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About


"Film is a great way of preserving a pocket of history, how life was like, and many of the lessons from back then can still be used to teach the next generation if they want to stop and listen." - artesettima Interview


BTS □ Emma Beach
BTS □ Emma Beach

WHO AM I?

​I am a filmmaker rooted in the captivating landscapes of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, with a deep admiration for both history and film. Over the years, as I have delved into filmmaking and immersed myself with our history, I've come to realize that film can serve as an extraordinary medium to both educate and preserve stories that would otherwise vanish into the annals of time.

My works often center around the local Newfoundland culture, ranging from adapting true stories from my hometown and creating documentaries that archive historical aspects, to producing cinematic adaptations of the folklore deeply woven into the culture of Newfoundland and Labrador.

WANT TO SEE MY WORK?

PORTFOLIO

AN EARLY EYE FOR FILM


In 2012 and 2013, I produced a series of short stop-motion animations for WorkplaceNL's Radio and Video contests, primarily focusing on preventing workplace accidents and being safe on the job. Both videos won the contest in their respective years, enabling me to purchase my first computer. This investment was pivotal in honing my skills in the post-production field at an early age.
Lego Stop-Motion of
Life Jackets Save Lives (2012)
Lego Stop-Motion of
SafeWork-Man Saves the Day! (2013)

EDUCATION

I have received professional training in all areas of filmmaking through the Digital Filmmaking program at the College of the North Atlantic, graduating in 2022. During this time, I not only produced my first three films but also engaged in diverse production roles in various other student films. The program provided me with experience learning industry standard software such as DaVinci Resolve, Avid Media Composer, Affinity Photo, and additional training in the Adobe Suite.

​Additionally, I gained familiarity with a wide range of equipment (including industry standard Blackmagic Production cameras, lighting equipment, professional sound gear and more) used in all facets of filmmaking. I received CNA's President's Medal of Excellence which is awarded to those who receive the highest weighted/overall average in their program.
BTS of
BTS of "How To Ghostbust a Bathroom" □ Romi Robinson

    CERTIFICATIONS

  • NLFDC Set Protocol/Set Safety Workshop (2022)
  • Firearms Safety for the Movie Industry Certification (2022)
  • First-Aid Certification (2022)
  • Traffic Control Certification (2022)
  • WHMS/OHS Certification (2022)
  • Safe Sets COVID-19 (Level A)
I can work with a variety of software and hardware, including Adobe Suite (Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, Photoshop), DaVinci Resolve Studio Suite (Fusion, Fairlight, Colour), Avid Media Composer, Affinity Photo and more. I am trained in colour correction, sound mixing, compositing, and more to ensure the highest quality production possible.

AWARDS

Placentia Area Historical Society (PAHS) 2024 Heritage Award Recipient
Awarded for significant contributions to preserving the culture and stories of the Placentia area, the youngest recipient to date. Also included awards from the Town of Placentia, The Provincial Government, and the Federal Government.

President's Medal of Excellence (2022)​
Awarded in recognition of the high academic standard attained in the Digital Filmmaking program at CNA.

Frank Menne Memorial Scholarship (2021)
​Issued to full time students at the College of the North Atlantic.

Tom Noseworthy Scholarship (2017)
A memorial scholarship that is awarded to students of Laval High School in Placentia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.

Provincial Winner of WHSCC (Workplace Health & Safety Compensation Commission) Video Contest (2012 & 2013) (2X)
​
Provincial Winner of WHSCC (Workplace Health & Safety Compensation Commission) Video Contest in 2012 with my Lego Stop-Motion "Life Jackets Save Lives!" and in 2013 with "SafeWork-Man Saves the Day!"
Lady at Number 16 - Awards & Screenings
(22 Awards, 16 Nominations, 4
 Honourable/Special Mentions, 25 Official Selections)
The Little Church That Could - Awards & Screenings

(3 Awards, 1 Nomination, 1 Honourable Mention, 1 Certification, 12 Official Selections)
Gift From Above - Awards & Screenings
(2 Awards, 1 Nomination, 2 Honourable Mentions, 3 Official Selections)

Check out the colour correction process on the BruceM8 Music Video "outside"


EQUIPMENT

I possess industry-standard equipment and arrive fully equipped to tackle any project, delivering a high-quality output in up to 6K resolution.

RECORDING

- Blackmagic Production 6K Pro
(
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens)

​- Benro KH25P Video Tripod

- Sony MDR-7506 Headphones


- Saramonic SR-Q2 + Lapel Microphone

EDITING

- DaVinci Resolve Studio
(Fusion, Fairlight, Colour)
​
- Adobe Suite
​(Premiere, After Effects, Audition, Photoshop)

INTERVIEW ON CBC'S THE SIGNAL


WANT TO GET IN CONTACT?

CONTACT
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© James Newhook/Focusyn Films 2025
  • Home
  • PORTFOLIO
    • LADY AT NUMBER 16
    • THE LITTLE CHURCH THAT COULD
    • GIFT FROM ABOVE
  • IN PRODUCTION
  • About
  • Contact