Storytelling by the sea

Are you interested in telling stories with your camera

Why don’t you come and join us by the sea for a 6 day hands on workshop in the craft of documentary film making.

  • Have you thought of directing, shooting and editing elements of your own documentary? 

    or are you just curious about what it takes to make a high quality documentary film? 

  • You will shoot, edit and direct a short documentary within the week.

    On the workshop you will learn the key skills of documentary film making;

    Directing, shooting, editing and researching through practical experience.

    • How to shoot a scene observationally

    • How to film and conduct an interview

    • Documentary film structure

    • How to record professional sound

    • How to develop your storytelling techniques

    • The different stages of film production

    • The different styles of documentary

Online course on filmmaking

This online course is designed for aspiring filmmakers and storytellers who want to learn the art of filmmaking through a series of in-depth video lectures and tutorials. Led by Ross Domoney, this course will guide participants through the essential techniques of visual storytelling, from concept development to final production, all from the convenience of their own homes.

    • Cinematography Basics:

      • Lecture Series: "Mastering the Camera"

      • Learn the fundamentals of camera operation, including framing, composition, and movement.

      • Explore lighting setups that enhance the visual narrative.

      • Video tutorials on creating different moods and atmospheres using camera techniques.

    • Sound Design and Audio Recording:

      • Lecture Series: "Capturing the Right Sound"

      • Understand the importance of sound in storytelling.

      • Tutorials on using microphones, recording environments, and basic sound editing.

      • Lessons on integrating soundscapes into your film to enrich the viewer’s experience.

    • Editing and Post-Production:

      • Lecture Series: "Cutting the Story"

      • Video lectures on the fundamentals of film editing, including pacing and rhythm.

      • Learn about color grading, visual effects, and sound mixing through step-by-step tutorials.

      • Hands-on editing exercises with downloadable footage to practice techniques.

    • Scriptwriting and Story Development:

      • Lecture Series: "From Idea to Screen"

      • Learn how to develop a story concept, build characters, and write engaging dialogue.

      • Tutorials on storyboarding and planning your film shoot based on your script.

      • Video sessions on adapting stories to different film genres and formats.

    • Documentary Filmmaking Techniques:

      • Lecture Series: "Telling Real Stories"

      • Understand the principles of documentary filmmaking, including research, interviews, and ethical considerations.

      • Tutorials on capturing authentic moments and building a narrative from real-world events.

    • Visual Storytelling and Aesthetics:

      • Lecture Series: "The Language of Film"

      • Explore the visual language of cinema, including symbolism, color theory, and the use of visual motifs.

      • Video lessons on how to create powerful imagery that communicates the story’s themes.

    • Finding Your Story:

      • Lecture Series: "Discovering Your Narrative"

      • Video exercises to help you explore personal experiences and ideas that can be translated into film.

      • Techniques for brainstorming and developing story ideas that are compelling and original.

    • Story Development Workshops:

      • Interactive Assignment: "Crafting Your Story"

      • Participants will submit story ideas and receive personalized feedback through video critiques.

      • Video guidance on refining your narrative, including structure, pacing, and thematic development.

    • Pitching Your Story:

      • Lecture Series: "Presenting Your Vision"

      • Learn how to effectively pitch your story idea through video presentations.

      • Interactive video sessions where participants can practice pitching and receive feedback from peers and instructors.

    • Overcoming Creative Challenges:

      • Lecture Series: "Navigating the Creative Process"

      • Video lessons on common creative challenges, such as writer’s block, and how to overcome them.

      • Techniques for maintaining motivation and creative flow during the filmmaking process.Description text goes here

    1. Produce a Short Film:

      • Final Project: "Your Story in Motion"

      • Participants will apply what they’ve learned to create a 3-5 minute short film.

      • Guidance will be provided through video tutorials on every step, from pre-production to post-production.

    2. Develop Your Filmmaking Voice:

      • Lecture Series: "Finding Your Voice"

      • Video sessions focused on helping participants discover and hone their unique style and voice in filmmaking.

      • Tutorials on how to express personal themes and ideas through your films.

    3. Master Technical Skills:

      • Hands-on Assignments: "Practice Makes Perfect"

      • Regular video assignments to practice and refine technical skills, including cinematography, editing, and sound design.

      • Downloadable resources and footage for participants to practice with at home.

    4. Build a Creative Portfolio:

      • Interactive Goal: "Showcase Your Work"

      • By the end of the course, participants will have a short film and several smaller projects that demonstrate their skills.

      • Video tutorials on building a portfolio that can be used for future opportunities in the film industry.

    5. Join a Community of Filmmakers:

      • Interactive Platform: "Connect and Collaborate"

      • Participants will join an online community where they can share their work, collaborate on projects, and provide mutual support.

      • Regular live Q&A sessions and discussion forums will be available to build connections with other filmmakers.Description text goes here

  • Item Duration: 8 weeks

    • Format:

      • Video Lectures: Weekly pre-recorded video lectures covering each key topic.

      • Interactive Assignments: Assignments and projects that participants can complete at their own pace, with deadlines for submission.

      • Peer Review: Opportunities for participants to review and critique each other's work through the course platform.

      • Live Q&A Sessions: Weekly live Q&A sessions with Ross Domoney to discuss the week's topics and answer participant questions.

      • Final Film Project: Participants will produce a short film that will be showcased in a virtual screening event.

    • Platform: The course will be hosted on a dedicated online platform where all video lectures, assignments, and discussions can be accessed.

    This course structure ensures that participants receive comprehensive instruction through video lectures while also having the flexibility to learn at their own pace. The combination of video teaching, interactive assignments, and community engagement provides a well-rounded educational experience that mirrors the hands-on nature of filmmaking, even in an online environment.description

Overwhelmed by the injustice of the world?Journalist at heart? Filmmaker in the making?

If you are interested in practical workshops in the craft of storytelling, both in-person and online, send a message to find out more. Shadowgraph is currently offering a 50% discount to the community of Hastings and St Leonard’s.