FILM 5
FILM 5 is a professional development and training program for emerging Nova Scotia filmmakers and aspiring technical crew, serving as a launching pad for careers in the industry for over 30 years. Four creative teams, consisting of a director and producer, engage in a seven-month intensive, guided by mentors and instructors to complete a short film. In the winter, crew trainee workshops take place, and participants receive placements on the four film sets, learning hands-on with mentorship from trained professionals.
FILM 5 forms a bridge between emerging and established filmmakers and crew, giving the opportunity for...
01
Mentorship
Each director and producer receives a mentor and each trainee works under a professional on set
02
Connections
Engage with peers in your program and workshops. Connect with instructors and in-kind partners!
03
Funding
The creative teams receive funding and support to bring their vision to life!
Trainee Program
Beginning in the winter, the FILM 5 trainee program features introductory workshops to a variety of departments.
Team Guidelines
Applying to make a short through FILM 5? Take a look at the guidelines and application form here.
FAQs
Click here to see some of our frequently asked questions.
Make a film with the support
of the local industry
FILM 5 provides a learning experience like no other program in the province. Whether your a new graduate, or someone looking to take their filmmaking to a new level; FILM 5 is the perfect program to expand your knowledge and connections.
Upcoming Key Dates and Application Information
Creative Team Application
FILM 5 Creative Team Applications are now closed for this year. They will open in September 2026.
FAQs
No, the program is open to the public. Once you are in Phase II one member of your team will need to become a Full Member of AFCOOP, but there will be time to do this within the program.
No, you can’t hold any other role in your production other than producer, director or writer. We feel that having the experience of holding one role is valuable and challenging enough!
No, you cannot be a full time student while in FILM 5. The time commitment necessary for the program is too great to be paired with full time studies. Part-time students may be considered eligible on a case-by-case basis.
Yes! External funding cannot exceed $10,000 and financing cannot affect ownership. The Creative Team must retain complete creative control and ownership of the project throughout the program. Also, if you plan to use the ACTRA training agreement, your TOTAL financing cannot exceed $10,000 cash (that includes the $8,000 that the program gives you).
In the Development Phase you can expect to spend three weekends and 3 week-nights attending workshops and training sessions. All events are held after 6pm or on the weekends to allow for those who work during the day. Workshops are mandatory and failure to attend a required workshop may mean that your team is removed from the program. In the Production Phase, there are fewer workshops but you can expect to spend a great deal of time with your team prepping for your production. Some participants find it useful to take a week off from their day job directly before production in order to get everything in order.
Email henry@afcoop.ca or call (902) 405-4474!