learn to shoot, light and create like a filmmaker

FILMMAKING CLASSES

Our classes

Intensive Filmmaking course - 5 days

Intensive Filmmaking course - 5 days

Write, shoot, and direct your own film in just five days with our Intensive Filmmaking Course. Part of our Film School and designed for beginners and those with a little experience, this course will guide you through the entire filmmaking process, from first idea to final edit, so you leave with both a completed film and the confidence to make your next one.

Working under the guidance of a professional filmmaker, you’ll collaborate with your classmates as a close-knit crew, learning practical, hands-on skills while exploring the creative possibilities of visual storytelling. Along the way, you’ll study industry examples from indie shorts to blockbuster features to understand how professionals approach their craft.

By the end of the course, you’ll have written, directed, and edited your own short film, ready to take home and share.

What You Will Learn

By the end of the Filmmaking School, you will:

  • Gain a clear understanding of different film genres and how they influence style and storytelling
  • Operate DSLR cameras with confidence and explore advanced techniques on Blackmagic 4K and 6K cine cameras
  • Apply cinematography principles, including framing, movement, depth of field and visual composition
  • Use lighting techniques to create mood, atmosphere and focus
  • Record clean, professional-quality audio on set
  • Plan your shoot with storyboards, shot lists and budgets
  • Work effectively with actors and crew, understanding set etiquette and job roles
  • Edit your footage for maximum storytelling impact, learning pacing, continuity and rhythm

What You Will Learn

Benefits of Taking the Course

Film is one of the most collaborative and rewarding art forms, and this course gives you the perfect space to explore it. As a student, you will:

  • Build real filmmaking experience by completing a short film from scratch
  • Gain confidence in using both DSLR and professional cinema cameras
  • Work like a professional crew, collaborating across all key production roles
  • Learn from an industry filmmaker with real-world experience
  • Develop creative and technical skills you can apply to future projects
  • Leave with a finished film you can share, submit to festivals or add to your portfolio

Shoot Like a Pro

Work with Canon DSLRs and Blackmagic 4K/6K cinecams to capture cinematic footage.

Light the Scene

Master essential lighting setups to tell your story visually.

Sound That Speaks

Record crisp, clear audio for dialogue and atmosphere.

Plan to Succeed

Storyboard, shot list and budget your production.

Direct with Vision

Lead actors and crew to bring your film to life.

Edit for Impact

Craft your final story with professional editing techniques.

CLASSES STARTING SOON

DATE DAY TIME (BST) DURATION TUTOR VENUE PRICE BOOKING
8 Sep 2025 - 12 Sep 2025 Mon 10:00-16:30 5 days (Monday - Friday) Film School Tutors City Academy, Farringdon £600.00
20% OFF
Book Now
Click the gift icon to gift this course
Book Now
Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course
24 Nov 2025 - 28 Nov 2025 Mon 10:00-16:30 5 days (Monday - Friday) Film School Tutors 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
19 Jan 2026 - 23 Jan 2026 Mon 10:00-16:30 5 days (Monday - Friday) Film School Tutors 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
13 Apr 2026 - 17 Apr 2026 Mon 10:00-16:30 5 days (Monday - Friday) Film School Tutors 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

Example of what you will cover

Begin your filmmaking journey by getting hands-on with the tools of the trade. Explore the different types of cameras and lenses, starting with Canon DSLRs before stepping up to Blackmagic 4K and 6K cinema cameras, and discover how each choice shapes your storytelling. Learn how to light a scene for mood, clarity, and depth, and capture professional-quality audio with confidence. You’ll also be introduced to essential moving camera equipment and techniques that add dynamism to your shots.

Dive into the practicalities of capturing great footage. Learn how to cover a scene from multiple angles, maintain continuity by “crossing the line” correctly, and use “cheating the room” techniques to make small spaces look bigger on screen. Develop your skills in working effectively with actors to bring performances to life and get an insider’s view of professional crew job roles, understanding how everyone works together on set.

