Hamilton Film School

All classes take place at the
Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, Room 213
357 Wilson St. E, Ancaster On.

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

SPRING 2023
REGULAR PROGRAMMING

Register today for Summer Camps

Kids 8-12 (suggested age)
Teens 13-17

The kids will learn as they make a short film that will premiere at the Hamilton Film Festival in October! This is our most popular offering and most weeks sell out. Kids Can Film, Kids Can Film: Two, and for teens we have Filmmaking 101, and Filmmaking 102.

Camps are Monday to Friday, 9am - 3pm, unless noted*. Before and After options available
Kids Can Film, July 3th - 7th, July 10th - 17th, *Aug 8th - 11th(4 days) , Aug - 14th - 18th
Kids Can Film, Two, July 24th - 28th, July 31st - Aug 4th, Aug 21st - 25th
Filmmaking 101, July 17 - 21, 9am - 3pm
Filmmaking 102, AUG 28 - Sept 1, 9am - 3pm

FILMMAKING LESSONS: 30 MINUTE LESSONS

FILMMAKING LESSONS
EVERY TUESDAY EVENING
Jan 10th - March 28th (except Mar 14)
30 minute lessons between 3:30pm - 9pm
30min filmmaking lessons! Must book the month at a time to claim your weekly spot.
This unique program is designed for those who would like their lessons one-on-one and in shorter, convenient sessions.

Jan 10,17,24,31 SOLD OUT
Feb 7,14,21,28 $96 + hst SOLD OUT
Mar 7,21,28 $72 + hst SOLD OUT

For youth, teen, adult
Lessons are customized for what the student's interests are.

Please email us to book a time or to learn more.
Payment can also be made via eTransfer

Tuesday Night Filmmaking Lessons

Kids, Teens, Adults
30 minute private lessons from 3:30pm - 9pm
2nd Room added so there are more times available.

Dates: Tuesdays on April 4, 11, 18, 25 | May 2, 9, 16, 30, | June 6, 13, 20, 27
No lessons May 23rd

Like a private 30minute music lesson, this filmmaking lessons are tailored to the interest of the student. All ages welcome. You sign up for a month at a time to claim a spot.

Email here first to select a 30 minute spot

HOMESCHOOL FILMMAKING CLASS
Monday mornings from 10am - 11:30am
Suitable for kids ages 8 - 12
Please email us to learn more.
$15 + hst per child, per Monday

Classes will be hands on where the kids will also participate in using the video, lighting, and sound equipment. We will supply all the materials. If you are leaving your child for the 90 minutes, you must fill out the LONG FORM and read through our rules and regulations on the same page HERE.

MARCH
6 - Experimental Moviemaking: Filming images and capturing sound in a non-narrative way
13 No class (March Break Camp Week) Register for March Break Camp here
20 - Experimental Moviemaking: Editing together the pieces from the March 6th class
27 - Improv and Games: Let's kick off the Spring with some fun movie-themed games like charades, movie poster, tableau and improv!

Homeschool Filmmaking - Spring, Monday Mornings

Kids 8-12 (suggested age)

For kids that are homeschooled, each week we work on a different aspect of filmmaking.

Dates and times: Mondays from 10am - 11:30am on April 3, 17, 24 | May 1, 8, 15, 29, | June 5, 12, 19, 26
No class May 22nd

SPRING 2023 - SPECIAL PROGRAMMING

PRODUCING: 101

Thursday Mar. 23, 7pm-8:30pm - Production Management with Vince Genuardi
Saturday March 25th, 9am - 10:30am - Finding Funding with Nathan Fleet
Thursday March 30th 7pm - 8:30pm - Creating a Budget with Jeremy Major
$45 each or $120 for all 3 (save $15) plus hst

In this 3-part class we will cover production management, funding, and creating a budget. Aimed at the independent producer who is just getting started, or those who wish to learn more about these topics. Many people aren't sure where to start when it comes to producing, but with a little guidance, you will start to lean how to put some of these classes into practice.

PA DAY FILM CAMP

Fri April 28th - HWCDSB
Fri June 2nd - Both boards
9am - 3pm
Before care from 7:30am. After care until 5pm.

