From Script to Screen
5 Days - Jan 7 to 11, 2026
$1795 Full
$1775 Concession
Daily sessions not applicable.
Devising and Bringing a Script to Life - Writing, Directing and Acting, 2 Days
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 TBA.
Wednesday 7 January
Day 1.Cinematography Essentials and Interpreting the Script
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 placement. 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
Thursday 8 January.
Day 2. Visual Storytelling
Learn how to tell stories with images. Starting with the photographic stills (that we've taken as homework), then moving on to cameras (supplied at the course), participants, in groups, will be set exercises to experiment with ideas and stories to get their creative juices flowing. We'll learn basic three-point lighting ,experiment with lighting for genres such as horror. Participants will make a short film which will be shown and discussed in class on the last day. This exercise aims to enhance participants' understanding of how images, when put together, tell stories, with people making and collaborating with others. Each group will write, produce, act in, direct, shoot and edit a short film over the next two days. Films will be viewed and analysed on the last day of the cinematography course. Conducted by DoP Jaems Grant ACS and Cinematographer Con Filippidis.
Friday 9 January.
Day 3. Cameras and Lighting
Learn practical lighting set-ups in a controlled environment and on location. We'll be using state-of-the-art High Definition digital cameras and utilising a professional lighting crew over the next two days (and the grips on the Thursday). Learn how to achieve the best possible "look" with minimum set-ups and lighting changes. On these two practical days, students will take crewing roles and responsibilities and take turns operating state-of-the-art equipment under the guidance of a professional crew. We'll learn how to block scenes, how to work with actors and how to work with gaffers. We'll also see how steadicam works to enhance storytelling and add production values through camera movement. The whole class will collaborate to make a short film in class over these 2 days. Conducted by DoP Jaems Grant ACS, Cinematographer Con Filippidis.
Saturday 9 January.
Day 4. Perfecting the Shot and Post Production
Continuing on from the previous day we'll experiment with camera movement using Fisher dollies on wheels and tracks. We'll learn how the DoP works with the grips to get the best shots. We'll work through more complexities on set with grips, gaffers, sound recordist, boom operator, camera operator, 1st assistant camera (focus puller), 2nd assistant camera (clapper loader) and actors to emulate a professional set. The whole day will be spent shooting scenes in a realistic film set environment. Conducted by DoP Jaems Grant ACS and Cinematographer Con Filippidis,
Sunday 9 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.