Company Profile:
Founded by Nick Middleton in 2007, Reel Rising Productions began as an independent video production company dedicated to producing thought-provoking, socially relevant, and politically conscious documentary films. However, recognizing that huge transformational changes were taking place within the media landscape, Reel Rising Productions’ mandate soon shifted.
No longer focused on simply digital video productions, our work – and passion – has evolved alongside the rise of web 2.0 technologies and innovative social media platforms. Now, combining years of experience in documentary production, marketing and communications, and new digital media, our portfolio is exciting and cutting-edge.
Whether its creating online social communities, designing innovative marketing campaigns, facilitating cutting-edge multimedia projects and partnerships, producing documentary films, multicasting live global events, or providing technical counseling, Reel Rising Productions is now a full service production and consulting company.
About Nick Middleton:
Nick Middleton is an award-winning independent filmmaker, educator, and digital media strategist currently based out of British Columbia, Canada. Middleton is the owner of Reel Rising Productions Inc., an independent production and consulting company specializing in documentaries and new media solutions. His latest film, Be The Media, is a compelling documentary that examines the true state of Canada’s highly concentrated media landscape and showcases the vital role of local independent media production.
Middleton is also the Co-Director of the Gulf Islands Film and Television School (GIFTS), Canada’s renowned indie-film school. After leaving a career in technical support with Shaw Communications and previously Microsoft Corp, Middleton joined GIFTS in 2002 as GIFTS Technical Director and soon after was responsible for overseeing 200 student film productions each year as GIFTS Session Manager. Then in 2007, Middleton helped reposition the school as a leading educational force as their Marketing and Communications Director. Today, as GIFTS Co-Director, Middleton is focused on designing innovative curriculum to empower aspiring media-makers. He has setup unique partnerships and social media campaigns with organizations such as the First Nations Education Steering Committee, the Ministry of Education, and BC Hydro. Recently, he designed and launched GIFTSnet, an online social network for the GIFTS community, and has since been determined to introduce a new media and social media training component to all of GIFTS programs.
Since 2009, Middleton has also been working alongside Asita Informatica, a leader in secure global ‘new media’ communications platforms, and their subsidiary, Heart In Action Enterprise, to produce live multicast events for a global online audience. His recent events include Open Media’s Fresh Media and Save Our Net conferences, FNESC’s Aboriginal Educational Conference, and GIFTS’ annual Eyelens Film, Video, and Animation Festival.
Middleton is an outspoken advocate of local, independent, and alternative media production. He is inspired by the incredible potential of online organizing and communication and believes new online distribution and publishing platforms are helping to democratize Canada’s media landscape.
Nick can be reached directly at nick@reelrising.com
