Biography
Hemstock Films, founded in 2009 by Mark Hemstock, a Calgary native, has been a major player in the film industry. Mark's passion for filmmaking from a young age led him to Vancouver, where he attended the prestigious Art Institute of Vancouver for digital film and video production in 2005. With a solid education and determination, Mark embarked on his career path, working as a freelance Director of Photography and Director, focusing on his own independent productions.
Driven by his entrepreneurial spirit, Mark joined the Venture Program at the British Columbia Institute of Technology in 2009. This program allowed him to develop his business skills and pave the way for future success. From there, Hemstock Films was launched. After spending 17 years in Vancouver, honing his craft and building a strong reputation, and focusing primarily on music videos, Mark made the exciting decision to move back to his hometown of Calgary.
Recognizing the booming Alberta film industry and lower cost of production, Mark saw an opportunity to make an impact locally. Over the years, he has directed and shot numerous music videos, commercials, and corporate videos. One notable accomplishment includes producing a his first independent feature documentary called "PHI," which was released to critical acclaim in 2017.
In 2021, Mark showed his versatility as he both directed and was the cinematographer for "Angel Dust," a gripping mini-series shot entirely in Alberta. This production was met with great success and was released on the popular streaming platform, Amazon Prime. Showing no signs of slowing down, Mark has two more feature-length documentaries in the works, further solidifying his position as a prominent figure in the industry.
In 2022, Mark was director of photography and editor on the feature documentary called "Africa: A Kung Fu Story" which is currently running the film festival circuit in 2025.
Mark has recently completed working his next feature documentary, called "The Truth and The Seeker" which is scheduled to be completed later this year.
When it comes to video production in Calgary and Alberta, Hemstock Films is the go-to choice. With a deep connection to the local film industry and access to a robust equipment package, Hemstock Films can cater to both large-scale productions or smaller ones. Whether you're looking for captivating storytelling, stunning visuals, or both, Hemstock Films is dedicated to bringing your vision to life.
