Many children outgrow writing stories and making films, but Zachary Tannar didn’t. When his friends moved on, Tannar found himself searching for a new group of people to talk with about his passions. What started as a small group meeting for coffee every once in a while to chat became an official non-profit organization in May 2013: the Hub City Cinema Society (HCCS).
Two years later, and the HCCS are able to apply for grants. Keeping their fingers crossed that they would receive the grants, the HCCS has big plans in store.
The HCCS has seen significant growth and changes since becoming an official non-profit organization. Their membership program has grown to 500 Stage 1 members who have access to the Facebook group and receive invites to the events, and approximately 50 Stage 2 members who are offered a studio hourly member rate, full voting privileges, and more. The creation of the Hub City Cinema Studio in December 2014 opened up more opportunities for growth, leading to more events and membership options.
Events held at the studio include filmmakers’ socials for those wishing to speak with fellow filmmakers, script sessions for those who would like feedback on their writing, improv nights for those looking to fool around and have fun, film jams for those interested in being part of making a movie, editing sessions to work together and edit films, cinematography sessions
for the discussion of cinematography, cinema showcases to showcase the work created by members, and workshops with professionals in the film industry.
With the grant money the HCCS hopes to receive, they plan on purchasing office and production equipment for the studio. This equipment will be available to Stage 3 members. They also have minor renovations planned, such as the creation of proper outdoor signage, a curtain for the stage inside the studio, and a mural. The HCCS would also like to put on more workshops with professional filmmakers, directors, actors, technicians, etc. For events, they would like to host a Professionals’ Expo with professional filmmakers and companies to talk to members and promote a higher level of filmmaking. An Oscars Party is another event they plan on hosting, with a red carpet, silent auction, and more.
The HCCS is a local non-profit community organization run by filmmakers for the purpose of connecting, sharing, supporting, and collaborating with others who are interested in any aspect of filmmaking—acting, scriptwriting, directing, cinematography, lighting, sound, score composing, etc. If you are interested in becoming a member, join their Facebook forum or check out hubcitycinema.ca for more details.