From Script to Screen

Devising and Bringing a Script to Life - Writing, Directing and Acting, Day 1

Participants, in pairs or groups, will learn how to devise, then act in and direct, a short story - and have a great time discovering how to bring their script to life. We’ll also look at the director/actor relationship, casting, rehearsing, acting styles, blocking and performance. We’ll explore specific tools and techniques used by actors and directors and gain experiential insight into the actor's and director's craft. Conducted by David Swann (Writer, Actor, TV and Film Director (Bonza, Round the Twist, Crackers).
Wednesday 7 January.

Cinematography Essentials - Day 2: Cameras, Lighting, Visual Storytelling

What does a Director of Photography do? We look at cinematography essentials such as designing a "look" and ‘feel” for your story, composition, framing, continuity, crossing the line, blocking scenes, scene coverage, production design and we explore creative choices of lighting, lenses and camera movement. We will examine specific scenes in scripts and films to work out what makes a good shot and why. We’ll learn how to interpret the script in visual terms with storyboarding and how to tell stories with stills and we'll learn how cinematography conveys meaning and enhances story. Conducted by Con Filippidis (Camera Operator The 25th Reich, DoP Hostage to Fate, DoP Desire).
Thursday 8 January.


Shooting Your Film: Days 3 & 4

Learn practical lighting set-ups in a controlled environment. We'll learn basic three-point lighting using documentary interview techniques including best sound practices. You can choose to make a short film, mini documentary or music video. In groups, participants will write, location scout, produce, act in, direct and take turns operating the equipment. We'll be using state-of-the-art high definition digital cameras and utilising professional lighting gear. We'll learn how to achieve the best possible "look" with minimum gear. We'll also learn how to enhance production values through camera movement. By shooting their own works in groups, participants will understand how images, when put together, tell effective visual stories. Films will be edited and viewed on the last day of the cinematography course.
Friday 9 & Saturday 10 January.



Post Production: Day 5.

This day will be spent editing your films and viewing them at the end of the day.
Sunday 11 January.

Participants are advised to book early to secure a place in this popular course, which books out quickly every year.

Session Times

9.30 am to 5.30 pm all days.

Filmmaking Summer School Certificate

Certificates will be awarded for all full courses.

Venues

The 2026 Filmmaking Summer School will be held at Dancehouse, 150 Princes St, Carlton North, Vic 3054 this year.

There is no accommodation available at the course.

Maps

A map & details of Dancehouse https://www.dancehouse.com.au, and how to get there, will be supplied with enrolment/welcome details.