Who is this for

This course is designed for people who are committed to building a career in the film industry. Unlike many film courses, we are looking for proactive learners, not passive students. The industry is highly competitive, and our goal is to empower you with the mindset, skills, and professionalism needed to succeed.

This course can be a defining milestone in your career. Whether you have no prior filmmaking experience or already have some, the ultimate objective is the same: you will make a film in Italy and leave with a professionally curated piece of work that allows you to step into the industry with a powerful calling card.

Treat your classmates as future collaborators and business partners, and approach the course as you would a professional job. By doing so, you will not only increase your chances of success, but also begin building a reputation for being reliable, committed, and professional.

Your film career begins with the right mindset. This is your chance — take it.

Course Outline

7-Days Summer Filmmaking Course in Italy

Language: English
Outcome: Students collaboratively create 2 x 5mins micro short films.

Day 1 – Arrival + Orientation

• Check-in to accommodation

• Welcome dinner

• Course briefing + safety and equipment overview

• Location walk-through in the Abruzzo area

Day 2 – Intensive Workshops (Technical Skills)

• Cinematography for micro shorts

• Lighting for small crews

• Sound recording for run-and-gun shoots

• Directing performance for short scenes

Day 3 – Rehearsals & Final Prep

• Actor rehearsals per short film

• Tech checks: camera, lenses, audio

• Storyboards and shotlists finalised

• Production schedules confirmed

Day 4 – Filming Micro Short #1

• Full shooting day

• All students rotate through directing, camera, sound, or AD roles

Day 5 – Filming Micro Short #2

• Full shooting day

• New crew rotation so everyone learns multiple departments

Day 6 - Reviewing Rushes

• Director-Producer Debrief

• Camera & Lighting Debrief

Day 7 - Festival Strategy & Distribution for Micro Shorts

• Where 5-minute films are accepted

• How festivals judge micro shorts

• How to submit properly and avoid common mistakes

• Writing loglines, synopses, and director statements

If your application is successful, you’ll be invited to secure your place by paying the course deposit.

The course fee includes a one-week online preparatory module, designed to ensure you arrive fully prepared and gain the maximum benefit from the on-site course.

Story Sprint & Writers’ Rooms

• Concept development for 2 micro shorts

• Students divided into 2 writing teams

• Story outlining

• First draft scripts completed

Script Lock & Pre-Production

• Script polishing

• Location assignments

• Production design + props research

• Crew roles assigned per short film

Casting Call

• Where to find the right cast for your film

• Casting platforms, agencies, and open calls

• Writing effective casting breakdowns

• Running auditions and self-tape reviews

• Working with performers professionally

What You'll Learn

Production Skills

• Scheduling

• Set etiquette

• Assistant directing basics

• Location management

Post-Production

• Editing workflow

• Sound design

• Colour grading

• Export formats

Film Promotion

• Basics of festival submissions

• Target your audience

Story & Screenwriting

• Narrative structure

• Short-film writing

• Character creation

• Visual storytelling

Directing

• Working with actors

• Blocking + shot choices

• On-set communication

Cinematography

• Camera settings

• Composition

• Lighting (natural + portable)

• Lens use

How To Apply

Applicants provide:

• Personal details

• English language proficiency

• Motivation statement

• Portfolio—videos, writing samples, or photography

Next Steps:

1. Interview

• A short video call to confirm enthusiasm, teamwork ability, and English proficiency.

2. Acceptance + Deposit

• Students secure their place by paying a non-refundable deposit.

3. Pre-Arrival Course Pack

Accepted students receive:

• Packing list

• Prep Module Access

• Course schedule