Learn to shoot, light and create like a filmmaker Filmmaking Foundation A practical, beginner-friendly course covering camera skills, visual storytelling, lighting, sound and editing through hands-on short film exercises. Book Now View Details 10 weeks Beginner friendly In-person classes Practical shoot exercises 20% OFF NEXT COURSE 08 Sep 2026 Filmmaking - Foundation (FFF-1-0926-2-103) Time 18:15 - 20:45 Duration 10 weeks Venue City Academy, Farringdon Tutor Matt Taylor Course Fee £600.00 Book This Slot See more dates below in the timetable. Home›Film School›Filmmaking›Filmmaking Foundation Filmmaking Foundation BOOK NOW DETAILS BOOKING & TIMETABLE VENUES TUTORS Our Filmmaking Foundation course is a practical introduction to the core skills, techniques and creative decisions behind making films. Designed for beginners and early-stage filmmakers, this course helps you understand the filmmaking process from idea development and visual storytelling to camera, lighting, sound and editing. WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS COURSE Move from idea to film, building your creative confidence and technical skills. Build a strong foundation in the full filmmaking process Learn from an experienced, working filmmaker Gain practical experience across camera, lighting, sound, directing and editing Understand how to plan, budget and organise a shoot Work collaboratively as part of a small film crew Develop confidence working with actors and directing performance Learn how to structure and shoot a short film Leave with a finished project for your showreel or creative portfolio Gain insight into sharing your work, entering festivals and continuing your filmmaking journey Classes Starting Soon Date Day Time (BST) Duration Tutor Venue Price Booking 08 Sep 2026 - 10 Nov 2026 Tue 18:15-20:45 10 weeks Matt Taylor City Academy, Farringdon £600.00 20% OFF Book Now 09 Feb 2027 - 13 Apr 2027 Tue 18:15-20:45 10 weeks Filmmaking Tutors City Academy, Farringdon £750.00 Book Now 08 Apr 2027 - 10 Jun 2027 Thu 18:15-20:45 10 weeks Filmmaking Tutors City Academy, Farringdon £750.00 Book Now 15 Jun 2027 - 17 Aug 2027 Tue 18:15-20:45 10 weeks Filmmaking Tutors City Academy, Farringdon £750.00 Book Now 08 Sep 08 Sep 2026 - 10 Nov 2026 £600.00 Day:Tue Time:18:15-20:45 Duration:10 weeks Tutor: Matt Taylor Venue: City Academy, Farringdon Offer:20% OFF BOOK NOW GIFT THIS COURSE 09 Feb 09 Feb 2027 - 13 Apr 2027 £750.00 Day:Tue Time:18:15-20:45 Duration:10 weeks Tutor: Filmmaking Tutors Venue: City Academy, Farringdon BOOK NOW GIFT THIS COURSE 08 Apr 08 Apr 2027 - 10 Jun 2027 £750.00 Day:Thu Time:18:15-20:45 Duration:10 weeks Tutor: Filmmaking Tutors Venue: City Academy, Farringdon BOOK NOW GIFT THIS COURSE 15 Jun 15 Jun 2027 - 17 Aug 2027 £750.00 Day:Tue Time:18:15-20:45 Duration:10 weeks Tutor: Filmmaking Tutors Venue: City Academy, Farringdon BOOK NOW GIFT THIS COURSE View All Classes × Select your Entry Level: -Select- Leader Follower Book Now Close Camera Skills Learn to operate Blackmagic cinema cameras with confidence, exploring key settings such as ISO, aperture, shutter speed and white balance. Lens and Composition Understand how lens choice, depth of field, framing and composition shape the look and feel of your film. Lighting and Sound Use professional lighting rigs and directional sound equipment to capture atmospheric footage and clear, engaging audio. Shot Planning Plan your shoot using storyboards and shot lists, helping you prepare scenes with greater clarity and purpose. Working with Actors Develop confidence directing performance, communicating with actors and managing the creative energy of a film set. Moving Camera Techniques Explore moving camera techniques to create more dynamic, visually compelling storytelling. Script to Screen Write and structure a short film script, then work as part of a crew to take your idea from concept to final cut. Editing Essentials Understand the basics of editing, including pacing, continuity and visual rhythm. This Filmmaking Foundation course is a practical, step-by-step introduction to the art and craft of making short films. Each week blends theory with hands-on exercises, gradually building your skills and confidence until you are ready to create and screen your own short film with your fellow crew members. Week 1 – Camera and Lenses An introduction to professional cinema cameras, including the Blackmagic 6K and 4K cinecams. Explore different lens types, focal lengths, aperture, and depth of field. Learn how camera settings influence the look and feel of your shots, and get comfortable handling equipment safely and efficiently. Week 2 – Lighting and Sound Learn to shape mood and atmosphere through lighting design. Experiment with three-point lighting setups, natural light, and creative lighting effects. Explore professional sound recording techniques, including microphone placement, boom operation, and reducing background noise for clear, crisp audio. Week 3 – Filming a Scene: Angles and Crossing the Line Understand the 180-degree rule, shot composition, and camera positioning. Practise capturing coverage with a variety of shot types to give flexibility in the edit. Learn how to visually tell a story while maintaining continuity and audience immersion. Week 4 – Working with Actors and Crew Discover how to communicate effectively with actors to bring out authentic performances. Explore ‘cheating the room’ to make locations work