What if a film studio could be more than just lights, cameras and action and become a force for real environmental change? In this episode, we sit down with Beverley Dondale, founder and CEO of Alpha Select Production Services, who’s on a mission to reshape the future of film from the ground up. Beverley shares how she’s building the first zero-waste, net-zero film studio on Vancouver Island in collaboration with the Malahat Nation, rooted in circular economy principles and deep community impact. From rethinking how sets are built to creating sustainable infrastructure that lasts, Beverley’s story is one of innovation, passion, and bold leadership. If you’ve ever wondered what a greener future for the film industry looks like, then this is it.
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Beverley Dondale
Beverley has been an entrepreneur from a young age and was one of the first in Ottawa to use biodegradable cleaning products and implement recycling, starting at just 17 years old. In 1996, she moved to Victoria and started a vacation rental company, hosting many film crew members, talent, and producers.
Her entry into the film industry began in location management, later expanding into roles in the production office, accounting, and art departments. She also handled clearances and product placement. Later, Beverley worked with the Victoria Film Commission, where she updated the location database and gave location tours to producers.
After meeting several producers from L.A., Beverley eventually partnered with them, an experience that inspired her to start a film studio in 2011.
That same year, she witnessed firsthand the waste generated by film productions. In response, she acquired a complete location kit, a wardrobe kit, and a fully equipped office (including a phone system), all with the goal of diverting materials from the landfill. That moment marked the beginning of her commitment to zero waste and the elimination of single-use plastics in the industry.
