Inside Vancouver’s Film Industry with BIPOC Credits
Andy Wong, a film enthusiast and 2nd assistant director, noticed a lack of information on what it’s really like to work in Vancouver’s film industry. To shine more light on what it really means to work in the film industry, Andy and producer Nightingale have created a podcast together called: BIPOC Credits. In each episode, Andy interviews a BIPOC person who works in Vancouver’s film industry to discuss their journey and get a nuanced look at what role they play in the movie-making business. I’ve had the pleasure to edit the podcast, bringing their candid conversations down into shorter episodes for streaming. Here, Andy answers a few questions about the podcast, which is available to listen to now.
What was your inspiration for the BIPOC Credits podcast?
Being on set really showcases the lack of knowledge and training that takes place. Some people don’t really know what the job they acquired entails. Or some people get frustrated as the position is not fulfilling to them. With the BC film industry growing at a rapid pace and the changing landscape where talks of inclusion and diversity are taken more seriously, I wanted to create a platform that bridges the gap between the industry and up-and-coming film workers. As a young filmmaker wanting to get into the film industry, there was a lot I admittedly did not know on my first day in each position I’ve worked in. If I could help my younger self at all, this would be what I would create for him. Also, I want to challenge the excuse often used when challenged to hire diversely that “there aren’t any BIPOC Crew available” through highlighting and showcasing the BIPOC Crew members who work in our industry. Though I do admit, there are very few BIPOC faces behind the camera, that does not mean they do not exist. Highlighting working BIPOC crew members also encourages younger BIPOC up and comers to consider this industry as an actual career potential, thereby creating a more diverse BC Film Industry.
Vincente Baker on what it’s like to work in the film industry
As a young filmmaker wanting to get into the film industry, there was a lot I admittedly did not know on my first day in each position I’ve worked in. If I could help my younger self at all, this would be what I would create for him.
Why was a podcast your medium of choice?
During a darker period in my life, the podcast “Indie Film Hustle” really helped encourage me to focus on what I have always been passionate about. This encouragement and focus helped me get out of my slump and made me excited again about the industry I’m in. With the BC film industry growing at the rate it is, I wanted to create something that both helped anyone who’s looking for some encouragement and motivation, as well as build a more diverse BC Film Industry. A goal I’ve always been passionate about, being a Chinese filmmaker myself.
The long form interview also allows for our guests to really feel comfortable sharing their unfiltered stories. Only by sharing stories are we able to understand certain problems that exist in our system. Through my conversations with my guests, a common agreement is that the reason why certain issues about diversity (such as the controversy surrounding the hair team doing Black Hair) is only coming about now in 2021, is because of the lack of an ability to speak up. This podcast aims to be a platform for these conversations to exist.
Only by sharing stories are we able to understand certain problems that exist in our system.
Amy Fox on false assumptions around diverse storytelling
There is also a video component to BIPOC Credits. Can you tell me more about this and why you chose to incorporate video as well?
There is something really special about seeing the excitement, the frustration, the emotions of people talking about the topics they’re passionate about. Continuing on with this idea of educating, inspiring and encouraging filmmakers, the video component is to allow our team to promote and release this podcast through visual mediums such as Youtube and TikTok to see the expressions of the speakers during the interview. The video of these episodes will be released in bite sized segments in the upcoming months. These will be snippets of wisdom and stories that hopefully new audience members can relate to, be inspired by, and want to continue to listen in on the full podcast. We also have a Patreon page where the full video interviews will be released for our Patreon members.
What have you learned so far from producing this podcast?
This is my first ever podcast and it’s been an incredible learning experience on how this media platform works. I’m incredibly grateful and lucky to have such a professional and patient team who also understand what it’s like to create a passion project of this caliber while working full time in the film industry. Especially Nightingale, my producer, who is able to keep track of everything that needs to be completed and streamlines the work so productivity is maximized in the limited time frame I have to work on this project (usually the weekends). So a huge thank you to Nightingale. Oh that’s another thing I learned about producing this podcast… If you have an incredible producer, life is easier and anything is possible.
Another thing I’ve learned, and am still learning, is to trust in myself and the project. In order to create a successful podcast, outreach is important, and for people to trust your project, you have to be the biggest believer in it yourself. Realizing that my ideas are good, and my ideas are important is a learning curve but incredibly important to remind ourselves of everyday.
In order to create a successful podcast, outreach is important, and for people to trust your project, you have to be the biggest believer in it yourself.
What are your future hopes and plans for BIPOC Credits?
This podcast is currently self-financed and so a dream of mine would be to find sponsorships or to build up the Patreon following in order to be able to continue creating this podcast without taking money out of the ol’ mortgage and bills. Though I love this project, and I’m incredibly excited by it’s potential, financial hurdles are definitely a factor in its future, however I do plan to continue doing this as long as my mind, body, and wallet will allow.
I would also love to continue connecting with school programs, various communities in the film industry, and BIPOC Communities across BC. My main goal is to educate, motivate and inspire people to not let their fear and insecurities prevent them from getting into an industry that they may enjoy. It’s just about finding the right position and hopefully this podcast helps with that task.
Who knows, maybe one day you can be cooking for Ryan Reynold or signing his pay cheque! Overall, I’m really passionate about the film industry here in BC and I’d love it if people gave it a shot and be part of something that brings comfort to people, especially during these tumultuous times.
I’m so grateful to Andy & Nightingale for bringing me on as their podcast editor. This process has shown me the power of podcast editing, and I’m excited to offer this as a brand new service. I hope you take the opportunity to listen to BIPOC Credits, or to send it to any of the budding filmmakers in your life.