Friends Of Kickstart: Rose-Ann Tisserand
Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I grew up in Western Canada. Spent my formative years in Vancouver and Edmonton with a brief stop in Saskatchewan. I knew from a very young age I wanted to be in film and television industry. I enrolled in Radio and Television Arts and started as a writer and voice over announcer for commercials in radio. I then moved on to casting and extras casting for live action feature films. My career path changed to animation when my partner landed a directing gig for a series in Sydney, Australia. He was working long hours and I was starting to get bored, so I volunteered my services to the animation company my partner was working at. His favourite line, within 6 months, I was a Line Producer and his new boss. We spent two years in Sydney and loved every minute of it. The industry took a turn, our studio closed, and we had to come back to Canada, or we may still be there. We travel a ton and love travelling! We intentionally incorporate additional time around conferences and markets so we can learn more about culture and art. It also helps immensely with jetlag. I love dogs and babies!
What was your first job?
My first job was writing and voicing commercials a radio station. Did not love it.
How many years have you been working in this industry?
21 years
How did you get to know Heather Puttock?
My company, Flying Kraken Creative Studios, has worked with Kickstart several times and we are always more than happy should they need our design services or look to partner on a new idea for a series. Heather Puttock is one of my favourite people on the planet.
What piece of advice do you wish you had been given when you first started working in this industry?
Get some experience. Find out what you want to do then don’t waste time taking positions that don’t serve what you want to do. Everyone will flatter you with job offers and if it isn’t what you want to do, it’s called a distraction. Be loyal to yourself. Talk to the people who you admire and in the roles you admire. If ever you are offered an amazing gig, but you aren’t feeling qualified, go for it...someone sees something in you. The only way to get confidence is to SEE yourself doing it.
If you could give one piece of advice on how to get through a hard day, what would that be?
Know it is one day. You can’t control people, or the world, and we all have bad days. That is completely normal. If it becomes several bad days, you should have a heart to heart with yourself about what is truly going on. Ask for help if you need it.
What is the highlight of your career so far?
Founding my company with my partner. I love working together and creating worlds and most importantly, working with him. Very closely after that, founding a program called the Animation Career EXCELerator to prove we can change the paradigm of having more women in key creative rolls. The program has been successful beyond expectations including all 11 women to date who have enrolled in the program. The other thing that has exceeded expectations is the gift of mentors. Our mentors have been unbelievably generous. Lastly, sponsors. Our sponsors see how important this is and how it is changing the face of Vancouver’s key creative roles.
Do you have any advice for women out there who are wanting to start their own business?
Start! But learn about what is involved. Know what you are good at and get help for what you don’t know. Ask other owners questions. You will be amazed at how supportive our industry is. They want you to succeed.
What qualities do you look for in a mentor?
Dedication and the ability to truly give themselves easily and with integrity. Some who can be vulnerable letting us know their mistakes, challenges, successes. Someone who truly wants to share their skills because it makes everyone better. Someone who can’t wait to freely support and give structure to someone’s career path and skill.
Who are the fellow leaders you look to for inspiration and guidance?
Brenda Gilbert, Heather Puttock, Jenn McCarron, Kirsten Newlands, Heather Renney, Patricia Atchison, Nadine Westerbarkey, Karen Lloyd, Jan Miller, Kim Dent Wilder, Tracey Mack, Barb Dawson, Vanessa Jacobsen, Greg Huculak.
What continues to motivate your work, or has that changed over the years?
Creating stories that are really important to myself and my partner.
What’s your idea of a perfect Sunday?
A long hike through Stanley Park, a little bit of brainstorming/writing, chatting with family then winding down with a great hockey game and a movie.
What is your superpower?
Seeing potential in people. Strategizing.