Filmmaking Foundation

About this course

Participants take a short film from initial concept and script through pre-production, filming, editing and screening. The course covers camera operation, lens choice, framing, lighting, sound recording, moving-camera techniques and continuity, alongside storyboarding, shot lists and basic budgeting. Teaching combines theory with practical exercises and crew-based production. Participants explore directing actors, organising film-set roles, writing for the screen and post-production workflows, then work together to shoot a short film and review the finished edit.

What you'll learn

• Operate cinema cameras and adjust settings including ISO, aperture, shutter speed and white balance.
• Apply lens selection, framing, composition, lighting and sound techniques to filmed scenes.
• Plan productions using scripts, storyboards, shot lists and basic budgets.
• Direct actors and coordinate responsibilities across a film crew.
• Write and structure a short film script using story arcs, character development and pacing.
• Edit footage using basic cuts, transitions, continuity and sound-syncing techniques.

Is this course right for you?

The course is designed for beginners and learners with some experience who want a collaborative, practical introduction to filmmaking. Participation involves working as part of a crew, rotating between production roles and contributing to a group short-film project.

• Suitable for learners developing foundational filmmaking skills.
• Requires collaborative participation in a working film crew.
• Participants rotate between roles including directing, camera, sound and continuity.

Before you go

• The course uses industry-standard equipment, including Blackmagic 6K and 4K cinema cameras, lighting rigs and directional sound equipment.
• Pre-production includes finalising locations and preparing props and costumes for the group shoot.