HAMILTON FILM FESTIVAL & SCHOOL OF MEDIA ARTS
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WINTER 2026 CLASSES ADDED!

Voice Acting

CA$60.00 - CA$900.00
VOICE ACTING DEMO REEL

Classes take place at:
Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, 357 Wilson St. E, Ancaster, Room 213



Having a VO demo reel is an important step in your journey as a voice actor. Whether it's to help you get a great agent, promote yourself, or submit for auditions, it's the perfect calling card to showcase your skills! When you book a custom voice demo reel with us, you'll work one-on-one with veteran voice actor and coach Tarah Consoli to create a tailored voice reel that lets your unique sound shine. This package includes a private coaching session to work out the voice skills you'd like to showcase, script creation and selection, and then a fun recording session in our studio sound booth to bring it all to life. We'll add a little editing and music and you'll have your brand new demo reel delivered and ready to put out into the world. 

 
  • - 1 hour one-on-one coaching session (in studio or remote) to prep characters and scripts
  • - Recording session in our studio sound booth
  • - A fully-edited 60-90 second voiceover demo delivered to you


Your choice of:

 
  • Commercial Reel $750 plus HST
  • Animation Reel $900 plus HST
  •  Kids & Teens Demo Reel $450 plus HST
  • Voice over and Audition Coaching $60 plus hst, per hour


BEFORE BOOKING please email us to arrange a time slot.
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Homeschool Filmmaking Class

CA$15.00 - CA$140.00
MONDAYS 2026
Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, 357 Wilson St. E, Ancaster, Room 213
​Individual Classes $15 plus hst
​All 11 Classes (Save $25) $140 plus hst




January 5, 12, 19, 26, Feb 2, 9, 23 (no lessons on Family Day Feb 16th)
March 2, 9, 23, 30 (no lessons Mar 16 during March Break)
Classes in order are: Rotoscoping, What Makes A Scene, Composition (cinematography), Looping (matching vocal performances to a video), Magic Mask visual effects, Fixed camera on a moving object, "fight" scene making a hit look real, filming an interview, Music video 
planning-filming-editing. 

We'll take the kids through different techniques of filmmaking. Some classes will be one-offs, and others 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 all 11 classes to participate.
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Filmmaking Lessons

CA$24.00 - CA$96.00

TUESDAYS 2026

Before registering please contact us here to request a spot between 3:00 and the last lesson starts at 8:30pm but earlier or later lessons can be arrange.



$24 + HST per lesson but you pay per month.

​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.


Winter 2026 Dates:

January 6, 13, 20, 27 ($96 + hst)

February 3, 10, 17, 24 (96 + hst)

March 3, 10, 24, 31

(No lessons on Mar 17 - March Break)($96 + hst)

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MAKE A SHORT FILM 2026

CA$359.00

WEEKENDS (3 weekends, 6 classes)

Jan 24/25, 31/Feb 1, Feb 7/8

9am - 3pm


Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre

357 Wilson St E, Ancaster

Room 213


Students will collectively write and produce a short film from script to screen.


The completed short film will be presented at the Hamilton Film Festival in the Emerging Filmmaker screening on Sun Oct 18th, 3:30pm.


We will cover these basic elements while making the movie:


  • Screenwriting
  • Script Breakdown
  • Creating a Shot List
  • Acting
  • Camera
  • Sound
  • Directing
  • Producing
  • Script Supervision
  • Editing
  • Movie Release and Marketing


Ideal for older teens and adults who are new to filmmaking. No experience necessary.

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Working With First-Time Actors: For Directors and Producers

CA$25.00

Thursday February 19th, 7 - 8:30pm

$25 plus hst

Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, Room 213

357 Wilson St E, Ancaster


This class is ideal for directors, producers or anyone wanting to work with "non-actors"


Overview: 

There is no shortage of actors when working in the world of non-union filmmaking. But sometimes taking the traditional casting route might not be right for your project. Maybe you’ve scoured casting websites like Mandy.com and Casting Workbook with no luck and aren’t sure where to look next. Maybe you have a friend or relative who oozes charisma but doesn’t have any formal acting training. Or maybe you want to cast someone to play a version of themself. This workshop focus’ on how to get genuine performances out of first-time actors. This includes putting actors at ease, the role of improv, how to pivot a performance, and learning how to lean into a first-time actor’s strengths.  

 

Through antidotes and studying raw footage from my past films, you’ll learn how to shape a performance to from take one to the finished product. 

