18TH HAMILTON FILM FESTIVAL
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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

WINTER CALENDAR COMING SOON!


FALL PROGRAM 2022

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Spark graphic by Kayla Pattison
Our fall education program, and the inaugural year for our new film school, are all about the spark! Getting people of all ages excited, involved, and educated, on opportunities in the film, tv, and new media field. All our facilitators are actively working in the industry so you will be getting a real-world education no matter which class you take. From Sept 20 - Dec 21 we are offering training in acting, fun animation, cinematography, composing, directing, drone operating, editing, festival strategy, filmmaking lessons, camps, location sound, music video production, motion graphics & titles, film set etiquette, post-film school planning, screenwriting and storytelling, talks, and videography. 
​
We have a mix of workshops,  classes, and talks.

Look through our calendar, get the spark, and start learning this fall! 

FALL INSTRUCTORS

Jessica Clement | Acting
Michael Penney | Creative Cinematography, Editing with Final Cut, Cinematography Immersive
Terrance Odette | Storytelling | Directing | Editing
Patricio Munoz | Character Animator | Drones | Motion Graphics and Titles
Nathan Fleet | Filmmaking lessons, camps and classes
Jordan Cutler | Location Sound
Annette Gerard | Pixilation
Benton Lowe | Puppeteering for TV
Talk Series: Vincent Genuardi | Production Office | Film Sets | Post Film School Planning
Talk Series: Alysha Main | Music Supervisor, Event Manager, DJ, and Podcaster
Talk Series: Jeremy Major | Director / Producer | Pitching
Talk Series - Jeffery Scott Fowler | Editor
Natalie Robinson | Art Director & Designer
Talk Series: Engineering Moving Pictures
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​Courses, Classes & Lessons

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Filmmaking Classes - Select a Month
FILMMAKING LESSONS 
EVERY TUESDAY EVENING 
Sept 20 - Dec 20
between 3:30pm - 9pm

People take 30min music lessons, so why not take filmmaking lessons?
This unique program is designed for those who would like their lessons one-on-one and in shorter, convenient sessions.
​
For Youth, Teen, Adult

Lessons are customized for what the student's interests are.

Must book the month at a time to claim your weekly spot
Sept 20, 27 ($48 + hst)
Oct 4, 11, 18, 25 ($96 + hst)
Nov 1, 15, 22, 29 ($96 + hst) - No lessons on Nov 8
Dec 6, 13, 20 ($72 + hst)

Please email us to book a time and learn more. 
​Payment can be made via eTransfer 
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INDIE FILMMAKING: FOR TEENS
Suggested for students in grade 10/ 11 / 12  (15 - 18)
Various dates, times, and prices depending on the position.
Every weekend from 10am - 4pm
Nov 26, 27 Dec 3,4,10,11,17,18


This is an opportunity for teens to focus on a position of interest for the duration of the course. 
​

Select role
We know this will be popular so don't hesitate to sign up!
Ideal for those who took Filmmaking 101 / 102 who now have an understanding of different positions on a set, or for those who have a passion for making movies.  
This includes meetings, one-on-one training, groups sessions, and making the film. 
​We hope to have some special guests in the film industry stop by from time to time. 

Limited positions available so if you aren't able to get a task you want, consider another. Every position is very important.
You can apply for more that one spot as long as the days they run don't overlap with the exception of day 10. 
​(For example, you could sign up as the screenwriter and the director, but not for the director and actor) 

The days will be 6 hours long. Bring your own lunches. 

Screenwriting (Positions Claimed / needed for 2 days)
Day 1,8 (Nov Sat 26, Dec Sun 18)
$120 + hst

In this class you will learn how to format and write a single 3-5 page script with 4 characters.
You will both work together to write, and re-write, and re-write, the screenplay that will be given to the next team. 
 
Producing (2 positions / needed for 4 days) 
Day 2,3,4,8 (Nov Sun 27, Sat Dec 3, Sun 4, Sun 18)
$240
 + hst
You will learn to things get done. As a key creative, you will also have input on all decisions, but also be willing to support the creative vision of the director. You have to be organized, work well with people, and be a team player. You will also be in charge of communicating to the team regarding scheduling and time management. You will also learn how to break down a script. 

Directing (Positions Claimed / needed for 4 days) Consider producer, screenwriter or Director Assistant
Day 2,3,4,8 (Nov Sun 27, Sat Dec 3, Sun 4, Sun 18)
$240
You will learn how to be in charge of the overall vision of the movie, plan the "shots", and make sure you get the performances you are looking for from the cast. You will learn various directing techniques, storyboarding, and breaking down a script. 
 

