r/torontofilmindustry

Hello everyone. I'm Hitesh, a cinematographer based in Toronto, specializing in narrative shorts, though also very open to documentary work. I've completed 3 different 48-Hour Film Festival projects, with a few more currently in post-production. Still building my reps, but I take prep seriously and show up ready.

Looking to connect with:

- Directors currently in film school or recent grads looking to bring their vision to life — happy to DP for a school project or anything else you're working on

- Directors with a project coming up (currently only focusing on short films)

- Editors and colour graders interested in building an ongoing collaborative relationship

Happy to share previous work and chat about your project. Portfolio: www.hiteshmestry.com

Hey folks! I'm a longtime locations person (13 years) from Vancouver's film sector and I'm looking for some advice on what I can expect when I move out this way. I've worked under the DGC within Locations since I was 15 years old, I was at one point the youngest DGC union member in all of Canada thanks to that early commitment. But I'm moving away from all my connections in a few months and thought posting here would be worth the early outreach.

I decided to move to Ontario to be closer to family and am moving into the Niagara region come October (Niagara Falls more specifically). I'm hoping to get some intel on what film is like out here, and how locations people typically make connections? I saw there are some dispatch companies out here that hire a roster of people on behalf of productions - which is very different from my film upbringing where I've traditionally hired my roster and carried them with me.

I am under the ALM Category, and have actually more recently pivoted into Liaison work for Vancouver municipalities and the local parks boards and would love to continue that type of work. I understand that most of the film work tends to be in Toronto but I had heard the area I'll be local to can also get busy at times so any intel/advice/information is appreciated!

Also just noting for the inevitable grumpy film reply: I realize that film has been slow and I am unlikely to get work right away upon moving, I am actively looking into other jobs which use my skills but I wanted to at least get a better understanding of the ways things operate out here compared to my current local setup to see what breaking into this part of the industry might entail.

TIA!

Hi all, around Toronto. My cafe/wine shop is starting a new series of meets, designed to “workshop” scripts. Submit a script, we select one from submissions and we gather some readers, actors… etc. we read the scripts out loud, in public, get notes, all over a glass of wine. Notes are given. Take what you will from them. Interested?? Drop a line, submit a script with contact info.

I'm 20M and I thought of going to TFS but is hella expensive and I don't know if it's with it. I want a place where I can practice with more people, we can film for our demoreels and have connections because that's something that I think is really important if you want to be in the industry. Where do you guys recommend that can have those 3 things that I'm looking for?

I’m a local artist creating paintings on canvas - I’ve worked in the TO film business a bit as well - I’m curious if there is anyway to get my art into TV/movies or perhaps specific people would be good to connect with?

Hey everyone,

I’m looking for a videographer/cinematographer to help shoot a cinematic sports-inspired fashion campaign.
I’m looking for someone who has experience with commercial, fashion, or sports content and can create something that feels premium and story-driven.

Details:
GTA/Toronto
Indoor basketball court
Half-day shoot
Budget: up to $500 CAD

If you’re interested, please DM me your portfolio, Instagram, or any previous work you’ve done.
Thanks!

Hi all, I'm a new permit in NABET for Set Dec, I have designed and decorated many shorts and have worked union shows before out of province. I have a few contacts that are full members but even they say that it's hard getting work as a permit, and as I'm new to Toronto, I'm very curious what I could do to increase my chances besides reaching out to Decorators and Designers directly (Which I've done). I keep busy with my own work as a filmmaker, just wondering if there are any other set dec members who may have some advice/insight. Thanks, have a great night!

I’m looking to do more BG acting in Ontario, but has any actor had experience with TMH Management Agency?

I (an American producer/director) am coming to Toronto in a few months to shoot a vérité, off-the-cuff short film with my friend who is a non-union actress - mostly on the street, just me, her, and a camera. We also want to cast a friend who is in ACTRA, but this has proven to be complicated. It seems like doing this might require permits, extensive production insurance, and the process of getting my friend approved by ACTRA to perform in our film. The Low-Budget ACTRA Contract only covers films produced, directed, and starring Canadian citizens or residents.

Has anyone attempted a project like this before and, if so, could you please offer any advice?