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CERTIFICATE IN

Independent Filmmaking

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Fully funded and partially funded places available

Following the completion of the Certificate in Practical Filmmaking course, students can choose to progress onto this Certificate in Independent Filmmaking.

This programme is designed to further develop and enhance your skills in analysing, directing and executing a drama scene, and prepare you for the Advanced Certificate in Independent Filmmaking. You will independently execute the direction and edit of your own short filmed scene, and collaborate on the making of others.

Programme Overview

Under the guidance of working professionals, this course gives you the opportunity to prepare, direct and edit a selected scene using professional actors. In addition you will gain experience in multiple production and technical roles as you collaborate on your colleagues’ projects. You will build skills in directing through workshops, and enhance your technical skills in design, cinematography, lighting and sound. As well as directing your own scene, you will rotate through the various production roles to get a realistic experience of working in industry within key roles.

  • Practical tuition from working film industry professionals
  • Learn to construct and deconstruct a scene of your choice for staging and direction
  • Opportunity to shoot on set in our studio
  • Experience an industry production pipeline, delivering to a deadline
  • Practical work on high definition digital formats
  • Free access to equipment and facilities outside of class times

Programme Facts

DURATION:
6 weeks

START DATES:

11th April 2023

AGE:

18+

MINIMUM ENGLISH LEVEL:
Upper-Intermediate

FEES:
£2,700

£1,350 partially funded

£0 fully funded

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Student Story

Carlton

If I am going to be a Director or Producer, I need to know what all the roles are, not just from a technical level, but from experience of having done the roles and this what I have gotten from my course here. Its great because you not only get a taste, but you get thrown right in and you keep paddling in order to create a good film.

Carlton Tufnell,

Six Month Independent Filmmaking

Course Outline

Week 1

DIRECTING & SCRIPT DEVELOPMENT

The first week of the course builds upon the skills learnt in the Certificate in Practical Filmmaking. You dive deeper into narrative structure, character development, dialogue and action for drama, and how to bring a script to life through staging, framing and performance. You prepare your creative approach to the scene, begin casting, and learn to communicate and collaborate using a director’s toolbox in order to achieve your vision. 

Week 2

TECHNICAL WORKSHOPS

During the second week of the course you receive more intensive practical training on several aspects of film production, including producing, cinematography, sound, lighting and design. You will practice your skills with equipment in the studio and prepare for all your roles in the forthcoming projects.

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Week 3

PRE-PRODUCTION

In the third week you complete pre-production for the shoots, from casting to creative and technical breakdowns. You move into detailed planning for all aspects of your roles including set building, continuity and production planning as well as technical planning for a smooth shoot.

Week 4

FILM SHOOT 

Lights, Camera and Action - week four is an intensive shoot period, with each student directing their own short film and crewing for their classmates.

 

Week 5

RUSHES REVIEW & VIDEO EDITING

In week five you review your rushes and begin editing.  Your tutor will view your rough cuts and you will learn to receive constructive feedback on work in progress.

Week 6

POST-PRODUCTION

In the final week you will achieve picture lock, then work on post production sound, colour grading and any graphics to complete the post-production on your edit. On the final day you will export your completed film for the end of certificate screening.

Entry Requirements

Completion of the Certificate in Practical Filmmaking allows students to enter Module 2 directly

The Certificate in Independent Filmmaking course is for students aged 18+ who have successfully completed the Certificate in Practical Filmmaking Programme. This intensive six-week course requires passion and dedication. It is a chance to experience real filmmaking with industry leading tutors and facilities as you work towards writing and directing your own short film.

Students who have not completed the Certificate in Practical Filmmaking will be asked to show evidence of equivalent experience in a group drama production.

Fees

  • Tuition fees cover
    Actors costs, shooting kit and Production budgets for module exercises.
  • Funded places
    If you're over 19, based in London, you may be eligible for fully funded or partially funded places.
  • Additional costs:
    You will also need a Production hard drive for your work and travel expenses.
Tuition Fee

£2,700

£1,350 partially funded

£0 fully funded

Do you have a question about this course?

We’re here to help every step of the way. If you would like to book a call with a member of our Admissions Team please fill out the form linked.

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Are you ready to Tell Your Story?

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Our Tutors

Dennis Morrison

I’m probably the last generation to be taught traditional editing skills. Splicing bits of film together with a blade and sticky tape seems archaic now, but this was the perfect grounding for my adventure in storytelling.
My post-production and editing work has spanned music and dance videos, TV and independent short films. For over 10 years I’ve been teaching editing on workshops and courses.
I became a spokesperson for independent filmmakers due to my progressive views on video distribution. This led to being invited to international film festivals, including Cannes, and speaking about audience building and monetisation at various events.

Dennis Morrison,

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