Filmable Clubhouse #017 — Updated 5 days ago
Thursday February 26th, 2026 starting at 6:30PM (PST)
Address: 44 W 4th Ave, Vancouver, BC, V5Y 1G3
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Last year we had a discussion about “How to be a Commercial Director in Vancouver”. You FILLED THE ROOM!
This year, because so many of you showed interest, we are building on the conversation to unpack, “How to Stand Out as a Commercial Director”.
What are Production Companies looking for on their rosters? How do Creative Agencies assess reels? How do you get shortlisted to pitch? HOW DOES IT ALL WORK??!?!?
In this moderated, AMA style panel, we will demystify the collaboration of production companies, agencies and directors.
Please note, this event will be at the THE BIRDHOUSE.
Details:
6:30pm: Doors Open
7:00pm: Panel Starts
8:30pm: Clubhouse Starts
Please note:
- This is a 19+ Event
- Admission is Free, but please RSVP.
- Seating is first come first served
- Drinks will be available for purchase
See you there Film fam!
RSVP NOW!Meet your Panelists!
Christine Bortolin
Moderator
Christine is a writer, director, and comedian based in Vancouver, BC. Starting out performing in venues she was too young to legally get into, Christine has produced and performed comedy across North America. She is the local programmer for Just For Laughs VANCOUVER and the programme director at the Fox Cabaret. She recently wrote for the Adult Swim Canada animated show Psicops and was nominated for a Leo Award for her work co-writing/directing an episode of The Slowest Show for CBC Gem. Check out her recent commercial directing work at KIDDO Films.
Kristoff Duxbury
Executive Producer - Boldly
Kristoff is a passionate executive producer and partner at BOLDLY, and a founding member of Filmable. He leverages strong communication skills, empowering leadership, and a critical eye for creative vision to ensure that the work he touches is exceptional. He has a distinct ability of source directing, writing, and acting talent. Kristoff assembles coveted creative teams that make impactful films.
Kristoff's work has won at the Young Director Awards, DGC Awards, LA Shorts, Yorkton Film Festival, Clio Awards, Kinsale Shark Awards, Shiny Awards, and has been selected for TIFF, SXSW, Hollyshorts, Vimeo Film Awards, Cannes Frontières and many more festivals internationally.
Aliya Tarmo
Agency Producer
Aliya Tarmo is an award-winning producer based on the unceded ancestral territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) nations.
Throughout her 15 year career, she’s worked in all facets of production, partnering with agencies, production houses, and VFX studios across Canada and Australia.
Her work spans narrative, commercials, and branded content, having collaborated with a diverse portfolio of clients from global brands to local not-for-profits.
Grace Cho
Creative Director - Rethink
Grace Cho is a creative director at Rethink—one of the world’s top independent creative agencies. As an art director and creative director she's led campaigns for clients like Destination Canada, McDonald's, Purdys, McCain Foods and Shaw. As an illustrator she has created work for clients like the New York Times, Reader's Digest, Vancouver Mural Fest, and Sephora. She will also shamelessly plug that she has illustrated a children's book that you can order now. Her work has been recognized by the Clios, Communication Arts, Applied Arts, Marketing Awards, the Advertising & Design Club of Canada, Epica Awards, and others.
Mia Thomsett
Creative Director - The Leisure Department
Mia Thomsett is a Vancouver-based creative director and co-founder of The Leisure Department, a small agency she launched with Jeremy Grice three years ago. With the LD she has led work for brands including Videotron, WestJet, and Bosa Properties. She’s also a freelance creative director in Toronto, working primarily with Juliet on campaigns for Canadian Cancer Society, REMAX and the CFL. Her favourite projects are brand transformations which she’s done for clients like Real Canadian Superstore, The Bay, Habitat for Humanity and Athletics Canada. Mia has also founded other small ventures including Emmerse, an immersive audio app and Tarka, an outerwear company.
Pierre Chan
Creative Director - Berlin
As a naive teen, Pierre's dream was to become a constitutional lawyer. Bombing the LSAT was the best thing that could’ve happened to him. Today, he leads the creative team at Berlin—an indie ideas agency based in Edmonton, not Germany.
With close to two decades in the industry, Pierre’s experience spans a wide range of brands, including Arc’teryx, Sleeman, PlayStation, Toyota, McDonald’s, and the Vancouver Canucks, as well as social marketing clients such as Anxiety Canada, Ronald McDonald House, and the Alberta Cancer Foundation. His work has been recognized internationally by Cannes, Clios, D&AD, One Show, ADC NY, Communication Arts and the Webby Awards. He’s also in the process of producing a short animated film, which has increased his grey hair count tenfold.
If you need LSAT tips, feel free to contact him.
RSVP NOW!
