In Focus | Alex O'Daly

Meet Alex. She's originally from Adelaide, South Australia and has lived in Kamloops since June 2016.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
This would have to be my partner and local photographer, Kathleen Fisher. We spend a lot of time together, whether it be for work purposes or adventure. She is constantly inspiring, challenging and supporting me on this crazy journey called life!

What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
So many to choose from, but I would have to say The Noble Pig! The food never disappoints and the drink menu and atmosphere is excellent!

Describe yourself in one word.
Passionate.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Europe! It has so much to offer in terms of history, culture and scenery.

What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
It's going to sound cliche coming from an Aussie, but probably the ski hill. I love to snowboard and cross-country ski at Sun Peaks.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Forgetting people's names! I've met so many wonderful people since moving to Kamloops, but sometimes I just can't keep track or have a mental blank... I'm so sorry to all of these people, I will get there one day!

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Meeting and working with iconic filmmakers and production studios from around the globe such as Ray Roman, Ray Roman Films and Patrick Moreau, Still Motion. These people and others like them taught me so much about my craft and continue to inspire me every day to keep growing both as a creator and as a storyteller.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
My parents took me and my brother on a trip of a lifetime around the world when I was 8 years old. I still have vivid memories of our experiences while travelling around the US, England and South Africa, where my eyes and mind were opened to so many different people, foods, cultures and landscapes. I would love to be able to do this for children of my own one day.

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I volunteer a couple of days a week with Adaptive Sports at Sun Peaks, teaching snowboarding to children with a disability. ASSP is made up of an inspiring group of people and volunteers who dedicate their time to make the ski hill and snow sports accessible to all. It's such an incredible program to be a part of!

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I would try to encourage people to educate themselves and open their minds before placing judgement and prejudice on people from different social groups, cultures and nationalities.

Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
McConnell Lake or even just the hills behind our house in Valleyview. Both great places to do some thinking and just take in the views & nature that surrounds us.

Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?
It would be great to see more local (non-chain) restaurants, bars and cafes!

What do you think makes Kamloops great?
The people are incredibly friendly and the landscape has so much to offer for those who enjoy the outdoor lifestyle.

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Travel and wine/dine my way, through Europe
2. Explore more of South East Asia
3. To have a family and a dog!

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I used to work for Apple as a software trainer so I'm a bit of a tech geek you might say!

How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
I'm on more social media channels than I can count now...Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Vimeo, LinkedIn, Google+, and Pinterest just to name a few!

What is the name of your business/organization?
Aspect Film Works.

Why did you get into/start this business?
I was always being asked to specialize in one thing at Film School, camera, editing, sound, or lighting but I really enjoyed doing it all. I started my business, so I could be an all-rounder and a full-time creator, telling inspirational stories!

What is the goal of your business?
Our goal is to tell exceptional stories and use this method to not only create beautiful films but as a tool to help market and promote other local businesses.

What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Probably making the huge decision to leave my career as a lead video producer for a large company back in Australia, and move my entire life to Canada.

What do you always find yourself saying?
'Just repeat that for me one more time!' To my clients on a shoot! Video can be a little repetitive, as we try to capture every action from multiple angles.

Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Nothing will ever be 100% perfect, all you can do is try your best.

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
I would probably choose to spend the day with family or friends from Australia. Though I am extremely fond of Kamloops and its people, at times it does get tough being so far away from so many of the people you love.

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Local businesses contribute immensely to the community we live in. We should support them whenever we can, as a way to show support for the greater community.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Moving countries and starting a business from scratch!

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
I would like to give a shout out to Veronica Connors for all her hard work in running Adaptive Sports at Sun Peaks.

My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:
Veronica Connors from ASSP!

Some general comments I would like to share are:
Kamloops is full of so much amazing talent and fantastic local businesses. I'd encourage people to venture out of their comfort zones, try something new and see what this great city has to offer!

We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE. Thank you, Kamloops.