About

Photo credit: Michelle Hondl Photography

Current Filmography

In addition to his previous completion of a BA with a Major in Film and TV at UBC, David has now graduated from the Documentary Film Certificate program at Capilano University. His latest projects as a Producer, Director and Editor include:

“Redpatch” – A ten minute short documentary about the Métis and First Nations experiences in WW1

“Handpan Man” – A five minute short documentary about a Music Therapy student who is incorporating a handpan in his therapy practice.

“The Choice is Claire” – A two minute post federal election recap with Claire Martin who ran for the Green Party in the riding of North Vancouver.

Past Filmography

David launched his career in the industry, as producer, writer, director, editor, and actor David created a docudrama called “Midnight,” that was featured on both the First Choice and SuperChannel networks. This fictional drama chronicled the experience of two people who are ‘lucky’ enough to reach a nuclear fallout shelter after a bomb is dropped on Vancouver.

In the Indie film sphere:
David performed a polish edit on the Genie nominated “Ranch: The Alan Wood Ranch Project,” a film by Steve DeNure and Chris Lowry, directly after assistant editing the documentary “Swingspan” a film about the history of the Cambie Street Bridge in Vancouver, including the demolition of its predecessor, the Connaught Bridge, and the construction of the existing bridge. Cineworks / Writer & Director: Bruno Lazaro Pacheco.

In the commercial film industry sphere:
David later Co-Produced two concert films, “The Headpins: Live at the Commodore,” and the 8 camera production of the “Chilliwack: Opus 10 Tour” recorded with the borrowed Rolling Stones, 48 track mobile unit. David was a member of the Directors Guild of Canada, which was highlighted by his 2 years as Location Manager, for Paramount Pictures Corporation Canada, on the “MacGyver” television dramatic series. He also Location Managed a Speedy Muffler commercial directed by Dick Tracey’s Production Designer, Richard Sylbert.

In the corporate video sphere:
David produced and directed a video for the National Party of Canada, featuring Order of Canada recipient Mel Hurtig, in cooperation with Ad Astra Productions. Another collaboration with the Zaitzow brothers at Ad Astra, resulted in David writing and directing a corporate promotional video, including an animation explaining small hydro projects for Run of River Power Corp.

Business Experience

David Kiess has had an extensive career in the field of “green power,” renewable energy. For over 35 years he has investigated the enormous small hydro potential of BC’s mountainous topography in the field and promoted it in the halls of government. For four years as director of the Independent Power Producers Association of BC he was instrumental in the development of guidelines and protocols for the development and construction of clean energy projects, and the BC Energy Plan.

His corporate contribution has included project management of the first green power project built in BC under the new IPP program, leading to the launch of two of BC’s founding renewable energy companies. His efforts also led to the construction of two more “run of river” small hydro projects. David is considered a pioneer in the industry, and one of the foremost consultants in the business today.