I AM FILMMAKER

About

I Am Filmmaker is a place where youth write a new story. We use the art of storytelling to cultivate values and skills necessary to thrive and succeed while maintaining strong ties to culture and community.

OUR STORY

I Am Filmmaker was born in 2010 over a cup of coffee between a wise storyteller and a bold cinematographer.

Together, Phil and Greg shared a vision to ignite a passion for filmmaking. They recognized the value of individuals telling stories from their own unique perspective, and set out to equip others in the powerful life-impacting potential of digital storytelling.

Three months later the two flew into Bloodvein, Manitoba for a week-long adventure of equipping 15 Anishinaabe teenagers. After that there was no turning back. Today, I Am Filmmaker has grown to provide workshops both locally and internationally to indigenous communities, non-profits and corporations.

OUR PHILOSOPHY

Storytelling is empowering.
When we tell our stories, the stories themselves become a powerful means for discovering truth, leading to healing, growth and transformation.

Our teaching philosophy is based upon the key educational cornerstones of diversity, creativity and integration, through attention to community, connection, collaboration, and confidence.

Team

We are industry professionals with a combined 43 years experience in broadcast and filmmaking. We love what we do and have a passion to share our knowledge and experience with you and your group.

Greg Meeres

Greg Meeres (Principal) is a nomadic and adventurous entrepreneur and digital storyteller with a passion to accurately document social justice issues and mobilize people towards action. For the last 10 years, his company, Boldfish Video Productions Inc., has produced high-definition video for clients like Walt Disney Corporation, the BBC, Hasbro, and Mazda Motors; but that is just the tip of the iceberg.

Phil Hood

Phil has worked in all facets of media from photographer to editor to publisher, including several years as Publisher of BC Christian News. After transitioning into commercial video production and working as a writer, producer and filmmaker, Phil discovered a passion for teaching filmmaking. Having instructed and motivated hundreds of youth enrolled in MCC’s Kaleidoscope filmmaking program, Phil created the I Am Filmmaker training which he facilitates to inspire and challenge participants in all aspects of video production.

Charlotte Gentis-Meeres

Charlotte is a 13 year vet with the CBC. She has worked on local and national news, current affairs, and documentaries. She holds a technical degree in Television Production from British Columbia’s Institute of Technology, and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Trinity Western University.

Tim Hall

Tim Hall is a filmmaker and facilitator. Tim encountered the art of dialogue in 2011 during intense conversations with Israelis, Palestinians and Canadians. Today he wonders: how can film & dialogue be fused as an effective tool for peacebuilding? Tim holds a BA in Communication and Dialogue from Simon Fraser University.

WORKSHOPS

Through the use of hands-on filmmaking workshops, youth are inspired to find their voice, strengthen their identity, and realize their potential. Contact us to book an I Am Filmmaker workshop for your group.