67 Years of Film Making - and Still Creating
Colchester Film Makers brings together writers, actors, directors, camera operators, editors, producers and creative people who want to learn, collaborate and make films. Established in 1959, we combine decades of film-making heritage with an increasingly ambitious programme of contemporary productions.
Our Story
Originally established as Colchester Cine Club in 1959, Colchester Film Makers has been documenting local life and encouraging creative film making for more than six decades. Our archive spans the second half of the twentieth century through to the present day, including work created on traditional film as well as modern digital formats.
The technology has changed dramatically — today our members work with everything from smartphones and drones to professional cameras and editing software — but the principle remains the same: people coming together to learn, experiment and make films. Our members are also involved in many independent productions and travel to capture events, raising donations to keep the club going.
Members can take part in creative challenges throughout the season, giving both newer and experienced film makers a reason to experiment, practise new skills and share their work at club screenings.
Collaboration is at the heart of the club. Throughout the year, members develop projects in whole-club productions and smaller creative teams, gaining practical experience in writing, producing, directing, acting, camera work, sound, editing and post-production.
Our members work across drama, comedy, documentary, music video, animation and experimental film — with opportunities to contribute whether you're experienced or trying something for the first time.
From Ideas to Productions
Some projects begin as a single idea and grow into something much bigger through collaboration.
Life Is Just a Bowl of Cherries is one example — developing from an original script into an ambitious multi-episode comedy-drama involving a large volunteer cast and crew, original music and a wide range of production roles.
Our work on Colchester in the 2020s has also continued to evolve. What began with filming Carrie Ransom’s first episode has developed into an ongoing creative collaboration, including helping to produce the first animation for her series and supporting the project as it expands into new formats.
Beyond our own productions, members regularly use their skills to support community organisations and creative projects. We have filmed productions for Witham Operatic Society, worked on a variety of projects in local schools, and last season recorded talks for the FCIBSE Fellows Network in London on two occasions. We have since been invited back to film two further events later this year.
While our projects can take many different forms, our motivation is often the same: to use film creatively in ways that can benefit, educate or entertain the people of Colchester and the wider community.
Whether a project starts with a script, an event, an educational idea or simply a conversation, we enjoy helping it develop — bringing together the people, skills and experience needed to move it from concept to screen.
A place to learn, create and collaborate
You don't need to arrive knowing exactly what role you want to play. Some members come to develop camera or editing skills; others are writers, actors, directors, producers or simply people with ideas they want to explore. Club projects give members the chance to try different roles, learn from one another and discover where their strengths lie.
Explore our 2026/27 programme and see how you can get involved.
Local Talent Support
Join us for opportunities in producing, acting, directing and writing at our practice sessions, or filming on location as a visiting non-member.
Opportunities for 2026/27 season now available.
Film Project Collaboration
Collaborate with members whose experience spans animation, drama, documentary, TV series and films of many different styles.
Bring your film ideas to life!
“What makes Colchester Film Makers special is the mix of people in the room. We all bring different experience, interests and skills — and when those people collaborate, ideas can become films that none of us could have made alone.”
Leigh Martyn Thomas, Chairperson
Where do you meet?
Join us at Hythe Community Centre for our weekly film making meetings. Get involved, create, watch a screening, get inspired!
2026/27 Season begins Tuesday 15th September
Location
Hythe Community Centre
Meeting Time
Tuesdays 7.30-10pm
Engage with our vibrant film making community today. Celebrating 67 years of film making in 2026, originally established as Colchester Cine Club in 1959.
© 2024-2026. All rights reserved.
Meetings on Tuesdays 7.30-10.00pm at: Hythe Community Centre, 1 Ventura Drive, Colchester, CO1 2FG.
