This spring we had the pleasure of sending a video production team up to Kyuquot Sound for a development project. Our videographers traveled from Victoria, BC via car, float plane, boat, and truck to arrive at this destination. It was by far the most remote location that our team has worked on, and it required a lot more logistics and flexibility to ensure that we were able to finish the project on time. This site is on the traditional territory of the Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k:tles7et’h’ First Nations

As our usual pre-production process dictates, we conceived, scripted, shot listed, and planned as much as possible in advance. We were hit with a couple of surprises before we left but were able to think on the fly and came away with some amazing footage.

We acknowledge that we live, work and create on the traditional territory of the Songhees, Esquimalt and W̱SÁNEĆ nations. 

Pre-Departure: Major Changes

Initially, we created a video concept to show off the rugged beauty of the landscape and the progress of the commercial development underway. The idea made use of a host who would lead the viewers around the property and give the feeling of an in-person tour around the site. 

The talent we had booked to help us with this project, unfortunately, came down with COVID only days before we were set to fly out. This meant that we had to significantly change the concept for the project in a very short period. 

We decided to maintain the structure of the initial video, add more B-roll to our existing locations, and fall back on a voice-over in post-production.

Day 1: Traveling Up North

Our video production team left Victoria at 6:30 am on the first day and embarked on a 4.5-hour drive up to Gold River. This drive took us through Nanaimo, Courtenay, Campbell River, and Strathcona Park. The overcast weather in Victoria turned to rain and stormy as we got closer to Gold River. As we arrived at the dock for our flight, we were greeted by a black bear having a quick bite by the river.

We had a scheduled flight with Air Nootka at noon and were set to get dropped off at Volcanic Cove, however, the storm had set in at this point and winds were over 40km/hour. We had a rough 30-minute flight but even with a great pilot, we were unable to land in the Cove. This meant that we would be dropped off at Walters Cove where we would have to wait for a water taxi.

Unfortunately, it was still pouring rain, and we had a healthy amount of camera equipment to protect. We waited in a nearby shed for the taxi to arrive and tried to stay as dry as possible. After half an hour, our water taxi arrived, and we were off. We had a 40-minute ride on choppy water but arrived safely at Volcanic Cove.

The final leg of this journey was a half-hour drive along old logging roads before we arrived at the site. When we finally arrived, we had spent 10 hours of straight traveling in a car, truck, plane, and boat. All we could do at this point was hope that we would get some nice weather or the whole trip would have been a waste.

Day 2: Enjoying the Sunshine

The weather forecast predicted stormy weather for the next several weeks, so we knew that we would have to make the most of any nice weather patches. 

We woke up at 5 am to overcast but dry skies. We decided to make the most of it and get some footage along the beach and of the mountains. We had a quick tour around more of the site before grabbing breakfast and heading out to film more. 

There were sunny patches throughout the morning as we filmed some of the construction and development sites, but rain set in, and we took a break for lunch.

By some miracle, the rain cleared up as we were eating, and we were treated to beautiful, clear, blue skies for the rest of the day. Rain was still forecast for the rest of our trip, so we made the decision to film as much as possible while we had great weather.

We toured around the area, filming beaches, rivers, forests, cabins, job sites, and farming areas. We were able to capture everything that we needed but it took a 15-hour day of filming.

Day 3: Returning to Victoria

We had initially planned to spend two normal days filming but were glad that we did everything we could on Day 2. We had some dry weather in the morning and grabbed some additional footage, but we had called for a plane to pick us up around midday.

We were picked up in Volcanic Cove this time before the storm set in, but we could see rain in the distance as we took off. Our trip stopped in Walters Cove, Friday Harbour, and Tahsis on the way back to Gold River. Even in the rain, this was some of the most beautiful landscape our team has ever seen.

We landed safely in Gold River and began our trip back to Victoria. We arrived at 8 pm, less than 72 hours from departing on our trip

Day 4: Reviewing Video Footage

This project required coordination with a third party so that we had some animations to use in the final video. Immediately after returning to our studio in Victoria, BC we had to review the footage and share select drone clips. 

After a first glance, it was clear that this footage came out better than expected. In the grand scheme of the project, condensing the shoot time was the best decision and it wouldn’t have been possible if we had additional shots of dialogue or talent. In the end, it worked out for the best.

Final Thoughts

It’s projects like these that make us extremely grateful to live and work here on Vancouver Island. Victoria BC is such an amazing place to provide access to opportunities like this and having worked on other remote projects like this in the past has given us a lot of insight to make projects like this possible. In the end, our team prioritizes the success of the video over comfort, and it really comes through in the final product.

Although the trip was challenging at times, this was an amazing experience and we’re glad to have captured every part of it to share.