Elora Braden – You might recognize her as a familiar face in the Golden community. Originally from Yellowknife, she found her way to our town a few years ago, working in the adventure tourism industry before launching her entrepreneurial journey in the wedding industry as a photographer and videographer. She also founded her own venture, El Nina Productions.
While collaborating with outdoor brands like The North Face and Helly Hansen, Braden felt a growing pull toward a new creative pursuit. That passion led to her short film, Ricky Diamonds: Ricky in the Rough (which you can watch HERE), which was filmed right here in Golden. The project ignited a deeper desire to expand the story, prompting her to attend the Emerging TV Producers Program, hosted by the Gender Equity in Media Society (GEMS) in Vancouver.
I had the chance to catch up with Braden to learn more about her experience in the program and what we can expect from her upcoming series.
Can you start by giving some background on yourself and how long you’ve been in Golden?
I work across documentary filmmaking, brand storytelling, and TV production, and at the end of the day, I approach all of my projects in the same way: a story needs to be told. Whether that’s the story of a product, a garment, a company, or a brand, there are always people behind it. Their unique experiences, characteristics, and histories shape the heart of every project.
I moved to Golden in 2015 knowing I wanted to live in a small community that would be a great place for adventure. Filmmaking and photography weren’t something I had planned to pursue, but shortly after moving here, I couldn’t stop taking photos. Before I knew it, a camera was always with me, and that continues to be the case. The natural beauty of this area, combined with the unique and incredible people who live here, has really shaped my approach to storytelling.
What inspired you to apply for the Emerging TV Producers program, and what was the experience like?
I applied because I knew I wanted to take my work to the next level and transition from brand storytelling into larger-scale productions like TV series, feature films, and documentaries. The Emerging TV Producers Program offered exactly what I needed: a structured environment to refine my skills, connect with industry mentors, and develop a clear roadmap for producing TV content.
My background helped me in the program because I’ve done nearly every role on a film set—acting, directing, camera operating, editing—so I understand production from all angles. That experience gave me a strong foundation to step into a producer’s role with confidence. The program also provided invaluable industry knowledge and tools, helping me navigate a space that often feels inaccessible to women and gender-diverse creators.
What were some of the biggest takeaways or lessons you learned from participating in the program?
One of the biggest takeaways was how important it is to have a roadmap. Producing is such a complex role, and without clear guidance, it can be hard to visualize yourself in that position—especially in an industry where producers are often stereotyped as wealthy, Hollywood-based men. This program helped demystify the process and gave me the technical vocabulary and confidence to step into that space.
I also learned that as a producer, your primary job is to find money. You can have the best idea in the world, but without securing funding, it won’t move forward. The program helped me understand the landscape of Canadian media funding, how to navigate grant applications, and how to seek private equity opportunities.
How do you see gender equity in media evolving, and what role do you hope to play in that shift?
Gender equity in media is shifting, but there’s still a long way to go. Programs like the Emerging TV Producers Program make a big difference by creating access and visibility for women and gender-diverse creators. The biggest challenge is that many of us weren’t shown examples of ourselves in these leadership roles growing up. That’s why mentorship and representation are so critical.
Beyond gender equity, I think Canadian media also needs more investment in underrepresented voices. There are incredible stories waiting to be told, and we’ve seen how successful they can be—like CBC’s North of North, which has been a massive hit. We need to continue funding these projects and ensuring they get the platforms they deserve.
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind Ricky Diamonds: Ricky in the Rough and how the story came to life?
I’ve always loved the “fish out of water” style of comedy—where a character is thrown into an unfamiliar world and has to navigate it with little to no experience. Ricky Diamonds embodies that. He’s flawed, but he has just enough confidence to fumble his way through life, and that’s something I think everyone can relate to on some level. I know I did when I first moved here and pretended to know how to ski so I could work in a heli-skiing lodge.
Comedy is also an incredibly powerful tool for connection. Right now, more than ever, people need humour and levity in their lives. Ricky Diamonds taps into that by giving audiences a character who is both endearing and ridiculous, struggling to make things work in a world that’s indifferent to his plans.
Stylistically, I wanted it to feel raw and unpolished—almost like a documentary. That choice was intentional because I love the realism it brings to comedy. It makes it feel more immersive like you’re watching this character’s life unfold in real-time.
What stage is the project at now, and what’s next for the Ricky Diamonds project?
Right now, I’m in the process of securing funding for development—which, as a producer, is essentially the job. I’m exhausting every possible funding avenue, from Canadian media grants to private equity, to get this project off the ground. It’s a challenge, but I truly believe in this series and its potential. I can’t give an idea of timeline but mark my words – in the next 5 years I foresee this going forward.
One of the most exciting aspects is that Ricky Diamonds could be filmed right here in Golden and the Columbia Valley. This area is incredibly untapped for film production, and I see this project as an opportunity to showcase the region while building momentum for future productions here. If this series finds commercial success, it could open the door for more projects—both my own and those of other filmmakers in the area.
If you could describe the series in just a few words, what would they be?
A hilarious, heartfelt underdog story about a man figuring things out as he goes. With amazing music!
Are there other projects you’re excited about right now?
Yes! I have a few documentary projects in development, as well as other narrative stories that I’d love to bring to life in this region. Golden and the Columbia Valley have such a rich history and untold stories, and I’m really excited to collaborate with other local storytellers to share them with a wider audience.
If you had unlimited resources and support, what kind of project would you create?
Honestly, I would create Ricky Diamonds at the highest possible level. This project checks all the boxes for me—it’s something I truly believe will be successful, it brings humour and heart to audiences, and it has the potential to open up more opportunities for future productions in this area.
Right now, people need comedy more than ever, and I know Ricky Diamonds has the potential to make people laugh while telling a story that’s deeply relatable. It has already brought me so much joy in the process of creating it, and I can’t wait to share that with audiences.
