City Lit Pro: smartphone filmmaking

About this course

The course introduces filmmaking with iPhone and Android smartphones, covering framing, handheld shooting, tripod mounts, gimbals and lighting. Participants explore audio recording, including external microphones, then import footage into native and free editing applications such as iMovie and Filmic Pro. Teaching combines workshops, short lectures, demonstrations, practical exercises and written and digital resources. The course also covers visual storytelling, scriptwriting, editing principles, exporting films, video-sharing platforms, and online routes into film competitions and festivals.

What you'll learn

• Frame and shoot effective footage with a smartphone
• Set up smartphone filming with tripod mounts and a gimbal
• Use lighting techniques for smartphone filmmaking
• Record and import good-quality sound, including through an external microphone
• Edit footage using smartphone applications
• Export and share short films and videos online

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for beginners, while also offering material for more experienced filmmakers. It involves practical exercises alongside demonstrations and short lectures, with both group and individual support and feedback. Some prior filming or editing knowledge may be useful but is not essential.

• Suitable for learners developing smartphone filmmaking skills
• Includes practical exercises as well as group and individual feedback
• Some existing filming or editing knowledge is advantageous but not required

Before you go

• Participants need a good-specification smartphone, either iPhone or Android, with sufficient memory for video data. At least 16GB is recommended, with more memory preferable.
• An editing app must be downloaded to the phone; advice is provided during the first session.
• Course tasks, notes and resources are stored on Google Classroom, which participants need to access before sessions begin.