Cinematographer (Positions Claimed / needed for 4 days)
Day 2,3,4,8 
(Sun Nov 27, Dec Sat 3, Sun 4, Sun 18)
$240 + hst
You will learn how to operate the camera and be responsible for the "look" while also working with various lighting and grip equipment. You will work closely with the director to achieve the vision. 

Acting (4 spots available / needed for 3 days)  Positions Claimed
Day 3,4,8 (Dec Sat 3, Sun 4, Sun 18)
$180

You will learn to work from a screenplay to portray the characters. You will practice on your own, and then rehearse with the director to prepare for "the shoot" where you will act in this short film.

Location Sound (2 spots available / needed for 3 days)
Day 3,4,8 (Dec Sat 3, Sun 4, Sun 18)
$180
 + hst
You will learn to use various microphones and sound recording equipment, you will learn to recording all the audio on set from dialogue, wild lines, to room tone. 

Assistants & Supervisors (4 spots available / needed for 3 days) 
​Camera Assistant, Director Assistant, Script Supervisor, Production Assistant.
Day 3,4,8 
 (Dec Sat 3, Sun 4, Sun18)
$180
Everyone needs an assistant and this is where you will learn how. The director, the cinematographer, the actors, and the producer. In this position you will get a well rounded view of everything that happens and you will be busy! Everything from setting up lights and stands, using the slate and relaying the directors wishes to the cast, moving set pieces and gear, and general help where it is needed. You should be able to work well with a group and you may have to make a coffee run or two! A script supervisor is a position where you keep track of what was captured on all the takes, but also keep an eye out for things like someone picking up a cup in the wrong hand! 

Editing (1 spot remaining / needed for 3 days)
Day 5,6,8 (Dec Sat 10, Sun 11, Sun18)
$180
 + hst
You will learn how to edit a short film. Working with the screenplay, the director and the producer. You will keep cutting until you "lock the picture" or we run out of time just like in the real world. You will also be involved with the colour correction of the movie and preparing the final export, once the sound and music are done. The director and the producer will oversee the process.

​Sound Editing (2
spots available / needed for 3 days)
Day 7,8 (Dec  Sun 11, Sat 17, Sun 18)
$180
 + hst
Once the movie is edited, it needs to sound amazing and you will learn how sound is edited. Working with the location sound, a sound library, and creating some foley, you will make this movie come alive! You will also deliver your final mix to the Editors. The director and producer may oversee the process. 

Composing (Positions Claimed / needed for 3 days) 
Day 7,8 (Dec  Sun 11, Sat 17, Sun18)
$180
 + hst
You will need to have some musical ability and be able to create music for the movie but you will learn how to turn that ability into film scoring. This could include the soundtrack, but also songwriting, depending on the vision of the director. You will learn how to spot, learn various scoring techniques, equipment, and how to deliver the final score to the editor. With two composers working, you will agree on a sound and work from that template. 

Test screening + fixes in the mix +   
Day 8 (Sun Dec 18)

This is for ALL the cast and crew only to watch the fine cut and make sure everything looks good.
Any changes will need to be made that day. Crunch time! We will also do a unit on the business of filmmaking and job opportunities.


A public screening will be arranged and the cast and crew will participate in a panel discussion and Q&A.
Date TBD

Kids Can Film: Holiday Camp

Get a jump on 2023 in this Holiday filmmaking camp!
​January 2nd - 6th, 9am - 3pm (Mon - Fri)
​$299, Limited Spots Available, Ages 8 - 12
It's all hands on deck as the kids write, direct, and star in this holiday movie! 
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Kids will write, star in, and produce a holiday movie! There will be plenty to do even if your child does not want to be on camera. Plenty of art and design, some stop motion, using the camera and equipment, and creating the story as a group. 

We will not focus on a specific holiday, and will make a movie about the spirit of getting together, giving gifts, and hopefully some shenanigans! 

REGISTER NOW
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​HOMESCHOOL FILMMAKING CLASS
Monday mornings from 10am - 11:30am
​Suitable for kids ages 8 - 12

Please email us to learn more. Limited spots.
$15 + hst per child, per Monday
$60 + hst per child on the PA day.  
​(Scroll down if you want to register for the School PA Day Camp)​


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. 

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER
SEPT
19 - (SPOTS SOLD OUT FOR SEPT 19th)
​Green Screen. We'll be filming in front of a green screen and adding some fun backgrounds

26 (SPOTS SOLD OUT FOR SEPT 26th)
Claymation. We'll all make something out of clay and make it come to life! 
​

OCT
3 -   Paper animation! We'll be making flipbooks and zoetropes to make your drawings come to life! 
17 - Halloween Holiday Card. We''l make a short video card you can send to family and friends. 
24 - This is a school PA day so we are running a 9am-3pm camp for 8-12 year olds. We make a very short, live action film as a group. This camp is open to the public so spots are very limited.  

