All classes take place at the
Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, Room 213
357 Wilson St. E, Ancaster On.
On Wednesday's in the summer, the parking lot entrance on Wilson will be blocked off for the Farmer's Market. Please use the Queen St entrance.
IN THE NEWS
Hamilton Spectator - Hamilton gets its own film school, aligned with festival.
Beyond James - And, Action! Local Film School Debuts This Fall
Bay Observer - A Hamilton Film School Opens in the Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre
Ancaster News - Curtain rises for the Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre
Beyond James - I Took An Acting Class and Ended Up in The Hamilton Film Festival
CBC Hamilton - Hamilton puppeteer teaches kids the power of imagination
Beyond James - And, Action! Local Film School Debuts This Fall
Bay Observer - A Hamilton Film School Opens in the Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre
Ancaster News - Curtain rises for the Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre
Beyond James - I Took An Acting Class and Ended Up in The Hamilton Film Festival
CBC Hamilton - Hamilton puppeteer teaches kids the power of imagination
MONDAY
Morning Homeschool Filmmaking Class for Kids!
Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, 357 Wilson St. E, Ancaster, Room 213
Kids Only (suggested 8-13) $15 per class or $160 for all 12 (save $20)
12 Monday mornings from 10am - 11:30am we'll take the classes through different techniques of filmmaking. Some classes will be one-offs, and others we will focus on a larger project. This hands-on class will give the student an opportunity to use filmmaking equipment, and discover filmmaking techniques. Ideal for kids 8-13. You can always sign up at any point and contribute. You don't have to do the entire 12 classes to participate.
Sept 16, 23, 30, Oct 7, 28, Nov 4, Nov 11, 18, 25, Dec 2, 9, 16
Kids Only (suggested 8-13) $15 per class or $160 for all 12 (save $20)
12 Monday mornings from 10am - 11:30am we'll take the classes through different techniques of filmmaking. Some classes will be one-offs, and others we will focus on a larger project. This hands-on class will give the student an opportunity to use filmmaking equipment, and discover filmmaking techniques. Ideal for kids 8-13. You can always sign up at any point and contribute. You don't have to do the entire 12 classes to participate.
Sept 16, 23, 30, Oct 7, 28, Nov 4, Nov 11, 18, 25, Dec 2, 9, 16
Writing Room
MONDAYS 6pm - 8:30pm
$240 + hst (for all 6 classes)
357 Wilson St E, Ancaster, Room 213 - Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre
Session 1 - Sept 16, 23, 30, Oct 7, 28, Nov 4
Session 2 - Nov 11, 18, 25, Dec 2, 9, 16
You don't need to take session 1 to participate in session 2.
$240 + hst (for all 6 classes)
357 Wilson St E, Ancaster, Room 213 - Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre
Session 1 - Sept 16, 23, 30, Oct 7, 28, Nov 4
Session 2 - Nov 11, 18, 25, Dec 2, 9, 16
You don't need to take session 1 to participate in session 2.
Are you a screenwriter?
Anyone who knows me knows that I will tell you quite frankly that you cannot call yourself a screenwriter unless you actually finish a screenplay. To be fair to all the screenwriters out there, like myself, who struggle in this extremely competitive craft, would you call someone a tradesperson who has not completed the required apprenticeship in their chosen trade?
Writing Room welcomes all who are serious about screenwriting, at any level of experience, to join me each week for 2-3 hours to get it done. I’ll facilitate discussion on craft screenwriting, bring in guest screenwriters, and share information about screenwriting podcasts and books. Most importantly, allow time for each screenwriter to share a work in progress and allow feedback. Previous participants can also arrange a table read of a script they have been working on.
3 Requirements:
1) A working story idea, at any stage: synopsis or treatment, partial or complete draft of a screenplay.
2) Be open to sharing and listening to well-meaning and honest criticism.
3) Most important is the willingness to try and see it through to the end.
Anyone who knows me knows that I will tell you quite frankly that you cannot call yourself a screenwriter unless you actually finish a screenplay. To be fair to all the screenwriters out there, like myself, who struggle in this extremely competitive craft, would you call someone a tradesperson who has not completed the required apprenticeship in their chosen trade?
Writing Room welcomes all who are serious about screenwriting, at any level of experience, to join me each week for 2-3 hours to get it done. I’ll facilitate discussion on craft screenwriting, bring in guest screenwriters, and share information about screenwriting podcasts and books. Most importantly, allow time for each screenwriter to share a work in progress and allow feedback. Previous participants can also arrange a table read of a script they have been working on.
