Filmmaking for Everyone
The basics | Storytelling | Equipment | Ideas
Training | Downloads
How to Make a Movie
How to organise, plan, shoot and edit your first short film or video.
Filmmaking step by step
Story tips and ideas
Mobile filmmaking
How to make a factual video
Film Storytelling
How to use images, sound and sequences to tell your story.
Understanding film language
Using sound in your film
Continuity: filming sequences that make sense
Essential editing principles
Choosing Equipment
Choose the right camera and other equipment for the films you want to make.
The best cameras for filmmaking
Filmmaking equipment list
iPhones, iPads, accessories and apps
Filmmaking cameras under $300
Video cameras for children and teens
Creative Ideas and Techniques
If you want to make original, creative films you need to learn from other filmmakers.
Using still images in your film
Film poems and poem films
How great filmmakers use sound
Alternative film storytelling
Learn filmmaking by editing a short movie. By editing this movie you’ll explore how to use different shot sizes, camera positions and movement. The EditClass package includes
- over 90 clips of action, dialogue and B-roll
- PDF introduction to basic and intermediate editing techniques
- ‘getting started’ guides for iMovie, Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premiere
- a Powerpoint introduction to the continuity system
- clip descriptions
- script
“Amazing! Has everything a teacher could want.” Tim McGuire, EdTech teacher, USA
“A quick and easy way to learn film editing.” Daniele, Film student, Canada
“Helps students understand how to film with the edit in mind.” Kerrie Crescione, Film and Media Tech, UK
Education site license $79
My interactive multitouch book Making Movies Make Sense explains film language and filmmaking from first principles for ages 9 and up. Designed for iPad, iPhone and Mac, you can get it from the Apple Books store. Learn more
Training
I provide tailor-made online filmmaking training and workshops for businesses, organisations and individuals. Contact me to discuss your training needs.
“Tom is a really good teacher and is able to convey a lot of technical detail without baffling his audience. Highly recommended.”
Gillian Southgate, Assistant Director, NHS R&D Northwest
