Tara-Lee Novak
Film Commissioner
Tara-Lee Novak has over 15 years of experience connecting people through stories. She’s developed, produced and directed roughly 100 hours of television for North America’s top TV networks. Novak cut her teeth as Force Four Entertainment’s development producer where she performed a variety of roles spanning seven years and contributed to a library of original content. Since moving to Vancouver Island in 2015, she has led a variety of interdisciplinary teams in both the private and public sector. British Columbians are placed at the forefront of Novak’s content and communication strategies, demonstrating her genuine love for people and the place she calls home.
In her current role as Vancouver Island South’s Film Commissioner, she works with industry and government to market the region and connect people to careers in the creative sector.
Maureen Landa-McGavin
Production Services Coordinator
As Production Services Coordinator, Maureen assists prospective film and television productions with locations, crew, and local services to promote our region for filming. She can also be found supporting local productions; writing grant applications; editing our ‘Spotlight’ members’ newsletter; speaking to students about careers in film, and can even be occasionally found on set, doing hair & makeup.
Maureen began her career in Winnipeg, where she regularly worked for acclaimed filmmaker Guy Maddin, in addition to other film and media projects. After moving to Minneapolis, her film work lead to the co-creation ‘SavingFace Continuity Software for Makeup & Hair’, which has taken her to IMATS LA and to the Television Academy in Hollywood where she spoke to IATSE Local 706 makeup artists. A true lover of independent film, Maureen landed her dream job working on the Coen Brothers’ “A Serious Man”, whilst also managing to maintain a presence as a freelance artist, at ShopNBC, a home shopping channel in the United States, and as an educator, teaching hair and makeup artistry.
Maureen returned to Canada, in 2017, moving to Victoria, to be closer to her family, to return to the film industry and to have a west-coast presence with SavingFace. In late 2021, she joined the staff at the South Island Film Commission.
Garnett Humenick
Administrative Assistant
Garnett is an experienced Chair & Department Supervisor for First Aid & Craft Services with nearly two decades in the film industry. With certifications in OFA3, Mental Health First Aid, Motion Picture Industry Orientation (MPIO), and experience working with WorkSafeBC, she brings both knowledge and heart to every crew she works with. Her strong reputation amongst industry professionals uniquely positions her to help the Vancouver Island South Film Commission coordinate its crew database and initiatives.
In addition to supporting crew profiles and listings as well as communications, Garnett also employs her infectious go-getter attitude to ensure the film commission office runs smoothly, including administrative duties and office management. Her traditional teachings rooted in community drives Garnett every day, ensuring everyone feels valued and ready to tackle whatever obstacles present themselves.
