learn to shoot, light and create like a filmmaker

FILMMAKING CLASSES

Our classes

Short Film Course

Short Film Course

Step onto a real film set and experience the thrill of making a short film from scratch. As part of our Film School the Short Film Course gives you the chance to devise, shoot, and edit your own film in collaboration with your classmates, guided by an experienced industry filmmaker.

Across the course, you’ll take part in every stage of production, from brainstorming concepts and writing scripts to directing actors and editing your final cut. By the end, you’ll walk away with a completed short film and the skills to start creating your own projects independently.

No prior experience is required, we’ll provide actors, equipment, and expert tuition so you can focus on learning, collaborating, and telling a great story.

What You Will Learn

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

  • Devise and develop an original short film concept.
  • Write a script collaboratively and create a detailed storyboard.
  • Plan your shoot with a clear shot list and production schedule.
  • Direct professional actors and guide performances effectively.
  • Begin with DSLR cameras to master the fundamentals of camera operation, composition, and manual settings.
  • Progress to using our Blackmagic 4K and 6K cine cameras, gaining hands-on experience with industry-grade equipment to achieve cinematic quality.
  • Light your scenes creatively and record high-quality audio.
  • Edit your project using industry-standard software.
  • Prepare your finished film for screenings and festivals.

What You Will Learn

Benefits of Taking This Course

This course is designed to give you hands-on filmmaking experience and the confidence to take your skills further. You will:

  • Gain a practical understanding of the filmmaking process from start to finish.
  • Work as part of a tight-knit crew, rotating through all key roles.
  • Leave with a professionally shot short film for your portfolio.
  • Learn skills you can apply immediately to personal or professional projects.
  • Build teamwork, leadership, and creative problem-solving skills in a collaborative environment.

Make Your First Film

From blank page to final edit in one course.

Plan Like a Pro

Learn to storyboard, schedule, and budget effectively.

Get Behind the Camera

Operate DSLR and BlackMagic Cinecam cameras with professional guidance.

Light the Scene

Master basic lighting setups for mood and clarity.

Sound Matters

Capture clean, clear audio on set.

Edit for Impact

Use professional editing software to bring your story together.

CLASSES STARTING SOON

DATE DAY TIME (BST) DURATION TUTOR VENUE PRICE BOOKING
13 Oct 2025 - 3 Nov 2025 Mon 18:30-21:30 4 weeks Katiana Weems-Ado City Academy, Farringdon £365.00
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26 Nov 2025 - 17 Dec 2025 Wed 18:30-21:30 4 weeks Matt Taylor City Academy, Farringdon £365.00
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Useful Information

No. This course is suitable for complete beginners as well as those with a little experience who want to build confidence and skills.

Yes. We provide professional DSLR cameras, BlackMagic Cameras, lighting, sound equipment, and editing facilities. You’re welcome to bring your own if you prefer.

Yes. Professional actors are provided so you can focus on directing and bringing your story to life.

Yes. You’ll take home your completed short film at the end of the course to use in your portfolio or share online.

We keep class sizes small to ensure everyone gets the chance to take on key crew roles and receive personalised guidance.

Other students were also 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
13 Oct 2025 - 3 Nov 2025 Mon 18:30-21:30 4 weeks Katiana Weems-Ado City Academy, Farringdon £365.00
Book Now
Click the gift icon to gift this course
Book Now
Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course
26 Nov 2025 - 17 Dec 2025 Wed 18:30-21:30 4 weeks Matt Taylor City Academy, Farringdon £365.00
Book Now
Click the gift icon to gift this course
Book Now
Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course

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
13 Oct 2025 - 3 Nov 2025 Mon 18:30-21:30 4 weeks Katiana Weems-Ado City Academy, Farringdon £365.00
Book Now
Click the gift icon to gift this course
Book Now
Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course
26 Nov 2025 - 17 Dec 2025 Wed 18:30-21:30 4 weeks Matt Taylor City Academy, Farringdon £365.00
Book Now
Click the gift icon to gift this course
Book Now
Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course

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.

PHOTOGRAPHY SUMMER SCHOOLS

Take your pictures to the next level with our five-day Photography Summer School. Gaining a further understanding of the technical and aesthetic aspects of photography.

FILMMAKING SUMMER SCHOOLS

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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