“When I first came to Ed Video in Summer 2022 for my Co-op placement, my goal was to learn more about video creation but, I left learning much more than that. Ed Video has helped me learn about new equipment, like 3D printers and Adobe Animate, and has taught me many hard and soft skills from archiving tapes to problem-solving and teamwork. During my time there I also got the pleasure to get to know their kind, generous and knowledgeable staff as well as meet other creatives and discover different occupations and opportunities in media. Ed Video is truly a one of a kind place that really cares about creatives and helping them develop and I encourage you to check it out if you haven’t already.”
— Zavayi Amegashie, Former Co-op Student
“In 1999, I arrived in Fergus from Toronto with two young children, a theatre degree and a nagging feeling that I should have studied film instead. I quickly found Ed Video in Guelph when I nearly tripped on their sandwich board on the sidewalk (no real internet back then)! I happily discovered their accessible workshops, film equipment rentals and a community of like-minded media artists. I helped them organize and participate in a hands-on “movie-making 101” program that brought in top professionals in the film industry to offer a wide range of courses. It ended with a premiere of two films that the participants had written, shot and edited. I was hooked! Over the years, the Ed Video 48 hour film challenges have been great fun and I’ve made some incredible friends who are always happy to help out on an artistic project.
I’m still in Fergus and my daughters are adults but I did manage to get an affordable, flexible film education through Ed Video, learning enough to become an award winning filmmaker and web series creator. I’m very grateful to the welcoming staff at Ed Video for their unwavering support.”
Please watch my award winning comedy web series: Savvy Spinster Does the Cinema…it’s free!
— Eliza Crosland, Writer, Independent Filmmaker. WGC.
“Five years ago, I was seeking a co-op position in video production or animation, which led me to Ed Video. After finishing my co-op, I continued to return to Ed Video for equipment, advice, or just a nice welcoming environment to work in. The staff at Ed Video has been instrumental in helping me identify and pursue my desired career path. They have consistently supported my growth by offering guidance on applications and equipment, and providing job opportunities either directly through Ed Video or through networking within the community. The skills I’ve developed, the knowledge I’ve gained, and the connections I’ve made have all helped me immensely in shaping my career and I would not be where I am now 5 years later if without
— Jaden Howson, Video editor, Camera Operator & Animator
Ed Video.”
“I moved to Guelph 7 years ago and heard about Ed Video in my first few months here. Joining a local arts co-operative is a great way to get to know what is happening in a city. I first attended a series of Image Makers sessions and really loved being there and seeing what different needs and skills people had. Accessing video gear is also a great way to learn different skills by trying out new equipment and learning their value and limits. Recently, I have started to participate by leading workshops at Ed Video. This has been invaluable for me as I am able to test whether my understanding is holding up, or requires revision. Sometimes just hanging out and chatting with the different Ed Video staff or other artists that might be around, or showing up for an event, is really the best way to open the door to new opportunities. Guelph would not be the same without Ed Video!”
— Jose Garcia-Lozano (he/him)
“I initially became involved with Ed Video in 2019 when I moved into the area to do my MFA. A friend of mine highly recommended Ed Video because of the way they had supported her practice. I was asked to do a workshop and teach about Microbial Ecosystems and how to visualize that data using Touch Designer. I really respect Ed Video’s commitment to supporting local artists and their unusual ideas through unique workshop opportunities and affordable gear rental. Most recently, I was Ed Video’s Emerging Digital Artist in Residence. This residency and Ed Video’s ongoing support has allowed me to dedicate time to my practice and engage in experimental approaches in a supportive atmosphere. Ed Video is unique and an important part of the arts community in Southern Ontario.”
— Maria Simmons, Hybrid Media and Sculpture Artist
“So much of why I have committed my life to the art world is the kind of commitment to the creation, free-thinking, and community above all else that the art world prides itself on. I was amazed to find every bit of that spirit within the staff at Ed Video. Although I was of course very excited to be a included in the Ed Video space and have access to all of privileges the space entails I was intimidated ever so slightly by the forty-seven-year-long legacy, working alongside their staff page of cool artists with intimidating alternative hair-dos and fancy equipment with lots of buttons. This big-doom-feeling-thing I placed upon myself was quickly abandoned however after I leapt into the throws of the space and actually met with the Ed Video staff and members. I am very grateful to have been welcomed earnestly by the community artists at this center and I am very fortunate to have learned so much from them about the technique, industry and confidence it takes to succeed as an artist.”
— Ana Platanos, Multimedia Artist
