Yes, it’s time again to offer our periodic Readers Training and Script Analysis Class for Feature Films and Television. The purpose of this class is twofold: For you, the member or guest, it gives a solid grounding in script analysis – how to break down stories, characters, and dialogue, what to look for, and how to create constructive criticism.

Check out Europe's most popular filmmaking course!

The information-packed Saturday Film School will give you the tools you need to establish yourself as a screenwriter, director, producer or filmmaker. Divided into 4 parts, this course starts at the very beginning with Writing the Screenplay before explaining the processes, tools and jobs of actually Making the Movie for whatever budget you can achieve.

Every attendant is provided with a 16-page handout containing filmmaking tips, tricks, resources and more. The day after each participant will receive a followup email with additional links to valuable information about movies and filmmaking.

At Gifted ARTists, we welcome anyone who has a flair for art and entertainment, regardless of their medium or style. Whether you are an actor, screenwriter, or anything in between, you will find a supportive and inspiring community here. You will meet industry professionals here.

If you are serious about achieving your goals of money, fame, and prestige in the entertainment industry, you can’t afford to miss our meetups. They are the perfect opportunity to grow as an artist and entertainer, and to make valuable connections that can help you advance your career. Don’t wait any longer, sign up today and join the Gifted ARTists family. You will be glad you did.

Erik Handsome

Austin Film Festival hosts a yearly screenwriters and filmmakers’ retreat at the artists’ haven Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu, New Mexico. This year, our creative getaway will take place August 11-15, 2024. In a small group setting, the retreat explores finding and developing your creative voice.

This year, Wendy Calhoun (writer/producer – The Rookie: Feds, Prodigal Son, Station 19, Empire, Nashville, Revenge, Justified) and Jim Hart (writer Hook, Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Contact, Muppet Treasure Island, August Rush, The Hot Zone) will speak and offer insight on their writing process.

Previous attendees have described the Ghost Ranch Writers Retreat as:

– “The AFF Writers Retreat is a deeply meaningful experience for all writers. Its humanity, its warmth, its sincerity; none can be overstated.”
– “By far my best investment to grow and challenge my writing in a supportive environment.”
– “A magical historical creative oasis, a place where ideas and conversations flow and grow. You disconnect to reconnect—one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.”

We are currently offering a $25 off promo code: GHOST25OFF.

Hope to see you at Ghost Ranch! If you have any questions on the event, please feel free to visit our website or call the Austin Film Festival office at 512-478-4795.

Presenter Simon Hunter has directed 3 internationally released feature films, and over 100 commercials and short films. In this 2 day intensive masterclass, Simon will share his learning about how to successfully mange and direct films with little budget, and multi-million dollar budgets

The director is ultimately responsible for every image and sound that appears on the screen. Learn the art and craft of film directing by getting behind the camera and shooting a scene yourself with Simon Hunter. That’s why this weekend masterclass is called Hands-on Directing.

This intensive weekend masterclass teaches students the techniques behind maximising the performance of the cast while realising the importance of the ultimate audience – the camera. Attendees will be given a number of practical exercises to undertake, including directing a short dramatic scene.

19 years at the Hamilton Film Festival and we've hit the TOP 100 best reviewed festivals status a few times on FilmFreeway and are now a Canadian Screen Award Qualifying festival.
We have put a pause on the "themed" events for now so we are open to everything. We accept short, mid-length, feature, episodic / series, and screenplays.

A initiative we started during the pandemic will continue as will have NO MORE LATE FEES! ONE TIER, ALL YEAR, is GOLD! That means there will be NO inflated fees based on when you submit. Fees will be the same from open to close.

GOLD members on FilmFreeway will be able to take advantage of our additional Gold Member discounts.

Following us on social media is beneficial as throughout the year we post limited time / quantity discount codes that will offer a 19% discount off submission fees.

Those familiar with our dates know that we have been running in November since 2008, and in 2023 we moved the event into October, so that we can take full advantage of our new venue in the Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, that we share with dozens of productions. The October dates will allow us to fully utilize the facility, which is also the home of our film school!

The 19th Annual Hamilton Film Festival continues to be one of Canada’s most important film festivals for Canadian and International films as it has an industry development component, and a market. It is also one that programs over 100 independent films which means there is plenty of room for your film. We are not part of any distribution circuit and our screens are dedicated to the indie filmmaker on the festival circuit.
Hosted in a city with a booming film scene, it has become a go-to destination to live and work for several people in the film and television industry with year-round opportunities to network, engage, pitch and participate. Distributors, festivals and industry professionals actively look to the Hamilton Film Festival for content, connections and top-notch engagement.

Included in your submission fee is the option to become a delegate at our networking and meet-up events, at no extra charge. So even if you film is not accepted, you can still participate and take advantage of the networking and industry development that HFF has to offer!
The Hamilton Film Festival has a school of media arts inside the new Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre where will will host classes, camps, workshops and panel discussions year round. We will also utilize this learning space during the festival!

Edinburgh Short Film Festival 2024

Friday Oct 25th - Sunday Nov 10th 2024

We're back with our 2024 edition and excited to screen a wonderful programme

There's dozens of UK Premieres, including Cannes, Berlinale, Annecy Award winners and winning shorts from Film Festivals across the globe

We're also screening guest programmes from the Belgian Short Film Agency, our European Film Fests Showcase & FREE filmmaking workshops and masterclasses!

Each year the festival holds a series of screenings. We also will be having a networking drinks mixer event. This is for filmmakers and writers to network and socialise in our venue at Waterford Crystal. The festival team also meets up with filmmakers for post-screening drinks.