Nanaimo man scouted by Netflix after creating viral toy art and photography
A Nanaimo man is preparing for some exciting projects in the future after Netflix approached him with an offer to work with the media giant.
Vancouver Island resident Todd Cameron was recognized by Netflix for his work creating toy art and photography based on the television series Schitt's Creek.
The fan-made photos and videos have been seen hundreds of thousands of times and were highlighted by Schitt's Creek star Dan Levy, who shared one of the videos on his Twitter account with his stamp of approval.
"Last year, Dan Levy called my stop motion music video 'a masterpiece,' which was kind of the time I could call myself an artist," Cameron told CTV News on Monday.
"If Dan Levy is calling my stuff a masterpiece, I don't have to worry too much about if I get paid, as long as I'm making people happy and making them feel something," he said.
But now it seems Cameron will be able to put his talents to work in a professional capacity.
A little over a week ago, Netflix asked him if he'd like to make promotional art and photography based on Netflix properties, such as Stranger Things.
"It's the first time I've been paid to create what I create," said Cameron, noting that details are still being ironed out.
He says he'll begin his work with Netflix "fairly soon" and will work on his projects in Nanaimo.
"The collaboration is just creating what I already do, making toy art and making mini sets with the vintage toys and collections," he said.
Cameron says the miniature sets he's made of Schitt's Creek landmarks have been resonating with the show's fans.
"The fandom has really been enjoying my stop motion and photography and video projects and stuff," he said.
Cameron says his current job as a wedding DJ and karaoke host gives him flexibility to work on his stop motion videos and photography while also spending time with his family.
He doesn't have any current plans to give up his other work, which he enjoys.
"I love what I do, it makes me happy, being part of the wedding industry," he said, adding that he tries his best to make each couple's special day as good as it can be.
Locals may also recognize Cameron's work from a stop motion video featuring squirrel puppets and the voice of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau from the early days of the pandemic, and from the costumes he made his son during Christmas, which were based on popular holiday movie characters.
Correction
A previous version of this story said that Cameron would be working on stop motion videos for Netflix. In fact, he will be working on promotional art and photography, largely using miniature sets.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Poilievre will do 'anything to win,' must condemn Alex Jones endorsement: Trudeau
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is ramping up his attacks on Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre as he promotes his government's federal budget.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
New evidence challenges the Pentagon's account of a horrific attack as the U.S. withdrew from Afghanistan: CNN exclusive
New video evidence uncovered by CNN significantly undermines two Pentagon investigations into an ISIS-K suicide attack outside Kabul airport, during the American withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
All Alberta wildfires to date in 2024 believed to be human-caused: province
There are 63 wildfires burning in Alberta's forest protection area as of Wednesday morning and seven mutual aid fires, including one in the Municipal District of Peace.
Suspects waving weapons, smashing glass in Toronto jewelry store robbery caught on video
Arrests have been made after five men were captured on video rampaging through a jewelry store in Toronto, waving weapons and smashing glass display cases.
Pilot proposes to flight attendant girlfriend in front of passengers
A Polish pilot proposed to his flight attendant girlfriend during a flight from Warsaw to Krakow, and she said yes.
Ottawa injects another $36M into fund for those seriously injured or killed by vaccines
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
Ex-SNC executive sentenced to prison term in bridge bribery case
The RCMP says a former SNC-Lavalin executive has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison in connection with a bribery scheme for a bridge repair contract in Montreal.