b'PRODUCTIONCAMERA ROLLAssembling the Bears Lair set was step one. Making it stand out on the smallAchieving a high-quality look was screen was the next step. That task fell to Cliff Hokanson, owner of Too Muchmade easier by a firm, united belief in Fun Pictures Inc. and Cliffswebsite.com. He brought his 25-plus years in thethe concept by all the different players TV and film industry to his role as the shows director of photography. Myand a deep desire to do whatever goal was to make the Bears Lair look as good or better than the mega-dollarnecessary to make it work. It was a shows in its category, and thanks to everyone on that team, I believe weproduction that came from the heartdid, says Hokanson.Hokanson has practised his craft on TV sitcoms, feature films, music videos and documentaries around the globe. Yet the Mtis industry veteran says working with Beaudoin and the Bears Lair team was among his most meaningful experiences yet. Camille brought a level of integrity, commitment and heartful emotion to her directing that Id never seen before, he says. Because of that, our contestants and everyone on set felt warm andat home.Making a prime-time quality show with a not-so-prime-time budget was no small challenge. But Hokanson says achieving a high-quality look was made easier by a firm, united belief in the concept by all the different players and a deep desire to do whatever necessary to make it work. It was a production that came from the heart. Theres always a warm spot in my heart for Indigenous projectsevery time I do something Indigenous I learn about my culture thats lost and meet great people. Bears Lair did all that while also letting me make heartfelt content,says Hokanson. Everyone on the team came together and took it to thenext level. CREATIVE TALENTThe shows Indigenous roots were reflected in wardrobe as well, with several Indigenous fashion icons contributing to the on-air attire of its cast. These designers includedAunalee Boyd-Good and Sophia Seward-Good, the sister fashion duo behind Ay Lelum, a second-generation Coast Salish design house. It was important for our brand to be present in terms of wearable and professional Indigenous fashion in this industry, says Boyd-Good.Aboriginal BUSINESS REPORT47'