• John Hamlett

    filmmaker

     

    Creative video, animation & digital media since 1996. Working for socially responsible companies, non-profits and communities.

  • Non-Profit organisations

    This is where I fit best - working with professional charities and non-profits on projects that make a difference to communities, culture and environment. I've been particularly lucky to work with The National Trust on dozens of films over the last several years, as well as Mountain Rescue, Christian Aid, Historic England and The Yorkshire Dales National Park.

    Mountain Rescue England Wales

    national charity campaign video

    Filmed in The Lake District, Peak District and Snowdonia over several months. Music composed to commission by Miles Hancock and recorded at RCM studios. Voiced in English and Welsh versions by Broadchurch's Matthew Gravelle.

    Lake District #MakeTheJourney

    Kirkgate Arts & Eden Poets event promo

    A project celebrating Dorothy Wordsworth's 250th birthday, supported by The Heritage Fund and The National Trust.

    National Trust – Carlisle Floods

    a creative community response to Storm Desmond

    Produced entirely in black and white this gentle, ethereal film documents a community group's creative reaction to the stress of being flooded.

    National Trust – Arnside Knott

    an emotive 'spirit of place' film

    Filmed over four seasons the film details people's experiences of Arnside Knott, it's wonderful views, flora and fauna.

    National Trust – Fix the Fells

    mountain-top path repairs in the Lake District

    Filming with the Fix the Fells 'spiderdigger' team, working on Mainden Moor. Film to alay walkers' concerns over this intensive intervention.

    six films for exhibition projection

    Kirkby Lonsdale's 'The Vault'

    Six costumed period performances, for interactive projection at this small town's tiny 'museum'. Five star rated by visitors on TripAdvisor!

    National Trust – Wild Ennerdale

    report on the valley's rewilding project

    Ennerdale is the most remote valley in Cumbria. The film reports on different aspects of this long term project: wild grazing, flood plains, fish stocks etc.

    a Westmorland town in the 1930s & '40s

    Remembering Kirkby Lonsdale

    A two hour documentary in two parts, which I devised and created with funding from The Yorkshire Dales National Park and Christopher Robins Trust. See more of my oral history film projects at www.memoirfilms.co.uk

    Remembering Highstreet Maryport

    commissioned by Historic England & Allerdale Council

    A 90 minute documentary in three parts, remembering the town's shops and businesses on the highstreet in the 1940s and '50s. See more of my oral history film projects at www.memoirfilms.co.uk

    National Trust – heritage animation

    meet Colonel Ridehalgh of Fell Foot, Windermere

    Animation using original source photos (with a nod to Monty Python) and projected onto sailcloth in the boathouse at NT Fell Foot Park.

  • Commercial clients

    I've been freelancing since 1996, working on projects for companies in all sectors. These days I'm a bit more selective and prioritise businesses that have a responsible and sustainable approach: education, utilities, forestry, small businesses. It means I can share my client's enthusiasm and goals, leading to a great working relationship.

    ceramic artist profile

    Martin Miles Moore and his raku pottery process

    Small businesses don't get much smaller than this Lake District artisan.

    Derwent Pencils – workshop

    a product demo workshop in Grizedale Forrest

    I've made over 100 videos for Derwent – a world leader in arts materials – proudly rooted in Cumbria but iconic worldwide.

    SARBE product launch

    showcasing McMurdo's search & rescue GPS/comms

    A complete post production job involving the sourcing of all stock footage, music, voiceover and creation of animated motion graphics.

    Derwent Pencils – colouring book

    Sarah talks about her art work and this new product

    I've made over 100 videos for Derwent – a world leader in arts materials – proudly rooted in Cumbria but iconic worldwide.

    Witherslack Group – The Studio

    the schools group's new touring media production bus

    I've made over 100 videos for Witherslack Group – England’s leading provider of education and care for young people with special educational needs.

    Witherslack Group – Ashbrooke School

    introducing WG's new Sunderland school

    I've made over 100 videos for Witherslack Group – England’s leading provider of education and care for young people with special educational needs.

    Skins Sportswear

    shot in beautiful Northumbria

    One of several commissions from London agency 1000heads. Others included Nokia, the V&A and Visit New South Wales

    Derwent Pencils – Line Painter

    Carne talks about his art work and this new product

    I've made over 100 videos for Derwent – a world leader in arts materials – proudly rooted in Cumbria but iconic worldwide.

    the Heizohack wood chipper

    for local family firm AC Price

    Filming for local family business AC Price, forestry vehicle specialist and the UK's No.1 Heizohack dealer.

    FlexMR market research

    cutting edge market research tools and services

    A complete post production job involving the sourcing of all stock footage, music, voiceover and creation of animated motion graphics. Project managed by the Creative Branch.

  • Personal projects

    Making films is a pleasure, and when there's time I work into my own projects. Some are arts funded, some are 'R&D' experiments, and some are just for me. They keep me curious, creative and excited – even if they don't pay the bills!

    The POW (2011)

    Award winning short film

    Screened at a dozen small film festivals around the world and winning awards including Best Cinematography (Barrie, Ontario) and Audience Choice (Moscow). Now screening on Amazon Prime!

    Romance of the Skies (2013)

    Music video for a friend

    Shot against greenscreen in my sitting room! Just a lot of 'Biggles' style fun using miniature 7" biplanes and After Effects. Winner of the 'Gold Osprey' best short at Keswick Film Festival 2013.

    VE Day Memories (2020)

    Community heritage from Kirkby Lonsdale

    Memories from a small town in 1945; not just celebration but also loss and reconciliation. Joe, Graham, Jack, Ruth, Joan & George share their personal stories. See more of my oral history film projects at www.memoirfilms.co.uk

     

    Made under lockdown to give the town a way of sharing on VE Day's 75th anniversary.

    The Fence (2022)

    Behind the scenes on 'The Fence'

    When a talented friend raised the investment to shoot a feature film, I went down to Bristol and pitched in with a load of behind the scenes camerawork for the online promos etc (as above).

     

    Following a limited cinema release you can now rent/buy this wonderful, funny, '80s retro indie film on streaming. Stars Sally Phillips.

    Watch 'The Fence' on Amazon Prime.

    paragliding over the Lakes

    an unpowered flight from North Lakes to Milnthorpe

    John what do you do when you're not filmmaking?? This and that, but top of the list is flying in the Lakes and Dales (with odd adventurous trips beyond!). The goal is usually to get to cloudbase, stay high, and fly as far away as possible... and cue the adventure of getting back again!

  • Testimonials

    Coming soon

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  • Contact

    Drop me an email and I'll usually respond the same day