Reactive Design is a fantastic local business that offers professional video & drone work, photography, and production services. It’s headed up by Chris Granicolo and Marc Dionne, two extremely talented locals who are often to be found out capturing Whistler’s most epic scenery and events.
Anyone who has ever been to a Whistler Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards or followed us on social media will have seen their work, and anyone who attends Chamber Après has probably met Chris.
We recently chatted to Chris to learn more about the business, what it’s like to run a business in Whistler, and his favourite spot for a snack!
What inspired you to work for Reactive Design?
Back in 2015, when I was finishing school, and was debating a move to Whistler, I actually found Reactive’s website from the Chamber business directory and was impressed with their work. Marc Dionne, the Creative Director at the time, was willing to meet with me for lunch when I moved here. We didn’t end up collaborating at the time but, I stayed in touch with him over the years and when I was looking to make a career pivot and move back to Whistler in 2022, the stars finally aligned and the opportunity was finally there!
What makes Reactive Design business stand apart?
I’m very fortunate to carry on the legacy started by Stacey Bodnaruk and later Marc Dionne – you can tell the positive impact and quality of the work they produced for the Whistler community when I tell someone I’m with Reactive Design. Being more focused on the photo/video side, Marc is very experienced in larger, cinematic productions from his international work, and brought that big budget feel, professionalism and work ethic to smaller scale productions in town, empowering businesses with relevant, actionable tools to help grow their businesses. This mantra has been ingrained in me from Marc and I’m excited to carry forth that system with our projects.
What challenges do you face running a business in Whistler, and how do you manage them?
The all encompassing nature of running a production business (sales/marketing/admin/operations + production commitments) can be overwhelming – fortunately, we live in the most beautiful place in the world, so a rejuvenating hike or day on the mountain to reset is incredibly important for balance.
Do you have any big plans for the business you can share with us?
I’d love for Reactive Design to round out our visual content offering with other digital services like website design + building, social media services, and graphics/visual branding so we can offer integrative content packages for our clients and offer a one-stop local shop in town that can handle all your digital needs.
What’s your favourite thing about being a member of the Whistler Chamber?
The Chamber Aprés are great! I love mixing and mingling with other local businesses and getting a deeper understanding of the pulse of the town and what some incredible entrepreneurs are up too, it’s very inspiring!
Is there a business in town you particularly admire, and if so, why?
The Deli by Picnic Whistler! Very biased with my Italian ancestry but Amy has definitely figured it out – love that we have a place in town for artisanal cheeses and charcuterie, reminds me of home!