Film Commission Development · Production · Government Advisors · Financing
Co-Production · Studio Development
David Shepheard has spent over 25 years doing something most people in this industry have done once, if at all: building film commissions from the ground up, in different countries, across five continents, for different governments. Four times over. Throughout David’s career, he has also advised on the inception, planning and development of four major studio developments in four different countries, bringing state of the art production facilities to production hubs around the World.
As Vancouver Film Commissioner and Director of the Creative Economy, David led one of the world’s most competitive production destinations. As head of the Film Commission in London, he operated at the centre of Europe’s screen industry. In Abu Dhabi, he helped establish the UAE’s first film commission from scratch, a defining moment in the region’s creative economy. David Shepheard is also a former long term member of the Association of Film Commissioners International and served two terms on its board of Directors.
Alpine Entertainment Ltd is David’s vehicle for bringing that accumulated intelligence to governments, investors and industry leaders who are serious about building or scaling the creative sectors of their economies. He understands how creative economy policies are formulated, how investment flows and how to create the conditions for the creative industries to thrive, because he has done it, repeatedly, at the highest levels.
As a dual citizen of Canada and the UK, David embodies a truly global perspective. His passions extend to the skies as an avid aviator and to the slopes as a qualified ski instructor. He proudly serves as a committed member of the Civil Air Search and Rescue team in British Columbia, demonstrating his dedication to community and service beyond the screen industry.
Based in Canada and working globally, David is a regular speaker and moderator at international industry events and serves on the boards of film festivals and industry organisations in Canada and internationally.
Each engagement required building something that had never existed in that place before, aligning government priorities, industry expectations and international investment into a functioning creative economy engine.
“I don’t just advise on creative economies.
I have helped build them.”
Decades of on-the-ground experience across five continents gives Alpine Entertainment a perspective on the global screen industry that is genuinely rare, grounded in practice, not theory.
Alpine Entertainment operates within a trusted network of world-class specialists. These alliances extend our reach and capability across every dimension of production.
The Film Knight squadron represents the evolution of aerial cinematography — coupling military-grade safety and precision with cinematic expertise. Operating T-33 jets, Bell 407 and Sikorsky Blackhawk rotary platforms and a full-service production team, The Film Knight delivers what no other aerial unit can: high, fast and steady, in any flight regime, anywhere in the world.
Visit The Film Knight →Happy Accidents is a new-model deficit-financing studio built for the global market — developing and producing exceptional films, scripted and unscripted series and international co-productions. With a full slate spanning narrative features, formats and talent management and distribution reach across theatrical, television and home entertainment, Happy Accidents brings serious creative and commercial firepower to the table.
Visit Happy Accidents →Headquartered at the iconic Pinewood Studios, Platinum Films creates, produces and distributes popular entertainment brands for a global market. With a 360-degree approach spanning brand creation, production, international distribution, licensing and merchandising, Platinum Films builds franchises that captivate audiences across multiple platforms worldwide.
Visit Platinum Films →David is a sought-after speaker, moderator and commentator on film policy, creative economy strategy and the global screen industry.
Presented the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 11th Annual Location Managers Guild International Awards, recognising Supervising Location Manager Sue Quinn for her landmark work on the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts franchises.
After nearly five years as Vancouver’s first-ever Film Commissioner, David Shepheard moves on to his next chapter in the industry.
Read the Article →
With more than 60 productions either filming or in pre-production, Vancouver’s film industry rebounded from the COVID-19 shutdown stronger than ever. David Shepheard, Vancouver Film Commissioner, speaks to the resilience of B.C.’s screen sector.
Watch the Report →
Vancouver’s first film commissioner on expanding the city’s billion-dollar industry, building film commissions from scratch and why Vancouver was an almost irresistible move.
Read the Article →Variety covers David Shepheard’s appointment as Vancouver’s inaugural Film Commissioner and his ambitions for one of the world’s most active production destinations.
Read the Article →Canada’s national newspaper profiles David Shepheard on his priorities, his vision for Vancouver’s screen industry and what it takes to build a film commission from the ground up.
Read the Article →The Hollywood Reporter covers David Shepheard’s appointment as Senior Inward Investment Manager at Film London, tasked with showcasing the city globally and ensuring London remains a world-class production destination.
Read the Article →Moderated a headline panel at the annual Association of Film Commissioners International Cineposium, featuring Heads of Production from Disney, HBO and Warner Bros. on what drives territory selection for major productions.
Featured commentator on CBC Television and Global TV on topics including film industry policy, Vancouver’s production boom and the role of film commissions in driving economic growth.
Regular radio contributor and interviewee, speaking to audiences in Canada and the UK on screen industry development, creative economy policy and the business of international film production.
