RAW Actor Studio × Soldiers in the Arts — Film Lab Workshop
Film Lab Workshop
A two-day, hands-on workshop introducing Canadian veterans to professional film production — from pre-production through post — alongside an experienced union crew. Participants help create a 10–12 minute short written by veteran Ryan Hawkyard, leaving with IMDb credit and festival-ready deliverables.
Workshop Benefits
On Set Experience
Work with a professional union crew to produce a short film while rotating through key departments (camera, sound, lighting, production).
Full Production
Participate in pre-production, shoot days, and post-production touchpoints to understand how projects move from script to screen.
Real Credentials
Leave with a professionally produced short, IMDb credit, and festival-ready assets to launch your creative profile.
Workshop Benefits
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Build confidence and transferable creative/technical skills
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Mentorship from working film professionals
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Grow a network that extends beyond the workshop
Full Production
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TIFF, VIFF, Whistler Film Festival
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Canadian Film Fest, KCFF, OFFA
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Regional showcases incl. Forest City, Calgary, Fantasia
Programming is delivered in partnership with RAW Actor Studio and the Roland Gossage Foundation’s Soldiers in the Arts initiative.
Leadership Team
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Ryan Hawkyard
Project Coordinator – Soldiers in the Arts
Jennifer Grose
Producer | VP, Fund Development – Roland Gossage Foundation
Creative Team
Leadership Team
Sophie Ann Rooney
Founder and Director of RAW Actor Studio
Grisha Pasternak
Head of Operations and Mentor of RAW Actor Studio
Thomas Craig
Lead Actor & Veteran Mentor
Immediate Outcomes
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10-12 Minute professional short film
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8-10 veterans trained across production roles
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Active relationships with industry professionals
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Festival submissions and audience reach
Long-Term Pathways
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Career development pipeline for participants
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Scale to additional regions across Canada
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Grow a veteran-led production ecosystem
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Increase veteran representation in film/TV
Budget Overview
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Production: equipment, locations, set/wardrobe, logistics
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Professional Support: union crew, participant stipends, wellness, post
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Distribuation: festival fees, marketing, premiere event
Donation Tiers
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$ 1,000 - Premiere tickets, set visit, custom poster
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$ 5,000 - Producer credit (IMDb), premiere/festival access
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$10,000 - Executive Producer credit (IMDb), special recongnition
Press & Festivals
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Professional press kit and festival strategy developed with partners to maximize exposure and impact.
Impact and Future Vision
Support and Partnership
Ways to Contribute
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Production & equipment sponsorships
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Veteran stipends & mentorship support
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Festival submission & premiere underwriting
Contact
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Email: info@rgf-sita.com
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Website: SITA www.rgf-sita.com
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Website: RAW www.rawactorstudio.com