By Sucheta Singh, Marketing and Communications
Photo by David Denofreo

Ask Nikita Cameron what her favourite part about the movies is, and the answer may surprise you.

“The behind-the-scenes and blooper footage – those are the best parts,” says the movie buff. “It should be illegal to not release them.”

Metro Vancouver is the third largest film and TV production centre in North America. With numerous film and TV studios around the area, there are hundreds of productions each year, ranging from films to TV shows and commercials. The industry creates 42,000 direct and indirect jobs.

Nikita graduated from the Stagecraft and Event Technology (SET) program at Douglas. It is an intensive two-year diploma program designed to provide a combination of academic and practical experience. Students have to deal with long hours, deadlines and intensive hands-on work, but they are immersed in situations similar to the ones in the real world.

She says she got into film because she wanted to share stories and make people think, feel and grow.

“Knowing that I’ve made an impact on someone else’s life – like bringing light to important subjects, representing minorities on screen, or something as simple as making a viewer smile – is why I keep rolling out of bed every day to work upwards of 75 hours a week.”

Nikita has applied her training in school by working in production, lighting, carpentry, props, costumes, set décor and more. She credits the program for arming her with the skills she needed for such diverse roles.

“It taught me a bit of everything. I understand the planning and work that goes into all these areas, and that really helps me when it comes to dealing with different departments in my industry.”

Her dream is to one day take on the role of director. For now, you can find her on the sets of CW’s The Flash and many more, working as a production assistant or assistant director.