Innovative video of Hamilton musicians rings in new year

A Hamilton filmmaker has released his annual love letter to the local arts scene — a three-minute Auld Lang Syne video featuring a handful of Steeltown musicians.

Brian Berneker filmed 14 artists against a green screen playing and singing the year-end anthem. Then he edited them into scenes around Hamilton. Dancing through the background is Jed Lifeson, a local personality known for his spontaneous dancing around downtown.

"It's a little bit of hometown pride," he said. "It's just for a lark. There's no corporate agenda behind it. It's just a shout-out to Hamilton."

This is the third year Berneker has made the film. Each year, traffic grows a little more through word of mouth.

He worked on the video throughout December.

Local composer Nathan Fleet helped with the music. This year's video is dedicated to Berneker's friend Massimo Rosati, who died suddenly on Dec. 28.

Local musicians who wish to participate next year can contact Brian Berneker through brianberneker.com or brianberneker@gmail.com.