3 Requirements:
1) A working story idea, at any stage: synopsis or treatment, partial or complete draft of a screenplay.
2) Be open to sharing and listening to well-meaning and honest criticism.
3) Most important is the willingness to try and see it through to the end.
Facilitator: Terrance Odette
Award winning Writer/Director Terrance Odette began his career creating, producing and directing music TV series & specials, including over 150 music videos before writing and directing HEATER (1999) to great critical acclaim (Variety, Village Voice, MacLean’s, Globe & Mail, voted Top-Ten All-Time Canadian Films Vancouver Sun). Odette’s work has garnered numerous awards for both writing and directing. And have screened at Sundance, Berlinale, TIFF, VIFF, LIFF UK, Mumbai. FALL (2014) with Michael Murphy (Manhattan) and Cannes prize-winner Best Actress Suzanne Clement (Mommy) received 5 CANADIAN SCREEN AWARD Nominations including Best Picture Odette’s Latest efforts include documentary feature UNIMAGINABLE (2023), narrative film/TV BIKE (TV/Streaming). Feature scripts optioned include, BRETHREN, SKIN THE GHOST and LIGHT Of THE VOID.
Award winning Writer/Director Terrance Odette began his career creating, producing and directing music TV series & specials, including over 150 music videos before writing and directing HEATER (1999) to great critical acclaim (Variety, Village Voice, MacLean’s, Globe & Mail, voted Top-Ten All-Time Canadian Films Vancouver Sun). Odette’s work has garnered numerous awards for both writing and directing. And have screened at Sundance, Berlinale, TIFF, VIFF, LIFF UK, Mumbai. FALL (2014) with Michael Murphy (Manhattan) and Cannes prize-winner Best Actress Suzanne Clement (Mommy) received 5 CANADIAN SCREEN AWARD Nominations including Best Picture Odette’s Latest efforts include documentary feature UNIMAGINABLE (2023), narrative film/TV BIKE (TV/Streaming). Feature scripts optioned include, BRETHREN, SKIN THE GHOST and LIGHT Of THE VOID.
TUESDAY
Evening Filmmaking Classes - All Ages
Before registering please contact us here to request a spot between 3:30 and the last lesson starts at 8:30pm but earlier or later lessons can be arrange.
$24 + HST per lesson
Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, 357 Wilson St. E, Ancaster, Room 213
Like music lessons, for movie making!
Weekly, one-on-one, 30 minute, filmmaking lessons for all ages! We will work with the student to focus on their interest in filmmaking. It could be directing, screenwriting, cinematography, editing, sound, stop motion, pre production elements, or filmmaking in general. You must book a month at a time. You always get first choice to maintain your monthly timeslot.
If you sign up in the middle of the month, select "individual class" from the payment menu.
Dates:
Sept 17, 24
Oct 1,8,15,29 (no lessons on Oct 22 due to the film festival)
Nov 5,12,19,26
Dec 3,10,17
Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, 357 Wilson St. E, Ancaster, Room 213
Like music lessons, for movie making!
Weekly, one-on-one, 30 minute, filmmaking lessons for all ages! We will work with the student to focus on their interest in filmmaking. It could be directing, screenwriting, cinematography, editing, sound, stop motion, pre production elements, or filmmaking in general. You must book a month at a time. You always get first choice to maintain your monthly timeslot.
If you sign up in the middle of the month, select "individual class" from the payment menu.
Dates:
Sept 17, 24
Oct 1,8,15,29 (no lessons on Oct 22 due to the film festival)
Nov 5,12,19,26
Dec 3,10,17
WEDNESDAY
10-PART ACTING CLASS
Wednesday Night Acting Class for Kids
6pm-7pm
$149
Dates:
Sept 18, 25, Oct 2, 9, 16, 30, Nov 6, 13, 20, 27 (no class Oct 23 during the Hamilton Film Festival)
Designed just for kids! Every week, young actors will dive into the world of on-camera performance, building confidence, mastering self-tape skills, and learning how to memorize scripts. Through fun improv exercises and exploring different types of characters, students will develop their acting chops and prepare for the screen. Whether your child is just starting out or looking to sharpen their skills, this class is the perfect place to shine!
