2021 Kids Can Film - Online Camps
Suggested Ages 8 - 12
We always aim to give the kids an authentic filmmaking experience. Filmmakers have been creating, producing and releasing online for the past few months and that will be us!
Using a combination of live collaborative meetings, unique tutorials, daily assignments, lessons on how to use the equipment you already have and a workbook to keep track of your progress, the students will create and complete a short film that will screen at the 15th Annual Hamilton Film Festival!
There is something for everyone! If you don't want to be on camera, there are plenty of art projects we will need to insert into the film!
SUMMER CAMP 1
SUMMER CAMP 2
SUMMER CAMP 2
This camp will include:
Show and Tell
What equipment, wardrobe or craft supplies or props do you have and learn how to use them
Story Crafting
Writing within our current boundaries to craft a story we can all work on individually to edit together as a complete film
Filming
Using a combination of unique tutorials and live teaching , students will film their scenes. Students not on camera will be tasked with stop motions and/or a crafty opening and closing sequence.
Editing
Once we have all the footage (and the kids love this part) we will all watch the dailies (everything we've filmed) and select the takes that will go into the final movie. Using a screen-share, we will edit the movie together.
Music and sound FX
We will need to create music and sound for the movie. A perfect task for any budding musicians in the group!
Show and Tell
What equipment, wardrobe or craft supplies or props do you have and learn how to use them
Story Crafting
Writing within our current boundaries to craft a story we can all work on individually to edit together as a complete film
Filming
Using a combination of unique tutorials and live teaching , students will film their scenes. Students not on camera will be tasked with stop motions and/or a crafty opening and closing sequence.
Editing
Once we have all the footage (and the kids love this part) we will all watch the dailies (everything we've filmed) and select the takes that will go into the final movie. Using a screen-share, we will edit the movie together.
Music and sound FX
We will need to create music and sound for the movie. A perfect task for any budding musicians in the group!
BELOW IS DETAILS ON PAST IN-PERSON CAMPS AND MAY NOT APPLY TO THE ONLINE CAMPS
MAKING MOVIES
Creativity & Collaboration
It takes a lot of effort to make a movie but at the heart of this week, the kids will be creating a movie while working with others.
The finished movie will be screened at the Hamilton Film Festival! Our 2019 screening moved over 300 tickets!
It takes a lot of effort to make a movie but at the heart of this week, the kids will be creating a movie while working with others.
The finished movie will be screened at the Hamilton Film Festival! Our 2019 screening moved over 300 tickets!
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
There are many opportunities in this camp for your child to learn a skill they wish to explore. Behind the scenes, or on camera, they will all have options to choose from, and can participate in, each role they wish as the class offers everyone a chance to do something, regardless of experience. As we have run this camp a few times, those with more experience will take on more experienced roles, breaking off into groups for more defined learning and training.
Here are a few of our role descriptions
Here are a few of our role descriptions
- Writer: Creative with words and likes making up stories.
- Directing: A good communicator with an eye for detail.
- Producer: Someone who is organized and can keep things on track.
- Camera Operator: Someone who loves filming things and would be comfortable with an iPad or video camera.
- Art Department: Someone who is crafty and loves art projects.
- Acting: If you can't resist performing, this is for you!
ACTIVITIES
Activities for the summer camp will include:
- Creative Writing
- Scene watching (what to look for when you watch a movie)
- Stop-Motion animation
- Live Action filming techniques
- Camera technique
- Basic lighting
- Device technique (how to get the most from a smart phone or tablet)
- Acting
- Storyboards
- Directing
- Creating props, wardrobe and set decorating
- Sound recording
- Editing
- Presentation (at the Hamilton Film Festival) The kids will be able to present their film in person, do a Q&A for the audience and meet other filmmakers their age. Those who wish, can take an active role in participating at the screening with duties like ushering, ticket taking and announcing! The presentation may also include films from other camps and schools in the Hamilton-area so this is a great way for your child to see what others are doing!
YOU BRING
- Lunch and snacks (please follow the school policy for food that may affect someone with allergies)
- Comfortable clothing
- Costumes (please do not purchase anything. The kids will be encouraged to make, bring or borrow. Costumes will be decided on Day 1 or 2)
WE PROVIDE
- Special guets! We live in a great town with talented people. So far we've had Executive Producer Fred Fuchs, Academy Award® Winner Colin Doncaster, On-Air personality Amanda Weldon, and host/producer/director Victoria Mercado Guinto.
- A debut theatrical screening at the Westdale Theatre during the Hamilton Film Festival! Mark the date Sun Nov 3rd, 10am.
- Every Friday we will provide Pizza lunch and popsicles or freezies. (please send your child with regular snacks and drinks)
- Filmmaking equipment (Camera, microphones, Slate, boom pole, tripods, lighting, editing equipment, craft & materials)
- Please have a talk with your child about respecting equipment. We will be using some really cool stuff, and some of it is expensive.
RULES
- Equipment is to be treated with respect and care.
- Children are not permitted to leave the building without adult supervision.
- Parents / Guardians must sign their child in/out every day.
- Please follow the school rules regarding food that may cause allergic reactions (no peanuts)
- If you cannot attend the camp, please notify us ONE MONTH prior to the start date. You will be issued a full refund (less a $25 administration fee). After this date, we may not be able to issue a full refund and will do so on a case by case situation.
- If your child has special needs, please contact us prior to registration. We do not have an EA (or equivalent)
- This camp is a safe space for everyone. Violence or harassement of any kind will not be tolerated. Parents will be always be notified immediately and the child may not be able to return to camp, and no refund will be offered.
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTORS

