Filmmaking Lab 15-22 June
Cinema does not begin with expensive equipment or large productions. It begins with observation, movement, rhythm, emotion, and the ability to transform a simple moment into a cinematic experience.
This Filmmaking Lab is an intensive 7-day practical workshop designed for those who want to explore the fundamentals of filmmaking through direct practice. Focusing on the idea of the one-shot short film, the lab introduces the essentials of visual storytelling, camera language, in-frame editing, script development, scene construction, and working with actors — essentially everything needed to begin making films.
Throughout the workshop, participants will develop and produce their own one-shot short film while exploring how cinematic meaning can emerge through framing, movement, timing, performance, and the relationship between the camera and space.
Rather than approaching cinema primarily as a technical exercise, the lab encourages participants to think creatively within limitations and discover how strong storytelling can be achieved with minimal resources.
The workshop is open to beginners as well as those with prior experience in visual arts, media, theater, photography, or filmmaking. No professional equipment is required.
At the end of the program, participants will present their completed short films in a collective screening session.
A Certificate of Completion will be awarded to participants who successfully complete the Filmmaking Lab and produce a one-shot short film.
Inside the Lab
DAY 1. Introduction to Cinema Through the One-Shot Film
Goal: Understanding the core of a single shot.
Topics: What makes cinema cinematic and why one-shot films are powerful?
Understanding the difference between: theater, photography and cinema
Introduction to visual storytelling
Screening and discussion of one-shot films
Practical Exercise:
Participants shoot a 30–60 second one-shot scene using phones and experimenting.
DAY 2. Camera Language & Basic Shooting Techniques
Goal: Learning visual grammar.
Topics: - framing
- composition
- movement
- depth
- motivated camera movement
- static vs moving shots
- perspective
- emotional meaning of angles
Key focus: The perspective of audience.
Practical exercise:
Groups recreate: tension, intimacy and loneliness through framing only.
DAY 3. In-Frame Editing & Blocking
Goal: Learning editing WITHOUT cuts.
Topics: - movement inside frame
- entrances/exits
- focus shifts
- revealing information
- foreground/background storytelling
- choreography of actors and camera
Key focus: How the frame itself becomes the editing tool?
Practical exercise:
Participants create: a scene with changing emotional dynamics without cutting.
DAY 4. Story Development for One-Shot Cinema
Goal: Learning to build scripts that actually work in one take. This is crucial because many beginners write: impossible ideas and overly complex stories
Key focus: - simplicity
- tension
- objective
- conflict
- transformation
Learning to create: time pressure, emotional escalation and movement.
Practical Exercise:
Each participant/group develops: a 2–5 minute script (with guidance).
The day ends with finalized story idea.
DAY 5. Working with Actors
Goal: Understanding the core of directing actors.
Topics: - Building the character
- Movement through the frame
- listening to actors
- objectives vs emotions
- rhythm and timing
Practical Exercise:
- reaction exercises
- silent scene
- improvisation
- emotional transitions inside the frame
DAY 6. Rehearsal & Shooting Day
Goal: Production simulation.
Participants rehearse:
- block movement
- solve practical problems
- shoot multiple takes
This day becomes: the real filmmaking experience.
DAY 7. Final Shoot, Screening & Discussion
First Half: Final shooting / corrections
Second Half: Mini screening event of the produced films at the lab.
Dates: 15-22 June, 2026
Duration: 7 days (3H / Day)
Participants: Max. 10
Fee: 120 EUR
To apply, send an email to afrix@gmail.com
Info: +90 542 851 12 11