From a very early age, Rebecca Gibson (BA 98) loved the magic of stories. Without knowing how, she knew she wanted to be a writer, director, producer, and actor from the time she was a child.
Rebecca learned early on how to read and write. But as she grew older, she began to feel as though her brain and heart worked differently. “I was a smart kid up until my brain couldn’t process anything abstract.” This made school a challenging place and Rebecca looked to other creative outlets to express herself.
As a teenager, she started to act. She began with appearances on stage at Shakespeare in the Ruins, eventually making her way on screen. She appeared in movies and television including a co-starring role in the series The Pinkertons (Netflix) and starring opposite Adam Beach in Juliana and the Medicine Fish.
When Rebecca finished high school, she received a performing arts scholarship and two separate offers to work in acting. At a crossroad, she wasn’t committed to a university education. “I knew what I wanted to do. But I didn’t see a path for myself through university.” Still, at the urging of her parents, she enrolled at the University of Manitoba.
Rebecca found the first year to be difficult. “I was academically driven. But I found university to be really different than what I expected.”
For years, Rebecca would jump between working, taking time off, and going to school. She felt embraced by the film and theatre industry and her self-described weirdness. She loved being a part of moving people’s hearts. Still, something was missing.
“Even though I was working, I never really knew what I was doing right, or doing wrong. I really felt I needed some guidance and attention so I could really thrive.”
Looking to solidify her skills and reputation in the film industry, she committed to her university degree and transferred to the Department of Theatre and Film at UWinnipeg.
It was exactly what I was looking for at UWinnipeg.
Rebecca Gibson
Rebecca approached UWinnipeg with an open mind. She met instructor Blake Taylor, who introduced the technical skills and knowledge she was looking for. “The way Blake taught and the way we practiced really clicked for me. The techniques I learned through those classes, I apply every day in my work including aspects I wouldn’t have anticipated. It was exactly what I was looking for at UWinnipeg.”
Since completing her degree, Rebecca has transitioned from being on screen to working behind the scenes and fulfilling her dream of becoming a Jill-of-all-trades. She has adapted to a profession where her own thought processes and approaches flow seamlessly. “When I am working in my business, or in this field, because I can concentrate on something I am so passionate about, I am able to get a lot done fast. I can problem-solve because I can see things in a way that is very clearly mapped out for me.”
Working in film
Today, Rebecca is a business partner alongside Kyle Irving and founder Lisa Meeches, at the award-winning production company Eagle Vision. Eagle Vision produces movies, television, and live events. Some of their globally recognized projects include producing content for the Oscar-winning feature Capote, the beloved reality television series Ice Road Truckers, and the socially impactful true-crime series Taken.
At any one time, Rebecca can be working on 20-25 projects involved with production, show running, writing, directing, acting, and voice work. She was the voice of Elizabeth in the children’s program Tipi Tales and for 20 years, she was the voice behind, “a message from the Manitoba Government.”
Taken holds a special place for Rebecca. Currently in its fifth season, it’s is a true-crime series focusing on solving the mysteries behind Canada’s missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. Taken is the vision of Lisa Meeches, with whom Rebecca works closely. “When Lisa was expecting her first daughter, she realized she was bringing an Indigenous girl into the world, where statistically she was much more likely to be a victim of violence or go missing or murdered,” she said.
Taken aired on APTN and CBC for four seasons before taking a hiatus during the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Eagle Vision provided media support during the inquiry and went on to win international awards for their work. When it came time to re-visit the production of Taken, there was some hesitation to revive the show.
“We hoped it was time for Taken to be done,” said Rebecca. “We hoped that change would come, but it didn’t.” When APTN asked Eagle Vision to consider reviving the show, it took a lot of conversation around the purpose and impact. Ultimately, the focus became about healing, impacting Canada’s story and working towards the reconciliation of a country. “The show gives people a sense of action and a sense of hope. Taken shares the work that is being done in communities to make change in Canada. We want people to know they are not alone, and this is something we can all do together.” After production is complete, Taken will have told 75 stories of missing and murdered Indigenous people through their families and with the cooperation of law enforcement across the country.
Mentorship
Life in showbiz is not without its ups and downs. In these times, Rebecca leaned on her own mentors and strong women role models. She is grateful to have been mentored by local industry trailblazers, including Lesley Oswald and her own business partner Lisa Meeches.
“Lesley hired me. But beyond that, Lesley said, ‘I want to help you’. She aggressively supported me with opportunities to even just find my path.”
It was this support that fueled Rebecca’s passion for mentorship and connecting people to industry. She travels the country teaching, mentoring and guiding others in film. “Mentorship is so important because it provides opportunities for people who are emerging, so that they can have the same dream fulfillment I had.”
Rebecca believes in the potential for growth and sees the generosity of people when they have a passion for art and storytelling. Through her work with Eagle Vision, Rebecca and her team have been able to hire many emerging creatives, including hiring more than 500 new actors who have never acted before. Many of these individuals have gone on to have careers in film.
“I’ve had the privilege of knowing what I want to do. I have never wanted to do anything that I’m not doing with my whole heart.”
But when I came to UWinnipeg, I very wholeheartedly wanted to be there to learn.
Rebecca Gibson
Rebecca urges anyone considering university to only commit if it’s truly what you want. “I am really grateful that I went. When I initially went, I wasn’t going because I wanted to. But when I came to UWinnipeg, I very wholeheartedly wanted to be there to learn.”
Rebecca continues to work in film and actively seek others to mentor and support. “The film community is fantastic. People are always selfishly trying to organize things and there’s so much good energy around film here. It’s the best kept secret. If you want a career in film, Winnipeg is a phenomenal place to be.”