NOV - ALL NOVEMBER DATES SOLD OUT
7 - Storytelling. Together we'll write a short script that we'll use in the next class on Nov 14. 
14 - Directing and acting. You film it, you star in it! Using a video camera, we'll do some fun camera tricks while the others star in it! 
21 - Sound Effects! Using the movie that was filmed on Nov 14th, we'll record and add sound to the movie. You will also learn about how they do sound effects in the movies! 
28 - Soundtrack! Together, we will create a piece of music that sounds like it could be in the movies! We'll record it, too! 

DEC
5 - Animated Holiday Card. We'll make a short video card you can send to family and friends. 
12 - Old School! We'll look at celluloid (film) and learn how movies used to be made. Old projectors, film strips and an explanation of the process. 
19 - What goes into a scene? We'll be watching some fun scenes and looking at camera angles, edits, colour and movement. Bring some popcorn!
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Fly On The Wall
​Starting January 12

 What if you could witness the entire process of a movie being made, from development to the screen? Seeing a budget get put together, funding applications, seeing a script come to life, listen in on meetings, reading emails and seeing how people correspond, seeing what filmmakers do when they don't get a funding piece, seeing camera tests, auditions, insurance applications, permit applications, wardrobe decisions, art and design, witnessing rehearsals, location scouting, being in the editing rooms, and seeing the movie being sent to festivals, distributors, agents...all of it. People often only see the success of a movie, but what if this movie bombs? Or maybe it succeeds in someway.  What if you were a Fly On The Wall? 

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​Quick Look Calendar

SEPTEMBER
​
Monday 19

Homeschool filmmaking classes, 10am - 11:30am
$15

Tuesday 20

Filmmaking Lessons, 3:30 - 9pm, $24 per 30min
Like music lessons, but for filmmakers!

Wednesday 21
Creative Cinematography, 7pm - 8:30pm, $45, with Michael Penney
This same class also runs Thur Oct 20 & Mon Nov 14

Thursday 22
ART CENTRE GRAND OPENING

Friday 23

Reading for Film & TV Auditions, 7pm - 8:30pm, $45 or $425 for the 5-part series, Jessica Clement
Each part has a different price.


Saturday 24
Saturday Morning Cartoons: Flipbook, Flipstick & Zoetropes 10am - 11:30am

Sunday 25
Introduction to Location Sound, $45, Jordan Cutler
1pm - 2:30pm

Monday 26

Homeschool filmmaking classes, 10am - 11:30am
​$15


Intro to Final Cut, $45, with Micheal Penney
7pm - 8:30pm

Tuesday 27

Filmmaking Lessons, 3:30pm - 9pm, $24 per 30min

Thursday 29
Ten Dollar Talks
7pm - 8pm
​$10

Friday 30

Set Ready Go, 6pm - 7:30pm, $65 or $425 for the 5-part series, with Jessica Clement

OCTOBER
​​Saturday 1
Saturday Morning Cartoons: Puppeteering for film & TV, 10am - 11:30am, with Benton Lowe
​
Monday 3
Homeschool filmmaking classes, 10am - 11:30am
​$15

Tuesday 4

Filmmaking Lessons, 3:30 - 9pm, $24 per 30min

Wednesday Oct 5
Introduction to Drones, 7pm - 8:30pm, $45

Thursday 6
Ten Dollar Talks, 7pm - 8pm, $10

Tuesday 11

Filmmaking Lessons, 3:30pm - 9pm, $24 per 30min

Thursday 13
Ten Dollar Talks7pm - 8pm$10

Saturday 15
Saturday Morning Cartoons: Pixelation, 10am - 11:30am, with Annette Gerard

Getting an Acting Agent, 3pm - 4:30pm, $45 or $425 for the 5-part series, with Jessica Clement

Monday 17
Homeschool filmmaking classes, 10am - 11:30am
​$15
Tuesday 18

Filmmaking Lessons, 3:30pm - 9pm, $24 per 30min

Thursday 20
Creative Cinematography, 7pm - 8:30pm, $45,  with Michael Penney

This same class also runs Wed Sept 21 & Mon Nov 14

Saturday 22
Saturday Morning Cartoons: Claymation, 10am - 11:30am

Self Taping and Demo Footage, 1pm - 5pm, $240 or $425 for the 5-part series, with Jessica Clement

Monday 24
School PA Day Film Camp, 9am - 3pm, $60, Nathan Fleet

Tuesday 25

Filmmaking Lessons, 3:30pm - 9pm, $24 per 30min
​
Wednesday 26
Intro to Final Cut, 7 - 8:30pm, $45, with Michael Penney

