Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mark Hemstock. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Mark, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Talk to us about building a team – did you hire quickly, how’d you recruit the first few team members? Any interesting lessons?

When I first launched Hemstock Films, it was just me—one person with a camera, a vision, and a deep passion for storytelling. As a growing Calgary corporate video production company, I took on every role: director, cinematographer, editor, and even the guy carrying gear. It was an exciting but demanding time, filled with late nights and non-stop learning.

Bringing on my first team members was a big step. Instead of traditional job postings, I found my early collaborators through networking—local filmmakers, editors, and creatives I’d crossed paths with. Rather than a formal interview process, I focused on passion and talent. I’d often bring potential team members onto a shoot to see how they worked in a real-world setting. Could they handle the pressure? Did they bring creative energy? That hands-on approach helped build a team of like-minded professionals who truly cared about producing high-quality work.

If I were starting today, I might have streamlined things—perhaps developing a formal onboarding process earlier. But at the same time, that organic, relationship-driven approach helped define the culture of Hemstock Films. We’re more than just a Calgary corporate video production company—we’re a team of storytellers who thrive on collaboration, creativity, and making every project better than the last.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hemstock Films: A Calgary Corporate Video Production Company Focused on Storytelling
I founded Hemstock Films in 2009 with a simple goal—telling powerful stories through film. My passion for filmmaking started early, which led me to Vancouver, where I studied digital film and video production at the Art Institute of Vancouver in 2005. After working as a freelance Director of Photography and Director, I wanted to take things further and build something of my own. That’s when I enrolled in the Venture Program at the British Columbia Institute of Technology, which helped me develop the business skills to turn my vision into a reality.

After spending 17 years in Vancouver, I decided to return to Calgary, recognizing the city’s growing film industry and its potential for high-quality, cost-effective productions. Over the years, Hemstock Films has worked on everything from corporate videos and commercials to music videos and independent films. One of my proudest achievements was producing my first independent feature documentary, “PHI,” which was released to critical acclaim in 2017. In summer 2021, I directed and was the cinematographer for the mini-series “Angel Dust,” which was filmed entirely in Alberta and later released on Amazon Prime.

More recently, I was Director of Photography and Editor for the feature documentary called “Africa: A Kung Fu Story.” Hemstock Films co-produced this film along with Eric Mazimpaka of Black Monk Productions. This film is currently in the film festival circuit.

As a Calgary corporate video production company, Hemstock Films stands out because we don’t just create visually stunning videos—we craft stories that connect with audiences. Whether it’s a corporate brand video, training content, product showcase, or event coverage, I work closely with clients to ensure their message is clear, engaging, and impactful. Every business has a story to tell, and my job is to bring it to life through compelling visuals and strong storytelling.

With a deep understanding of cinematography, access to industry-leading equipment, and a network of talented professionals, Hemstock Films delivers high-quality video content that helps businesses stand out. If you’re looking for a Calgary corporate video production company that’s passionate about storytelling and dedicated to producing exceptional work, I’d love to collaborate and bring your vision to life.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

One of the biggest factors that helped me build my reputation in the Calgary corporate video production market is my commitment to quality storytelling and strong client relationships. From day one, I focused on delivering cinematic, high-quality visuals that went beyond just looking good—they had to be engaging, meaningful, and strategically effective for my clients.

Word-of-mouth has been huge. Satisfied clients have referred me to others because they know I go the extra mile to make their vision come to life. Whether it’s a corporate brand video, commercial, or documentary, I take the time to understand what my clients truly need and craft a final product that resonates with their audience.

Another key factor has been my adaptability. The video industry is constantly evolving, and staying ahead means embracing new technology, trends, and storytelling techniques. Whether it’s high-end cinema cameras, drone footage, or motion graphics, I invest in tools and skills that elevate production value.

Beyond technical skills, I believe professionalism and reliability have played a major role. Clients trust Hemstock Films because they know I deliver on time, on budget, and with a level of creativity that makes their content stand out.

Ultimately, Hemstock Films has built a strong reputation by blending cinematic storytelling with strategic video marketing, positioning us as a go-to Calgary corporate video production company for businesses that want more than just a standard video—they want content that truly makes an impact.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

The best source of new clients for Hemstock Films, a leading Calgary corporate video production company, has been a combination of word-of-mouth referrals, industry relationships, a strong online presence, and an impressive portfolio showcasing high-quality work.

1. Word-of-Mouth & Referrals
Happy clients have been my biggest advocates. Many of my best projects have come from businesses and individuals who were impressed with the quality of our work and recommended Hemstock Films to others. When people see the results—whether it’s a corporate brand video, a commercial, or a documentary—they want that same level of production for their own projects.

2. High-Quality Portfolio & Online Presence
A major driver of new clients has been my portfolio of high-quality videos. Businesses looking for a Calgary corporate video production company often come across my work, whether through my website, social media, or a referral. Seeing the cinematic quality, attention to detail, and storytelling in my past projects gives them confidence that I can bring their vision to life.

3. Networking & Industry Relationships
Building connections with local businesses, marketing agencies, and creative professionals has also played a huge role. Many of my projects have come from collaborating with agencies that need a video production partner or from attending industry events where I’ve met business owners looking for top-tier video content.

4. SEO & Digital Marketing
Having a search-optimized website has been key in attracting new clients. By incorporating relevant industry keywords, businesses searching for a Calgary corporate video production company find Hemstock Films and explore my portfolio. When they see the quality of my work, it often leads to an inquiry.

5. Direct Outreach & Cold Leads
Sometimes, a well-placed introduction to a business that could benefit from high-quality video content turns into a great working relationship. Many companies know they need video marketing but aren’t sure where to start—when they see my portfolio, they recognize the impact professional video can have on their brand.

Ultimately, Hemstock Films has grown through a combination of referrals, high-quality work, strong industry connections, and a digital presence that ensures the right people see our videos. Seeing the results in my portfolio gives potential clients the confidence to reach out to start their own co-production with Hemstock Films.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hemstockfilms.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hemstockfilms/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hemstockfilms
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-hemstock-472690140/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mhems372