Part-time course in Moviemaking

Part-time course in Moviemaking

Lucky that, as The Blair Witch Project went on to gross $250 million worldwide, even though it was mostly shot on a humble camcorder. Inspiring stuff. If you think that you would like to get your hands on some of that action, then perhaps you should consider taking a course in filmmaking.

An intensive part-time filmmaking course will teach you how to produce a movie from beginning to end. Your evening course will include scriptwriting skills, production management, sound and camera techniques, directing and editing.

Scriptwriting is the backbone of the film and you will learn how to build characters, stories, scenes, suspense and conflict. You course should also include the brainstorming of ideas. This will give you a chance to tell your classmates about your brilliant idea for a buddy movie starring Colm Meaney (salt-of-the-earth Dubliner), bonding with the ubiquitous James Nesbitt (professional Nordie), all set against the backdrop of the Flood Tribunal. Don't let them shout you down - this one's going to fly.

Once you have your script, you can move on to production management. This involves scouting out locations and actors, and rehearsing and budgeting. Julia Roberts may be unavailable, so you may have to conscript your dad/uncle/next-door neighbour/pet dog to play the romantic love interest. The key to making a successful low-budget movie is to have a resourceful mind and a noticeable lack shame or scruples.

The camera you use will depend on the evening course that you are taking. You could be working with a digital camera, 16-milimetre film or the humble camcorder. You will learn how to point and shoot, about lighting techniques and how to record sound. You will also learn to massage your actors' egos and persuade them out of the dressing rooms/cow shed/Fiat Punto for just one more take.

Postproduction will take you through the editing process. You will discover ways of telling the story, principles of montage, shot and narrative flow and other tricks of the trade. You will also learn editing styles and techniques, juxtaposition of images and cutting to music. A blast of Celine Dion will add class to any production.

Once your film is complete, you can set about organising its premier and subsequent wrap party. In true Hollywood style, you will need several B-list stars and some Page 3 models. Persuading them to turn up to your living room may be difficult, so a certain amount of bribery and/or kidnapping may be in order. Once that is out of the way, you can then sit back and wait for the offers to come flooding in.

So do you fancy yourself as the next Martin Scorcese? Or do you yearn to direct a meaningful short with lots of symbolism? Perhaps you just want to surprise your spouse as they come out of the shower. No matter what your filmmaking desire is, grab your camera for a course in cinematography.