Narrative · 2025-2026

The Knitting Diaries

1st Assistant Camera · Lighting Support

The film

An award-winning TELUS STORYHIVE short drama written and directed by Janalee Budge, centred on a Chinese grandmother, a Mennonite family history and the secrets that pull a small-town household apart.

The approach

James worked in the camera department as 1st AC, helping with focus, lighting support and small-location problem solving around Artur Gajda's cinematography.

Project details

Release: 2025-2026
Category: Narrative
Tags: Narrative Short film 1st AC Lighting support STORYHIVE Okanagan Screen Awards

Narrative support

Camera support inside a busy local short.

James worked as 1st assistant camera and helped with lighting on the award-winning short film.

James came onto the short as 1st assistant camera. Across practical store, home and exterior setups, the work meant focus, resets, movement, timing and problem solving in small spaces.

He also helped with lighting when the setup needed an extra hand, supporting the compact production rhythm and the finished look of the film.

Janalee Budge wrote and directed the story around a Chinese grandmother, a Mennonite family history and the secrets that pull a small-town household apart.

IMDb title The Knitting Diaries Awards Okanagan Screen Awards past winners Casting Casting Workbook breakdown KFS production The Knitting Diaries at Kelowna Film Studios Gear resource KFS Gear rental inventory

Camera

First AC inside practical locations.

The work supported a compact camera team through store, home and exterior setups where focus, reset discipline and timing mattered.

Lighting

Lighting help in tight interiors.

James helped where the setup needed extra hands, especially around practical rooms where camera, performers and lighting were all sharing the same footprint.

Recognition

Four Okanagan Screen Awards honours.

The Knitting Diaries was selected for the 2026 awards, placed second in short films and received both the People's Choice Award and Best Acting Ensemble.

Recognition