$60 + HST (or $100 if you register for both)
Before Care $10, After Care $15, Both $20

These bite-sized film camps are great for those kids who are new to filmmaking, or those with experience who enjoy making movies!
Recommended for ages 8 - 12

Terrance Odette - Filmmaking Masterclass

Wed April 12th, 19th and 26th. 7pm - 8:30pm
$175 + hst (save $20 when you take all 3)
(or $65 each)

Wed April 12th, 19th and 26th. 7pm - 8:30pm

Like preparing any good meal making a film requires similar steps taking you from conception to presentation. With that in mind think of making a film much like making dinner for friends, family or that special someone. In this way we can see the process of screenwriting as writing the recipe, directing as grocery shopping and editing and cooking. Just like there are an infinite number of meals, there are as many films/TV shows. I strongly encourage questions and observations during each week’s 90 minutes session. I have designed this course with the independent filmmaker in mind.

Recipe (screenwriting)
Week 1: Basic principles of story, character and structure and getting it on the page.
The class will select 3 films or TV episodes, one of which each student is to select and watch over the next week paying attention structure and story arch. Collectively write a short scene, followed by a Q&A and open discussion.

Groceries (directing)
Week 2: Discuss the story, structure, character and story arch of the 3 films selected.
Basic principles of what directing actually is and the role of the Director in film and TV.
Go through some of the ways a Director prepares. Set up and block three types of scenes with participants and allow time for Q&A. Have participants re-watch on of the 3 films or TV episodes over the next week, paying attentions to the blocking of scenes.

Cooking (editing)
Week 3:
Discuss the blocking from one or more of the scenes from the 3 films or TV episodes.
The basic concepts of editing and the role of the Editor in film and TV.
Show examples of assembled scenes followed by a Q&A and open discussion

Award winning Filmmaker Terrance Odette began his career producing and directing music TV series & specials, including over 150 music videos. Odette’s feature films have all played to great critical acclaim, (voted Top-Ten All-Time Canadian Films). His films have garnered numerous awards and screenings at film festivals (Sundance, Berlinale, TIFF, VIFF, BFI UK, Mumbai) and toured throughout the Americas, including the honour of his first feature films retrospective April of 2015 at Regina Public Library. His fourth feature film “FALL” stars Michael Murphy (Manhattan) and Cannes prize- winner Best Actress Suzanne Clement (Mommy) received 5 CANADIAN SCREEN AWARD Nominations including Best Picture and Best Actor (Michael Murphy), DGC nomination for BEST DIRECTOR. Odette. Latest efforts include documentary features FESTA (2021) and UNIMAGINABLE (2022), SAUDADE (in production) and narrative feature BRETHREN (in development).

HamOnt Acting Studio Programming

THEATRE TO FILM
For those with a bg in theatre that want to become more successful in booking film work. We will look at the subtle changes needed to take your audience from the back of a theatre to right in front of your face.

$60 + hst

Sunday April 30th, 2:30pm - 4:30pm

ACTING GENRES
Choose from 7 classes, or take them all! We dive into the genres you will audition for and how to be smart about acting them differently. Choose from: Comedy, Horror, Med/Crime Drama, Hallmark, YA/CW, and Indie Films.

$399 for all 7 (save $21) = hst
$60 + hst each

Classes run from 2:30pm - 5:30pm
Saturday March 25th - Comedy
Sunday March 26th - Drama
Saturday April 15th - Horror
Sunday April 16th - Hallmark
Saturday May 6th - YA / CW
Sunday May 7th, Indie Films
Saturday May 13th, Medical / Crime

SHORT FILM

A role will be written for you in either a comedy or drama short film that you will perform in. As an extension to this training, the short film will also have a premiere at the Hamilton Film Festival in October so you can experience the full process of acting in a film, and then attending the premiere + Q&A.
Pre-requisite is that you have studied with HamOnt Acting Studio in the intermediate classes, or the previous weeks Comedy or Medical / Crime / Drama.

$449 + hst
Limited to 6 people for Comedy, and 6 people for Drama

Saturday April 1st (comedy) SOLD OUT
Sunday April 2nd (Drama) - SOLD OUT
All Day / Afternoon

SCENE STUDY
Finally! An on going acting class! This is an Intermediate to advanced acting class for all ages. In this industry we have children and adult co-workers who are treated equally... let's get used to that in the class room!

This is a class to keep your acting muscles warm and keep your chops UP! Every week will have a slightly different focus so taking it for the full course will be the most beneficial but you are also welcome to drop in and join us as needed! If you do, please bring a scene you’d like to work on just incase the rest of the class has already been assigned scenes! Let’s get acting!!

Thursday Evenings from 7pm - 8:30pm (13 Classes)
April 6, 13, 20, 27, May 4, 11, 18, 25, June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
$25 for an individual class, $300 for all 13 (save $25) all prices + hst
Please indicate the date during in the appropriate field during PayPal checkout, if you purchase a single class.

Actual Film!

