Film is a highly collaborative artform, enjoyed by the masses. But getting films produced, facilitated and programmed is all too often a process cloaked in mystery.
This filmmaking course will be an intensive programme designed for first time, aspiring and/or early career filmmakers looking to get their films out of their heads and onto the screen. During the course, you will develop your own short film idea, and learn how to realistically get it made and seen. Chuckie will guide you through the filmmaking process, from script to screen, using case studies from her extensive slate of films, and demonstrating her own production techniques and resources along the way. Age guidance: 18 +
Dates: Saturdays 17; 24; 31 January & 7 February 2026 1-4pm (expect first session which will be 1-5pm )
Course fee: £50
***Please let us know if you have any accessibility requirements or if there are any other barriers that may prevent you from fully participating in the course. We’ll do our best to provide the support you need. Please contact marta.ammendola@hampshireculturaltrust.org.uk
Session 1: Development
***Please note this session is longer than the others*** 1-5pm
This session will focus on the first and most essential thing you need to make a film: a story. So, what makes a good story? And what stories stand out on the competitive film festival circuit?
We'll look at basic storytelling structure, scripting formatting, treatments, genre and key considerations for short-form. And you'll pitch your own film idea to the group for live feedback.
Session 2: Pre-Production
What do you need to make a film? How do you access equipment, locations, actors, collaborators and funding? How do you actually get films made?
In this session, we'll look at some case studies of funded and unfunded projects, and go through the complexities of the planning process together, step by step.
Session 3: Production
Game time! The shoot is make or break; where magic can truly happen, and where it has the potential to all go horribly wrong. So how do we control the chaos? What does effective creative collaboration look like? And what is best practice to ensure a smooth shoot?
In this session we'll dive into the excitement of shooting your film, and how to master the delicate art of facilitating a successful shooting phase.
Session 4: Post Production & Distribution
They say every film gets made three times; once on the page, once on the shoot and again in the edit. Editing is a challenging process, it inevitably requires compromise. But how can you be led by the true value of what's been captured? What creative avenues can you explore with the images you have, and how can you elevate them?
In this session we'll explore the final stages of making your film, and the very crucial bit that comes next - getting it seen.
Please note: this course is not a technical or practical filmmaking course and we won't be facilitating any filming or editing practice within the sessions. The course will instead be a discussion-based deep dive into the nuts and bolts of production, where you will be encouraged to actively participate in workshop exercises to help develop your own unique perspective and approach as a filmmaker, designed to give you tools and confidence to forge ahead with your project.
What to bring:
- For session 1: Bring your film idea. You don't have to have a script drafted, but you should have a grasp on what the central story is and why you want to tell it. All ideas are welcome; narrative, documentary and experimental formats. It is recommended that you bring an idea for a short-form project (less than 15 minutes in length). If possible, please bring your idea as a Logline. A Logline is 1-2 sentences that sum up the central premise of your story and capture the flavour/ genre of it.
- For all sessions please bring a notebook and/or a laptop to take notes.
- Please bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated!
About the tutor: Chuckie McEwan is a BIFA Longlisted and BAFTA recognised filmmaker with 15+ years experience across film, TV, documentary, commercials and social media content. Chuckie co-founded Grey Moth Originals, which actively facilitates industry access routes for underrepresented filmmakers. Since 2021 the initiative has completed 20+ short films and one feature film. She has lectured at UAL, University of Southampton, and Met Film School, and hosted filmmaker events and workshops with Girls in Film, BBC Comedy and BAFTA Connect. She is an alumni of the BFI x NFTS Beyond Shorts talent development programme, and is currently developing a feature film with the BFI.
You can see Chuckie’s work on instagram: @chuckiemakesfilms