Nathan Fleet is the director of the Hamilton Film Festival and has been teaching kids for 30years and has taught in various programs that include Learning Through The Arts (in the HWDSB and the HWDCSB), and filmmaking summer camps at the Factory Media Centre. Nathan also taught private music lessons to a few hundred kids while at the Avalon Music Academy in Dundas.

Cher Obediah is Mohawk Ojibwe, Turtle Clan from Six Nations, Ontario with roots in Alderville First Nation. She began in theatre at a young age and pursued that though college. She shifted her focus to enjoy a lengthy career in journalism followed by years of honing her craft at a Brantford production house. Cher currently operates her own production company and dedicates to youth driven projects, social change and educating on Indigenous issues.
Her current projects include tackling Homelessness, traditional healing practices, the life of Pocahontas and a National Film Board collaboration on Inuit Throat singing.
Cher was also one of the instructors at the Kids Can Film Camps in 2018
Her current projects include tackling Homelessness, traditional healing practices, the life of Pocahontas and a National Film Board collaboration on Inuit Throat singing.
Cher was also one of the instructors at the Kids Can Film Camps in 2018
LOCALLY FOCUSED

Kids Can Film (formerly Film Club Films) and family film screenings have been a part of the Hamilton Film Festival for years! We make sure that there is not only programming for families, but opportunities for screenings of movies made by kids! If you have a budding filmmaker that is 12yrs or younger, they may be able to participate in this years Hamilton Film Festival!

We work with different film clubs throughout the year and offer them an opportunity to be treated like a star! We give screen time for selected films and give the young and emerging filmmakers an opportunity to speak in a Q&A about the work they have created. Children as young as 7 years old have participated in this and it is always an amazing event.
Past festivals have partnered with the Avalon Music Academy - Movie Making Summer Camp, Terryberry Library Film Festival, Westdale High School Film Festival, Sheepdog Animation School, the Factory Media Centre and young filmmakers across the city.
Past festivals have partnered with the Avalon Music Academy - Movie Making Summer Camp, Terryberry Library Film Festival, Westdale High School Film Festival, Sheepdog Animation School, the Factory Media Centre and young filmmakers across the city.
KIDS MAKING FILMS?

If you have a Film Club or a child that makes films, please contact us to discuss this opportunity!
Please note: Unless you are able to travel to the city, we are focused on Hamilton-Based young filmmakers and film clubs.
info@hamiltonfilmfestival.com
photo by Gord Bowes, Hamilton News
Current and Past partners:
Living Rock / Arts of August
Avalon Music Academy
Factory Media Centre
Sheepdog Animation
Reel Streetz Media Camp
Hamilton Conservatory for the Arts
Westdale High School Film Festival
Terryberry Library Film Festival.
Sponsors and partners
NEW! 2021 Filmmaking For Teens
Suggested Ages 13-17 (or a 12year old that has done the Kids Can Film Camp)
Working in smaller teams, students of these classes can take one, or all, of the offered sessions. The goal is for each team to work on an element of a movie, leading up to a finished short film that will premiere at the 15th Annual Hamilton Film Festival! There are 6 classes, "teams", and a full week of production where some of the teams will make the movie.
Writing Team
Directing Team
Camera and Sound Team
Acting Team
PRODUCTION
Editing Team
Soundtrack Team
No experience is needed.
Experienced students are welcomed as this is a "real world" process of movie making so there is plenty to learn!
Pricing, Details and Sign-Up coming soon!
Writing Team
Directing Team
Camera and Sound Team
Acting Team
PRODUCTION
Editing Team
Soundtrack Team
No experience is needed.
Experienced students are welcomed as this is a "real world" process of movie making so there is plenty to learn!
Pricing, Details and Sign-Up coming soon!