This 12-week beginner film production course is taught in three sections to build your skills progressively. You’ll cover visual storytelling, hands-on production training and post-production essentials to create and finish your own short film.
STAGE 1: UNDERSTANDING AND CONCEPTUALISATION
Explore how films communicate meaning to build essential storytelling skills.
WEEK 1: SEEING LIKE A FILMMAKER
Begin your filmmaking journey by discovering how visual choices shape meaning, emotion and story in this hands-on filmmaking short course.
- Analyse shot choices in short clips to understand framing and composition
- Explore how camera placement affects storytelling and viewer interpretation
- Create a simple three-shot static story using still images
- Share your work and learn how audiences read visual cues on screen
WEEK 2: PLAYING WITH MOVEMENT
In this early stages of this filmmaking short course, you’ll discover how camera movement transforms a simple idea into a dynamic visual sequence.
- Study examples of camera movement and the stories it tells
- Learn how movement influences pacing, tone and emotional impact
- Transform last week’s static images into a short moving sequence with no dialogue
- Review and discuss how movement supports or distracts from storytelling
WEEK 3: TURNING IDEAS INTO STORY
Build the foundations of narrative structure and learn how to shape a visual story from a simple concept.
- Break down the elements of story using examples from short films
- Explore character, setting and structure and learn how to convey them visually
- Expand your previous sequence into a three-act short idea
- Share and refine your story idea through group discussion
WEEK 4: DEVELOPING VISUAL STYLE
Discover how filmmakers use design, colour and aesthetic choices to create mood and deepen storytelling.
- Analyse how visuals such as costume, colour and space enhance narrative tone
- Explore references and inspiration to define the look of your short
- Build a mood board to guide your production design
- Receive tutor feedback on feasibility and creative direction
STAGE 2: PRODUCTION FOUNDATIONS
Learn practical filmmaking tools and bring your ideas to life.
WEEK 5: PLANNING YOUR PRODUCTION
Move from concept to execution by learning the essentials of pre-production and shoot planning.
- Explore key considerations: camera, lighting, location and shot design
- Develop storyboards and shot lists for your upcoming short
- Refine visual ideas and plan achievable setups
- Prepare collaboratively for your group filming session
WEEK 6: CAMERA PRACTICE
Strengthen your technical skills with hands-on camera work for emerging filmmakers.
- Learn exposure, focus, framing and movement fundamentals
- Practise shooting short clips to build confidence behind the camera
- Experiment with different lenses and angles to enhance storytelling
- Review footage with tutor feedback on technique and clarity
WEEK 7: INTRODUCTION TO LIGHTING
Learn how to shape mood and atmosphere through practical lighting techniques used in professional film production.
- Explore lighting principles such as key, fill and backlight
- Analyse lighting choices in real film scenes
- Practise building simple lighting setups suitable for small productions
- Experiment with light direction, colour and intensity to elevate scenes
WEEK 8: RECORDING SOUND
Develop essential sound skills to capture dialogue, ambience and simple SFX to bring your film to life.
- Learn microphone types, placement and clean recording techniques
- Record ambient sound and basic foley for storytelling
- Learn how to capture clean dialogue on set
- Understand how sound influences audience immersion
STAGE 3: POST-PRODUCTION AND FINAL DELIVERY
Shape, refine and finish your short film through editing and colour grading.
WEEK 9: SHOOTING YOUR SHORT FILM
Roll camera on your one-to-two-minute short film using the production skills you’ve gained.
- Get hands-on experience across a number of production roles
- Capture key shots from your storyboard and adapt creatively as you shoot
- Work collaboratively to manage your time and workflow
- Review raw footage in preparation for editing
WEEK 10: EDITING BASICS
Assemble your story in post-production, shaping visuals and sound into a cohesive narrative.
- Understand continuity, pacing and editorial decision-making
- Edit your footage into a rough cut using beginner-friendly tools
- Apply basic audio editing and organise your timeline
- Receive feedback to refine your cut
WEEK 11: COLOUR GRADING AND EXPORTING
Discover how colour grading strengthens mood and style before preparing your film for final delivery.
- Learn basic colour correction and grading workflows
- Apply grading to enhance the visual tone of your project
- Export your film in professional formats
- Troubleshoot common technical issues in post
WEEK 12: FINAL SCREENING AND REVIEW
Celebrate your achievement by sharing your completed short film in a supportive group screening.
- Present your finished film to classmates
- Discuss your creative choices and technical development
- Receive constructive, confidence-building feedback
- Reflect on your filmmaking journey and future opportunities
