Our Filmmaking for Beginners course is a fun, practical and inspiring introduction to the world of film. Whether you want to make your first short film, learn how to shoot more creatively, or simply gain confidence with a camera, this course will give you the tools and guidance to get started.
Led by a professional filmmaker in fully equipped central London studios, you’ll gain hands-on experience across all stages of production — from developing ideas to shooting, recording sound, and editing your final piece. With a mix of creative and technical training, you’ll leave feeling confident, inspired, and ready to take on your own film projects.
What you will learn
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
- Operate DSLR cameras with confidence, understanding ISO, aperture, shutter speed, white balance, depth of field and more
- Transfer those skills to Blackmagic 4K and 6K cinecams, exploring their cinematic capabilities and high-end image quality
- Choose the right lens for your project and understand how lens choice shapes your shots
- Light a scene effectively to create atmosphere, mood and focus
- Capture high-quality audio using industry-standard sound recording techniques
- Work with actors and understand key crew roles on set
- Plan your film with storyboards, shot lists, and budgets to ensure smooth production
- Apply key principles of cinematography, including angles, crossing the line, and ‘cheating the room’
- Write and structure a short script that works visually on screen
- Edit your project with an understanding of pacing, continuity and storytelling flow
Benefits of Taking the Course
Filmmaking is not just about learning the kit — it’s about telling stories that connect with people. On this course, you will:
Gain practical skills you can apply immediately to your own creative projects
Build confidence in both DSLR and cinema camera operation
Experience the jump from entry-level to professional kit, preparing you for more ambitious productions
Learn from an industry filmmaker with real-world insight and advice
Work as part of a collaborative crew and experience the team dynamic of filmmaking
Discover your creative voice while developing technical know-how
From DSLR to Cinema Camera
Begin with Canon DSLRs, then apply your skills to Blackmagic 4K and 6K cinecams.
Light It Right
Explore professional lighting setups to bring mood and clarity to your scenes.
Clear, Crisp Sound
Record high-quality audio that keeps your audience engaged.
Edit for Impact
Learn the basics of cutting footage from finding the tools to how to pace the edit.
CLASSES STARTING SOON
| DATE | DAY | TIME (BST) | DURATION | TUTOR | VENUE | PRICE | BOOKING | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 Sep 2025 - 6 Oct 2025 | Mon | 18:30-21:00 | 5 weeks | Katiana Weems-Ado | City Academy, Farringdon | £310.25
15% OFF
| Book Now Click the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 6 Nov 2025 - 4 Dec 2025 | Thu | 18:30-21:00 | 5 weeks | Katiana Weems-Ado | City Academy, Farringdon | £365.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
Useful Information
Not at all. This course is designed for complete beginners, but those with a little experience are also welcome.
We provide Canon DSLR and Blackmagic cameras for all participants. If you prefer to bring your own, please be familiar with its menu navigation so you can follow along.
You’ll work as part of a small crew to plan, shoot and edit a short project, which will be screened in the final session.
It’s a blend of both — you’ll learn the technical foundations while exploring storytelling and creative decision-making.
Many students choose to keep building their skills with focused, practical training. Explore the pathway that suits your goals:
Documentary Filmmaking – learn how to research, plan and capture real stories with impact.
Short Film Course – take a project from idea to screen with guided script, shoot and edit.
Cinematography Courses – refine camera, lensing and lighting techniques for a cinematic look.
| DATE | DAY | TIME (BST) | DURATION | TUTOR | VENUE | PRICE | BOOKING | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 Sep 2025 - 6 Oct 2025 | Mon | 18:30-21:00 | 5 weeks | Katiana Weems-Ado | City Academy, Farringdon | £310.25
15% OFF
| Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 6 Nov 2025 - 4 Dec 2025 | Thu | 18:30-21:00 | 5 weeks | Katiana Weems-Ado | City Academy, Farringdon | £365.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
Select your Entry Level:
PAYMENT OPTIONS
You are welcome to join the course up to the second class.
ONLINE & PHONE PAYMENTS
Online – To book your selected class/course online, just click Book Now next to your chosen class/course.
Phone – We would be happy to take your booking over the phone, just call us on 020 7042 8833 .
CASH & CHEQUE PAYMENTS
Cash - You are welcome to pay cash, just come and see us at our office: City Academy, 10 Herbal Hill, London EC1R 5EG.
If you book 2 or more different classes/courses at a time we can offer you a 10% discount. If you wish to take advantage of this offer please enter 2ORMORE in the promotional code box when booking online or quote code when booking over the phone. Please note that this offer cannot be applied when you are booking two or more of the same class/course.
INDUSTRY TUTORS
City Academy tutors are experienced artists and performers that work in the industry. If your tutor's availability changes at short notice, our team will arrange for a suitable replacement and notify you in advance.
CANCELLATIONS POLICY
We offer a full refund or full credit of your original course if you cancel at least 72 hours before the start of your booking.
We cannot offer any refund if you cancel less than 72 hours before the start of your booking, or if you do not attend.
(For more information please see our terms and conditions)
| DATE | DAY | TIME (BST) | DURATION | TUTOR | VENUE | PRICE | BOOKING | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 Sep 2025 - 6 Oct 2025 | Mon | 18:30-21:00 | 5 weeks | Katiana Weems-Ado | City Academy, Farringdon | £310.25
15% OFF
| Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 6 Nov 2025 - 4 Dec 2025 | Thu | 18:30-21:00 | 5 weeks | Katiana Weems-Ado | City Academy, Farringdon | £365.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
Select your Entry Level:
PAYMENT OPTIONS
You are welcome to join the course up to the second class.
ONLINE & PHONE PAYMENTS
Online – To book your selected class/course online, just click Book Now next to your chosen class/course.
Phone – We would be happy to take your booking over the phone, just call us on 020 7042 8833 .
CASH & CHEQUE PAYMENTS
Cash - You are welcome to pay cash, just come and see us at our office: City Academy, 10 Herbal Hill, London EC1R 5EG.
If you book 2 or more different classes/courses at a time we can offer you a 10% discount. If you wish to take advantage of this offer please enter 2ORMORE in the promotional code box when booking online or quote code when booking over the phone. Please note that this offer cannot be applied when you are booking two or more of the same class/course.
INDUSTRY TUTORS
City Academy tutors are experienced artists and performers that work in the industry. If your tutor's availability changes at short notice, our team will arrange for a suitable replacement and notify you in advance.
CANCELLATIONS POLICY
We offer a full refund or full credit of your original course if you cancel at least 72 hours before the start of your booking.
We cannot offer any refund if you cancel less than 72 hours before the start of your booking, or if you do not attend.
(For more information please see our terms and conditions)
All City Academy tutors are experienced professionals from theatre, film/TV and performance industries. So whilst they're training you they may also be rehearsing for a West End show or working on a movie. We like that and we do believe it makes a difference in class.
Continue your journey
After you have completed your course - we recommend continuing your journey on one of the following courses:
Use state of the art filmmaking and post-production equipment to write, direct and edit a short film in the Adult Filmmaking Summer School
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