Thursday 27
Ten Dollar Talks, 7pm - 8pm, $10

Saturday 29

Saturday Morning Cartoons: Digital Character Animation, 10am - 11:30, with Patricio Munoz

Well Being and Mindfulness for Actors, 3pm - 4:30pm, $65 or $425 for the 5-part series, with Jessica Clement

Sunday 30
Introduction to Location Sound, $45, Jordan Cutler
​1pm - 2:30pm
NOVEMBER
Tuesday ​1

Filmmaking Lessons, 3:30pm - 9pm, $24 per 30min

Wednesday 2
Introduction to Adobe After Effects, 7pm - 8:30pm, $45


Thursday 3
Ten Dollar Talks, 7pm - 8pm, $10

Saturday 5 to  Sunday 13
17th Annual Hamilton Film Festival
Look for daily events in the classroom

Monday 14

Homeschool filmmaking classes, 10am - 11:30am
​$15
​

Creative Cinematography, 7pm - 8:30pm, $45, with Michael Penney
This same class also runs Wed Sept 21 Thur & Oct 20 
​
Tuesday 15

Filmmaking Lessons, 3:30pm - 9pm, $24 per 30min

Wednesday 16
Storytelling, 7pm - 8:30pm, $45, with Terrance Odette

Thursday 17
Ten Dollar Talks: Engineering Moving Pictures, 7pm - 8pm, $10, with Colin Doncaster

Saturday 19 & Sunday 20 (2-part workshop)
Behind The Camera, 10am - 3pm $199, with Michael Penney

Monday 21
Homeschool filmmaking classes, 10am - 11:30am
​$15
​

Tuesday 22
Filmmaking Lessons, 3:30pm - 9pm, $24 per 30min

Wednesday 23
Directing, 7pm - 8:30pm, $45, with Terrance Odette

Thursday 24
Note: Final Cut moved to Dec 7

Friday 25
PA DAY CAMP,  9am - 3pm, $60, with Nathan Fleet

Saturday 26
Indie Filmmaking: For Teens 
(part of a series)

Sunday 27
​Indie Filmmaking: For Teens (part of a series)

Monday 28
Homeschool filmmaking classes, 10am - 11:30am
​$15
​

Tuesday 29
Filmmaking Lessons, 3:30pm - 9pm, $24 per 30min
​
Wednesday 30
Editing, 7pm - 8:30pm, $45, with Terrance Odette
DECEMBER
​Thursday 1
Ten Dollar Talks, 7pm-8pm, $10

Saturday 3

​Indie Filmmaking: For Teens (part of a series)

Sunday 4
​Indie Filmmaking: For Teens (part of a series)

Monday 5
Homeschool filmmaking classes, 10am - 11:30am
​$15
​

Tuesday 6
Filmmaking Lessons, 3:30pm - 9pm, $24 per 30min

Wednesday 7

Intro to Final Cut, 7pm - 8:30, $45, with Michael Penney

Thursday 8
Ten Dollar Talks, 7pm - 8pm, $10

Saturday 10

​Indie Filmmaking: For Teens (part of a series)

Sunday 11
​Indie Filmmaking: For Teens (part of a series)

Monday 12
Homeschool filmmaking classes, 10am - 11:30am
​$15
​

Tuesday 13
Filmmaking Lessons, 3:30pm - 9pm, $24 per 30min

Thursday 15
Ten Dollar Talks, 7pm - 8pm, $10

Saturday 17

​Indie Filmmaking: For Teens (part of a series)

Sunday 18
​Indie Filmmaking: For Teens (part of a series)

Monday 19
Homeschool filmmaking classes, 10am - 11:30am
​$15
​

Tuesday 20
Filmmaking Lessons, 3:30pm - 9pm, $24 per 30min

January 2nd to 6th
KIDS CAN FILM HOLIDAY CAMP, 9am - 3pm, $299

March 13th - 17th
MARCH BREAK CAMP
​9am - 3pm, $299


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 "the film room"

Questions or Contact: info@hamiltonfilmfestival.com

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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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​This is a photo of me in 1998 editing my 16mm short film, The Green Grass System,  on a flatbed at L.I.F.T. in Toronto, Ontario. Technology has come along way, but the thought process is the same. In this photo I would be working from a Work Print. The rushes would be in sync and since I only have one monitor in use, and that there is only one print on the flatbed, I assume that I have finished the edit and am watching it back. Likely my friend Derek or Alex are in here watching the cut, and they snapped this photo, on film. ​

© 2022 Hamilton Film Festival Ltd. 
  • HOME
  • School
    • Survey
  • HFF18
  • Produce
  • About
    • Community
  • SPOTLIGHT
  • STORE
  • Lights Camera Hamilton
  • HFF17
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      • CFM-REGISTER