Kelly Balon

Thank you for visiting Raw Talent. This blog will provide reviews and news about “the common ground”, raw talent that I have come across in my experiences or in my research – some of it mainstream and popular, but mostly of the undiscovered, and emerging trendsetters that deserve some buzz for their initiatives. My primary interests are of those things that unite us as humans – dance, music, film, technology and other entertainment media, and how they act as a vehicle to bring people together.

Bio

I have worked on community development and arts initiatives since 1999 with a primary focus of using the arts, culture, sports and recreation as tools for social and economic development. I am a graduate of the Entertainment Business Management Diploma from Vancouver Film School with a specialization in film and television production. My studies in International Development at the University of Saskatchewan and Sustainable Community Development at Simon Fraser University, have been instrumental in shaping the type of entertainment content I produce.

I have created a number of community based arts initiatives in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and Vancouver, British Columbia. I, along with Monir Osman, co-founded Rhythm and Action Arts (known to many as RAW), a non-profit society that provides professional development for emerging artists in the urban and multicultural arts. I have produced several arts and cultural events including RAW Wednesdays, a weekly event showcasing Vancouver’s best talent in multicultural arts and hip hop culture; dance competitions, RAW Talent I, II and III. I made the transition into talent management in 2006-07 with Reel Athletes Talent Agency and Raw Talent Entertainment Management. My work has provided entertainment for film, corporate and non-profit organizations, while providing meaningful employment for talented artists.

My extensive network of talent includes skateboarders, breakdancers, martial artists, multicultural performers, circus performers, visual artists and athletes. One of my goals is to provide the platform for talented artists to get the skills and opportunities they need to continue mastering their craft and obtain the recognition and compensation they deserve.

As an agent with Reel Athletes Talent Agency in Vancouver, I represent dancers, athletes, and artists for film, television, commercials, stage and motion capture. I established Raw Talent Entertainment Management to promote artists for corporate entertainment, to produce events and performances that reflect the culture of Vancouver at festivals, stages and nightclubs, while providing opportunities for emerging artists. I aim to keep a specialization in martial arts, dance, and urban athletes.

I recently joined Karma Film, producer of Gemini-award winning Wapos Bay, as Associate Producer. Karma Film Inc. is a filmmaker-driven production company currently producing dramatic features, documentaries and children’s animated projects for television broadcast and theatrical release. Associate Producer credits: Mad Cow Sacred Cow (CBC, Knowledge, SCN), Wapos Bay Season 4 (APTN, NFB, SCN), and Landing Season 3 (SCN)

My inspirations include the dance crews I work with (Stonefoxx, Over the Influence, Burlesque Beauties, Wild Moccasins, and Now or Never Crew), and the filmmakers that tell incredible stories of human survival, resilience and interconnectedness. This blog is all about promoting the brave that are bringing positive change and influence for a hopeful future.