Wednesday Night Acting Class for Teens* / Adults
7pm-9:30pm
$199
This class is designed for actors looking to deepen their craft and excel on camera. However, if you’re a newbie, don’t be shy!! We’ll explore a wide range of characters, adapt our performances to fit the tone of each project, and master the art of taking direction. Through focused exercises, we’ll identify and break bad habits, uncovering your unique strengths and what you bring to every role. Whether you're an experienced actor or looking to refine your skills, this class will help you elevate your on-screen performance.
*there will be coarse language and mature subject matter in the scripts
6pm-7pm
$149
Dates:
Sept 18, 25, Oct 2, 9, 16, 30, Nov 6, 13, 20, 27 (no class Oct 23 during the Hamilton Film Festival)
Designed just for kids! Every week, young actors will dive into the world of on-camera performance, building confidence, mastering self-tape skills, and learning how to memorize scripts. Through fun improv exercises and exploring different types of characters, students will develop their acting chops and prepare for the screen. Whether your child is just starting out or looking to sharpen their skills, this class is the perfect place to shine!
Wednesday Night Acting Class for Teens* / Adults
7pm-9:30pm
$199
This class is designed for actors looking to deepen their craft and excel on camera. However, if you’re a newbie, don’t be shy!! We’ll explore a wide range of characters, adapt our performances to fit the tone of each project, and master the art of taking direction. Through focused exercises, we’ll identify and break bad habits, uncovering your unique strengths and what you bring to every role. Whether you're an experienced actor or looking to refine your skills, this class will help you elevate your on-screen performance.
*there will be coarse language and mature subject matter in the scripts
THURSDAY
ACTOR'S GYM - Weekly
Thursday Evening Actor's Gym
$25
Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, 357 Wilson St. E, Ancaster, Room 213
This is a combo-class and all ages can drop in. Stay as long, or as little as you need to get in shape!
No class on Thursday October 24th during the Hamilton Film Festival
Thursday Night Actors Gym
Drop in between 5:30 - 8:30
Thursday Night Actors Gym is the ultimate drop-in class for actors looking to flex their acting muscles! This dynamic session lets you pop in at any time, sign up for a scene like karaoke! Take the “stage” (T?) to work on your performance. While waiting for your turn, you can watch and learn from others or engage in fun exercises with fellow actors. It's a supportive and energetic environment where you can sharpen your skills, explore new roles, and grow as an on-camera actor. Perfect for actors of all levels!
$25
Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, 357 Wilson St. E, Ancaster, Room 213
This is a combo-class and all ages can drop in. Stay as long, or as little as you need to get in shape!
No class on Thursday October 24th during the Hamilton Film Festival
Thursday Night Actors Gym
Drop in between 5:30 - 8:30
Thursday Night Actors Gym is the ultimate drop-in class for actors looking to flex their acting muscles! This dynamic session lets you pop in at any time, sign up for a scene like karaoke! Take the “stage” (T?) to work on your performance. While waiting for your turn, you can watch and learn from others or engage in fun exercises with fellow actors. It's a supportive and energetic environment where you can sharpen your skills, explore new roles, and grow as an on-camera actor. Perfect for actors of all levels!
FRIDAY
EVENING ACTING WORKSHOPS
Gain, or improve on, skills that actors should know and be familiar with.
Most Fridays 5:30-8:30
$60 each
$150 for any 3 (save $30)
$499 for any 10 (save $100)
$750 for all 15 (Save $150)
September
With Jessica Clement
20 How to be a Good Reader - postponed till Winter 2025
27 How to Get an Agent 101 - postponed till Winter 2025
October
With Jessica Clement
4 Theatre to Film Acting - postponed till Winter 2025
11 Learning the Journey, Not the Words - postponed till Winter 2025
November
1 Crying on Cue (very popular) With Jessica Clement
8 Creating a Budget for a Short Film with Julian*
15 Audition with Casting Director, Ian bender*
22 Stunts for Actors - Instructor TBA
29 Accents & Dialect - Instructor TBA
December
6 Intimacy on Camera - Instructor TBA*
13 Writing - With Maxie and Rachelle*
20 Grant Writing - with Michael Kras*
*A week prior sign-up is required for classes noted
$60 each
$150 for any 3 (save $30)
$499 for any 10 (save $100)
$750 for all 15 (Save $150)
September
With Jessica Clement
20 How to be a Good Reader - postponed till Winter 2025
27 How to Get an Agent 101 - postponed till Winter 2025
October
With Jessica Clement
4 Theatre to Film Acting - postponed till Winter 2025
11 Learning the Journey, Not the Words - postponed till Winter 2025
November
1 Crying on Cue (very popular) With Jessica Clement
8 Creating a Budget for a Short Film with Julian*
15 Audition with Casting Director, Ian bender*
22 Stunts for Actors - Instructor TBA
29 Accents & Dialect - Instructor TBA
December
6 Intimacy on Camera - Instructor TBA*
13 Writing - With Maxie and Rachelle*
20 Grant Writing - with Michael Kras*
*A week prior sign-up is required for classes noted
SATURDAY
Filmmaking - Pick A Position
Weekends, Saturday and Sunday from 8am - 2pm
Classes Sept21/22, 28/29, Oct 5/6
Bonus class on Oct 12*
Classes Sept21/22, 28/29, Oct 5/6
Bonus class on Oct 12*
In this hands-on workshop you will select a role on the filmmaking team, and maintain that position throughout the process. For example, if you sign up for screenwriting, you only attend Sept 21 and Oct 12. Once a position is filled, it is no longer available. You will all be working as a team to make a short film based off the script that is written on Sept 21.
