Something I’ve learned over time - honestly, the hard way. Not every production needs to be big to be effective.
When I first started out, I was always chasing bigger. Bigger crews. Bigger setups. More gear. More lights. More everything. I thought the way to impress clients was by showing up with a full production machine and creating something that looked “cinematic”
And don’t get me wrong, I still love that side of filmmaking.
But here’s the truth I’ve come to understand:
None of that matters if the video doesn’t connect. None of it matters if it doesn’t speak to the right audience. And none of it matters if it doesn’t drive results. 📈🎉
The job is to make something that works.
Sometimes that does mean a larger production, but a lot of the time it means the opposite.
A smaller, focused team. Showing up organized, professional, and dialed in.
Just enough to get the job done right.
This project was a perfect example of that.
No massive crew. No over-the-top setup. Just a tight team, a clear vision, and a focus on delivering exactly what the client needed.
And honestly—I’m more confident in this kind of work than ever before.
Because it’s not about how big the production is.It’s about how well it performs.
And that’s what really matters.
Dream big.
Push the limits.
Try the thing you don’t feel ready for yet.
Build with people who inspire you.
Create with people who care.
Fail sometimes. Learn every time.
This work isn’t about playing it safe.
It’s about going for it—ideas, stories, risks, all of it.
That’s how we grow.
That’s how better stories get made.
🎉 IT’S OFFICIAL — WE’RE LIVE! 🎉
📱Canadian Vertical Film Fest
After a lot of behind-the-scenes work (and a few FilmFreeway hiccups 😅), we’re thrilled to finally say that the Vertical Film Festival is officially LIVE on FilmFreeway!
This isn’t your average film festival. We’re building a high-energy, outdoor celebration dedicated entirely to vertical storytelling, complete with a custom vertical screen, live DJs between screening sessions, food vendors, guest speakers, a live vertical-filmed podcast area, professional photography, sponsors, and so much more.
We’re especially excited to announce our venue — a huge shoutout to Magic Box Studios for hosting us on beautiful Vancouver Island, BC. It’s an incredible space, and we truly believe it’s going to bring a little extra magic to this event ✨
Right now, we’re locking in vendors, sponsors, and partners as we continue shaping a festival experience that’s bold, creative, and forward-thinking — built for filmmakers and audiences who believe vertical film isn’t a trend, but the future.
🎬 Submissions are now open across Canada
🎥 Short films, series, experiments — if it’s vertical, we want to see it
More details coming soon, but today we’re celebrating this big step. Thanks to everyone who’s supported this vision so far — we can’t wait to share what’s next.
👉 FilmFreeway submission link in bio
It might be winter, but I’m already thinking about summer. ☀️
Throwback to spending the day with @kerrington.gillespie filming vertical content.
There are so many ways to approach shoots like this — full music videos, vertical clips, teasers, lifestyle moments. Whatever the format, the key is bringing creativity, emotion, and your own stylistic choices to the table. That’s what makes the content feel alive.
Know an artist that might want content like this? Shoot us a DM and say hi 👋
🎤 Artist: @kerrington.gillespie
🎥 Camera: @chris.chiisholm
🎬 Director: @jack13star
💄 Hair & Makeup: @meganleiesbeauty
Do the things that genuinely interest you.
Maybe it’s not for everyone, but for me, I’ve noticed this really works. Just chase what you’re passionate about and don’t stress about what you’ll get in return. That part has a funny way of showing up when you’re not forcing it.
Focus on being present. Focus on yourself. Focus on the people around you.
The rest will fall into place.#
Well that's a wrap for Volare Media for 2025! To say thank you Chris Chisholm and I went on camera... yeah.. Ha! You are so welcome.
What a year we had! Thank you to our cast and crew and our clients!
Bring on 2026!
Why I always hire a director.
Big project or small. Every time.
A big part of that reason is @jack13star (Jackie Taylor) — our main director and an integral part of our team.
