An 8 week practical course, either for those completely new to filmmaking or with a little experience from a related background (journalism/vlogging), to learn how to create meaningful stories with the accessible resources, taught in a combination of in-person and online sessions.

Course Description

WHAT: An 8 week practical course, either for those completely new to filmmaking or with a little experience from a related background (journalism/vlogging), to learn how to create meaningful stories with the accessible resources, taught in a combination of in-person and online sessions.

WHERE: Some sessions in-person at UCL East, and part online.

ADDRESS: UCL East, Marshgate Building, 7 Sidings St, London E20 2AE.

COURSE LEADER: Run by UCL mentor and professional filmmaker; Ashton John.

WHEN: Wednesday Evenings, 25th February to 13th April 2026 from 6 - 8 PM.

COMMITMENT: 2 hours contact time per week, with 4-6 hours flexible learning.

WHAT YOU GET: contact time with a professional filmmaker and educator, a safe environment to explore ideas, connections with a small group of aspiring filmmakers.

HOW MUCH: £325 | Concessions: £275.00 | UCL Students: £255.00

DEADLINE TO SIGN UP: TBD.

BURSARIES: Please read our bursaries policy.

AGES: 18+

 

Course Overview:

This 8-week intensive course is open to those from varying backgrounds (completely new or with some experience) to come together and feel a sense of community telling stories about a place, space or group that connects to a sense of home. Using technology and software already available, (such as your smart phone, or a camera you may already have) you will learn how to create compelling documentary stories, that you can continue to work on after the course.

What you will gain:

• Insight int how to think of new ideas and capture meaningful stories
• Transferable skills to the technologies freely available (phones, social media etc)
• A practical grounding in entry level videography and editing
• An understanding of ways to distribute your films; skills that can be applied across multiple platforms including social media, vlogging and content creation
• Final screening and feedback with your peers
• Build a community of filmmakers who you can work with

Course Breakdown:

Week 1 – [In Person] Course intro, bring your ideas and kit. Learn story structure, start your synopsis, and get narrative homework.

Week 2 – [Online] Develop your story further – research, contributors, and building trust with subjects.

Week 3 – [In Person] Practical filming session – refine framing, sound, interview techniques using your kit. (Hands on)

Week 4 – [In Person] Independent Filming Week: Start shooting your film with support available via email or video call.

Week 5 – [In Person] Editing basics in DaVinci Resolve. Bring your laptop and begin cutting your footage.

Week 6 – [Online] Assembling your edit – shape your story, sequence scenes, and polish your rough cut.

Week 7 – [In Person, Drop-In] Open editing support session. Get 1:1 feedback and refine your film.

Week 8 – [In Person] Final screening and filmmaker networking at UCL East.