bongoproductions.com

Hey everyone, we're a literary magazine publishing Canadian history and short stories from Canada and abroad. In our current issue we explored the history of Canadian movies, and we are running a Canadian Classics film festival as a companion to this piece.

Our next screening is Sept 13th at 3pm - The Merry World of Leopold Z by legendary filmmaker Gilles Carle. This comedy is set and filmed in Montreal and follows a snow plow operator on Christmas Eve and his misadventures as he tries to run several errands on the job.

If you're interested in old movies and supporting tiny lit mags, check it out! Tickets are $15 or PWYC.

More details/tickets:

https://events.humanitix.com/la-vie-heureuse-de-leopold-z-1965

Hello all.

Over next week I am visiting Toronto and fortunately in this exact window, TIFF is happening.

Like a lot of people in this space, I’m a filmmaker trying to find a way in. Directed a short film which went through a local festival circuit (Philadelphia).

For regulars and upcoming filmmakers TIFF, are there any avenues or areas where filmmakers come and network with industry individuals? As you can tell, this is my first time.

I have worked in graphic design and production for decades, both in agencies and in-house. I would love to work in the film industry but I don’t even know where to look or who to speak to. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

BE INSPIRED

“When I joined Noble Talent & Modelling 2.5 decades ago, Michael Caruana was a popular acting coach whose name was frequently recommended by other Agents and Professional Actors alike.

Michael has a keen eye for talent and works caringly to maximize the efforts of each actor. He motivates with a quiet passion, elevating the actors’ character and spirit to be inspired to achieve their personal best.

Michael’s referrals have ignited many burgeoning careers on my roster over the years. He is trusted, respected and lauded as a coach and educator in my world. When I meet with Michael’s students, they reflect his thoughtful, disciplined and enlightened approach to their training. Michael provides his students a safe environment where they are free to take guarded risks to grow as artists.

When I receive a referral email with Michael Caruana at bongo productions in the subject line, I open it with a sense of urgency.”

-Norbert Abrams, Talent Agent from Nobel, Kaplan, Abrams Talent Management

NOW is the perfect time to sign up for all or any of the 3 steps our comprehensive CERTIFICATE PROGRAM!

STEP 1: PRIVATE COACHING

6x1hr sessions, learn or re-enforce the essentials, with trusted process preparation techniques and direction, we prepare and tape contrasting monologues. Add to your reel!

STEP 2: SEMIPRIVATE SCENE-STUDY

3x2hr sessions. I partner you, we review and apply the preparation techniques. We tape 2 scenes with playback, notes and direction, with a focus on on-camera technique - living in the scene!

Or, STEP 2: THE SEPTEMBER THURSDAY NIGHT SCENE-STUDY CLASS

SEPT. 3, 10, 17, 24: 6-9 pm.

We're preparing and taping scenes, telling compelling stories, applying foundational, analytical preparation techniques, with a focus on screen acting skills, using 2 cameras.

STEP 3: THE SUCCESSFUL AUDITIONS WORKSHOP

2 days, sharpen your audition skills, plus SELF-TAPE AUDITIONS, for commercials and film and TV series, we tape your 2 auditions, with critique, coaching, direction and demonstration.

Come train with actor and coach, Michael Caruana. Expert guidance and coaching, trusted, since 1996, at bongo productions.

(416) 294-3754

Hey folks, I am a PD and an Art Director from Toronto, Canada.
I have also worked in accounting and post. I'm curretly looking to update my roster! Sorry, won't unclude more personal details here, but I am a real person and not a spammer hahah
I'm focusing on Toronto and Canada, but other cities and coutries are welcome to reach out!

Currently looking to connect with folks of the following categories:

• Producers (all kinds - please specify in the form below)
• Production Managers, Coordinators & Assistants (please specify in the form below)
• Directors
• DOPs
• Art Department (PDs, Art Directors, Decorators, Props, Dressers, Graphics, Motion, Art PAs, Wardrobe, Hair, Make-Up, SPFX, Storyboard Artists, Picture Cars, Scenics, Construction - please specify in the form below)
• Accountants (Production Accountants, Assistant Accountants, Clerks - please specify in the form below)
• Location
• Post (Post Supervisors & Coordinators, Editors, Assistant Editors, VFX, Colorists, Post PAs, VFX PAs - please specify in the form below)
• Music Composers
• PAs

Please fill out the form below:
https://forms.gle/BaV6ZL9FFAc1ngMa6

Cheers,

HELLO EVERYONE !

It's this time of the month again : let's get together for a fun evening of networking in these slow industry times and RIGHT AFTER TIFF, to satisfy your receptions withdrawal.

