Money

Vancouver film workers take on side hustles amid Hollywood shutdown

Published

2 years ago

August 6, 2023

The recent strikes by Hollywood actors and writers have cast a shadow over Vancouver’s vibrant movie industry, compelling creative minds in the field to seek unconventional side hustles to navigate these challenging times.

Known as “Hollywood North,” Vancouver and the province of British Columbia stand as a major film production hub in North America, generating around $2.7 billion in revenue in 2022 and providing employment opportunities for camera operators, logistics coordinators, animators, chefs, and more.

However, with the strikes disrupting multiple productions, many film workers in Canada have resorted to seeking temporary alternative employment, such as taking up roles in restaurants, construction, landscaping, and retail. The adaptability of these professionals goes beyond these conventional avenues.

For example, Stacy Lundeen, a talented set dresser, and artist has typically supported his passion for painting through his film work. Recently employed on the CW Network’s superhero show “The Flash,” he now finds himself with no work and has turned back to his art practice.

In June, he opened a pop-up gallery called Slender, featuring visual art by family and friends. To make ends meet, Lundeen also cuts hair in his spare time while juggling his responsibilities as a father.

“Just do it”

Side projects are nothing new for film workers, according to stunt coordinator Thomas Potter, who advises having additional ventures on the side. During the strikes, he has devoted more time to his sandblasting company, AXA.

For Morris Bartlett, a set piece builder with Fiction Factory Props, the strike shutdown has been a “nightmare” for his team. To stay afloat, he now works on custom props for comic book convention performers and corporate clients. Although grateful for the opportunity, these side gigs yield only a fraction of his regular income.

While the film workers in Vancouver are making the most of their ingenuity and resilience through these side hustles, they are eagerly hoping for the return of film work to the city later this year.

The uncertainty of the situation has been stressful for many, and the film community eagerly anticipates the restoration of their beloved movie magic.

Money

How to position investments for 2026: Expert advice on market cycles

As 2026 begins, strategic investment positioning and understanding market cycles are crucial for navigating today’s evolving financial landscape.

Published

19 hours ago

January 14, 2026

Harvey Vargas

As 2026 begins, strategic investment positioning and understanding market cycles are crucial for navigating today’s evolving financial landscape.

As 2026 begins, investors are navigating an evolving market landscape. Experts stress that positioning your investments strategically is far more important than trying to predict market movements.

Key factors include focusing on quality companies, maintaining strong cash flow, and diversifying intelligently.

Dale Gillham from Wealth Within Group joins us to break down what defines a major market cycle and why understanding it can shape your investment approach. From identifying inflation-resilient businesses to selectively tapping into growth themes like AI, this discussion covers essential strategies for the year ahead.

We also explore the role of risk management, the importance of an exit strategy, and how emotional decision-making can impact your portfolio. For anyone looking to strengthen their investing education and skills, this episode offers actionable insights to gain an edge in 2026.

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#Investing2026 #MarketCycles #WealthManagement #AIInvesting #FinancialStrategy #RiskManagement #InvestmentTips #TickerNews

Money

Markets in 2026: Fed rates, gold surge, oil tensions & AUD strength

As 2026 begins, markets face economic shifts; gold and silver soar, while energy and currencies impact global investors.

Published

2 days ago

January 13, 2026

Harvey Vargas

As 2026 begins, markets face economic shifts; gold and silver soar, while energy and currencies impact global investors.

As 2026 begins, global markets face a mix of economic shifts and geopolitical tensions shaping currencies, commodities, and interest rates. The Federal Reserve’s next moves are under the microscope, and Zoran Kresovic from Blueberry Markets says understanding these changes is key for investors navigating the year ahead.

Gold and silver are hitting all-time highs, driven by market volatility and economic uncertainty. Kresovic notes that both metals are likely to continue climbing, remaining essential safe-haven assets amid inflation concerns.

Energy markets are also volatile, with crude oil prices rising amid geopolitical tensions. Meanwhile, the Australian dollar is showing strength against the U.S. dollar. Kresovic highlights that these trends in energy and currency markets can ripple across the global economy, making them critical for investors to watch.

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#MarketUpdate #FedRates2026 #GoldPrices #SilverSurge #CrudeOil #AUDUSD #InvestingInsights #TickerNews

Money

Stocks hit record high as Powell faces investigation and Trump proposes credit cap

S&P 500 hits all-time high amid Fed scrutiny; Trump’s credit card cap proposal raises investor concerns over bank profits.

Published

2 days ago

January 13, 2026

Harvey Vargas

S&P 500 hits all-time high amid Fed scrutiny; Trump’s credit card cap proposal raises investor concerns over bank profits.

The S&P 500 reached a new all-time high, with the Nasdaq climbing 0.5% while the Dow Jones held steady. This comes amid news of a criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. Despite the scrutiny, analysts believe short-term interest rates and inflation are unlikely to be impacted.

Meanwhile, Trump’s proposal to cap credit card rates at 10% for a year sparked concern among investors about potential effects on lending and bank profitability. Major bank stocks reacted sharply, with Citigroup down 3% and Capital One falling 6%.

In commodities, gold futures rose 2%, reflecting fears that political pressure on the Fed could challenge its ability to manage inflation effectively.

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#StockMarket #SP500 #Nasdaq #FederalReserve #JeromePowell #TrumpNews #BankStocks #GoldFutures