Film industry premieres Hamilton Film Board

Non-profit will invest in city’s screen industry. ‘Hamilton’s always been camera-ready. The film board makes sure we’re industry-ready too,’ says president.

A group of local film industry leaders has come together to form the Hamilton Film Board, a non-profit dedicated to advancing Hamilton’s screen-based sector.

“Hamilton has proven itself to be a dynamic and in-demand destination for film and television production, with its rich character, stunning locations, and a community that understands the power of storytelling,” reads a press release issued Tuesday.

“But beyond attracting outside productions, the Hamilton Film Board has an even greater opportunity – and responsibility – to invest in our own film ecosystem. By investing in ourselves, encouraging collaboration, and creating opportunities for growth, we can ensure that Hamilton isn't just a place where films are made – it's a place where careers are launched, voices are heard, and stories are born.”

The mandate of the HFB is: “To measure and elevate the Hamilton screen industry’s image, visibility, talent development, and economic success—making Hamilton the “it” place to film. HFB aims to foster a self-sufficient, vibrant, and inclusive creative community anchored in top-tier crews, educational partnerships, diverse creators, and world-class production infrastructure.”

It's the right time for the HFB because the need to foster, support, and invest in local Canadian productions and talent has never been greater, says president Christopher Giroux, a Hamilton-based producer with more than 50 features under his belt.

“Bridging the gap between service productions and local artists, encouraging a true Canadian star system, strengthening industry collaboration, highlighting local businesses and vendors, all while engaging our communities—not just as film locations or workforce, but as proud audiences filling theatres and watching Canadian TV at home—this is how we foster a sustainable future. From within. Together, we can ensure Canadian \ Hamiltonians’ voices are not only heard, but celebrated.”

Joining Giroux on the HFB executive are Ken Woychesko, treasurer, co-founder of Hamilton Film Studios and Ann Pirvu, secretary, a Canadian Screen Award-nominated actress and producer.

“HFB agrees by championing local creators and strengthening industry connections, we’re not just supporting film — we’re building an economic and cultural engine for Hamilton,” reads the HFB press release. “We want producers to bring their stories here, yes — but we also want Hamiltonians to stay, grow, and thrive in this industry. This is about creating meaningful opportunity, job security, and a collaborative, future-forward film community that is proudly and uniquely Hamilton.”

The HFB will serve as a bridge between industry and community as Hamilton’s role as a destination for production continues to grow, says Giroux.

“… the film board ensures that local voices are heard, resources are maximized, and opportunities are shared – helping build a sustainable creative economy rooted in collaboration, inclusion, and innovation. Hamilton’s always been camera-ready. The film board makes sure we’re industry-ready too."

The HFB has launched with 11 founding members: Christoph Benfey, director of photography, CEO at Evil Empire Studios; Jeff Boulton, producer, president at Crafthaus Ltd.; Mike Bruce, co-founder at Aeon Studio Group, partner at Studio550, location manager, owner of Grant Avenue Studio; Nathan Fleet, filmmaker, executive director of the Hamilton Film Festival and Hamilton School of Media Arts; Christopher G. Giroux, producer, director; Ali Goldthorpe, producer, production manager; Ann Pirvu, actress, filmmaker; Danielle Rizzo, owner-operator at Millworks Creative Studios Inc.; Matthew Watts, gaffer, lighting director, and rental manager at Picture Perfect Package Lighting and Grip Rentals; Ken Woychesko, co-founder of Hamilton Film Studios; Zach Zohr, filmmaker, co-Founder of Hamilton Film Studios.

The HFB will work with the City of Hamilton’s Film Office.

“The City of Hamilton has long played a critical role in Ontario’s film infrastructure – from our unique locations and supportive businesses to the talented workforce that calls Hamilton home,” says Devon Hogue, a business development consultant with the creative industries division.

“We welcome the industry and its positive impacts on the city. The establishment of the Hamilton Film Board adds another layer of support within the sector, and we look forward to continued collaboration where our mandates align.”

You can check out the HFB’s debut activation “Film Lives Here” at this weekend’s Supercrawl. It will feature live production demos, filmmaker panels, and screenings, and an immersive, behind-the-scenes look at Hamilton’s screen industry.

And at the Hamilton Film Festival in November, HFB will mount a second initiative celebrating local productions, industry talent, and training opportunities, further connecting the community with Hamilton’s vibrant filmmaking ecosystem.

To get involved or discuss partnerships, email info@hamiltonfilmboard.ca. More information is available here.