Since the early 2000s, Gabriel has worked mostly in documentaries with the odd scripted project. Some highlights would be docs for “The Nature of Things,” a 90-minute feature documentary entitled “Turtle Beach” for the BBC, two seasons of “First Contact” for APTN, two seasons of “Destination Nor’ Ouest” and one season of “La Ruée Vers L’Or” for TVA. Gabriel also co-DP’d the Emmy award-winning documentary “Buffy Sainte-Marie: Carry It On”. Scripted work during that time included three seasons of the multi “Gémeaux” nominated kids series “Motel Monstre,” and two feature films.
Since 2019, Gabriel has turned his attention to scripted projects. He’s shot a number of feature films, including “Finality of Dusk,” Melaleuca,” and most recently “Lucky Strikes.” Gabriel’s work in television includes the series “Edgar,” for Belle Media, “El Toro” and “Malgré Moi,” both limited series for Radio-Canada.
To whatever project he commits to, Gabriel brings a high level of quality and professionalism.
When and how did you start in the media production industry?
I started in 2000. I had just graduated from the National Theatre School, but really didn’t want to work in theatre anymore, so I was looking for a path where some of my degree might be of beneft. Enter “Les Productions Rivard” and Charles Lavack. He gave me a job as his assistant, and I never looked back. I owe much of this to him.
What area of the film industry do you work in now and why?
I’m a cinematographer and work mostly on scripted projects. I just absolutely fell in love with the camera when I first picked one up. The first time I did B cam was on a show called “Popstars.” I’d never ever felt such a natural high in my life. I still feel that today. There are very few places I’d rather be than on set.
What has been a substantial change in the industry since you started?
I think one of the most important things is that there are way more opportunities now than there ever were before.
If you could give yourself advice today to yourself in the past, what would it be?
Perhaps I would tell myself to commit to scripted work earlier in my career.
What advice would you give to someone starting in the media production industry?
Try things out until you find your path. Then commit to it. Good work and a good attitude will get you moving forward.
Why is learning and training important?
It’s a great way to benefit from other people’s experience and it just helps make you better.
What are some of the films, TV series or even books that have inspired you? How about anything new you’ve been into?
Anything Roger Deakins has done or ever will do inspires me.
Is there someone within the film industry you would like to work with and why?
Sooooo many people I’d like to work with. I hope I get the chance to work with a few of them.
Where do you see yourself ten years from now?
I really hope to still be working on interesting projects across Canada.
FTM is a non-for-profit charity and member of the Province of Manitoba’s Sector Council program funded through the Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources. 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 industry to identify training needs to support workforce development.