Local photographer and videographer Astra Balogh has had a busy, fun and intense year, working first for the Vancouver Island North Film Commission (INFilm) taking photos of close to 200 locations in the qathet region. Then, very recently, she worked for a film company shooting The Eden Express, an upcoming feature film adapted from Mark Vonnegut’s 1975 memoir of the same name.
"I had a contract through INFilm for just over a year, and it was supposed to be, at first, for [taking photographs of] maybe 150 locations," said Balogh. "They gave me only about 50 specific locations, and then they increased to 200."
INFilm's mandate is to promote the region to the domestic and international film industry as an attractive location for film, television and commercial productions. The photos Balogh took will end up in an online database that's accessible to production companies.
The qathet region has been noticed by film companies as of late, due to the area's stunning geography, great local crews and its somewhat remoteness, which makes it attractive to directors looking for new and fresh locations.
"I photographed all the easy stuff first; every public place that there is, and what belongs to the regional district, such as parks, campgrounds and beaches," said Balogh. "Then I started contacting people in the city, and the city was really willing and able to let me photograph their buildings."
Afterward, Balogh started tackling the backcountry, such as Eldred River Valley.
"They also wanted towns and roads and so I went out to Lund and photographed the whole village," said Balogh. "I shot the wharf, the docks, streets and avenues."
Most film crews want easy access to a location, so for Balogh, places such as Savary and Lasqueti islands are off limits.
"It can't have boat access only; they need to be able to get there easier," said Balogh. "They need to be able to have ferry access or flight access, for all the crew and all of the equipment."
However, productions have barged up trailers and gear, as long as there's space for a ramp in order for trucks to get off the barge.
"This has been one of the most fun jobs I have had," said Balogh. "I have learned so much of the history of places and different houses; it was pretty fascinating."
The Eden Express production reached out to INFilm and requested photographs of as many farms with old houses on them as they had.
"After my contract ended, I was hired by The Eden Express to search for properties they wanted, which was a 1970s farmhouse, but I didn't find the exact property, unfortunately," said Balogh.
She searched high and low for the perfect farmhouse, and wanted to go to Texada Island to look, but it was coming down to the wire and she ended up not having enough time.
"What they really needed was something that was almost off-grid, literally from the 1970s," said Balogh. "They wanted wood floors, ceiling, walls, so it was extremely difficult to find something that rustic."
Balogh said the last property she shot out in Lang Bay might be used as a backup location.
"The people I approached were so willing and ready to open up their homes to me," said Balogh. "The community was super accommodating."
Balogh said the location scout for The Eden Express also worked on Can I Get a Witness?, a film shot in the qathet region in 2023. The scout said he loved working here and couldn't wait to come back.
"When you watch the behind-the-scenes of the film, Sandra Oh and the crew say they loved filming here," said Balogh.
Now, Balogh is back focusing on Astral Images, her photography/videography business. Wedding season is ramping up.
"I do photography and videography, weddings, portraits and events; those are my three specialties, "said Balogh.
However, she is hoping her experience as a location photographer for both INFilm and The Eden Express leads to a similar gig in the future.
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