ABOUT US
The Research House is committed to the success of our clients by providing world-class, innovative clearance and research services to the film, television and new media industries. We are dedicated to providing comprehensive, thorough research and the highest quality, gold-standard clearance services. We have built our reputation on delivering consistent, precise reports and meticulous detailed research, while maintaining exemplary customer service and care. We truly care about playing a vital role in assisting filmmakers to understand clearance issues. We have earned the trust, respect and loyalty of our clients through an uncompromising pursuit of excellence in everything we do. We develop strong, long-term business relationships by helping our clients solve problems and produce creative materials without compromising their vision.
KRISTA JOHNSTON - OWNER
Krista Johnston is the owner at The Research House Clearance Services Inc. She developed a diverse understanding of clearances throughout her 15 years of experience in entertainment law in Vancouver, British Columbia. Additionally, Krista has served in the business and legal affairs departments of television and film production companies, as a producer of short films and as a production coordinator on feature films. She is past Vice President of Women in Film and Television Vancouver and often instructs film students on the importance of understanding the clearance process at schools such as BCIT, Vancouver Film School, the Art Institute of BC and School Creative. Identifying a need for clearance services on the west coast, Krista founded The Research House in 2002 and has worked on 500+ Feature Films, MOW's, short films, television series' and new media productions.
LANDA DEPNER - STAFF & TRAINING MANAGER, SENIOR RESEARCHER
Landa came to The Research House in 2012 with a diverse background, most notably having worked for years as a private investigator. Her investigative research skills are incredible. She can find anything and anyone!
JACKI GUNN - PROJECT COORDINATOR
After studying Creative Writing and Digital Media at Vancouver Island University in 2017, Jacki began working in Vancouver's film industry in background casting as well as on set as a coordinator. On a more creative note, she's an actor with multiple credits on a variety of film and television productions filmed in and around Vancouver. She's also a professional improviser and has more recently been writing her own original content. She's looking forward to using her experience working on 50+ productions to help clients at the Research House bring their stories to fruition!
ONWYN STACEY - RESEARCHER
Onwyn has long been passionate about art in all its forms. Growing up she could always be found with a camera in her hand, which led her to obtain a degree in film from Concordia University and a diploma in photography. After graduation, she worked for a Montreal-based film production company providing script coverage, and is a regular judge for an international screenplay competition. A mind for minutiae and observant by nature, Onwyn has worked in research for 14 years. She has a knack for deep dives and is a little obsessive which makes her a perfect fit for The Research House. In her free time she continues to add to her creative photography portfolio and is delighted by all things mysterious and strange.
JACLYN MACRAE - RESEARCHER
Jaclyn has had a passion for production since a very early age. Captivated by television (even news!), films and stage productions as a child, she pursued a career in journalism and is a Broadcast Journalist and E-Journalist/Web designer by trade and training. She has since been working in the film and television industry for almost 20 years. After 9 years in news and live-to-air TV production, Jaclyn joined her first TV series production as a Script and Clearance Coordinator and was introduced to the world of Clearances, and Permissions. Following that series, and after doing some Motion Pictures Pre & Post-visualization Co-ordination, and Production Management on two different animated properties, Jaclyn came back to the world of clearances, and joined The Research House as a Researcher in 2015.
LAURA ROHAC - RESEARCHER
Laura is a writer and artist hailing from Edmonton, Alberta. She was an English and Literature teacher for many years until she decided to make the switch to the entertainment industry. She has a passion for the written word and just can’t turn off the part of her brain that corrects grammar mistakes. In addition to working for The Research House, Laura is a Vancouver-based feature screenwriter and produces short films with a great group of friends.
LIZA HAUSBERGER - ADMIN
Originally from South Africa, Liza joined the team in 2022 with a diverse background in all thing’s admin and accounts related. After completing a Journalism Degree at the University of Johannesburg, Liza worked in various industries and found that Office Administration was her calling. In her spare time, Liza enjoys spending time with her family, going for walks, and time spent doing something on the creative side.
JEFF YOUNG - ENTERTAINMENT & ARTS LAWYER
Jeff received his Bachelor of Law degree from the University of British Columbia, where he also studied Commerce, before beginning his 18-year legal career, which started in corporate and real estate law, and ultimately focused on intellectual property and entertainment, particularly in film/TV and music. During his successful legal career, Jeff has negotiated with major labels and corporations including Qwest Records (Quincy Jones), Virgin Records, BMG, Disney, Sony and Warner/Chappell. He has acted for a Grammy winning artist, and was a managing partner of an entertainment law boutique that represented international, local, and independent film and TV clients including Fox Family Channel, the OutTV Network, The Vancouver Whitecaps, Shavick Entertainment and the Shaw Rocket Fund. Contact Jeff at JY at arenaltman dot com
“The team at The Research House has been instrumental in keeping our script process on track. The professional and courteous service, coupled with exceptional and thorough research reports and a strong attention to detail has proven invaluable. I look forward to working with the whole team again on future projects!”