Hamilton Film

In Season 4 I'm focusing on the ways that filmmaking changes our world for the better.  And someone who has consistently made positive changes to the film industry in Hamilton is my guest today - Nathan Fleet is a filmmaker, musician and educator.  He is the Executive Director of the Hamilton Film Festival, now in its 17th year.  He is also the founder of Lights Camera Hamilton and the Kids Can Film camp.  We chat about the benefits of engaging kids in filmmaking, the new Hamilton School of Media Arts, and his new TV series, WILD CHILD. You can find info on everything we discussed in today's episode at hamiltonfilmfestival.com, and the WILD CHILD Instagram @WildChildSeries  Chris Altmann composed our theme music.  You can find me on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram @alyshamain.  That's a wrap on Season 4.  I'll be taking a bit of a break from this podcast as I am developing a new podcast on Music in Film.  Subscribe to my newsletter at putarecordon.com for updates.  Thanks for hanging with me!

I met today's guest while working on the 2021 thriller The Retreat.  Writer/Producer Alyson Richards is a great person to talk to about putting together a successful filmmaking team.  She has collaborated many times with Director Pat Mills, and Producer Lauren Grant.  Her latest short, TRASHED screened at the 2021 Art Gallery of Hamilton Film Festival.  We talk about the important qualities you should look for in a director or producing partner, and bringing underrepresented stories to the big screen. See Alyson's work at alysonrichards.com.    Chris Altmann composed our theme music.  Find me on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram @alyshamain

A few months ago I attended a workshop called “The Art of The Interview”, taught by director, writer, producer, researcher Shayla Howell.  Shayla has been working 20 years in non-fiction programming, specializing in documentary, factual television and oral history.  Her work has been broadcast on CBC, IFC, Showcase, History & more.  I really think developing your interview and research skills are crucial for any filmmaker, and I'm thrilled to have Shayla on this week's podcast to share some important insights. Shayla Howell on IMDB Alysha Main on Instagram

In this mid-season break, I update you on a few of my projects in the works, get real about my mental health, and recommend a few past episodes you may have missed

This season is focused on the ways that filmmaking changes our world for the better.  And this episode's guest exemplifies that mission.  Shane Pennells is a filmmaker, writer and advocate.  His latest short film, HUEY, just screened at the 2021 Hamilton Film Festival.  I chat with Shane about his work with at-risk youth, the universal language of film, and using your voice to share important stories.  You can watch HUEY and more of Shane's work here. Chris Altmann composed our theme music.  Instagram @alyshamain Twitter @alyshamain

Director/Producer Taras Hemon released a compelling and timely documentary on Hamilton's affordable housing crisis.  THANKS FOR NOTHING follows resident Sharon Miller's fight to remain in the home she's lived in for over 2 decades, one of many Hamiltonians affected by the bungling LRT project.  I love how passionate Taras is about the important issues we dig into in this conversation. THANKS FOR NOTHING screens on Cable 14 on Thursday November 11.  Go to hamiltonfilmfestival.com for all the details.  You can check out more of Taras's projects at cempresproductions.ca  Chris Altmann composed our theme music.  You can find me on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram @alyshamain.  I'll be back in 2 weeks with another episode of Hamilton Film Podcast.  Thanks for hanging with me.

Julie is an artist, a DJ, and a line producer for Steady Canoe Productions.  She has been working in the film industry in both Canada and the US since 1997.  She's working on a new Pilot called WE ALL EAT, about restaurant culture and the food industry.  She shares insights into how to produce a successful pilot episode to pitch to broadcasters. Link to Hamilton Spectator Investigation into Mezcal Owner/Chef Manny Ferreira Julie Fazooli on Instagram Alysha Main on Instagram and Twitter

Welcome to the Hamilton Film Podcast, I'm host Alysha Main.  I've been documenting all of the exciting happenings of the film industry in Hamilton Ontario.  I can't believe this is the start of Season 4.  It's been a really interesting project for me, as we learn more about filmmaking, and showcase some of the incredibly talented folx that make movie magic here. This week the 2021 Art Gallery of Hamilton Film Festival kicks off, and I chat with Film Curator Ryan Ferguson about the process of putting together a diverse and remarkable lineup.   Spoiler alert, he watched nearly 700 films this year to find some true gems.   The AGH Film Festival runs from Oct 15-24 2021.  See the program. Ryan Ferguson on Instagram Get tickets for FESTIVAL EXPRESS at the Westdale Oct 27 Alysha Main on Instagram and Twitter

