FTM & Comiccon – ACTION! From Page to Production: Exploring Film Careers
Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025 (5:45 PM)
Location: RBC Convention Centre (Second Floor – North Building)
For tickets and to view the full schedule, visit Comiccon’s website!
About the Panel:
Join Film Training Manitoba and a panel of industry creatives as we explore the pathways from comic book fandom to careers behind-the-scenes in film and television. Hear from professionals working in editing, gripping, SPFX makeup, and illustration as they share their career journeys, inspirations, and advice for getting started. Whether you’re an artist, a film fan, or just curious about what happens beyond the screen, discover how to turn your creativity into a reel career.
About the Panelists:
Ashley Hyra started working in film as a makeup artist seven years ago. She has been a member of IATSE 856 for just over four years. She is self-taught in beauty makeup and did an out-of-kit MUFX course in Belfast, Northern Ireland, but continues to learn new techniques and experiences while working with the many talented members of the makeup department in Winnipeg.
Terence Fuller has been a Member of IATSE Local 856 for over 20 years. During that time, he has worked his way up through the Grip Department and has always been an advocate for members, both as an on-set Crew Rep and as the Steward of the local for five years. Currently, he is the President of IATSE 856 and an avid comic book reader.
Stephan Recksiedler (Commercial Director, Cinematographer, Filmmaker, Storyboard Artist, Comic Book Illustrator, and Production Service Manager at Frank Digital)
Stephan began his career in the film industry in 1994 through the Winnipeg Film Group’s Basic Film Workshop. After a brief period working in the comic book industry, he attended Vancouver Film School to further develop his passion for filmmaking. Over the years, Stephan has created numerous short films and worked as a cinematographer on feature films, shorts, and music videos.
He spent eight years at PS Production Services, managing all camera rentals for Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Today, Stephan works with Frank Digital, where he provides production services and rentals, while also directing and shooting commercials and documentaries. In addition, he continues to apply his artistic talents as a storyboard artist, most recently completing work on the third season of APTN’s CHUMS.
As an illustrator, Stephan has collaborated with Marvel Comics for Upper Deck trading cards, worked with Image Comics, and contributed to several independent comic book projects.
About the Moderator:
Aaron Graham is a full member of the Directors Guild of Canada (DGC) and serves on the executive of the DGC Manitoba’s district council. He has served as a Production Coordinator and Assistant Production Coordinator on such Winnipeg-based productions as “Midnight Sun”, “Breakthrough”, “The Parts You Lose”, and “Burden of Truth” Seasons 1 and 2.
Aaron also has an extensive background in freelance film writing including the publications Screem Magazine and Art Decades. A partial list of his interview subjects include Terry Gilliam, John Landis, James Gray, Richard Franklin, Charles B. Griffith, Stuart Gordon and Richard Linklater. Graham was also selected to the Berlinale Talent Campus at the 2009 Berlin International Film Festival.
FTM is a member of the Province of Manitoba’s sector council program funded through the Department of Economic Development and Training. FTM builds a highly skilled and adaptable film industry workforce to support the activities of Manitoba production companies. FTM collaborates and partners with members of the film and television industry to identify training needs to support workforce development output.