Film Education for Everyone

Tom Barrance

I’m Tom Barrance, film educator, writer and videographer. I’ve taught film and filmmaking to thousands of adults, young people and children over more than thirty years. I’ve made this free website to help you get started with filmmaking.

Black woman filming with video camera

Filmmaking Basics

How to organise, plan, shoot and edit your first short film or video.

Panasonic G85 camera

Equipment

Choosing the right gear for the movies you want to make.

Big close-up of man with graffiti wall in the background

Film Storytelling

Learn to use ‘film language’ – shots, sound and sequence – to tell your story.

Black and white close-up of young Hispanic girl looking up from the film I am Cuba

Creative Ideas and Techniques

Practical activities, short movies, filmmaking techniques and film history to inspire you.

Filming with an iPhone rig

Mobile Filmmaking

How to make short movies and videos with your iPhone or iPad.

Screenshot of iMovie with EditClass clips including big close-up of man

Resources and downloads

Beginners’ ebook guide, practice video editing package, interactive kids’ guide, and free planning templates.


Start Making Movies is my 163-page illustrated guide to filmmaking, drawing on more than thirty years’ experience of teaching film. It starts from the basics and takes you through how films tell stories, what gear you need, and how to plan, shoot and edit your short movie or video.

Start Making Movies is ‘pay what you want’ for personal use. If you can’t afford the guide price of $14.99, just pay what you can.

Five stars “This book is amazing” Tiffany, USA
Five stars “A great visual primer…Highly recommended” Peter Hearns, Andover, UK
Five stars “Full of great tips and advice” Deborah, Australia

Check it out here  


Training and Workshops

Tbilisi training

My easy-to-understand training will give you the skills and confidence you need to make your own short videos. I provide training to all kinds of organisations, from charities and small businesses to higher education, government agencies and the NHS. I can show you how to make movies with your mobile phone, still cameras or camcorders.

I also provide workshops on film and filmmaking for schools, arts organisations, community groups and film festivals, and film education CPD for teachers.

I am fully booked with training and project work until April 2026.

Learn more about training and workshops