Putting Bow Valley College up in lights

“Bow Valley College is moving at hyper-speed.” That blockbuster quote came from a casting director who toured our campus recently.  

It’s an endorsement we are on track to turn some heads, get top billing, and show real star power!  

Our Digital Entertainment Nexus (DEN) is in action with our Esports Arena hosting lauded external tournaments and competitive Bears varsity matches, our Production Hub now offering high-tech tools to filmmakers and creators, and our Indie Ignition business accelerators in full throttle with the first cohort of Film and Animation entrepreneurs kicking off their program this month.  

DEN is supported by superstar employees, including two familiar faces who will help promote our hyper-speed activities.

Katlyn Sproule is our Community Engagement Lead for the Digital Entertainment Nexus (DEN). She moved into this role from the college’s marketing and recruitment team where she was a student recruitment specialist extraordinaire.  

“Basically, I get to do the fun stuff! I’m getting a feel for the who’s who in our creative backyard and connecting with nonprofits, creators, and dreamers. People with big ideas and passion that might need a little extra support. I see myself as a puzzle solver: helping spot the key pieces, offering resources, and encouraging the process of bringing something beautiful together. I’m out there meeting organizations across film, game development, and esports to see where we can help the magic happen with events and partnerships that support Calgary’s creative tech ecosystem,” says Katlyn.

Nikolas Florez, or Niko, is the DEN’s Production Studio Specialist. A background in directing and screenwriting, Niko was an Education Assistant in our Bow Valley College Centre for Entertainment Arts (CEA) and will cross the stage at this month’s convocation as a graduate of our Advanced Visual Effects (Virtual Production) Diploma program. Niko is also a valedictorian!

You can find Niko in the Production Hub where he manages the sound stage, provides technical expertise, and logistical support. He will oversee motion capture sessions, ensuring the technology effectively captures realistic movements and expressions. He will also create seamless virtual environments, integrating cutting-edge technology to enhance the storytelling experience.

“The Den Production Hub is equipped with some of the most advanced tools in the industry, and I am thrilled to explore their full potential. I am particularly excited about the chance to experiment with new techniques and technologies, which can revolutionize the way stories are told. The prospect of collaborating with talented creators and being part of a dynamic and forward-thinking team is also something I eagerly look forward to,” says Niko.  

Katlyn and Niko have been incredibly busy, helping organize and run recent esports tournaments, community events, and representing the college at Comic Expo.

“During my participation in two panels at the Calgary Expo, I had the opportunity to share my excitement about the Den Production Hub, providing a space where artists can experiment, collaborate, and push the boundaries of their craft. People are intrigued by the unparalleled tech and see it as a game-changer. I encouraged them to apply for the Indie Ignition program, which offers a fantastic opportunity to work with the Hub's resources and bring their creative projects to life,” says Niko.

“Getting to support events like the Alberta Esports Championship or launching a Women in Game Development networking series. That’s the kind of work that lights me up,” says Katlyn. “I love helping great ideas find their runway, knowing that five years from now, we’ll look back and say, 'We helped build that.’”