This week I'm so excited to be chatting with Sophie Duguin, who works in wardrobe and costume design.  Sophie has worked on shows including Murdoch Mysteries, Blood & Water and Slasher, and films like “How To Plan an Orgy in a Small Town”.  We talk about her early interest in costume design from her time in theatre, budgeting for wardrobe, and creating the look for the character.  Alysha Main on Instagram putarecordon.com

Award winning filmmaker Warren P. Sonoda is the National President of the Director's Guild in Canada.  You may know him from directing Season 8 of 'Trailer Park Boys', or for having the world record for the most expletives in a movie for 'Swearnet'.  In 2020 he released 'THINGS I DO FOR MONEY', a Hamilton crime cello caper.  We chat about his life growing up as a Japanese Canadian in Hamilton, creating a passion project in his hometown on an ultra low budget, and the real life cellist brothers who inspired the film's story. 'THINGS I DO FOR MONEY' is currently streaming on Crave TV, and available in the iTunes store.  You can find Warren P Sonoda on Instagram @shootgoodfilms Theme music: chrisaltmann.com Alysha Main on Instagram Join my monthly newsletter

Producer and Writer Jeff Boulton joins me to share over two decades worth of experience on the big topic of selling your film, from development to distribution.  Jeff ran Dante Media Group, producing over 500 commercials, branded content and music videos.  He's now developing film and TV projects through his Hamilton based production company, Crafthaus.  We chat about navigating film markets, co-producing films with other countries, and some projects in development with a connection to Hamilton. Connect with Jeff Boulton: Instagram Twitter Theme music: chrisaltmann.com Alysha Main on Instagram Join my monthly newsletter

Kirsten Bodenstedt started Peregrine Visual Storytelling with her husband, Colin Doncaster.  It's a multidisciplinary creative studio in Hamilton specializing in visual effects and animation tools for the film industry.  I chat with Kirsten about her lifetime working in film, the challenges of working as a husband-wife team, creating a successful Hamilton based business, and attending the Academy Awards with a baby on her lap.  You can follow what's happening with Peregrine on Twitter @PeregrineLabs You can sometimes find me on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram @alyshamain, but if the algorithms don't work in your favour, your best bet is to subscribe to my monthly newsletter at putarecordon.com I'll be back in 2 weeks with another episode of Hamilton Film Podcast.  Thanks for hanging with me.  

The very first Hamilton Black Film Festival takes place May 28-30th, 2021.  The festival showcases cultural and traditional films of African/Caribbean, Native, Asian, and Middle Eastern filmmakers and other films of ethnic inclusion.  I chat with actor, educator and festival volunteer Melissa Murray-Mutch about on screen representation, what makes a film a BIPOC film, and how the festival came together.     You can find more info about the Hamilton Black Film Festival at hbff.ca Purchase your pass for the 3 day festival before May 1 to save $20. I'll be back in 2 weeks with another episode of Hamilton Film Podcast. Theme music: chrisaltmann.com Alysha Main on Instagram

This season we're digging deep into some of the remarkable film and television shows that have been filmed here, and feature prominent Hamilton storylines. When I heard that someone was making a series that takes place in a Hamilton record store, I had to find out more.   A show about comedy, music, and chasing a dream, ”This Is The Thing” follows comedian Mike Mitchell and record store audio buyer Tim Ford on their quests to become a well known standup comedian and YouTuber.  The show features guest appearances by many Hamilton comedians and musicians.  I chat with creator Mike Mitchell about the making of the series, pitching a pilot, guerrilla filmmaking, and the future for the series that all of Hamilton is talking about. "This Is The Thing" will be airing in April 2021 on Bell Fibe TV1. Follow the series on Instagram or at thisisthething.ca I'll be back in 2 weeks with another episode of Hamilton Film Podcast. Theme music: chrisaltmann.com Alysha Main on Instagram

For this episode I brought in two women in Hamilton who I admire and work with - filmmaker Cher Obediah, who was a guest on Season 2, and actor/writer Laura Ellis.  Together we are launching a new initiative to support women, The Hamilton LOFT: Ladies of Film and Television.  Through LOFT we hope to connect female identifying creatives to work collaboratively, learn from each other, and grow together. If you live in Hamilton, and identify as female or non-binary, we'd love to have you join our LOFT community.  Here's our Facebook Group. I'll be back in 2 weeks with another episode of Hamilton Film Podcast. Theme music: chrisaltmann.com Alysha Main on Instagram Cher Obediah Instagram Laura Ellis Facebook

