Course Outline

10-Day Summer Filmmaking Course – Abruzzo, Italy

Language: English
Outcome: Students collaboratively create 3 x 5mins micro short films.

Day 1 – Arrival + Introduction

• Check-in, welcome dinner

• Overview of course + equipment

• Tour of Abruzzo filming locations

Day 2 – Story Development

• Idea generation

• Writing workshop

• Group selects final story

Day 3 – Pre-Production

• Script finalisation

• Storyboards + shotlists

• Casting

• Crew role assignments

Day 4 – Technical Workshops

• Camera operation

• Lighting basics

• Sound recording

• Practice shoots

Day 5 – Rehearsals + Prep

• Actor rehearsals

• Location review

• Production logistics planning

Day 6 – Filming Day 1

• Shooting scenes 1–3

• Rotation of crew roles

Day 7 – Filming Day 2

• Shooting scenes 4–6

• Evening dailies review

Day 8 – Editing Workshop

• Intro to editing software

• Rough cuts in teams

• Sound + picture assembly

Day 9 – Final Cut + Marketing

• Colour correction

• Sound polish

• Poster design + promo teaser

Day 10 – Screening + Closing

• Final film screening

• Certificates

• Farewell dinner

What You'll Study

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

Production Skills

• Scheduling

• Set etiquette

• Assistant directing basics

• Location management

Post-Production

• Editing workflow

• Sound design

• Colour grading

• Export formats

Film Promotion

• Designing posters

• Creating a teaser

• Basics of festival submissions

Fees and Funding

Course Fee (10 Days, Accommodation Included):

£3,800 per person

This fee reflects:

• Production of three micro short films (not just one)

• Increased equipment and location use

• Higher tutor involvement

• More editing and production resources

• Higher-quality outcomes for portfolios

Included:

• 10 nights of accommodation

• All filmmaking equipment

• All teaching + workshops

• Local transport for film shoots

• Professional actors (if used)

• Production design materials (basic)

• Welcome dinner + final dinner

• Course materials

• Certificates

• Screening event

Not Included:

• Flights to Italy

• Travel insurance

• Most meals

• Optional extra equipment rentals

Why the Higher Cost is Justified

• Students leave with 3 professional micro-shorts, not 1

• Each student gains multiple key-role credits (director, camera, sound, etc.)

• Significantly expanded hands-on learning

• Enhanced production value

• Accommodation fully covered

Possible Funding Sources

• University travel/arts grants

• National arts funds

• Personal fundraising or crowdfunding

• Sponsored places (optional)

How To Apply

Applicants provide:

• Personal details

• English language proficiency

• Motivation statement

• Portfolio—videos, writing samples, or photography

2. Interview

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

3. Acceptance + Deposit

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

4. Pre-Arrival Course Pack

Accepted students receive:

• Packing list

• Course schedule

• Pre-reading and inspiration materials