No previous experience is required. We have a thorough Foundation Programme that introduces all members to the skills and techniques required to develop as a film-maker. You will then progress to the Advanced Programme, when you’re ready.

If you want to test your acting chops on screen, then we’d recommend you sign up to join the Acting for Screen (javascript:void(0))workshops!

Our sessions are based around the practical experience of film making. From day one you will be on the set floor, operating the equipment and handling the logistics of a professionally led shoot. This is the core of our training, real experience, as it is done every day on proper film sets around the world. This environment will become second nature to you, and you will thrive as you learn the art of telling stories through motion image on the big screen.

A bit of both! The main focus is on your ongoing training, constantly developing and challenging your ability as a film maker. Each season is a carefully curated series of projects designed to offer the best possible training in motion image production. Our team are working film industry professionals and the Film Course is based on real world experience. You will be learning the craft the way it is actually done. This is not the kind of media production course you will find anywhere else, for this age…this is the real deal! You will graduate from the course a fully capable film maker, who is familiar with the industry trade craft and able to walk onto a professional film set with the confidence it takes to perform at the level required.

Usually, the commitment is restricted to the weekly workshop. Occasionally there are extended sessions and extra dates required to complete longer projects, but dates are always communicated as far in advance as possible.

There is no homework set for this course, although many members like to extend their learning and experience through research and practical experience…but this is not a requirement.

We take a maximum of 15 members in the workshop, which gives everyone plenty of opportunity to work in detail with the team.

Kris is a professional Director of Photography and Colourist with 20 years’ experience in the film industry. He has worked across nearly all facets of the film world including 10 years in feature film production. Kris was part of the team that bought us three Harry Potter movies, Christopher Nolan's Inception and Ridley Scott's Robin Hood to name but a few. Kris was one of the founders of the Film Course and brings with him a wealth of real-world experience and genuine professional insight. Will and Asher are the co-directors of Firewood Pictures, a local Film production company working in the corporate and commercial field. We are particularly proud, as both Asher and Will are alumni of Playbox Theatre’s Film Department, having trained with the company for many years. They have been working full time in the industry ever since!

Comfortable, practical clothing is always best for this type of work. On shoot days it is advised to wear black or dark colours to minimise the potential for any reflections that may be caught on camera.

Absolutely! Projects are often worked on over a number of consecutive weeks and, as a film crew, you will all be dependent upon one another being there without fail. This is not a ‘drop-in’ workshop and we do expect a high level of commitment, professionalism and punctuality.

You will be working on a wide range of projects designed to teach a broad spectrum of film making techniques. These will include narrative based short form projects, Case Studies of existing films, and original works. The projects we explore range across many genres. We are committed to exploring the heart of storytelling through motion, image and sound.

We use digital cinema cameras and industry standard lighting and sound equipment. As a member of film course you will learn to use our equipment inside out, and your knowledge will be applicable to any film making equipment available. The technical side of things can feel daunting and expensive. Our team are always on hand to advise should you wish to invest in your own equipment, or if you want help with kit you may already own or have access to. We are committed to the growth of our digital courses and we are constantly investing in equipment to keep us on the cutting edge of technical developments.

Absolutely! Many of our members move on to careers in the film industry. It is important however to understand how competitive the film industry is. A real statistic is that as many people graduate from universities every year, as work in the film industry in total! That is the daunting fact of the business, but, the skills and experience you will gain from our Film Course will certainly give you the competitive edge. Our directors are industry professionals, so you will have access to the best advice and training available.

We would never make anyone who isn't comfortable in front of the camera do any acting. The focus of the workshops is the technical side of film-making, rather than performing. It may be necessary at times to use members to block out scenes or stand in for lighting purposes, but we work closely with the Screen Acting (javascript:void(0))course and pull the acting talent from those members when needed. If you are interested more in being in front of the camera then please do look at our Screen Acting course, as this might suit you better. The two courses work very closely together and allow our members to keep their focus on that particular area of film making, whether it be technical or performance based.

Only members of the Theatre Training programme (javascript:void(0))are eligible to audition for productions. Many members of the Film Department also attend Theatre Training, and enjoy appearing on stage as often as possible!

The Film Department is based at The Dream Factory in Warwick.

Fees are £155 per season. Please check current fees with our membership department, to find out if any increase has occurred.

Apply online (javascript:void(0))and and we will offer you a space as soon one is available.