Step into the role of a filmmaker and learn how stories are brought to life on screen in this two week intensive course for 16–19 year olds. Based at Pinewood Studios, this hands-on course introduces students to the creative and technical foundations of film directing and cinematography, giving participants practical experience of visual storytelling and working on a film set.

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During the first week, students take part in a series of intensive workshops exploring the core principles of filmmaking. Sessions cover what makes a successful short film, the roles within a film crew, and the production workflow from idea to final edit. Participants will develop key directing skills such as working with actors, shaping performances, and translating ideas into visual storytelling. Alongside this, students will learn the fundamentals of cinematography, including shot composition, camera movement, shot sizes, lighting, and basic sound recording. Students will also explore storyboarding, shot listing, location scouting, and production planning, gaining an understanding of how directors and cinematographers collaborate to create a film’s visual style. Practical exercises will include rehearsing and shooting short scenes, followed by editing sessions to understand film language and postproduction workflows.

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In the second week, participants will work in small groups to develop, plan, and produce an original short film. Beginning with pitching ideas and creating mood boards, students will move through the stages of pre-production, rehearsals, lighting tests, and filming, taking on directing and camera roles within their production teams. The project continues through editing and sound post-production, giving students a complete experience of the filmmaking process from concept to final cut.

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The course culminates in a screening of the completed short films, followed by reflection and discussion about the filmmaking process and potential career pathways in the screen industries.

This course is ideal for young people interested in film directing, cinematography, storytelling, camera work, or media production, and provides an exciting introduction to the collaborative and creative world of filmmaking.