Shift focus to the heart of filmmaking: storytelling. Work as a team to write your script, developing structure, character arcs, and pacing. Learn how to translate ideas into visuals through storyboards and shot lists, and plan your production with realistic budgeting and scheduling. By the end of the day, your project will be fully prepped for shooting, ready to bring your vision to life.

Step into the buzz of a working film set. Under the guidance of your tutor, you’ll rotate through crew roles, gaining practical experience in directing, camera operating, lighting, sound, and production management. Collaborate closely with your cast to capture every shot on your shot list, troubleshooting challenges as they arise. By the end of the day, you’ll have all the footage you need to tell your story.

Discover the magic of editing as you assemble your footage into a finished film. Learn how to choose the best takes, create rhythm and flow, and maintain continuity. Explore how sound design, music, and colour correction can elevate your project. The day concludes with a screening of your work and a discussion on your next steps, from entering film festivals to continuing your training in filmmaking, cinematography, or editing.

Your Film

We learn by doing. On this course you'll learn core filmmaking skills and apply these to a film that you and your group will create together. At the end of your course you'll leave with the short film that you have written, directed and edited. 

Useful Information

No. This course is designed for beginners, though those with some experience will still benefit from the structured, hands-on approach.

No. All cameras, lighting and sound equipment will be provided. You’re welcome to bring your own camera if you are familiar with its controls.

Yes. You’ll start on Canon DSLRs and then progress to working with Blackmagic 4K and 6K cinecams during the course.

A short film created in collaboration with your crew, which you will write, direct, shoot and edit.

Many students progress to our Filmmaking Foundation, Documentary Filmmaking, or Editing for Film courses to continue developing their skills.

Other students also were interested in

Many of our filmmaking students go on to explore related creative pathways. Whether it’s mastering cinematography, crafting compelling documentaries, or honing editing skills, these courses build on your training and open up new possibilities for your projects.

DATE DAY TIME (BST) DURATION TUTOR VENUE PRICE BOOKING
8 Sep 2025 - 12 Sep 2025 Mon 10:00-16:30 5 days (Monday - Friday) Film School Tutors City Academy, Farringdon £600.00
20% OFF
Book Now
Click the gift icon to gift this course
Book Now
Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course
24 Nov 2025 - 28 Nov 2025 Mon 10:00-16:30 5 days (Monday - Friday) Film School Tutors 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
19 Jan 2026 - 23 Jan 2026 Mon 10:00-16:30 5 days (Monday - Friday) Film School Tutors 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
13 Apr 2026 - 17 Apr 2026 Mon 10:00-16:30 5 days (Monday - Friday) Film School Tutors 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
21 Sep 2026 - 25 Sep 2026 Mon 10:00-16:30 5 days (Monday - Friday) Film School Tutors 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
23 Nov 2026 - 27 Nov 2026 Mon 10:00-16:30 5 days (Monday - Friday) Film School Tutors 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

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)

PAYMENT OPTIONS

DATE DAY TIME (BST) DURATION TUTOR VENUE PRICE BOOKING
8 Sep 2025 - 12 Sep 2025 Mon 10:00-16:30 5 days (Monday - Friday) Film School Tutors City Academy, Farringdon £600.00
20% OFF
Book Now
Click the gift icon to gift this course
Book Now
Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course
24 Nov 2025 - 28 Nov 2025 Mon 10:00-16:30 5 days (Monday - Friday) Film School Tutors 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
19 Jan 2026 - 23 Jan 2026 Mon 10:00-16:30 5 days (Monday - Friday) Film School Tutors 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
13 Apr 2026 - 17 Apr 2026 Mon 10:00-16:30 5 days (Monday - Friday) Film School Tutors 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
21 Sep 2026 - 25 Sep 2026 Mon 10:00-16:30 5 days (Monday - Friday) Film School Tutors 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
23 Nov 2026 - 27 Nov 2026 Mon 10:00-16:30 5 days (Monday - Friday) Film School Tutors 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

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)

PAYMENT OPTIONS

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.

×

We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, serve personalised content and analyse our traffic. By clicking 'Accept', you consent to our use of cookies.