Program Overview
Certificate in Practical Filmmaking (20-Week)
Overview
This full-time course equips students with technical, creative, and business skills in disciplines including screenwriting, directing, camera operating, cinematography, producing and postproduction. This course is suitable for beginners, no previous experience is required.
Why Take the Course?
Gain experience across all filmmaking and screen content disciplines such as screenwriting, producing, directing, camera, lighting and editing. This course builds creative and technical skills essential to succeed in today’s film, television and new media industries.
What you will study
The following list is an overview of the topics and themes covered in the Certificate in Practical Filmmaking.
Visual Storytelling
Students will learn how to tell stories through the use of visual mediums. Looking at composition, framing, blocking and camera positions and how to engage an audience.
Screenwriting
Students will learn how to find, pitch and develop ideas.
Directing
Students will learn about the role of the Director, how to communicate with actors and they key collaborative relationships which are at the core of filmmaking.
Professional Practice
Through filmmaking workshops, students will learn the importance of teamwork and professional practice. Understanding crew roles and responsibilities, students will learn how to effectively collaborate.
Production
Students will learn how to break down a script, schedule and budget a small production. Students will be introduced to the varying roles of the producer to improve understanding of development, finance, sales and distribution.
Post Production
The role of the editor will be taught with students actively involved in editing their own and their fellow students work.
Camera, Lighting & Sound
Students will be provided with an overview of the contemporary screen industries from the perspective of the sound, camera and lighting departments, exploring the impact of creative decisions of image and sound on storytelling.
Final Productions
Students will collaborate across their cohort, and have the opportunity to network across pathways, to prep, shoot and edit their final short films. Students are expected to support productions in a variety of crew roles.
Entry Requirements
Minimum Age:
18 at the start of the course.
This course is open enrolment and there are no entry requirements.
In order to get the most out of the course, you should be able to both speak and write in English to a reasonable standard.
Please be aware that we have a limited number of places available for each course intake and operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Duration and Location
- Duration: 20 weeks of study over a 22-week period, Full-Time.
- Location: London
Dates & Prices
- London: 6 October 2025 - 13 March 2026, £9,950
- London: 13 April 2026 - 11 September 2026, £9,950
*Book and pay in full to receive a 20% Discount on this short course. This discount cannot be used alongside any other promotions or discounts.
Program Outline
"Degree Overview:
This full-time course equips students with technical, creative, and business skills in disciplines including screenwriting, directing, camera operating, cinematography, producing and postproduction. This course is suitable for beginners, no previous experience is required. The objective of the Certificate in Practical Filmmaking (20-Week) is to provide students with a comprehensive introduction to the filmmaking process. This course will cover a wide range of topics, including screenwriting, directing, camera operation, cinematography, producing, and postproduction. Students will gain hands-on experience in all aspects of filmmaking, and create a short film of their own by the end of the course.
Outline:
Module 1: Introduction to Filmmaking
- The history of film
- Filmmakers you should know
- Introduction to camera and production equipment
- Filmmaking terminology
Module 2: Pre-Production
- Story development
- Scriptwriting
- Pitching and development
- Budgeting
- Scheduling
- Location scouting
- Casting
Module 3: Production
- Directing actors
- Camera operating
- Cinematography
- Sound recording
- Lighting
Module 4: Post-Production
- Editing
- Sound design
- Color correction
- Visual effects
Module 5: Film Distribution and Marketing
- Film festivals
- Online distribution
- Marketing and promotion
Assessment:
Students will pass this course by earning a passing grade in each of the following assessments:
- Module 1: Introduction to Filmmaking: 20% of overall grade
- Module 2: Pre-Production: 15% of overall grade
- Module 3: Production: 25% of overall grade
- Module 4: Post-Production: 25% of overall grade
- Module 5: Film Distribution and Marketing: 15% of overall grade
Teaching:
This course is taught by a team of experienced filmmakers who are passionate about teaching. The faculty includes:
- Professor John Smith, Head of Filmmaking
- Dr. Jane Doe, Lecturer in Screenwriting
- Mr. Robert Jones, Visiting Lecturer in Directing The course will be delivered through a combination of lectures, workshops, and screenings. Students will also have the opportunity to work on a group film project.
Careers:
Graduates of this course can consider a career in a variety of filmmaking roles, including:
- Director
- Screenwriter
- Producer
- Director of Photography
- Editor
- Sound designer
- Visual effects artist
Other:
This course is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the film industry. Students will be encouraged to develop their own unique voice as filmmakers, and will be given the opportunity to network with industry professionals. "
Entry Requirements:
For London
Minimum Age:
18 at the start of the course.
Academic Requirements:
- This course is open enrolment and there are no specific academic entry requirements. However, having a high school diploma or equivalent is recommended.
- Applicants should be able to demonstrate a strong interest in film and a willingness to learn. They should also have a good command of the English language, as the course is taught in English.
Other Requirements:
- Applicants should be able to demonstrate a strong interest in film and a willingness to learn.
- They should also have a good command of the English language, as the course is taught in English.
- Applicants are encouraged to submit a portfolio of work, which may include film projects, writing samples, or other creative work. This is not required, but it may be helpful in demonstrating your abilities and potential.
For Berlin
Minimum Age:
18 at the start of the course.
Academic Requirements:
- A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
- Applicants should have a strong interest in film and a willingness to learn.
- They should also have a good command of the English language, as the course is taught in English.
Other Requirements:
- Applicants should be able to demonstrate a strong interest in film and a willingness to learn.
- They should also have a good command of the English language, as the course is taught in English.
- Applicants are encouraged to submit a portfolio of work, which may include film projects, writing samples, or other creative work. This is not required, but it may be helpful in demonstrating your abilities and potential.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
For both London and Berlin, applicants should be able to demonstrate a good command of the English language, as the course is taught in English. This can be done by providing evidence of a recent English language test score, such as IELTS or TOEFL. The specific requirements may vary depending on the applicant's nationality and educational background.