Welcome to the Hamilton Film Podcast, where I document all of the exciting happenings of the film industry in Hamilton Ontario.  In Season 3 we're going to dig deep into some of the remarkable film and television shows that have been filmed here, and feature prominent Hamilton storylines. I chat with creator Lisa Crawford and writer Kim Lombard about the Bell Fibe TV1 prison comedy “Pink Is In”.  The show takes place in the fictional Chatsworth Hamilton Prison, following the administration's hilarious attempt to run a private facility.  In addition to their behind-the-scene roles, they both act in the series: Lisa as an inmate Nezrenko, and Kim as the inept CEO Pip Barnett.  We talk about the process of getting a show picked up by Bell Fibe TV1, the benefits and challenges of a Hamilton-based production, different styles of comedy, and what's next for this unique series.  You can watch PINK IS IN on Bell Fibe TV1, and follow the series on Facebook.  I'll be back in 2 weeks with another episode of Hamilton Film Podcast. Theme music: chrisaltmann.com Alysha Main on Instagram

This is the podcast where I document what's happening in Hamilton Ontario's film industry.  It's been a while since I checked in, so I wanted to share a quick update, and let you know where I'm at with Season 3.  

I chat with composer Steph Copeland, who has over 30 film and TV credits to her name.  She began her career as a singer songwriter before immersing herself in electronic music production, and is best known for her work in the horror and sci fi genres.  We chat about the path to becoming a film composer, how to talk the language of music with directors, and the biggest challenges that composers face.     You can dig more into Steph's work at stephcopelandmusic.com Theme music: chrisaltmann.com Graphic Design: balladcreative.ca

I invited producers/directors Cody Calahan and Chad Archibald of Black Fawn Films and Black Fawn Distribution to chat with me at the Cotton Factory about creating content in a time where there's never been more demand for entertaining things to watch. We talk  about their recent productions The Oak Room and Vicious Fun, Canada's place in the content and genre film world, and the most important things for new filmmakers to focus on. As this was recorded back in February, some of the production timelines we discussed have changed, but it's refreshing to listen back to a time in the not distant past when the film world was functioning at high speed.  So you know who voice is whose, the 1st one after mine is Chad, followed by Cody.    You can see what Chad & Cody are working on, and find all their social links at BlackFawnFilms.com Theme music: chrisaltmann.com Graphic Design: balladcreative.ca Recording Space: facebook.com/themulespinner

Before jumping into this episode, I want to take a moment to recognize the powerful human rights movement that we're experiencing.  Black & Indigenous Lives MATTER.  I'm a podcaster and DJ that benefits from white privilege, and I strive to use my platform to elevate voices and issues that matter, and to be actively ANTI-racist.       I also want to acknowledge the sudden passing of one of the top music supervisors in Canada, David Hayman, who was a guest on Season 1.  David gave me my first opportunity as a junior music supervisor for his sonic branding company, Supergroup, and his death is a huge loss to the music and film communities.    This week I had a fantastic chat with filmmaker Cher Obediah.  Cher started as a reporter before leaving to expand her skills working in a production house.  She launched her own company creating documentary short films covering Indigenous issues, reconciliation, cultural reconnection and injustice.  She received the Truly Independent Award at the 2019 Hamilton Film Festival, and is nominated for a Hamilton Arts Award this year.  We talk about Soaring Spirits, her curated collection of Indigenous films, her journey to becoming a filmmaker and to connect with her culture, and her passion for storytelling.  Since we recorded over Skype, you'll hear birds, dogs, and airplanes in the background, so please excuse the audio quality. You can connect with Cher on Facebook and Instagram SOARING SPIRITS FILMS: Iethiien:ne Ratiskáokon:á (What We Leave for Our Children ), 2m, Dr. Karen Hill The Eagle and the Condor, 4m, Paulette Moore Taken Home, 17m, Jonathan Elliot The Guide, 11m, dir. Yi Xie, wr/prod. Carla Robinson Moving Voice, 10m, Janet Rogers Her Water Drum, 16m, Johnathan Elliot The Getaway, 1m, Shane Pennells Translation, 3m, Shane Pennells Intentional Blindness, 5m, Cher Obediah TEKAHIONWAKE, 20m, Shelly Niro Theme music: chrisaltmann.com Graphic design: balladcreative.ca

