Create a short film on your smartphone
- Course Code: VG155
- Dates: 23/11/24 - 30/11/24
- Time: 10:00 - 17:00
- Taught: Sat, Daytime
- Duration: 2 sessions (over 2 weeks)
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: David Kline
Course Code: VG155
Duration: 2 sessions (over 2 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
In this short practical course you will learn about the use and techniques of filmmaking using smart phones, (iPhone, Windows, Android). You will learn how to frame and shoot effective footage and how to record the best audio (including the use of external plug in microphones e.g. Rode Video Micro). You will also learn how to import the footage into editing applications including native apps such as iMovie, Filmic and Adobe Clip. Throughout the course you will develop creative skills in visual storytelling and scriptwriting to ensure the effectiveness of your film. The course will also explore exhibition possibilities including uploading projects to video sharing platforms and smart phone film competitions and festivals.
What will we cover?
- Using your smart phone as a camera
- Effective shooting techniques including hand held, with a tripod mount and a gimbal
- Recording and importing good quality sound using an external mic (eg. Rode Video Me mic)
- Editing principles and techniques.
- How to Importing footage into native editing apps, using free editing apps.
- How to export your completed film and upload to video sharing platforms.
- How to enter your finished film in festivals and competitions using online platforms.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- understand the use of smart phones in contemporary filmmaking practice
- set-up and light effectively for smart phone filmmaking
- understand how to set-up and use smart phones with tripod mounts and gimbal
- understand how to record good quality sound
- use editing applications
- export and share short films and videos.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable for beginners but has also much to offer more experienced film makers. Some knowledge of filming and editing would be advantageous but not essential.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will be taught using a range of techniques including workshops, short lectures, demonstrations, practical exercises, written and digital course material and resources and group and individual support and feedback.
We use Google Classroom E-learning platform which will store all tasks, notes and resources. You will be sent an email with the necessary information and will need to login into your Google classroom before each sessions starts.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
You should own and be familiar with a good specification smart phone and its generic functions. Your phone should have a large enough memory to handle video data, at least 16Gb but higher would be better. You will need to download an editing app on your phone but will receive advice on this in the first session.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
You can develop your film making skills further on VG453 Experimental film making, VG388 Documentary film making: a practical course or VG538 Create a short film in 5 evenings. You can also compliment your film making skills through a range of short courses in film making, editing and animation .
City Lit offer a range of courses in video and DSLR film making, editing, sound, animated SFX with After Effects, digital and stop motion 2D and 3D Animation and an array of other visual arts courses to enhance your film making practice.
David Kline is an award winning filmmaker with experience as a scriptwriter, producer, director and editor. He started in film work assisting US actor, writer, director and producer Laurence Fishburne with a screen adaptation of Paulo Coelho's 'The Alchemist' for Warner Brothers which was optioned. David has worked as a script reader for several UK film agencies including Scottish Screen and Northern Ireland Screen. He co-wrote the feature film screenplay, 'Housejackers,' with journalist Brian McGleenon, which was green lit by Northern Ireland Screen for production in early 2022. David has written numerous short film scripts and produced several, including, 'Game Over,' a co-write with Director Adam Jenkins. The film won the Film and Media Insurance short film competition 2019 and won the horror / suspense category at the Ealing Film Festival 2020. It received official selections for the LA Shorts International Film Festival 2018 and London Short Film Festival 2019. David also wrote, produced and directed, 'On the edge,' which won Best Drama (Diamond award) at the European Independent Film Awards summer 2018.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.