Filmmaking for Everyone
The basics | Storytelling | Equipment | Ideas
Training | Downloads
Filmmaking basics
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 £250
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 licence £69
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 on-site filmmaking training and workshops for businesses and organisations around the UK and in Europe. I also provide training for individuals and small groups. More about my training.
“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
How can I help you?
Online training
Looking for online training? I’ve provided a guide to online filmmaking classes and courses. It covers courses by CreativeLive, MasterClass, SkillShare and Udemy – from masterclasses by famous directors to in-depth training in specific cameras and editing programs.
