Producing film in the North is challenging. You know about the cold temperatures. They are just the beginning. Services you are used to “down south” can be non-existent or difficult to find. Transportation to your shooting sites are logistically difficult. The layers of permitting and licensing are complex and discouraging.
Hiring a film fixer or production assistant is different up here. It’s critical to find the right provider with the experience and knowledge to make your production a success.
By working with us, you will have access to life-long northerners with deep roots in Yellowknife and across the Northwest Territories. We will leverage our connections and help you navigate the North.
The same equipment and expertise for remote wilderness expeditions can be helpful for film production. We have assisted several high-end projects:
Destination Canada Tourism Production
In November 2019, we were contracted by Destination Canada funded project produced by Alexander Bain. Intended to market the North to a Chinese market, the crew from China included a dresser, editor in chief, freelance writer, cover editor, editor, director, drone photographer, main photographer, and cameraman. The subject was the Chinese Olympic gold medal champion, Xing Aowei.
During the 7-day production, we provided ground transportation, Mandarin/English interpretation, and advice. We were able to help arrange air charter bookings, suggest local sites, and coordinate with other tour operators. Based on the shooting objectives of the day, our wilderness guides helped to hunt Aurora, find northern wildlife, and provide guided local hikes. Our local knowledge played a major role in the success of this production.
VICE TV
During the summer of 2020, we assisted a crew from VICE TV search for traces of a Kosmos 954. The crew was searching for this Russian nuclear satellite that broke up in the atmosphere in 1977 – scattering radioactive debris over northern Canada. Our role over 5 days was to assist with transportation, wilderness safety, and camp outfitting for a crew of 5 on the East Arm of Great Slave Lake. We coordinated a float plane air charter for the shoot and safely managed to de-escalate a bear entering camp on the final day.
The shoot was a success. An interesting and entertaining episode is now in production. Our knowledgeable guide took good care of the VICE crew, and ended up as a subject in the documentary.
Jackpine Paddle was instrumental in figuring out the logistics and ensuring that we had a productive and great adventure. Dan Wong expertly navigated the complexities of the Northwest Territories that we were ignorant of to make it all happen. On the ground, in the wilderness, PB was an expert guide who brought a wealth of knowledge, endless enthusiasm, and was funny as hell. On top of it all, the food was delicious. Thank you Jackpine Paddle!
We are registered as a supplier with the NWT Film Commission.
We can assist your film production with:
For ground transportation in Yellowknife & beyond, we have the following vehicles:
Whether you are shooting in Yellowknife, or other locations in the NWT, drop us a line. You can find out how to reach us here.
