Bring together the best Master-Level Producers, Directors, Cinematographers and Technical Managers in the business.
Apply that considerable collective experience to consistently deliver benchmark results for every client's project
- regardless of size or budget - and do it all at a reasonable cost in a nimble and collaborative environment.

Production Team

Kristi McNeil | Partner
Executive Producer, Production Manager, Aerial Operations Producer

Kristi is a highly regarded and award-winning Executive/Line Producer in the Toronto Film industry, leading creative productions for over 25 years. Her comprehensive expertise has been built on producing more than 600 TV Commercials, award-winning digital Web Content, Web Serials, Documentaries, Branded Content and multi-platform Digital Media.

Steve Couzens | Partner
Production Manager, 1st A.D., Aerial Operations Manager, Aerial Director

Steve is a First Assistant Director with more than 35 years experience managing well over 2500 Broadcast TV Commercials, Digital Web Media projects, and award-winning Independent Short Films. Along with mainstream production, Steve specializes in managing complex film projects involving aircraft, watercraft, camera car, motion control and VFX work. Since 2013, Steve has also worked extensively as a UAV (drone) Cinematography and Choreography Director and on-set Aerial Operations Manager/1st A.D. Working with award winning pilots flying custom built Fast Heavy Lift drones carrying cinema-grade cameras and lenses, our aerial work has provided content for Sony Pictures, Temple Street Productions, The Pan Am Games, TSN, the Ontario Government, as well as various Commercial and Feature Film Projects. (look for a re-launch of our aerial division summer 2020)

Devon Burns | Partner
Director, Cinematographer, Photographer, Editor

Devon is a visual craftsman with a gift for the creative process who consistently elevates productions to a higher level. As a seasoned veteran, he has won numerous awards for his cinematography; including the Edmond Long CSC award for Excellence and shares a Bronze Clio with us at Big Sky. Recent projects include directing, shooting and post-production for a 100-video Web Series for President’s Choice Black Label brands, and a collaborative series for the Canadian Olympic Committee and TSN. Devon joined us at Big Sky as an affiliate in 2012 and became a partner in 2015.

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George Willis csc, sasc – Director, Cinematographer

George Willis is one of Canada’s most prolific and gifted Director/Cinematographers. Widely recognized as a technical innovator, he has a classic cinematic style that consistently defies and outlasts trends. George has a true love for his craft, and has the skill and vision to turn it into art. His work is recognized internationally with Cinematography Craft awards from New York and South Africa and with Clios and Bessies here in Canada. George is currently president of the Canadian Society of Cinematographers.

UAV Cinematography Operations / Directing

Between 2013 and 2018, Big Sky operated AerialCineMedia Flying Cameras, an Aerial Cinematography Mission Planning, Directing and On-Set Operations Management division. Flying with a small pool of world class pilots, known for their exceptional and award-winning complex 3D flight skills, and using custom built Fast Heavy Lift UAV's, we provided Advanced Drone Cinematography for a diverse range of clients including, Sony Pictures, Temple Street Productions, CBC-Pan Am Games Opening, TSN, SyFy Channel, Diamond Schmitt Architects, The Government of Ontario and various Independent Film projects. In 2019, we shelved aerial cinematography work in favour of a demanding schedule for Big Sky Film, our parent production company, and while Transport Canada's new drone regulations influenced which pilots and what technology would remain viable. 2020 RELAUNCH: We are planning to retool and relaunch our Aerial Cinematography Directing and Management division in early summer of 2020. Throughout winter and spring, will be looking for experienced pilots that demonstrate a highly developed skillset for complex film making that goes beyond the predictable "high and wide" drone shooting found elsewhere. Check out our team Bios and a couple of our projects below.

Steve Couzens

Director, Aerial Operations Supervisor, 1st A.D.

Steve specializes in set-management of complex projects involving UAVs (Drones), helicopters, , camera car, motion control, VFX and complex shoot choreography with multiple components. His 35+ years of on-set experience and knowledge of UAV operations and procedures is a critical part in safely delivering the level of 3D integrated-action aerials that sets us apart. Steve holds certificates for UAV Pilot Ground School training (TCTP15263E) and a ROC-A Radio Operators license. Member of COPA, Unmanned Systems Canada, MAAC.

Kristi McNeil

Producer, Ground Supervisor, Visual Observer, Production Manager

Kristi's 25+ years experience as an Executive / Line Producer and PM is a key asset in her role as Producer, Ground Operations Supervisor and Production Manager of Aerial projects. Her knowledge of on-set operations as well as her experience with UAV procedures and Transport Canada guidelines is a critical part of our ability to safely deliver benchmark aerial imaging. Kristi also expertly manages our Aerial Business and Client Services.

Awards

Clients