Board of Directors

The CineCentral Filmmakers Society is lead by a passionate and dedicated Board of Directors comprising individuals variously involved in filmmaking and the local community. The CineCentral board of directors is the governance and decision making body of the society.

President - Matt Haley

   Matthew Stephen Haley (Born July 5, 1983) is a Canadian veteran, writer, and film maker. Born is Fort. St John to parents Peter and Sue, he's the middle child of three. Growing up in Victoria BC, Matt was an energetic adventurous kid with a wild imagination. When he wasn't building epic tree forts with his older brother Chris, or playing sports (Baseball and Rugby), he could be found staging elaborate battles sequences with his Legos and Ninja Turtles. In high school, his passion and imagination turned to writing, films, and stand-up comedy. Matt wrote his first full length script at eighteen (Abstract Minds) and instantly fell in love with it. In 2007 he joined the Canadian Armed Forces with the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. Deploying to multiple countries with tours in Afghanistan and Cyprus, as well as many domestic operations to fight fires and floods. He released from the CF after serving with distinction after 10 years. Following that, he went to Vancouver Film School to study Film Production in 2016. In early 2019, Matt established his own independent film company, Haley House Productions and currently resides in Nanaimo, BC. He's currently single with no kids but is actively searching for the perfect puppy to adopt.

Vice-President - Todd Jones

   Todd has 25 years of experience working the television industry with Shaw Spotlight / TV. In that time he has had the opportunity to produce/direct everything from live studio / event / sport productions, Magazine shows, Short Documentaries and commercial productions. Part of his duties has been training and nurturing practical production skills for lighting, camera, audio and editing within Shaw's volunteer program. Todd has also developed a passion for independent filmmaking and has produced and released 7 short films over the last 11 years.

Treasurer - Merideth Bisiker

      For the past 25 years, Merideth has been working in banking, finance and accounting…and loves it! When she’s not balancing the books, Merideth pursues her own creative endeavours as a film producer of a documentary called Lifers: Working Song Title and as a vocalist with a rock cover band. She also loves exploring her beautiful home base of Vancouver Island with her husband and daughters.

Secretary - Annette Jensen-Collett

   Annette grew up in Richmond,B.C. & then spent many years in the Fraser Valley. A recent transplant to The Island & new to the film industry, she appreciates all the people she has met thus far in classes, workshops and on set, while she trains as an actor. She hopes that the industry on Vancouver Island will build to rival parts of the mainland and that she can be a part of it.

Director at Large - Maxwell Dowie

   Maxwell Dowie has had a passion for make up since he was a kid. That passion prompted him to pursue a professional career in makeup. He went to Vancouver Film School where he learned the advance techniques of the trade. After school, he returned to his home in Nanaimo and has become a prominent member of the local filmmaking community and culture. As a director and writer, his love for make up has a strong influence on the movies he makes. Max believes Nanaimo has the potential to be a major indie hub for film production and a backdrop for content that has high production value.

Director at Large - Jeremiah Patton

   As a local business partner at Cinnabar Vista productions, Jeremiah's creative work has won several awards including a LEO nomination for his documentary on the painter E.J. Hughes. He has also had the honour of representing Canada with his short film, "My Dad's Dentist Story," at Telefilm Canada's "Cannes 2019 | NOT SHORT ON TALENT" showcase. He's looking forward to working with a dedicated team to continue fostering the Island's fantastic film scene!

Director at Large - Nicola McTaggart

   Nicola’s love of film began at a young age. As a child, she and her friends would make and edit backyard films using old camcorders. In 2012 she received an opportunity to work her way up to a Producer status on a tv pitch project. Since then she has been fortunate to continue in that role on to a number of award winning films. All of which, would not have been created without a hardworking talented team and community support. She is passionate about seeing the Island film industry grow with opportunities and is looking forward to this new position as a board member.

Director at Large - Marina Darling

   Marina was first introduced to the entertainment industry as a teenager, working front of house at the Young Vic Theatre in London, and was part of a program, headed by Dame Judi Dench. The program allowed Marina to work with each of the departments and creatives of the resident National Theatre and Royal Shakespeare Companies. By 21 Marina had founded and run the diversity first Green Theatre Company, running workshops for children with disabilities, notably at the RSC’s Barbican ONE Festival. Sponsored by Drumbeat Productions, performances of ‘Anyway” by the late, great, Tudor Gates garnered great reviews at The Edinburgh Festival. Thus began a life long relationship with Drumbeat as a story editor/creative assistant in various roles for their theatre, film, television and publishing divisions. Following Edinburgh, thanks to Lord Snowdon’s support, The Green Theatre company performed at The International Expo on Disability in Miami. Marina worked as an agent for three years, culminating in the last year with Duncan Heath of ICM International. Since moving to Canada Marina has worked on productions for Canadian Stage, Theatre Passe Muraille, Lovers and Madmen, The New Yorker Theatre, Warner Brothers, CBC, and Brightlight Pictures, in casting, management, coaching and development. Currently, working for Smart House Books and Media, she acquires, nurtures and develops projects with a keen eye toward adaptations from page to screen.