FILM 5
FILM 5 provides a learning experience like no other program in the province — the perfect program to expand your knowledge and connections.
What is Film 5?
FILM 5 is a professional development and training program for emerging Nova Scotia filmmakers and aspiring technical crew.
Four creative teams—each consisting of a director and producer—engage in a seven-month intensive creative process to complete a short film. Aspiring technical crew attend trainee workshops and receive placements on the four film sets. Experienced mentors and instructors provide guidance throughout the process.
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.
FILM 5 is a professional and creative development program for writers, directors and producers culminating in the opportunity to produce a short film. It provides cash and in-kind services to produce a short film, mentorship and instruction from industry professionals and relationship building opportunities with the local film community.
The principle objectives of FILM 5 are:
To provide artistic development, support and mentorship for emerging filmmakers.
To assist with the creation of high-quality short films that can further the filmmaking careers of the participants.
To provide aspiring technical crew with classroom and on-set training and mentorship.
Please review the full program guidelines for more information.
FAQ
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, 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 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!
Creative Team Application
FILM 5 Creative Team Applications are now closed for this year. They will open in September 2026.
The FILM 5 Trainee Program runs alongside the creative team component each winter and spring, providing participants with classroom training from industry professionals, practical on-set instruction, and networking opportunities, with registered trainees provided a spot in the crew of one of the FILM 5s under the guidance and mentorship of skilled department heads. The films shoot on weekends throughout in April & March (each film is a two-day shoot).
How to become a trainee
(PLEASE NOTE: THE TRAINEE PROGRAM IS SOLD OUT FOR 2026)
- Fill out the application form and pay the application fee (covers the mandatory Set Etiquette Training Course provided by IATSE 849)
- Register for the workshops of your choice, see the options below.
Please note: in order to be eligible for the FILM 5 Trainee Program, participants must pay their application fee & submit their application form with required documents, attend the workshop for their desired position, attend the Set Etiquette Course (if you have already completed it, please notify henry@afcoop.ca), and attend the Trainee Meet & Greet on Wednesday, March 11th at 6pm at AFCOOP.
Trainee workshops 2026
- Production Managers Intensive
Saturday, January 17 – 10am – 5pm ($75)
Instructor: Melani Wood - Location Sound Intensive
Saturday, Jan 31 – 10am – 5pm ($75)
Instructor: Taber Crosby - Camera Assistant Intensive
Weekend, February 14 & 15 – 10am – 5pm ($150)
Instructor: Kevin Kumar-Misir - First Aid on Set Workshop
Saturday, February 21 – 10am – 5pm ($75)
Instructor: TBD - Assistant Directors Intensive
Sunday, February 22 – 10am – 5pm ($75)
Instructor: Nicole Close
- Art Department Intensive
Weekend, February 28 & March 1 – 10am – 5pm ($150)
Instructor: Jessica MacDonald - Lighting & Grip Intensive
Weekend, March 1 & 2 – 10am – 5pm ($150)
Instructor: Stuart Rankin & Kelly Rose
Set Etiquette will be a virtual course and provided to registered trainees.
Trainee Meet & Greet
March 11 from 6pm – 8pm at AFCOOP
All workshops have an additional fee from Eventbrite.
Trainee program application
Registration is now open!