a multitude of reasons.
Our guest on this episode knows a thing or two about all of this. In essence one of his major roles is acting as an intermediary attempting to balance the needs of a globally renowned city up against the wants of an industry which contributes billions of dollars to their local economy.
Introducing
Geoff Teoli is the Film Commissioner of the third largest motion picture production center in all of North America, Vancouver, BC.
He is a highly collaborative motion picture and television executive, focused on supporting industry priorities of workforce development, sustainability, and infrastructure investments that build and support the film industry in Vancouver.
Duties & Responsibilities
A mere sampling of his duties and experiences include attracting high-impact investment initiatives on the city’s behalf, to developing and executing strategic plans, right on through to technology transformation and change management.
Values and Beliefs
Much of Geoff’s passion towards his work stems from his belief that a strong creative sector is at the heart of all great cities; driving innovation, growth, and high paying jobs.
In his words, the film industry pushes the creative economy beyond traditional industry boundaries into tourism, arts & culture, digital entertainment and gaming, and countless other indirect beneficiaries.
Educational Background
In addition to his deep industry knowledge and multi-tiered experiences accrued across and over the past two decades working within this sector, Geoff holds a MBA from the ‘Beedie School of Business’ at Simon Fraser University, as well as certificates in Integrated Management, Strategic Leadership, and Entertainment Law from the University of British Columbia.
Geoff is also equipped with a Diploma of Technology, as well as Marketing Management Technology from British Columbia Institute of Technology.
Reasons to Listen
This talk delivers a direct gateway into a world few are able to peer into. Listeners will be able to not only get a better feel for the business side of the entertainment industry but also takes notes on how they themselves can look to position themselves for success within this sector.
This will be a talk worth listening to for:
- those interested in learning about the film industry at large and how to potentially make entry into it
- anyone with a particular interest in the business side of the film industry
- those seeking general career inspiration
Listeners will come away with insights on:
- How the project based work within the motion picture industry really offers unique opportunities to those who crave challenge and variety
- How Geoff’s first twenty years on the production side helped position him for success within his current role as film commissioner for the city of Vancouver
- What types of duties he is presently engaged with on behalf of the city of Vancouver
- An inspirational story about how he made his way into the film industry and ended up establishing such a successful career
- How he stays on top of his game leading and sustaining the progressive nature Vancouver’s world renowned film industry
- Specific skills which have helped him achieve success
- Sage advice to those in their 20’s and 30’s when it comes to early career experiences
- Much more!
This talk is exactly what you’d expect from someone holding such a position in terms of first rate analysis and insight.
For those with an eye on a career within the business side of the film industry, this conversation will not disappoint.
A Memorable Quote from the Episode:
“I’ve brought forth some ideas and said some things to my superiors in which they’ve looked at me and said your predecessors may have said the opposite or that won’t work.”
-Geoff Teoli
Check out the Video Conversation:
For those who desire to view the full video conversation of this discussion, you can do so via Youtube.
Words of Wisdom:
Hear from Geoff as he provides advice to those looking to enter the film and entertainment industry.
Discover More
For those interested in learning more about Geoff and his work as Vancouver’s Film Commissioner, you can explore these links:
Keep Listening!
I hope you enjoyed the episode. For more, check out additional episodes here!