Meet Thomas! He was born and raised in Burns Lake, a small northern village in BC, and moved to Kelowna in 2007. He is usually found behind his camera and is known for his work in advertising, tv, and film!
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My Daughter Soleil. She is our little light of the world & all of my extended family and friends in general :). …I enjoy smiles and good times.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
ONE Boardshop. It's a local Boardshop, and I grew up as a skate and snowboard kid. One in particular… always brings back good vibes and keeps a fresh view into the current progression of the boarding world :).
Describe yourself in one word.
Adventurous
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
If Soleil were old enough to travel, I would take my wife Raman and her somewhere tropical… Maybe French Polynesia 🙂 … Yes, I think that would be nice.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Skateboarding and biking along the lake in the sunshine, wineries and driving on the picturesque back roads on a beautiful day are all up there!
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Going to the bathroom in the middle of the night at a Hotel and finding myself locked in the hallway… I wasn't wearing the best attire…
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Getting to travel around the world as a backpacker and having the opportunity now as a film director to continue to travel… There is something about immersing yourself in foreign cultures that forces you to see your own culture back home in a completely objective position.. and that being an agent for a change.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Hanging out at the skatepark as a kid with my best friends. I used to get dropped off in the summer when my Mom went to work and picked up when she got off work at the end of the day… We just used to skate all day, trying new tricks, pushing each other, laughing and learning to take the slams with the victories which were a valuable lesson also.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I put on a skateboard clinic a few years back in Burns Lake. I would love to do the same thing in our community one day. My wife and I actively support the homeless community by trying to do little things through out the year to help.. (blankets, pillows, meals, baking, etc..) sometimes all people need in our community that is going through hard times is empathy, and to be treated like a human being… I think we are all capable of that. I would love to see our community be one of the first to get past the stereotypical divide that usually plagues this situation.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Awakening people to our own hypocrisy… (especially in the 1st world) then consciously choosing to live in a country of LOVE instead of fear-based thinking which is outdated and unhelpful.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Rotary Beach is the common getaway spot lately and a lovely one!
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I would like to see advancement and positive change in the tech and TV/Film sector in the Okanagan from the top down… We have so much potential here as an advanced community in that regard. We are full of incredible, driven and ambitious people who have great idea's… I would love to see the ones leading the funds and making the rules support our community to let people shine. We live in an age with so many resources to help us achieve anything (especially here in Canada), so we need (as a community) to actively start changing excuses into solutions and create a sustainable positive mindset towards our collective goals.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The Weather and Nature, of course, LOVE all of the lakes, forests, and mountains close by… plus the local community and summertime vibes seem to last all four seasons 🙂
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1.Travel the world as a family
2. Make a film that creates large-scale positive change internationally
3. Drive a Ferrari at Area 27
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I used to work in reclamation at a Remote Gold Mine to fund my backpacking adventures and buy film gear.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Love using Facebook, Instagram, Thomas Bowerbank Director/DP and Skype to keep connected with people around the world.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Bowerbank Digital Cinema Corp.
Why did you get into/start this business?
A LOVE for filmmaking and being a free-spirited artist as a child.
What is the goal of your business?
To create inspiring content for the film television and advertising industry internationally.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Getting out of your own way…
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
Despite all of the challenges, I wouldn't change a thing :). It's usually tough to admit at the time, but I firmly believe everything happens for a reason, and we always can learn from our mistakes.
What do you always find yourself saying?
LOVE, PEACE, HAPPINESS… a mantra I picked up a while ago that helps me remember to relax and breathe when things get challenging!
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
"You gotta eat dirt before you die… & What doesn't kill you Always Makes You Stronger."
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
To be honest… I'm a huge fan of Obama, as one of the most well-traveled and calm mannered people of recent US politics and as a humanitarian I would love to pick his brain.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
I think human interaction and sustainability are the big ones.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Experiencing the birth of our week old baby girl.. 🙂
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Rawle Ian James. He is a legend in our community and promotes equality and positive change on every scale… I met him back in film school and has always been supportive over the years. Happy to call him a close family friend also.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Danny Tangle – (he directed and acted in Rock of Ages here in Kelowna, I have worked with him as an actor, and he is an awesome person!
Some general comments I would like to share are:
Feel free to connect and keep in touch online!
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.
In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great. Thank you, Kelowna!