This class is ideal for teens and adults who have limited experience. Very complimentary to the 101 classes or Teen filmmaking camps where you did a bit of everything.
This class is ideal for teens and adults who have limited experience. Very complimentary to the 101 classes or Teen filmmaking camps where you did a bit of everything.
The role you sign up for will ONLY be needed on the dates below:
Positions in RED have been completely filled. If you aren't sure, take Assistant, as you learn a few positions.
Sept 21 - Screenwriting
Sept 22 - Directing / Cinematography / Producing
Sept 28 - Acting / Directing / Cinematography / Producing / Assistant / Sound
Sept 29 - Acting / Directing / Cinematography / Producing / Assistant / Sound
Oct 5 - Editing / Music
Oct 6 - Editing / Music
*Sat Oct 12 (9am - Noon ) ALL bonus class to watch the edit, discuss the film industry and business with details about financing and funding.
Optional as this class is on Thanksgiving weekend.
Positions in RED have been completely filled. If you aren't sure, take Assistant, as you learn a few positions.
Sept 21 - Screenwriting
Sept 22 - Directing / Cinematography / Producing
Sept 28 - Acting / Directing / Cinematography / Producing / Assistant / Sound
Sept 29 - Acting / Directing / Cinematography / Producing / Assistant / Sound
Oct 5 - Editing / Music
Oct 6 - Editing / Music
*Sat Oct 12 (9am - Noon ) ALL bonus class to watch the edit, discuss the film industry and business with details about financing and funding.
Optional as this class is on Thanksgiving weekend.
Saturday Morning Cartoons!
Saturdays from 10am - 11:30am
$25 per class
$160 for all 7 (save $15)
Materials provided.
$25 per class
$160 for all 7 (save $15)
Materials provided.
Classes and instructors are still being decided, but these are the dates they will be running! We will be doing claymation, stop motion with various materials, pixilation, puppeteering, and forced perspective.
November
2 - Puppeteering with Benton Lowe
9
16
23
30
December
7
14 - Stop Motion Holiday Card! The students will work together on one holiday card that they will animate, and can share with family and friends over the holidays!
2 - Puppeteering with Benton Lowe
9
16
23
30
December
7
14 - Stop Motion Holiday Card! The students will work together on one holiday card that they will animate, and can share with family and friends over the holidays!
VOICE ACTING
COMING LATER THIS FALL!
Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, 357 Wilson St E, Room 213
Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, 357 Wilson St E, Room 213
SUNDAY
Scene Study Intensive with Juno Rinaldi
6 Weeks from Sun Nov 3 - Sun Dec 8
11am - 3:30pm, $450 plus hst
Experienced actors only. 18+
Limited to 8 students
4.5 hours. 1/2 break
This class will sell out.
11am - 3:30pm, $450 plus hst
Experienced actors only. 18+
Limited to 8 students
4.5 hours. 1/2 break
This class will sell out.
In the class we will work on a total of three different iconic plays in a scene study format. You will be paired with a new scene partner and scene every two weeks, giving you the option to really dig into the material and go as deep as you can with your partner. This class will require a lot of reading, script work, acting exercises and rigorous self discipline. Please only apply if you feel like you are ready to do the work!