I was curious how this pandemic is effecting our local cinemas, so I chatted with Dan Fournier, General Manager of the Westdale Theatre, to find out how they are adapting, keeping film fans connected, and staying engaged with the Hamilton community.  The Westdale screens art and indie films, and provides an intimate cultural space for public performances and exhibitions.  It was Hamilton's first theatre, in 1935, and went through a major renovation before reopening in 2019.  I recorded a Skype call with Dan, so excuse the audio quality.  You can find film clubs to join, Live Facebook talks, and other virtual events at thewestdale.ca Theme music: chrisaltmann.com Graphic design: balladcreative.ca Connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram

Hey it's Season 2 of the Hamilton Film podcast!  Every episode explores an exciting role of movie making; from producing, to acting, content creation, to film scoring.  Join me for an intimate conversation with a unique guest connected to the thriving film industry of Hamilton Ontario.     Actor Jim Watson plays Dr. Theo Hunter on the new CTV medical drama, “Transplant”. He's originally from North Bay, and over the past decade he's had roles on many TV series filmed in Canada,  including SLASHER, THE STRAIN, and BETWEEN.  We chat about the process of landing a role on a network series, the perils of auditioning, the perks of being based in Hamilton, and what you need to know to play a Doctor on TV.     Transplant airs Wednesdays on CTV, and you can stream it on the CTV app.  You can follow Jim Watson on Instagram and Twitter @realjimwatson Theme music: chrisaltmann.com Graphic design: balladcreative.ca Recording space: facebook.com/themulespinner Connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram

Welcome to Season 2 of the Hamilton Film podcast!  I'm your host Alysha Main.  Every episode explores an exciting role of movie making; from producing, to acting, content creation, to film scoring.  Join me for an intimate conversation with a unique guest connected to the thriving film industry of Hamilton Ontario.     This season kicks off big, with two award winning actors: Juno Rinaldi currently stars as “Frankie” on the hit CBC show, Workin' Moms, and has recently released a short film called SUCH A SMALL THING.  Shaun Smyth has performed at nearly every major Theatre across Canada, and in  the US and internationally.  He has appeared in numerous TV series and films, including the ABC show “Once Upon A Time In Wonderland”.  Together they teach acting for the camera at the Hamilton Film Centre.  We talk about the demand for educational opportunities locally, acting tips, and their favourite roles to play.  The conversation begins with Shaun telling us how he & Juno met.    Since recording this chat in February 2020, the Hamilton Film Centre has temporarily closed down due to COVID-19 restrictions.  You can find more info on Juno and Shaun's courses and when they will be back up and running at https://www.hamiltonfilmcentre.com/ Theme music: chrisaltmann.com Graphic design: balladcreative.ca Recording space: facebook.com/themulespinner Connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram

David Hayman was the head of the sonic branding company Supergroup, and VP of the Guild of Music Supervisors Canada.  His enviable job as Music Supervisor had him collaborating with top directors, producer and brands to realize their visions for the soundtracks to their films, TV shows and advertisements.    In the summer of 2019 I stopped by the Supergroup office in Liberty Village, Toronto for a very insightful conversation with David about his many exciting recent soundtrack projects, including the Robbie Robertson & The Band documentary, Once Were Brothers.  There's a strong Hamilton connection to his work:  The bank scenes in the film Stockholm starring Ethan Hawke, take place in Liuna Station, and the new sci-fi series Utopia Falls, saw him facing harsh elements in Hamilton's conservation area.  Theme music: chrisaltmann.com Graphic design: balladcreative.ca Recording space: facebook.com/themulespinner Connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram

In 2018 a legendary east end Hamilton theatre was revived, thanks to the Tutt family.  The Playhouse, a true independent art house cinema, has been embraced by film fans, with a growing membership base of over 4000.  I am definitely in awe of this beautiful 105 year old theatre right in my neighbourhood.  I chat with Jacob, the son of John & Wendy Tutt, who now operates The Playhouse.  He tells me what it was like literally growing up in a movie theatre, how films are selected to screen, how technology has changed, and some of the highlights in their 1st year.    Thanks to Jacob for taking the time to teach me about how the exhibition side of the film world works.  If you haven't been to the Playhouse Cinema yet, you're missing out.  Go to playhousecinema.ca to see their current features, and to become a member, which offers you great discounts for a very low joining fee.   Theme music: chrisaltmann.com Graphic design: balladcreative.ca Recording space: facebook.com/themulespinner

