Celebrating Making Colchester Films since 1959

Passionate Film Making Enthusiasts

Colchester Film Makers started as a club for amateur film makers to challenge and hone their skills. Generations later, much has developed, our members include international and national award-winning film makers with professional experience in TV, media, journalism and more. We are now a production hub taking on more ambitious projects.

Our club members produce vibrant and diverse film projects supporting local talent, developing the film makers of tomorrow and creating resources for the people of Colchester.

Many of our members have worked and continue to secure roles in the film industry and happily share with other members their discoveries.

We all benefit from sharing knowledge and offer new members both historical knowledge about the development of film making techniques as well as how we have developed and continue to push boundaries.

black and brown leather padded tub sofa

Colchester Film Makers has a long history as a place for film makers and enthusiasts of all ages and abilities to share their knowledge, ideas and resources.

Our season runs from September to May with weekly meetings which provide a mix of purposeful planning and practice of skills.

We also invite visiting experts, host our own film screenings and pitch nights. Throughout the year we are involved in filming many local events, documenting community projects and services as well as supporting local talent in writing, acting, directing and performing arts.

We welcome new members and offer a range of membership plans to suit all budgets.

A welcoming hub for filmmakers of all ages and abilities. Whether your interests lie in front of the lens or behind, this group is well worth a visit.

British International Amateur Film Festival

★★★★★

Keeping Colchester in the forefront.

Historically we have filmed significant Colchester events such as Royal Visits, Mayor of Colchester Oyster Feast, Colchester Scout & Guides Gang Show. We are often approached to film private shows and to document goings-on in the city and beyond. We have produced many projects within schools which involves voluntary DBS checks. We produce our own original films, online content, documentaries, dramas, comedy sketches, music videos and new from 2024 our annual club script-to-screen film projects.

Do you want to pitch your film idea?

Reach out to us for details on joining our film club or bringing your film idea to life. We welcome complete beginners as well those with valuable experience in film making. We offer student rates, special deals for under 25's and those on limited income.
Complete the form below to get started by booking your pitch place at one of our next seasons pitch nights on either Tuesday 6th October 2026 or Tuesday 12th January 2027. We look forward to hearing from you.

Not sure how to pitch it? We offer multi-media presentation options to suit you. You can prepare something on your laptop, phone or tablet and we can project it for all to see as you talk about it. You can just talk us through it, without a projected presentation if you are stronger with this style of communication.

We will want to know things like: where the action takes place, who or what is being filmed, the story of the film, possible locations, styling: is it a period drama, do your actors need costumes or everyday clothing? Are there particular props in the film? Mood boards or photos might help. The practical side of pre-production might be where you need support, if you are looking for a team to help with storyboarding, shot lists, production logistics management let us know where Colchester Film Makers can potentially help. Independent Producers do not have to become members who attend our regular meetings, they can become Donation Members who thank the club with a voluntary donation for our support and efforts. All donations received pay back into running the club.

Engage with our vibrant film making community today. Celebrating 65 years of film making in 2024, originally established as Colchester Cine Club in 1959.

© 2024. All rights reserved.

Meetings on Tuesdays 7.30-10.00pm at: Hythe Community Centre, 1 Ventura Drive, Colchester, CO1 2FG.