Preston Kanak is a filmmaker, educator, and advocate for holistic wellness, whose work embodies a profound commitment to personal growth, vulnerability, and the power of storytelling.
With a career marked by an unwavering dedication to authenticity and self-discovery, Preston has emerged as a voice in the intersection of creativity and wellness.
Born and raised in Canada, Preston’s cinematic journey began as a quest for deeper understanding and connection, driven by a profound curiosity about the human experience. Alongside his passion for visual storytelling, he recognized the vital importance of wellness in nurturing creativity and resilience. Drawing on his own experiences and challenges, Preston has embraced vulnerability as a cornerstone of his creative process, harnessing its transformative power to craft narratives that resonate on a deeply personal level.
Preston’s approach to filmmaking extends far beyond the confines of traditional storytelling, encompassing a holistic perspective that prioritizes the well-being of both creator and audience alike. Through his work, he explores themes of mindfulness, resilience, and self-discovery, inviting viewers to embark on a journey of introspection and growth.
As an educator and mentor, Preston is deeply committed to sharing his insights and experiences with others, empowering them to cultivate their own path to wellness and creativity. Through workshops, speaking engagements, and online courses, he fosters a supportive community where vulnerability is celebrated as a catalyst for personal and artistic evolution.
Preston Kanak is a filmmaker, educator, and advocate for holistic wellness, whose work embodies a profound commitment to personal growth, vulnerability, and the power of storytelling.
With a career marked by an unwavering dedication to authenticity and self-discovery, Preston has emerged as a voice in the intersection of creativity and wellness.
Born and raised in Canada, Preston’s cinematic journey began as a quest for deeper understanding and connection, driven by a profound curiosity about the human experience. Alongside his passion for visual storytelling, he recognized the vital importance of wellness in nurturing creativity and resilience. Drawing on his own experiences and challenges, Preston has embraced vulnerability as a cornerstone of his creative process, harnessing its transformative power to craft narratives that resonate on a deeply personal level.
Preston’s approach to filmmaking extends far beyond the confines of traditional storytelling, encompassing a holistic perspective that prioritizes the well-being of both creator and audience alike. Through his work, he explores themes of mindfulness, resilience, and self-discovery, inviting viewers to embark on a journey of introspection and growth.
As an educator and mentor, Preston is deeply committed to sharing his insights and experiences with others, empowering them to cultivate their own path to wellness and creativity. Through workshops, speaking engagements, and online courses, he fosters a supportive community where vulnerability is celebrated as a catalyst for personal and artistic evolution.
Sept 2002Enrolled in High School Film Program
Took a media program focusing on filmmaking and filmed my first short film on VHS and edited tape to tape. I was obsessed but never thought it would be possible to have a career in film.
Sept 2006Enrolled in a Media Productions at the University of Regina (U of R).
Was not accepted into early enrolment at The Alberta College of Art and Design (ACAD) so enrolled at the University of Regina as a backup. Found out two month prior to start date I was accepted into ACAD but decided to stay with the U of R.
MAR 2008-2012Started Freelancing with Barbershop Films (Formerly Studio 10 Productions)
Came on as a director of photography and editor on commercial and corporate productions.
JAN 2009 - 2011Hired as Multimedia Developer with the Ministry of Education
While in film school, I had an acquaintance recommend me for a job making videos and website design. I took the job while in school.
JAN 2010Embarked on the Film A Day Project
In year three of my degree program, I realized I wasn’t prepared to make a living in film based on the tools given during school so I embarked on this project as a way to jump start my career.
Flow
JUNE 2010Worked on First Murder-Mystery Documentary In Idaho
Had the opportunity to assist on a documentary for Philip Bloom in Idaho. The moment I realized it was possible to make a living in film.
SEP 2010Hired by Kessler Crane to Film Educational Content
Had the opportunity to assist on a documentary project for Kessler Crane. Eric was excited about the film a day project and asked if I would be interested in filming educational content for Kessler Crane. This period of my life was transformational.