Adults, or teens with a keen interest on how indie movies used to be made (and still are) on Super8 and 16mm. You will see all the equipment, try some splicing, learn about the process of syncing audio to film, edge coding, hear some stories, and even get a chance to thread the projector and watch some film!

Sunday April 16th, 10am - 11:30am
$30 + hst

Saturday Morning Cartoons

Kids 8-12 (suggested age)
10am - 11:30am
April 15, 22, 29, May 6, 13

Over 5 Saturdays, we explore different styles of basic animation including hand drawn (April 15), stop motion (April 22), claymation (April 29), pixilation (May 6). puppeteering (May 13). No experience necessary. This is a repeat of the techniques from the Fall 2022. Ideal for students who have not gone through this program before.

Indie Filmmaking: Cast and Crew

Ideal for ages 17+

Sign up for your desired role, each role has limited spots indicated here. Director (2), actor (4), screenwriter (2), cinematographer / camera (2), editor (2), composer (2), producer (2), location sound (2), sound editor (2), or assistant (4).
A great way to specialize in a role of your choice. This project-based learning opportunity will give the students a chance to learn the craft as they make a short film. The group decides by democratic vote, how the movie will be released.
If you aren't sure of the position, or want to see how the set runs, please do consider assistant as you will do a variety of tasks.
This class is ideal for those deciding if they want to go to college / university for film, and for those with a true passion for entering the industry.

Saturdays and Sundays from 8am - 2pm, May 27/28, June 3/4, 10/11, 17/18
Sat May 27 - Screenwriting
Sun May 28 - Pre-Production (Director, Cinematographer, Producer)
Sat June 3 - Production (Director, Cinematographer, Producer, Actor, Assistants, Location Sound)
Sun June 4 - Production (Director, Cinematographer, Producer, Actor, Assistants, Location Sound)
Sat June 10 - Post Production (Editor)
Sun June 11 - Post Production (Editor)
Sat June 17 - Post Production (Sound and Music)
Sun June 18 - Final Post-Production / Distribution and Marketing (Everyone attends this)

YouTube: 101

Youth + Adult.
Kids without their own channel would need signed parent permission to start a YouTube channel.

$99 + hst

Every Wednesday in May from 6-7pm.
May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

WEEK 1: Creating an account, brainstorming videos, how to create a ’set-up’, how to light and shoot said set-up.
WEEK 2: Idea building & basics of editing your video
WEEK 3: Editing Next Steps (B-roll & other assets)
WEEK 4: Final Touches & Publishing (Adding music, exporting, uploading, & thumbnails)
WEEK 5: Student Showcase & Next Steps

Jared Marino: Jared Marino (he/him) is a cinematographer, colorist and director based in Toronto, Canada. He is a Student Member of the Canadian Society of Cinematographers (CSC) who is passionate about creating a visual style for each individual project. Jared has earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Film & Television as well as a Certificate in Creative Problem Solving at Sheridan College. His work ranges in narrative, documentary, music video, commercial, and drone cinematography. https://jaredmarino.net/

Weekday One-On-One

WEEKDAY FILMMAKING LESSONS
These sessions are flexible between 9am - 2pm, Tuesday or Wednesday and are suitable for young adults & adults.
One-On-One sessions are 60min and the cost is $48 + hst. Book as many, or as little as needed and they don't have to fall on the same day or time. Lessons customized for what your interest are. Please email us to book a time and learn more. Once you have a date and time, you can return here to pay.

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 starting January 12th.
Live experiences happen most Thursdays from 10am - 12 noon, online.
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.

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 likely 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.

A lens and app test in one of the Fly On The Wall sessions.

ACTING: BEGINNER

Monday evenings from Jan - Mar
Mondays Jan 16, 23, 30, Feb 6, 13, 27, March 6, 20, 27
(excluding family day and March Break)
6pm - 7pm (kids 8 - 12)
7:30pm - 8:30pm (Teens 13 - 17)
$139 + hst
CLASSES ALREADY IN SESSION

This class is for those who are new to acting, and are specifically interested in acting for the screen. Instructor: Carina Sălăjan

Each week you will work on something that gets you out of your shell, and ready for the camera! Improv exercises, how to perform for the camera, exploring emotions, reading a script, rehearsing, repetition, and in March you will work towards filming a small scene!

Carina has been acting since she/they were 8 years old! With experience on both stage and screen, Carina has a wealth of acting and teaching knowledge and is exited to share it. Carina came highly recommended from our head acting teacher, Jessica Clement.

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: info@hamiltonfilmfestival.com

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.