Narrative filmmaking

What is the course about?

Learn to produce, shoot and edit your own short film. Explore what steps are necessary to construct an exciting narrative. Learn about preparation, storyboarding, experimenting with different shots and camera movements, and the basics of digital editing using a professional editing package to produce your own short movie to use as a film festival entry or a path to Higher level film courses.

What will we cover?

- getting an idea
- different frame types and compositional elements
- recording with your camera
- recording effective footage
- capturing and editing footage in Premiere Pro
- exporting your movie.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- identify and name some elements in creating a story/narrative
- create a basic storyboard from an idea
- identify different camera frames and moves and their meaning
- shoot video footage and sound for editing
- edit your sequence in Premiere Pro
- export your sequence as a movie.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This is a beginners’ course. You are expected to have a basic knowledge of using computers including how to open applications, navigate, open and save files. Please note the City Lit uses Apple Mac computers in Film courses.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Each session there will be demonstrations ,discussions and practical work, like exercises both in the group and individually, allowing for some individual tutorial support. Periodically there will be forum sessions were we will look at each other’s work to discuss different aspects of editing/ filmmaking in general and the post-production process. Asking questions and commenting is encouraged at all times. Handbooks, manuals and worksheets are available.
You will be taught with workshops, short lectures, practical exercises, tutorials and hand outs. Please note the City Lit uses Apple Mac computers in Digital arts, Graphics & Illustration and Photography.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

We recommend for you to purchase removable storage (fast enough to edit video and at least 500GB) to collect and keep your data safe, though you will have your own account in class where you can accumulate your work from week to week.
You might also want to consider purchasing other books related to the subject of film making and editing. We will also provide you with a range of hand-outs free of charge and you can make use of books in the library.
Please note that a portable hard drive/USB stick if PC formatted can be read by Apple mac computers, but not written to CDs/DVDs are available.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

There are a range of film making and editing courses at City Lit as well as specialist courses in subjects like animation, colour correction, sound design and After Effects to enhance your skills. You may also be interested in our courses that explore the more conceptual underpinnings of film making and the creation of meaning.