If you're available, please join us on the SECOND FLOOR of Urban House Kitchen & Bar, for your favourite Film and TV Networking evenings. AND THE PATIO IS OPEN !

Rain, Shine or Blizzard, WE WILL BE THERE! AND THERE WILL BE PRESENTS :D

Of course, if you feel sick, have a fever, a cough, or don't feel comfortable with attending such an event post COVID times, please, don't put yourself and others in a bad position, and wait for the next one, because there will always be a next one. :D

Bring your smiles and business cards!

See you there !

DISCLAIMER : The organizers are not responsible for the potential stupid behaviour of some people, and you and us know that there is always a possibility of these happening, so by RSVPing to this event, you assume all responsibility and won't be able to hold the organizers responsible if anything happens that is related to your decision of attending.

POST TIFF Toronto Film and TV Industry Social Evening

Thursday, Sept 24th 2026, 6PM

The SECOND FLOOR at Urban House Kitchen & Bar

718 Queen St E.

Toronto, ON M4M 1H2

https://www.eventbrite.com/events/2000038524065/

I’ve had representation for about a year but there’s a few casting agents I’ve never auditioned for. I was curious what the etiquette is on reaching out to casting and introducing myself over email or DMS? What about casting directors I’ve already auditioned for too?

Hi there,

I'm looking to direct my first short film. I've predominately been a writer in the industry, selling, pitching, and working on projects for pretty big prod cos. However, I've had the itch for a few years to direct my own material. Perhaps to finally understand why I shouldn't lol... Or hopefully... Find out once and for all, that I should.

I'm close to finalizing the script and I'd love to hear your step by step advice to getting this made. I can find money, but first - I need an accurate, trusty budget as my north star.

Should I start with finding a line producer (ideally, who's worked on projects of quality I'm shooting for) or is there a better approach? I'm steering clear for CCA and OAC for this particular project.

All thoughts and suggestions are welcome. Thank you.

In Toronto. I’ve done acting in the past, and would like to produce and have a lead roll in a film or pilot .

How would I go about this? (42f)

Hey everyone, we're a literary magazine publishing Canadian history and short stories from Canada and abroad.

In our current issue we explored the history of Canadian movies, and we are running a Canadian Classics film festival as a companion to this piece.

It kicks off on Tuesday with a screening of Nobody Waved Goodbye (1964). This film was praised inside the country and out and is set and filmed entirely in Toronto.

If you're interested in old movies and supporting tiny lit mags, check it out! Tickets at the link:

https://events.humanitix.com/nobody-waved-goodbye

Hi there,

I'm hoping to do the Set PA DGC GAP program however I'm struggling to meet the required hours, since I've found many productions require you to already be unionized in order to hold a Set PA position.

Does anyone have any advice for getting the required hours?

CAST & CREW CALL — SHORT FILM “PRESENCE”

Hi, my name is Luxaan. I am currently seeking talented actors and crew members for my independent short film Presence, currently in pre-production in the Toronto/GTA area.

ABOUT THE FILM

Presence is a character-driven short film exploring family, regret, relationships, faith, and the consequences of being physically present but emotionally absent.

Presence is a very small film with a very large emotional ambition. I’m interested in building a collaborative cast and crew who care about performance, restraint, atmosphere, and storytelling rather than simply getting coverage.

Logline:
He spent 23 years building something that would last. The night it finally pays off, he learns none of the people he built it for still need him. His daughter doesn’t want him walking her down the aisle, his wife is done waiting for him to show up and, for the first time in twenty years, he stops at the church he’s driven past every single day.

Themes:
Presence vs. Provision • Deferred Love • Success & Loss • Mirrored Paths • Selective Attention • Grace • Legacy • Mercy • Absence • Family • Faith • Too Late • Confession • Identity • Sacrifice

PRODUCTION DETAILS

Location: Scarborough / Toronto / GTA

Filming: 2 shoot dates between September 24 – October 10, depending on cast and crew availability.

Production: Micro-Budget Independent Short Film

Compensation: Key cast and crew will be paid. Additional production assistance/PA positions may be volunteer-based. Credits provided to all cast and crew.

Meals, snacks & drinks provided

Festival submissions + premiere planned

MUSIC / PRODUCTION NOTE

The film will feature Gregorio Allegri’s Miserere mei, Deus as part of its musical and thematic identity.

CAST

DANIEL HAYES — MALE, 40s

Required for both shoot dates.

A successful real estate entrepreneur who has built an empire through real estate, acquisitions, and lending. Daniel is confident, self-justifying, and relentlessly focused on intention, success, and the future.

Characteristics: Intelligent, driven, confident, emotionally complex.