 

Bio:

Kire Paputts is an award-winning filmmaker with 20 years of experience. He has directed five features, three shorts, and several short documentary programs for TV and streaming. His work has screened around the world at festivals including TIFF, SXSW, Sitges, Torino, Beijing, and Edinburgh. He has built a career working with first-time actors. Focusing heavily on outsiders, people on the fringes, and marginalized communities.

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Intro To Voiceover

CA$199.00

Weekend Intensive, Sat March 7 and Sun March 8.

12noon to 3pm

357 Wilson St E, Ancaster ON Room 213


Winter is the perfect time to join us in our cozy sound booth and learn some new voiceover skills! In our INTRO TO VOICEOVER Weekend Intensive for teens/adults, students will dive into the exciting world of voice acting for cartoons and commercials.


Led by veteran voice actor and coach Tarah Consoli (The Cat in the Hat, Superwhy, Cyberchase, Crash Canyon and more) you'll learn how to bring scripts to life through acting technique, character and script analysis, and how to engage your full body to create original characters. This two-day workshop will also give students practical experience working in our professional recording booth and honing their skills behind the mic. Whether you are brand new to voice acting, or want to elevate your game and bring your performance to the next level, this is going to be a fun and supportive place to get out of your comfort zone and try something new!


Limited Spots Available

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Mobile Device Video Workshop

CA$25.00

We carry around a mini film studio in our pocket but many still don't fully realize the potential it has. I am Nathan Fleet and I have shot both corporate and creative using only a device, and a few tricks.


I want to teach you about best settings, how to set up a good shot, equipment you may want to use, audio solutions, editing tips, shooting both horizontally and vertically, and much more.


If you want to use the video for creative, or business, this is for you!


You are encouraged to bring your own device (phone or tablet) as we go through making the most out of YOUR device.


Class size is limited.


Class takes place at the Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, room 213

357 Wilson St E, Ancaster. Plenty of free parking on site.


My most recent project, Phone: The Musical Series, was shot entirely on the iPhone15 and will be released in the spring of 2026.


When checking out, please leave a note indicating what device you will be bringing so that I can familiarize myself with your tech.

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FILM CAMP - MARCH BREAK 2026

CA$50.00 - CA$325.00

MARCH BREAK CAMP

The filmmaking camps are a great way to get your kids involved in a unique "script to screen" activity that promotes creativity, teamwork, and fun! Each camp we produce a short film that will premiere at the Hamilton Film Festival in October! The kids will get a hands-on experience as they learn a number of skills like directing, producing, writing, acting (if they want), sound, props and design, camera, and lighting. What are you waiting for? Action! 



9am - 3pm

​Ideal for kids 8-13

Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, 357 Wilson St E, Room 213





Camp Only $325 + hst

with before care add $50 + hst

with after care add $50 +hst

with before AND after care add $100 + hst


Please note that we can only providing before / after care on a weekly basis, rather than daily. 


Before is 8am - 9am. 

​After is 3pm - 5pm

​

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Summer Film Camp

CA$50.00 - CA$650.00

TEACHERS & CAMP OVERVIEW

Jun 29 - July 3, Nathan Fleet - Kids

Kids write, produce and star (they decide the genre by vote)

$325 + hst


July 6th - July 10, Nathan Fleet (Advanced Kids)

Kids write, produce and star (they decide the genre by vote) 

Advanced kids must have the equivalent of 3-4 camps of experience. Please email us if you are unsure. 

​$325 + hst


July 13 - July 17, Avery Fleet (Kids) 

Kids write, produce and star (they decide the genre by vote) 

​$325 + hst


July 20th - July 24, Michael Penney (Kids)

Kids write, produce and star (This film will include visual effects)

​$325 + hst


July 27 - July 31, Mike Trebilcock (Advanced Kids) 

Kids will produce and star in this film that will lean towards zombie / horror and will include practical and visual effects

Advanced kids must have at least 4 camps of experience. Please email us if you are unsure. 

​$325 + hst


Aug 3 - Aug 7, Mike Trebilcock (Kids)

Kids will produce and star in this film that will lean towards zombie / horror and will include practical and visual effects. 

​$325 + hst


Aug 10 - Aug 14, Avery Fleet (Kids)

Kids write, produce and star (they decide the genre by vote) 

​$325 + hst


Aug 17 - Aug 21, Mike Trebilcock (Teens)

Kids will produce and star in this film that will lean towards zombie / horror and will include practical and visual effects

​$325 + hst


Aug 24 - 28 and Aug 31 - Sept 4 Mike Trebilcock

​(Teens for Two Weeks)

The teens will spend more time to make one film. 