Jeffery Scott Fowler is a Director, Producer and Artist, but today's chat focuses around his work in Film Editing.  His movie Shelter won Best Editing at the 2013 Hamilton Film Festival.  We talk about his work on the reality TV show Masters of Flip, directing vs editing, the evolution of editing technology, the effect of cutting to close up or wide shots, temping music into scenes, film budgets, MTV Canada, and who's making great film & TV today.     Thanks to Jeff for teaching me so much about film editing.  I think it's fascinating!  You can find more about Jeffery Scott Fowler's work at evilgenuisproductions.ca.    Theme music: chrisaltmann.com Graphic design: balladcreative.ca Recording space: facebook.com/themulespinner

Susan Curran is the VP of Corporate Development for A71 Distribution, which recently opened a Hamilton office.  She's been in the film & TV distribution game for two decades, beginning with a marketing career with major record labels, before moving to Anchor Bay Entertainment Canada.  She's overseen the release of over 1000 titles into the Canadian retail marketplace.  She's a champion of new talent at A71, and they've got some great new projects in the works including a thriller called Don't Click.  if you're a film fan who wants to understand why your favourite movies aren't on Netflix Canada, or a new filmmaker curious how to distribute your first feature, you'll want to listen in on my chat with Susan.    Thanks to Susan for being generous with her time and teaching me how distribution works… I hope you grabbed some good insights from our chat.  You can find more info on what Susan is working on at a71entertainment.com Theme Music: chrisaltmann.com Graphic Design: balladcreative.ca Recording Space: facebook.com/themulespinner

Carlos Henrique and Ryan Louagie, from the appropriately named special FX studio the Butcher Shop, have been designing award winning specialty props, prosthetics and gore effects for nearly 20 years.  Their work has been featured in Hollywood blockbusters, ground-breaking indie films, TV series, music videos and haunted attractions.  We talk about creating safe and tasty fake blood, the process of making severed heads, current FX trends, , our favourite horror film scores, and some recent Hamilton productions they've worked on.   Be sure to follow The Butcher Shop on Instagram and YouTube to see tutorials and demos of their work.  Visit thebutchershop.ca for all the links. Theme Music: chrisaltmann.com Graphic Design: balladcreative.ca Recording Space: facebook.com/themulespinner

Terrance Odette is an award-winning filmmaker.  His four feature films have screened at the biggest festivals around the world.  He started his career making music TV specials and has directed over 130 music videos.  HIs latest feature, 'Fall', was nominated for 5 Canadian Screen Awards including Best Picture.  His critically acclaimed film 'Heater' just celebrated its 20th anniversary with a special screening at the 2019 AGH Film Festival.  We chat about the role of festivals for film makers, the art of curating films; making great cinema in spite of budget constraints, and his newest project, a documentary on country legend Conway Twitty.   I learned a lot from talking with Terrance, and can't wait to have him back for a future episode to dig into that Conway Twitty project a little more.  You can connect with Terrance and find out what he's working on at terranceodette.ca. Theme music: chrisaltmann.com Graphic design: balladcreative.ca Recording space: facebook.com/themulespinner

It's only appropriate that my first conversation is with Nathan Fleet.  When I had the idea for this podcast, I approached Nathan to help me select interesting people who are working in the local film scene. From the film networking group Lights Camera Hamilton, to Hamilton Film Festival, to Kids Can Film camp, to his own company, Blue Pick Media, Nathan Fleet is Hamilton Film.  We chat about each guest chosen for the podcast's first season, the art of Comedy, highlights from this year's Film Festival and Industry Day, and some great Canadian films including Heater and To Hell With Harvey.  Let's roll.     I'm so grateful for Nathan Fleet's help in getting this podcast started.  You can find the full schedule for this year's festival at hamiltonfilmfestival.com, and search 'Lights Camera Hamilton' on Facebook to join over 1600 members of the local film community.  Theme music: chrisaltmann.com Graphic design: balladcreative.ca Recording space: facebook.com/themulespinner