Juno Rinaldi is an award winning filmmaker, writer, actor and producer and has been working in Film, Television and Theatre for the past 25 years. Most recently Juno had the pleasure of playing the iconic role of Frankie Coyne on the International Emmy Nominated Nextlfix/CBC series, Workin’ Moms. Other highlighted credits include, Fingernails, IT2, The Invisibles, It Feeds, Y The Last Man, The Killing, Fringe, Supernatural, Jennifer's Body. Rinaldi’s short film Such A Small Thing, which she wrote, co-produced and starred in won Best Short/Social Awareness, Queen Palm International Film Festival. Such A Small Thing has been licensed through CBC’s Canadian Reflections Program, and can be viewed on CBC GEM as well as streaming on HighBall TV. Juno is currently adapting the award winning BC novel, The Heaviness of Things That Float for TV with her writing partner, Eva Thomas.
1 on 1 - DAYTIME
$48 per hour session
Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, 357 Wilson St. E, Ancaster, Room 213
Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, 357 Wilson St. E, Ancaster, Room 213
If something we offer doesn't fit into your schedule, we offer daytime 1-on-1 sessions in person, and online.
These are available in one-hour classes and you can focus on your area of study. Please reach out in advance to inquire about a date / time, and your area of interest. Email
These are available in one-hour classes and you can focus on your area of study. Please reach out in advance to inquire about a date / time, and your area of interest. Email
EXPERIENCE A MOVIE BEING MADE FROM SCRIPT TO SCREEN
Fly On The Wall: The Making of an Indie Feature
$99 + hst
Ongoing | Enter anytime
Sign up anytime and get access to all previous materials.
Once registered, you will receive your private access. Any in-person experiences will be recorded and posted online so no matter where you live, you can experience everything.
Sept 2024 STATUS: Film Festival submission process
Experience the entire process of a movie being made, from development to the screen. EAST END, will be a dramatic feature film, (hopefully) made in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. It is in the very early stages of development and we want you to be able to experience the process via documents, images, videos, live video feeds, and in-person experiences. How long this will take is unknown, but it will be a real-world experience of an independent Canadian feature-film attempting to get financed, produced and released. Successes or failures, you will experience the whole process as a fly on the wall.
The 5 stages you will access and experience are:
Every movie has a different plan or strategy and each creative project is like starting from scratch. We don't always have all the answers but we look for solutions and possibilities in order to complete the work. The hope is that this Fly On The Wall project helps other filmmakers on their journey through this insight, strategy, and inspiration.
The 5 stages you will access and experience are:
- Development: Budgeting, script writing, funding and applications, team building, casting, email correspondence, successful or rejected funding, film festival and release strategies.
- Pre-Production: Locations, casting, rehearsals, script breakdowns, permit applications, insurance, legal
- Production: On-set experiences, access to dailies, access to call sheets and correspondence, behind the scenes video and audio
- Post Production: Editing room experiences, seeing the score come to life, sound editing and mixing experiences, marketing and promotional materials.
- Exhibition / Distribution: Release strategies implemented, tickets to festival screenings (hopefully), sales (hopefully)
Every movie has a different plan or strategy and each creative project is like starting from scratch. We don't always have all the answers but we look for solutions and possibilities in order to complete the work. The hope is that this Fly On The Wall project helps other filmmakers on their journey through this insight, strategy, and inspiration.
Give the gift of filmmaking!
We have so many classes and camps, for all ages, that run year-round, and now you can gift these to that budding star, the emerging filmmaker, or to someone who wants to try something new!
Click BUY NOW and enter the amount you wish to gift. We will mail out a gift card to you so if you are doing this for Christmas, make sure you order between Dec 14 - 19. We can also send a virtual gift card if requested.
SAFETY & REFUNDS
All our camps and classes will follow the current guidelines as set out by the province of Ontario. You can read the guidelines https://covid-19.ontario.ca/public-health-measures
Full refunds will be issued if the camps have to close, or reduce capacity, as a result of public health measures.
For non-public health related cancellations, you will be refunded less a processing fee.
CONTACT
Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, 357 Wilson St. E, Ancaster, On, L9G 2C1
Room #213
Questions or Contact: [email protected]
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About the owner.
Nathan Fleet has been working in the field of entertainment for over 25 years. A natural educator, a musician by trade, and a filmmaker by default, Nathan has written, produced, directed, edited, composed and acted for several film, television, music video, and corporate productions. He is currently working on the 17th Annual Hamilton Film Festival, a TV series called WILD CHILD, as well as producing many other projects. Nathan teaches music and filmmaking, runs the Hamilton Film Festival, founded (and is the chair of) Lights Camera Hamilton, and he runs the music and film company Blue Pick Media. |
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