Kids will produce and star in this film that will lean towards zombie / horror and will include practical and visual effects

$650 + hst


with before care add $50 + hst

with after care add $50 +hst

with before AND after care add $100 + hst


Please note that we are only providing before / after care on a weekly basis, rather than daily. Before is 8am - 9am. After is 3pm - 5pm

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One on One

CA$48.00

DAYTIME

$48 per hour session (plus hst = 54.24)

​Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, 357 Wilson St. E, Ancaster, Room 213


Typically WED, THUR or FRI daytime (9am - 4pm)


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


Ideal for a consult of how to get a film started, improving or learning a new skill, questions about funding...whatever your area of interest is. New to intermediate skill level.

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GIFT CARD

CA$50.00 - CA$350.00

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!


For birthdays, holidays, celebrations, or just because!


Once you purchase a gift card, email us to let us know what you'd like to apply it to and we will take care of the rest!

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Writing Room with Terrance Odette (Screenwriting)

CA$240.00

MONDAYS

Winter 2026


6:30pm - 8:30pm

​$160 + hst ($180.80)

​357 Wilson St E, Ancaster, Room 213 - Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre

Winter 6-Part Session

Monday Jan 5, 12, 19, March 16, 23, 30


Completing a screenplay is akin to earning your stripes in the industry; it signifies

dedication, perseverance, and a deep understanding of the art form. Just as a

tradesperson hones their skills through hands-on experience, so too must a

screenwriter embrace the journey of bringing their stories to life.


Writing Room welcomes all serious screenwriters at any level of experience to join me each week for 2 hours. Together, we will explore various aspects of screenwriting, including character development, plot structure, and dialogue refinement. Participants will have the opportunity to share their work and receive constructive feedback in a supportive environment.


Requirements:

  • A working story idea, at any stage: synopsis or treatment, partial or complete draft of a screenplay.
  • Be open to sharing and listening to well-meaning and honest criticism.
  • Most important is the willingness to try and see it through to the end.


Reference suggestion:

Into The Woods – How stories work and why we tell them - by John Yorke

(Available to order from your favourite bookstore)


Facilitator: Terrance Odette

Since his first feature film, “HEATER” (Sundance, 00’), award-winning writer-

director Terrance Odette’s films have shed light on the social inequalities and forgottenvoices of postmodern Canada. Odette's feature work has played to critical acclaim(Variety, Village Voice, MacLean’s, Globe & Mail, Vancouver Sun [voted Top-Ten All-Time Canadian Films]) and garnered numerous awards and festival screenings

(Sundance, Berlinale, TIFF, VIFF, LIFF_BFI). 2014’s “FALL” 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 the documentary feature UNIMAGINABLE (23’) and the narrative

6-part series and feature edit BIKE (24’). Scripts optioned: SKIN THE GHOST, LIGHT

OF THE VOID, BRETHREN (in development), and BEAUTIFUL FACE.

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ACTING CLASSES

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HamOnt Acting Studio has a new home in Dundas!
All acting classes and sessions will be happening at their location, and through their website.
For all acting inquiries, please contact:

https://www.hamontactingstudio.com/

We will still be working with HamOnt Acting Studio to bring their film works to our screens at the Hamilton Film Festival. Although we are apart, we're still connected, and that means YOU are connected! 

HAMILTON SCHOOL OF MEDIA ARTS

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Our film school has been an excellent feeder into the filmmaking community. Many of our students have benefited from our programs, our Co-Op placements (for high school and college), and screening and networking at the Hamilton Film Festival. We assist our New Generation Artists (18-30) with getting professional credits for their resume/cv, and with getting them onto film sets.  Studying at the Hamilton School of Media Arts has benefits that go beyond the class that you are taking, OR,  just come and have some filmmaking fun! 
LOCATION
Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, Room 213
357 Wilson St E, Ancaster
plenty of parking on site
email us

The Steve Parton Student Achievement Award

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​Steve was an endless supporter of music and film education for kids.
Before he passed away in 2021 he donated all of his film equipment to our classroom. 
We have a permanent plaque in our room to honour his memory. 
​
On behalf of his family and our school, each year we will be awarding one of our top students $200 to go towards something that will enhance, and further their filmmaking endeavours. 

Annual recipients will be announced at the  Hamilton Film Festival at the end of the Kids Can Film program. This year, Sun Oct 19th, 1pm after the Kids Can Film program. 

Photo by Andie Parton, Steve's mom. 

2025 Student Achievement Award Recipient

Oliver Mizener

Oliver is a dedicated student and entered the film school having already completed some stop motion animated films.
Years later, he continues to study and strives to learn new things with an open mind, and a very positive attitude. Congratulations Oliver, I know Steve would be proud of you, as we all are!
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