Non-Degree / Dates: 9-27 January 2023

This is an innovative course, covering lean and adaptive phone-based filmmaking, with an emphasis on positive stories that will affect social change.

In this introductory workshop, you will learn the fundamental skills needed to begin your smartphone filmmaking journey. For too long, film has been an elitist subject, with high barriers to entry, mainly caused by the expense of the technology involved, and limited access to resources. This three week workshop will focus on using smartphones to democratize the entire filmmaking process and thereby greatly increase the diversity of stories being told – opening up new approaches and avenues of thought, while inspiring the next generation of diverse filmmakers and reaching new and underserved audiences.

Tejas Ewing will teach you how to make the most of your smartphone in multiple different situations and how to create stories where filming on smartphones is a benefit. This is a hands-on class where you will use your own smartphone for individual and group activities, and where you’ll also be shown real examples of interesting smartphone films, and innovative ways to promote and distribute them online.

By the end of the course, every group of students will have created a completed short film that is ready to be distributed online and submitted to smartphone film festivals!

Why this online course?

  • You will learn all the skills you need to make your own films, and everyone will play a significant role in the creation of an original film during the course

  • This film can be used as part of a portfolio, and the course will include instruction and advice on how to promote and distribute this film, and how to continue with filmmaking and global impact work in the future

  • You will take home valuable teamwork and leadership skills and amazing insights into using new media to create positive social impact

  • In short, this is a crash course in filmmaking by doing, and participants will be inspired and energized throughout the class

Teacher(s)

Tejas Ewing is a filmmaker, journalist and author covering social justice issues, and CEO of Ewing Communications. He teaches filmmaking at multiple universities and specialises in creating innovative learning programmes for NGOs, academia, government departments and the wider non-profit sector. As a filmmaker, he studied at Prague Film School, and has worked on over 40 short films, including multiple award-winning films, that have been screened on every continent. He is currently upgrading his skills through a Masters in Screenwriting at the prestigious National Film and Television School, UK in conjunction with the Royal College of Art, London. He has a passion for telling compelling stories that encourage audiences to think about social and environmental issues. His goal is to inspire the next generation of filmmakers to get out there and make films with the tools they already have: a phone, an idea and the commitment to work hard and have fun!

Timetable

Classes take place from Monday to Friday.
First week: classes from 10 am to 4 pm.
Second, third week: independent work in groups, online classes and consultations with the teacher.

Participants

Any age, any experience level; beginners are welcome. You just need a working smartphone and a desire to learn!

Credit points

4 ECTS. In order to get the certificate and transcript of records, students have to participate in classes actively and complete a mobile phone film of between 2 and 12 minutes created by each group.

Course fee

350 EUR – early-bird course fee (until November 30). 400 EUR – regular course fee.