Recent History – 2003
September 12, 2003 — By Gary Rusak, Daily News Staff
Local resident Hank Bridgeman was recently awarded one of the most prestigious video production awards for his 15-minute look at the scenic beauty of Northern B.C. and the Yukon.
“My passion is for nature,” said Bridgeman who owns and operates Northeast Productions based in Dawson Creek. “It was a joy to put the film together.”
The video, entitled Spell of the North, was originally produced for aSkagway, Alaska tour company. Bridgeman, who always retained ownership of the film, was urged by family and friends to enter it into competition for the well-known Telly awards.
“I had totally forgotten about it,” he said. “Then one day I got a letter in the mail that said ‘congratulations’. I was really surprised.”
Bridgeman’s surprise stemmed from the fact that his video was being judged against an industry wide standard and big name, big money companies such as the Discovery Channel, Disney, and Coca-Cola. The judges were obviously impressed and awarded the Telly to the Dawson Creek filmmaker.
The video takes the viewer through the four seasons showcasing the wildlife of the region including bull moose, trumpeter swans and Canadian beavers. An original musical score by Bridgeman’s friend William Brookfield accompanies all the breathtaking nature shots. The music and the images blend together to give the viewer an unforgettable sensory experience.
“I edited to the music which is pretty unusual,” he said. “Usually it is the other way around.”
It only took Bridgeman one month to wade through the 50 hours of footage to produce the video. The video has been featured at the Gold Rush Theater in Skagway Alaska as well as at the Northern Lights Space and Science Centre in the Yukon. It is now for sale on videotape locally with a DVD version expected next year.
“It was kind of magical,” he said. “It encompasses the area of Tumbler Ridge right up (through) the Alaska Highway.”
The filmmaker is now turning his energies into producing a documentary about the Peace Region.
“There is a great history in the region,” he said. “It is pretty unique in that there are a lot of artistic people out here, a great pool of talent. I think it’s time some of the creative people here become recognized.”