Carole Vivier 'led with her heart' as a champion for film, music in Manitoba

Tributes in memory of a Manitoba film and music industry trailblazer poured in this week recognizing Carole Vivier's legacy as a compassionate changemaker in the sector. 

Vivier, 73, was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister who worked to promote Winnipeg as a film destination in her role as the Manitoba Film and Music CEO from 1993 until she retired in 2019.

Vivier died of lung cancer on Tuesday just four days shy of her birthday, according to her obituary published on Saturday.

"Carole's warm smile, boundless love, and gentle spirit will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her," the obituary said. 

Her death is a "great loss" for the film community across the province due to her tenacity and influence on building strong connections with people internationally and locally, said her colleague of almost 25 years, Kenny Boyce. 

Together they would provide film producers and directors with a tour of Winnipeg to scout possible set locations at businesses, residences, parks and city streets to support their creative visions, share their stories and stay within budget, Boyce said, who works as the manager of film and special events for the city. 

"We both knew that we had a big responsibility and that a lot of people counted on us to be able to market and promote Winnipeg and to close these deals," he said. 

"Those kind of stories … leave an imprint — things that I'll never forget."

In 1997, Vivier was instrumental in lobbying the provincial government for the first film tax credit in western Canada which supports crews to hone their craft and make a living, Boyce said. It provides a 30 per cent credit on all production spending in Manitoba, or between 45 and 65 per cent for eligible labour costs, according to the federal government.

She advocated for airlines to provide a direct flight between Winnipeg and Los Angeles — a change that came to fruition in 2022 — further boosting Manitoba's film industry by making travel easier for filmmakers and people working in the entertainment industry.

Like many Winnipeggers, Boyce said he is reminded of Vivier's legacy whenever he sees a fleet of big trucks and thinks, "there must be a movie going on today."

"She was a passionate champion of Manitoba's film and music sectors, and her contributions are truly immeasurable," a statement from Manitoba Film and Music said. 

Vivier started working at the agency in 1985 and helped bring high-profile productions including Channel Zero, Heaven is for Real, A Dog's Purpose, Shall We Dance, Aloft and Capote to shoot in Manitoba and co-produce with local companies, the statement said.

She supported the careers of filmmakers including Guy Maddin, Norma Bailey and Madison Thomas and artists Royal Canoe, Begonia, The Lytics, Crash Test Dummies and Chantal Kreviazuk. 

"Her love for Manitoba musicians was palpable — she was forever raving about the latest album or singing along to her favourite Manitoba playlists," according to the statement.

Vivier served on many boards of directors, including at the National Screen Institute, the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television, Canadian Film Centre Feature Film Advisory Committee, Burton Cummings Theatre for Performing Arts and Film Training Manitoba. 

She helped bring the Juno Awards, which recognizes artists in Canada's music industry, to Winnipeg in 2005 and was the co-chair of the 2014 Juno host committee, Manitoba Film and Music said in its statement. 

Vivier "was an exceptional leader and changemaker because she led with her heart," the statement.

She was the recipient of Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012, awarded to Canadians who have made significant contributions to their community. She was also the recipient of the Order of Manitoba in 2014 and the Order of Canada last year. 

"These prestigious awards reflected her tireless dedication to making the world a better place, whether through her volunteer work, leadership, or quiet acts of kindness that left a lasting impact on those around her," her obituary said.