Hamilton’s screen industry continues to punch well above its weight — and few people embody that momentum more clearly than Zach Zohr, co-founder of Hamilton Film Studios and a founding board member of the Hamilton Film Board.
In a recent appearance on CHCH Newsmakers, Zach sat down with host Rick Zamperin for a wide-ranging conversation about Hamilton’s rise as a film and television hub, the realities of working behind the scenes, and where the industry is headed next.
Below are some of the highlights — and why this conversation matters for anyone who cares about film in #HamOnt.
Hamilton’s Quiet Rise as a Film Destination
Zach traces Hamilton’s screen-industry growth back nearly two decades, recalling a time when shoots were mostly centred in Toronto. Gradually, the calls started shifting west — and they never stopped.
Today, Hamilton is widely regarded as Ontario’s second-busiest production centre after Toronto. Its appeal is both practical and creative: a dense urban core, industrial landscapes, historic architecture, waterfalls, farmland, and neighbourhoods that can double for cities around the world — all within minutes of each other.
Just as importantly, Zach highlights the city’s welcoming attitude toward production. Unlike more saturated markets, Hamilton still embraces the excitement of seeing film crews on local streets, with residents taking pride in spotting their city in shows like The Umbrella Academy, The Boys, and The Handmaid’s Tale.
What Hamilton Film Studios Actually Does (Hint: It’s More Than Gear)
While Hamilton Film Studios is best known as a gear and location-services provider, Zach describes the company as a true behind-the-scenes backbone for productions coming to town.
From tents, heaters, floor protection, and location supplies to specialty retail items like slates, cases, paints, and aerosols, HFS supports the unglamorous but essential logistics that keep productions moving. The company also acts as a “fixer” for out-of-town and international producers — helping them navigate local crews, suppliers, and workflows.
As the local studio ecosystem has grown, HFS has evolved alongside it, focusing on what it does best: service, reliability, and collaboration.
Film Work: Creative, Yes — Glamorous, Not So Much
One of the most refreshing parts of the conversation is Zach’s honesty about what film work is really like.
“The only glamorous part of film and television,” he notes, “is telling your friends you work in film and television.”
Long hours, physical labour, unpredictable schedules, and constant problem-solving define the job — whether you’re a production assistant, a department head, or a business owner. Yet for Zach, the reward remains the same as when he started at 18: the thrill of seeing a project come together from first call to final cut.
A Collaborative Ecosystem, Not a Competitive One
Zach strongly emphasizes that Hamilton’s film community is collaborative by nature. Studios, vendors, and creatives support one another because everyone benefits when productions choose Hamilton.
From Green Door Studios to Evil Empire Studios to Millworks Creative, the city’s film infrastructure functions as a shared ecosystem — not rival silos. That spirit of cooperation is a key reason Hamilton continues to attract major productions while nurturing local talent.
The Big Questions: AI, Consolidation, and the Future
The conversation doesn’t shy away from tougher topics.
Zach voices real concern about artificial intelligence and its potential ripple effects on jobs across departments — from background performers to wardrobe, makeup, and post-production. While acknowledging AI’s cost efficiency, he questions whether it actually improves quality of life or creative outcomes.
He also raises alarms about industry consolidation, where fewer mega-studios and blockbuster projects risk squeezing out the independent films that sustain steady employment and creative diversity. For Hamilton — and for Canada — indie production remains vital.
Advice for Emerging Filmmakers
For anyone curious about breaking into film, Zach’s advice is simple and practical:
- Get involved early
- Volunteer when you can
- Talk to people on set
- Use the tools already in your pocket
He specifically points newcomers toward local networks, including social groups and the Hamilton Film Board’s registry, as starting points to connect with the community.
Giving Back to the City
The episode also highlights Hamilton Film Studios’ long-standing support of the CHCH Toy Drive — a reminder that screen-industry businesses are deeply woven into the broader civic fabric of the city.
As Zach puts it, supporting Hamilton means more than just shooting here — it means showing up for the community year after year.
Why This Matters
Zach Zohr’s appearance on CHCH Newsmakers reinforces something the Hamilton Film Board champions every day: film doesn’t just visit Hamilton — film lives here.
It lives in the crews, the vendors, the neighbourhoods, the students, and the small businesses that make production possible. Conversations like this help tell that story beyond the set — and invite more people to be part of it.
🎥 Watch the full episode here:
https://youtu.be/JqkZlmPkEEQ?si=4H-Y4Ss2bbDifuHv
Proudly from Hamilton. Proudly film-forward. #FilmLivesHere #HamOnt