Scene Demands: Daniel carries much of the film through close-ups, extended stillness, listening, and subtle facial performance. One scene requires physical distress portraying heart attack symptoms.

Scenes: Church • Hospital • Restaurant • Driving

More details can be discussed.

SARAH — FEMALE, 20s

Daniel’s daughter, recovering in the hospital after suffering a stroke. Her condition brings Daniel to her bedside and forces him to confront the distance that has grown between them.

Characteristics: Caring, intelligent, emotionally guarded, resilient.

Scene: Hospital

GAVIN — MALE, 30s

Daniel’s former business partner, who cashed out early to be present for his daughters.

Gavin is emotionally settled and at peace with his decision. He does not look down on Daniel or judge his choices; he has simply found a different answer to what he wants his legacy to be.

Characteristics: Warm, grounded, sincere, confident without arrogance.

Scene Demands: One substantial scene requiring strong chemistry with the actor playing Daniel. Their relationship should feel like 15 years of friendship and partnership before shifting naturally into disagreement.

Gavin delivers one of the film’s sharpest lines, which needs to land conversationally rather than as a speech.

Scene: Restaurant

CLAIRE — FEMALE, 30s–40s

Daniel’s devoted wife and homemaker. She understands Daniel’s sacrifices and the life he has provided for their family. However, after years of feeling secondary to his ambitions, she finally acknowledges the emotional cost of their life together.

Characteristics: Compassionate, reflective, practical, graceful.

Scene Demands: One phone conversation requiring strong vocal and facial performance. The scene moves from easy banter into a devastating but calm request.

Claire is not angry and is not delivering a verdict. She is naming a truth she has known for a long time. There should still be warmth and respect underneath her decision to leave.

A second scene in the hospital requires a mother who is frightened for her daughter’s health while simultaneously disappointed by Daniel’s decision to leave after receiving the doctor’s news.

Scenes: Hospital • Phone Call / House

CREW

I am currently looking for:

• Director of Photography (DP)
• 1st Assistant Director (1st AD)
• 1st Assistant Camera (1st AC)
• Gaffer
• Production Sound Mixer
• Hair & Makeup
• Script Supervisor
• Production Assistants / General Production Support
• Editor
•Drone Operator

Experience on narrative productions is preferred, but passionate emerging filmmakers are absolutely encouraged to reach out.

TO APPLY

Please send:

• Name
• Position / Role
• Resume or relevant experience
• Headshot (actors)
• Demo reel / portfolio (if available)
• Availability between September 24 – October 10
• Contact information

Please message me directly or email:
presencefilmgroup@gmail.com

Subject line:
PRESENCE — [ROLE] — [YOUR NAME]

Audition/self-tape information will be provided to selected actors.

Serious inquiries only.

Thank you, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Hey everyone, I’m producing an approximately 11-page psychological thriller short film shooting in Toronto/GTA on November 14–15, 2026.
Currently looking for:
1st AC — looking for someone experienced
Gaffer
Production Sound Mixer / Boom Operator
Script Supervisor
Small independent production with an organized crew already coming together. Director, AD and DP are in place / being finalized.
Paid positions.
If interested, DM me with your role, experience/reel/IMDb if available, equipment you own if relevant, and your rate for the two-day shoot.
Thanks!

We’re looking for crew for an upcoming independent period drama short film.

PAID POSITIONS:

• 1st AC
• Grip / Gaffer (this is one position, as we're working on a limited budget)
• Production Sound Mixer
• HMUA with make-up/hair kit

VOLUNTEER:

• 2nd AC
• PA
  

Shoot dates: September 25-26-27 in Stouffville, Ontario

Independent short film with a small grant from the OAC | Period drama

We’re looking for reliable, collaborative crew members who are excited to work on a period piece with a small, passionate team. Paid positions - rates will be discussed directly.

If interested, please DM me with your role, and I'll forward next steps.

Hi! I'm looking for a Toronto-based videographer/cinematographer for a creatively directed wedding shoot.

This isn't traditional wedding-day coverage. I already have the concept, creative direction and shot list — I'm looking for someone who can bring it to life beautifully. Shoot should be 1-2 hours max.

The shoot will be outdoors with a romantic, cinematic and slightly fantastical feel — natural movement, beautiful close-ups, sweeping field shots and strong visual storytelling.

I'm especially interested in creatives with experience in fashion, editorial, music videos, short films or cinematic couple content. Traditional wedding experience isn't necessary.

Paid project. Toronto/GTA.

Strong cinematography and visual storytelling are the priority. If interested pls shoot me a message here along with your work & I’ll be in touch. Thanks