on screen, and learn the key responsibilities of each crew role so you can collaborate effectively on set. Week 5 – Storyboards, Shot Lists, Planning and Budgeting Develop pre-production skills, from visualising your film through storyboards to creating shot lists that maximise efficiency on shoot days. Gain an introduction to basic budgeting and resource management to help you plan realistic productions. Week 6 – Moving Camera Kit and Techniques Experiment with movement using sliders, handheld rigs, and gimbals. Learn how camera movement can add drama, energy, or intimacy to a scene and when to keep the camera still for maximum impact. Week 7 – Script Writing and Structure Learn the fundamentals of writing for the screen, from idea generation to script formatting. Explore story arcs, character development, and pacing to ensure your scenes work visually as well as on the page. Week 8 – Pre-Production of Your Script Bring all your planning together in preparation for your shoot. Assign roles, finalise locations, prepare props and costumes, and lock down your schedule. Learn how thorough pre-production saves time and reduces stress on set. Week 9 – Filming Your Script Put your skills into action as you work as a fully functioning crew to shoot your short film. Rotate roles so you gain experience in different departments, from directing and camera operation to sound and continuity. Week 10 – Screening, Editing Overview, and Next Steps Celebrate your work with a group screening. Gain an overview of post-production, including editing workflows, basic cuts, transitions, and sound syncing. Receive feedback on your film and advice on submitting to festivals or starting your next project. Want to learn more? Many of our Filmmaking Foundation graduates go on to explore specialist courses to refine their skills further. Whether you want to create compelling short films, craft powerful documentaries, or master the art of editing for film, these courses will help you take your storytelling to the next level. Short Film Course Documentary Filmmaking Film Editing with Adobe Premiere Courses Flexible Payment Plans Spread the cost Interest-free payments to suit you. At City Academy we are very happy to offer you flexible, interest-free payment plans to spread the cost for you. Please call our friendly Student Services team on 0207 042 8833 to arrange a payment plan, or email: info@city-academy.com Filmmaking Summer School Use state of the art filmmaking and post-production equipment to write, direct and edit a short film in the Adult Filmmaking Summer School FIND OUT MORE Browse Courses You can filter Courses by month and tutor Month All Months Tutor All Tutors Matt TaylorFilmmaking Tutors Date Day Time (BST) Duration Tutor Venue Price Booking 08 Sep 2026 - 10 Nov 2026 Tue 18:15-20:45 10 weeks Matt Taylor City Academy, Farringdon £600.00 20% OFF Book Now 09 Feb 2027 - 13 Apr 2027 Tue 18:15-20:45 10 weeks Filmmaking Tutors City Academy, Farringdon £750.00 Book Now 08 Apr 2027 - 10 Jun 2027 Thu 18:15-20:45 10 weeks Filmmaking Tutors City Academy, Farringdon £750.00 Book Now 15 Jun 2027 - 17 Aug 2027 Tue 18:15-20:45 10 weeks Filmmaking Tutors City Academy, Farringdon £750.00 Book Now 08 Sep 08 Sep 2026 - 10 Nov 2026 £600.00 Day:Tue Time:18:15-20:45 Duration:10 weeks Tutor: Matt Taylor Venue: City Academy, Farringdon Offer:20% OFF BOOK NOW GIFT THIS COURSE 09 Feb 09 Feb 2027 - 13 Apr 2027 £750.00 Day:Tue Time:18:15-20:45 Duration:10 weeks Tutor: Filmmaking Tutors Venue: City Academy, Farringdon BOOK NOW GIFT THIS COURSE 08 Apr 08 Apr 2027 - 10 Jun 2027 £750.00 Day:Thu Time:18:15-20:45 Duration:10 weeks Tutor: Filmmaking Tutors Venue: City Academy, Farringdon BOOK NOW GIFT THIS COURSE 15 Jun 15 Jun 2027 - 17 Aug 2027 £750.00 Day:Tue Time:18:15-20:45 Duration:10 weeks Tutor: Filmmaking Tutors Venue: City Academy, Farringdon BOOK NOW GIFT THIS COURSE × Select your Entry Level: -Select- Leader Follower Book Now Close ADD ME TO THE WAITING LIST If you'd like to be added to the waiting list for 'Filmmaking Foundation' fill in the form below and we will contact you if a space becomes available. First Name * Last Name * Email * Phone Number * Payments options Cancellations Policy Our cancellation policy depends on the course you have booked. Weekly courses and one-day workshopsCancel at least 72 hours before your course starts to receive a full refund, course credit or a free transfer to another available date. Cancellations made within 72 hours will receive course credit instead. Intensive courses of five consecutive days or moreCancel at least 7 days before your course starts to receive a full refund, course credit or a free transfer. Cancellations made with less than 7 days’ notice will usually receive course credit instead. We are unable to offer refunds for missed classes or non-attendance. View terms and conditions Book 2 courses at the same time for 10% Off* Copy code to clipboard Book 3 or more courses for get 20% Off* Copy code to clipboard *Please note 2ORMORE & 3ORMORE - this offer cannot be redeemed against our One year, 3 Month Courses , Private tuition, Tasters, or Resident Companies i.e. Choirs, Musical Theatre or Dance companies. It cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. City Academy, Farringdon City Academy, Farringdon Closest Station: Farringdon Closest Bus Stop: Hatton Garden View Details Get Directions Matt Taylor View Profile Filmmaking Tutors View Profile