Jackie brings clarity, calm, and intention to every set. While I’m focused on production, logistics, and making sure everything runs smoothly, Jackie is fully locked in on performance, story, and tone. That separation of roles makes a huge difference.
Filmmaking works best when everyone has a clear lane.
When one person tries to direct, shoot, manage clients, and solve problems all at once, something always gives. Usually the story. Sometimes the experience.
Having a dedicated director means:
• Someone is fully focused on performance, pacing, and story
• Clients feel guided and supported, not rushed
• Crew can concentrate on their craft and do their best work
We’ve learned that when each role is respected, the entire process runs smoother. Fewer compromises. Better communication. Better outcomes.
CVFF launches January 1st, 2026.
We’re excited to officially announce the Canadian Vertical Film Festival — a celebration of the best vertical filmmaking in Canada.
CVFF showcases everything from drama, horror, action, and comedy to fast-paced narratives, bold visual experiments, and full vertical series. Our mission is simple: spotlight filmmakers who are redefining what vertical storytelling can be.
All screenings will take place on beautiful Vancouver Island British Columbia, bringing creators and audiences together for a brand-new vertical cinema experience.
This is going to be a one-of-a-kind film festival, open to filmmakers across Canada, with event sponsors, unique venues, and even a secret location!
And we can’t wait to share it with you in 2026! 🙌
This year, we helped raise over $1.4 million for the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation & Digital Lab. 🙌
We’re so proud to have played a part in making that happen — teaming up once again with Peninsula Gives to support such an incredible cause.
For the past three years, Volare Media has proudly sponsored this event… and every year, it keeps getting better, raising more awareness and funds.
A huge thank you to @peninsulagives for trusting us again with this meaningful project — it’s always such an honour to collaborate with your team. Also @cassieplansevents & @rachel_zelia you are both rockstars, keep being awesome! 👏
And of course, massive shoutout to our crew:
🎬 Director – Jackie Taylor @jack13star
💡 Gaffer/Grip – Nico Wainer @nico_wainer
🎧 Sound Mixer – Dave Goossen @davegoossen
Biggest thanks to Dave Goossen, who put so much time and heart into our productions this year (even though he couldn’t make it to event night) — we appreciate you so much.
It’s a real privilege to do what we love — sharing stories through video that truly make a difference ❤️
Sometimes things don’t go the way you planned.
You don’t win, or something you really wanted just doesn’t line up.
It stings. It’s easy to sit there and dwell on it — to wonder why?
But here’s the thing… you’ve got a choice.
You can sit and cry about it, or you can get back to work.
Brush it off. Look around at the amazing people who believe in you, who support you, who keep showing up.
Because the only way to really lose… is if you quit.
Let’s go 🤘😜
🎬🎥 Back at it!!
We’re diving back into our long-term project “Built to Skale” — a locally funded web series that blends comedy, drama, adventure… and yes, a whole lot of construction. 🏗️
The story follows a first-time developer tackling big dreams, unexpected snags, and plenty of lessons learned along the way. It’s a ride filled with laughs, challenges, and heart — and we can’t wait to share more of the journey with you.
With our writer & director Jackie Taylor at the helm, you’ll definitely be left wondering what could possibly happen next.
👉 Want to get involved? We’re always open to connecting with local creatives. DM us if you’d like to be part of the project! (Most of our positions are filled, and it’s a small, low-budget crew — but it’s a fun one with an awesome team.)
More updates, sneak peeks, and behind-the-scenes moments coming soon! 🚀
Every day I remind myself of two things:
“Keep going. The only way you fail is if you quit.”
“Be grateful for what you have.”
Over the last few years, I’ve poured myself into building this dream—working on films, commercials, and so many different projects. I’ve worn different hats, learned from every department, collaborated with incredible people, and made connections that mean the world to me.
It hasn’t always been easy. Wins, losses, mistakes, lessons—they all matter. They all shape the bigger picture. And I wouldn’t trade any of it.
I love this journey. Every step forward is another piece of the dream coming to life.