2010-2015Blogging For Prominent Filmmaking Website
Blogged regularly for Philip Bloom’s website, which was a leading educational filmmaking website.
OCT 2010Started Personal Blog
Transitioned from my 3 minute short film a day website to my personal website and launched PrestonKanak.com to share work I was producing and educational content.
MAY 2011Launched Timelapse Tutorial Series
Had the opportunity to work on a documentary project for Kessler Crane. Eric was excited about the film a day project and asked if I would be interested in filming educational content for Kessler Crane.
oCT 2013Started Cinescapes Collective
Saw a gap in the market and decided to launch a production company. Worked with SaskTel, Ministry of the Economy, Federated Co-op, Canada Beef & many local agencies.
Flow
Burnout
Flow
2014 - 2016Collaboration with the Adventure Film School
I’ve always had an interest in adventure filmmaking and with this opportunity, I was able to share my skills with filmmakers looking to take the next step with their career.
MAY 2015Met my Wife in New York at a Filmmaking Workshop
While hosting a workshop in New York, Kristina and I bonded over a tough production environment.
JUN 2016Moved to San Francisco
Married my wife and moved the SF. Started collaborating with creatives in the Bay area and working with companies like Facebook, Cisco, Adobe, Capital One & Wikimedia. Very inspired at this period of my life.
Flow
JUL 2018Birth of First Child
Had our little one, Em. Priorities shift.
JUL 2018Wife Diagnosed with Severe PPD
We experienced severe PPD. This was a pivotal moment for me, where priorities shifted.
SEP 2020Moved back to Canada
Decided to move back to Canada to be closer to family to help raise our daugher. Desired a slower lifestyle with less commute times and less travel.
2020 -Home Renovation Project
We purchased a mid-century modern home requiring extensive renovations. We completely transformed the footprint of this house, including the installation of a 40ft beam. We continue to put our finishing touches on it.
2020 - 2023Filmed Flat Out Food TV Show
After being back in Canada for a month, I was asked to help create the visual style of a show for CityTV. I was a cinematographer on four seasons.
JAN 2022 - SEP 2024Open Brick & Mortar Home Goods Store
While living in SF, we fell in love with vintage home goods. We saw a gap in the market and decided to start a side hustle. It ended up being received very well and turned into a full time job. We decided to ramp down as we wanted to focus on our other passions.
JAN 2024Dad Has Multiple Strokes
I got a call from my mom that my dad was not himself. We found out my dad had a series of strokes at age 63. Spent one month in the hospital as his primary advocate.
2020 - 2023Close Brick & Mortar Home Goods Store
What started as a hobby turned into a more than full-time project. Even with staff in charge of the shop, this project started to bleed into the time I needed for my full-time job.
AUGUST 2024Launch V2 of Film a Day Project
Reflecting on the moments in my life when I’ve experienced the deepest sense of flow—and after being profoundly impacted by my time with Kevin—I’ve committed the next six months to a project that delves into the fragile nature of our time here.
This exploration has also been shaped by personal experiences, including my wife’s postpartum depression and my father’s strokes, both of which have underscored the urgency of making every moment count.
Flow
MAR 2024Selected as a Nikon Ambassador
I’ve worked with Nikon for years and after having produced a few projects recently for them, they brought me on as an ambassador.
Flow
MAY 2024Collaboration with Kevin Kossowan
Filming with Kevin transforms my perspective on life and career and reminds me of what it is like to truly follow your passion.
MAY 2024Hired as Director of Video for Marketing Agency
Two days after wrapping with Kevin, I start a new job with a local advertising agency. The goal was to deepen network and collaboration opportunities. Felt flow falling away with the fear-mindset culture.
“The Trees That Speak” is a contemplative exploration of the human search for purpose and fulfillment, following Kevin’s journey from the sterile world of finance to the nourishing embrace of nature.