Filmmakers Foundation Certificate

Weeks 1, 2 and 5 will take place in person with an online option from 7pm to 9pm UK time

Weeks 3 and 4 will take place online only from 7pm to 9.30pm UK time

The filmmaking process, all in all, is made up of countless different steps and processes. Starting with development, financing, pre-production, production and post-production, distribution to name just a few. On the Filmmaker’s Foundation Certificate you will learn the fundamental skills and knowledge essential to making films – from the screenplay to the screen.

This five-week evening course is designed to provide new filmmakers with the skills and knowledge required to tackle their first short or feature film and launch their filmmaking careers. The course covers: writing for low-budget films, making movies with no money, the basics of film directing, and breaking into the film industry.

What you will learn on the Filmmakers Foundation Certificate

Week 1: Writing for Low Budget Films

How to get the most out of your script, locations and actors and also ensure these elements are in line with a low budget. Students will develop the tools to turn a script into a unique and saleable story.

• Writing for low budget films
• Creating characters that grab the audience’s attention
• Essentials of screen dialogue
• Story structure explained

With Elliot Grove

Week 2: Essentials of Lo-to-No Budget Filmmaking

Making films can be very expensive but debut films are usually made on minuscule budgets. A successful filmmaker can make the ordinary seem extraordinary and offer exceptional production values.

• Finding and securing locations on a budget
• Low-budget shooting tips
• Working with crew and actors with little money
• Negotiations and communication skills

With Elliot Grove

Week 3: Director’s Toolkit [online only]

The relationship between the film director and their key collaborators can greatly affect the quality of the film itself. In this session we will explore some of the main areas that a director must focus on to ensure both their vision and their collaborators are intact by the time the project is completed.

• Making visual choices and planning shots and sequences
• The Director and The Camera
• Developing the visual approach with the Cinematographer and Production Designer
• Casting and working with actors in pre-production
• Preparing For the Shoot: storyboards and Pre-Vis, tests and rehearsal
• Directing On Set: the Directing mindset, remaining on schedule but still flexible, what the other departments need from you on set

With Simon Hunter

Week 4: Production and Post-Production [online only]

• Who does what on set.
• How does a good Assistant Director run a set
• The importance of having Continuity and a Script Supervisor
• The Stages Of Editing. Working with an Editor v. Doing It Yourself
• Basic workflows and tools for Post Production of picture and sound

With Simon Hunter

Week 5: Breaking Into The Film Industry

If you really want to work in the film industry as a writer, director or producer, then your chances of success will be stronger if you make a plan of attack.

• Creating a showreel
• Presenting yourself: CV’s and query letters
• How to break in as a writer, director or producer
• Getting jobs on film crews: sound, camera, art department, post-production etc.

With Elliot Grove

* Take this class on it’s own – book online here

What will you achieve?

On completion of the Filmmaker’s Foundation Certificate, students will have acquired the skills, knowledge and confidence to undertake their first short or feature film, or find work on a film set.

How will you be taught?

A mix of lecture-style and demonstration. In addition, there will also be some further reading and additional activities suggested.

Each week will include a simple homework assignment designed to reinforce the learning of each of the week’s classes. Upon completion all participants will receive a Filmmaker’s Foundation Certificate suitable for framing.

Who should attend?

The Filmmaker’s Foundation Certificate is suitable for beginner filmmakers, as well as those interested in finding out more about the filmmaking process. It is also suitable for those seeking to refresh or expand their existing knowledge.

What they’re saying

I loved hearing about simple techniques to make shoestring budget films look professional. The tutors had humorous anecdotes about their own experiences starting out making films. Also, the practical exercises were challenging and fun. - Stella Macdonald

The teachers were passionate, knowledgeable and informative. I just sat there glued to what they were saying, soaking it all up. On the whole, the experience totally rocked! - Glen MacKay

Did you know?

Raindance members save 20% on this course? You can join online >HERE< and start saving immediately

This course is FREE for our HND and postgraduate/MA students

The Raindance Guarantee: If this course fails to meet your expectations, let us know at the break and we will make a full, 100% no-questions-asked refund

We don’t teach ‘filmmaking’ at Raindance. At Raindance we make filmmakers.