“A Day in the Life” with: Cinematographer Marina Fries

Marina Fries is one of those people who brings energy and warmth into everything she does. She is based in Airdrie and is the co-founder of Runway 5 Productions, where she works on storytelling, editing, and shaping ideas into meaningful stories. She has always had a natural eye for capturing moments, and it shows in the way she creates content that feels thoughtful and memorable.

Recently, Marina has thrown herself into scuba diving courses with the goal of expanding into underwater cinematography. It fits her personality completely because she loves learning, exploring, and finding new ways to grow her craft. She is always pushing herself, always exploring, always learning something new that expands her creative abilities as a storyteller.

One of the things people admire most about her is how much she gives back to her community. She volunteered as a photographer for the Special Olympics, capturing moments that meant so much to the athletes and their families. She also volunteers at various community events, always happy to contribute her time and her talent.

Whether she’s building Runway 5 Productions or exploring new ideas, Marina leads with passion, dedication, and purpose. I can’t wait to see where her career goes!

Marina Fries
Marina Fries after her SAIT graduation ceremony, holding her Television Production diploma and celebrating this milestone moment! Photo by LeeAnn Fries.
Marina Fries
Marina Fries at the Banff World Media Festival with her graduating classmates and closest friends. Front row (left to right): Yuta Guo, Jaymee Aitkenhead, Diara Ovalles Ruiz, MacKenzie Cowan. Back row (left to right): Ella Marshall, Marina Fries, Christian Mackesey, Tyler Garcia, Jad Walsh, Donovan Howe.
Marina Fries working the red carpet at the Banff World Media Festival Rockie Awards alongside host Kathleen Newman-Bremang and guest Priyanka. Photo by Diara Ovalles Ruiz.
Marina Fries on the red carpet at the Banff World Media Festival, representing SAIT and celebrating Canadian film and television talent! Photo by Diara Ovalles Ruiz.
Marina working on a recent golf trip for All Tee’d Up, capturing on-course footage and behind-the-scenes moments. Photo by Eric Robbins.
Marina learning how to operate a Steadicam during her time at SAIT. Photo by Jaymee Aitkenhead.
Marina Fries
Marina operating a camera at a SAIT Trojans basketball game, one of many sports productions she contributed to during her program. Photo by Christian Mackesey.
Marina Fries
Marina directing a commercial for The Divine Feminine Permanent Jewelry, a local small business in Calgary. Photo by Yuta Guo.

***

Which ’hood are you in?

I’m located in Airdrie, Alberta, but I’m often traveling to Calgary or Edmonton for work!

What do you do?

I’m an Editor and Cinematographer, currently focusing on growing my production company, Runway 5 Productions. As Co-Founder, I’m always looking for projects to be part of at any stage of production.

What are you currently working on?

Right now, I’m working toward becoming a certified Scuba Diver so I can eventually move into underwater cinematography. I also work with an Albertan YouTube channel, All Tee’d Up Golf, as their Manager and Editor. The channel is growing quickly in its first year, and I’m excited to continue expanding it as I gain more editing and videography experience. I also have a few upcoming projects through Runway 5 Productions that I’m really looking forward to!

Where can we find your work?

You can find my work on Instagram and YouTube. The best way to get in touch or see more of my work is through our website or by email.

 

About Emilea Semancik 296 Articles
Emilea Semancik was born in North Vancouver. Emilea has always always wanted to work as a freelance writer and currently writes for the Vancouver Guardian. Taking influence from journalism culture surrounding the great and late Anthony Bourdain, she is a recipe author working towards publishing her own series of books. You can find her food blog on Instagram: