MEET THE FILMMAKERS
We're sunset chasers. We love the reds, oranges, pinks and purples that paint the sky every morning and night. We crave that hour before the sun comes up or goes down, where everything is illuminated in the most beautiful golden light.
Nature's art display is the inspiration behind the name Painted Sky Films. We've watched the sun rise and set too many times to count, and yet it never gets old.
Photo by Erin Wallis
Photo by Erin Wallis
We are Karen and Jesse, a husband & wife team with a passion for visual storytelling. We've travelled the world, collectively filming in more than 100 countries, only to realize we already lived in the most beautiful place there is - Vancouver Island!
We are based in in the Cowichan Valley, but we're available all over the Island, as well across Canada and worldwide - wherever there’s a great story to be told!
Photo by Erin Wallis
We met while working onboard cruise ships, and sailed the seas together for the first year of our relationship. It was straight out of an episode of The Bachelor (minus the 24 other suitors). We eventually decided to settle down on land, combine our talents and launch Painted Sky Films.
When we're not out and about filming or behind the computer editing, you can find us cuddling with our puppy Buckley, exploring the outdoors, or enjoying a glass of wine at one of the local wineries.
Not many couples get to work together every day (many might not want to), but for us it makes perfect sense. We share the same passions, and we fuel off of each other's strengths and creativity.
We consider ourselves artists behind the camera, with an eye for the perfect shot. Karen's our editing guru - she loves the art of crafting a moving story. Jesse is our interviewer extraordinaire - he'll make you completely forget the cameras.
Photo by Erin Wallis
TOGETHER WE ARE A TEAM, BOTH IN LIFE AND IN OUR BUSINESS.
In case you missed our About Us video on the Home page! Click the image below to watch!
KAREN OLSON - Co-Founder, Lead Editor
Karen comes from a Broadcast Journalism background, having completed her Honours Journalism degree at Wilfrid Laurier University, followed by a post-graduate Broadcast Journalism/Documentary program. It was through her education that she discovered her passion for documentary film. She directed and produced "The Camp Home Project," a feature length documentary that premiered at the Planet in Focus Film Festival in Toronto.
In 2013, Karen discovered life at sea and spent three incredible years filming in some of the most beautiful destinations the world has to offer. She had the opportunity to check off some of her top bucket list destinations such as New Zealand, Greece and the South Pacific islands.
Karen's loves include coffee, waterfalls, and Seth Rogen's laugh.
JESSE OLSON- Co-Founder, Lead Cinematographer
Jesse has spent more than ten years in the video production industry since graduating from the Broadcast Journalism program at British Columbia Institute of Technology in 2007.
After working as a News Reporter for CBC Vancouver, Jesse accepted a job working for a cruise line as a Video Producer. His life was forever changed. Seven years and more than 100 countries later, his experience documenting new places and cultures has only enhanced his passion for video.
Always up for an adventure, Jesse takes advantage of living in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, kayaking and hiking around Canada’s incredible outdoor playground.
Photo by Your Adventure Wedding
Photo by Erin Wallis
