If you’ve ever dreamed of making your own short film but weren’t sure where to start, this course will give you the confidence, technical skills, and creative know-how to make it happen.
Our Filmmaking Foundation course is designed for beginners and those with some experience who want a hands-on introduction to the art and craft of filmmaking. Across ten weekly sessions, you’ll work as part of a close-knit film crew, gaining practical experience in every stage of the process — from pre-production planning through to filming, editing, and screening your finished work.
Guided by a professional filmmaker and using industry-standard equipment, you’ll explore the roles, techniques, and decision-making processes that bring a story from script to screen. By the end, you’ll have a completed short film and the skills to make your next one with confidence.
What You Will Learn
By the end of this course you will:
- Learn the basics on DSLR cameras and then industry-grade Blackmagic 6K and 4K cine cameras, unlocking the same technology used in high-end productions
- Understand lens choice and how to achieve cinematic depth, framing, and composition
- Use professional lighting rigs and directional sound equipment to capture crisp, atmospheric footage and audio
- Film scenes effectively using shot composition, angles, and the 180-degree rule
- Work confidently with actors, direct performance, and manage a professional film set
- Plan and budget for a shoot using storyboards and shot lists, just like the pros
- Master moving camera techniques for dynamic, visually compelling storytelling
- Write and structure a short film script for maximum emotional impact
- Plan and execute a shoot from concept to final cut with a fully functioning crew
- Edit a film with an understanding of pacing, continuity, and visual rhythm
- Gain insight into sharing your work, entering festivals, and building your creative portfolio
Benefits of Taking This Course
Filmmaking is both a craft and a collaborative art form. This course gives you the essential tools to start creating your own work — as well as the experience of working within a real crew environment. Whether you’re making films for festivals, your portfolio, or personal passion projects, you’ll leave with the skills and confidence to take the next steps.
In this course you will:
- Learn from an experienced, working filmmaker
- Build a network with other creatives in a collaborative crew setting
- Gain practical experience across all key filmmaking departments
- Understand both the creative and logistical sides of filmmaking
- Leave with a finished short film for your showreel or portfolio
- Take away the skills to start your own independent projects
Hands-On Camera Training
Learn to operate cameras and choose lenses with purpose.
Master Lighting & Sound
Create atmosphere and tell stories with professional setups.
Work with Actors
Direct performance and get the best out of your cast.
From Script to Screen
Develop and shoot your own short project as a group to embed the techniques learnt in-class.
Editing Essentials
Learn the basics of post-production and how prepare your future films audiences.
CLASSES STARTING SOON
| DATE | DAY | TIME (BST) | DURATION | TUTOR | VENUE | PRICE | BOOKING | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 Sep 2025 - 19 Nov 2025 | Wed | 18:30-21:00 | 10 weeks | Katiana Weems-Ado | City Academy, Farringdon | £750.00 | Book Now Click the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
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| 27 Feb 2026 - 8 May 2026 | Fri | 18:30-21:00 | 10 weeks (no class 3 Apr) | Filmmaking Tutors | City Academy, Farringdon | £750.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
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Example Course Structure
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.
An introduction to DSLR and 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Other students also booked
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.
| DATE | DAY | TIME (BST) | DURATION | TUTOR | VENUE | PRICE | BOOKING | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 Sep 2025 - 19 Nov 2025 | Wed | 18:30-21:00 | 10 weeks | Katiana Weems-Ado | City Academy, Farringdon | £750.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 27 Feb 2026 - 8 May 2026 | Fri | 18:30-21:00 | 10 weeks (no class 3 Apr) | Filmmaking Tutors | City Academy, Farringdon | £750.00 | 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
Online & Phone Bookings
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, 38 Rosebery Avenue, London, EC1R 4RN
Cheque - You can also pay by cheque by filling out this form (click here) and posting it to the address above.
Cancellations Policy
We offer a full refund or full credit if you cancel at least 72 hours before the start date of your booking.
We cannot offer any refund if you cancel less than 72 hours before the start date of your booking, or if you do not attend.
(For more information please see our terms and conditions)
10% DISCOUNT AVAILABLE
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.
| DATE | DAY | TIME (BST) | DURATION | TUTOR | VENUE | PRICE | BOOKING | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 Sep 2025 - 19 Nov 2025 | Wed | 18:30-21:00 | 10 weeks | Katiana Weems-Ado | City Academy, Farringdon | £750.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 27 Feb 2026 - 8 May 2026 | Fri | 18:30-21:00 | 10 weeks (no class 3 Apr) | Filmmaking Tutors | City Academy, Farringdon | £750.00 | 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
Online & Phone Bookings
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, 38 Rosebery Avenue, London, EC1R 4RN
Cheque - You can also pay by cheque by filling out this form (click here) and posting it to the address above.
Cancellations Policy
We offer a full refund or full credit if you cancel at least 72 hours before the start date of your booking.
We cannot offer any refund if you cancel less than 72 hours before the start date of your booking, or if you do not attend.
(For more information please see our terms and conditions)
10% DISCOUNT AVAILABLE
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.
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.
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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