Video production company in qathet takes over space on Alberni

After months of hard work renovating the recently closed Manic Mary’s escape room space at 6816 Alberni Street, Diversa Collective, sandwiched in-between Artique Collective and qathet Art and Wares, is open for business.

Although the three entrepreneurs have been busy filming events for the past couple months in the qathet region, they are continuing to learn all aspects of video production, including using an editing suite, camera operation and lighting. Event planning and DJ services are also in the works. 

“Owning a business is not simple, but it feels really great,” said Diversa Collective member and event planning specialist Lorelei Reed. “From what it [the space] looked like until now, there is a big improvement.”

The group has repainted, knocked down walls and created a comfortable functioning office and workspace for themselves. The square footage of the building space is quite large and there may be an opportunity to rent some of the space in the future.

A large wolf, howling, wearing headphones with a microphone has been spray-painted on the back wall. The group acknowledged that the logo was Diversa Collective member Ryan Lang’s idea.

Local qathet artist Catnip came in and gave the collective a spray-painting workshop in order to help them with their vision.

Project facilitator for inclusion Powell River Keely Sills said every day Diversa Collective works, the group has check-in and discussion.

The New Inclusive Economy research project was presented on June 8, 2023, in Vancouver by Leni Goggins, inclusion Powell River’s director of social economy.

“The project went all over BC promoting inclusive employers and what that looks like,” said Sills. “There was a panel presented here [in qathet] with speakers.”

That event panel was filmed by Diversa Collective, which is considered a social enterprise employing those living with a disability. Although the business offers its services to people living with disabilities, the trio emphasized that their business is not limited and reaches the broader local community.

The three collective members recently completed video production for Fermented Fun at Townsite Brewing, an aerialist performance in July. The editing process is underway.

Diversa Collective member Mike Lang is a DJ and has been hosting weddings, reunions and school dances for years. He hopes to bring his music skills into the business mix.

“The skills are already in place,” said Sills. “DJ skills, event planning, video and production.”

The business wants to be able to offer a full package for those who need it, including filming, editing, event planning and DJ services.

“We decided to focus on things happening in Powell River as a niche market,” said Lang. 

Reed graduated with highest honours from an event planning program.

“I want to make happy memories for people to look back on,” said Reed. “If I can make someone with Down syndrome feel like a Prince Charming for the day, or Cinderella, I feel like I’m doing my part for society. We would like to do weddings for people with disabilities because for the longest time they weren’t considered a part of society.”

Although Diversa Collective offers its production services to the broader community, having the ability to accommodate those with differing abilities gives them an edge in the business market. The company’s next big event is Sunshine Music Festival, Labour Day weekend at Palm Beach, September 2 and 3. 

The group also has podcast production on its to-do-list, but a soundproof room needs to be constructed first.

“It’s a learning process,” said Lang.

Diversa Collective will be at this year’s Blackberry Festival on Friday, August 18.   

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