For Schools

The courses are designed primarily for secondary school students, from beginners through to students who already have some experience with film and media. They can be adapted to suit different ages, abilities and levels of experience, so a school can choose a course that matches the students' needs. The training is particularly relevant to students studying or considering Drama, Film and Theatre Studies, but the practical filmmaking approach can also work well with students interested in creative media, storytelling, photography or production.

No. Most of the courses are designed to start with the fundamentals and build students' confidence through practical exercises. Students learn by seeing techniques demonstrated, trying them for themselves and then applying them to their own work. Where a group already has experience, the content can be adjusted to introduce more advanced camera, lighting, storytelling or production techniques.

The emphasis is very much on learning by doing. Students have the opportunity to work with cameras, lighting and sound equipment and to create their own material rather than simply learning theory in a classroom. Depending on the course, they may shoot scenes, develop stories, work on location, experiment with lighting and composition, or take an idea through the filmmaking process from planning to a finished piece.

Yes. The training can be tailored to complement the Leaving Certificate Drama, Film and Theatre Studies specification by connecting classroom theory and analysis with practical filmmaking. Students can explore areas such as film language, genre, mise-en-scène, cinematography, sound, editing, directing, performance and visual storytelling, while also experiencing how these ideas are applied in practice.

Yes. The courses are not intended to be a one-size-fits-all programme. Content, duration and practical activities can be adapted around the school's timetable, facilities, student age and existing level of knowledge. A school might want a single workshop, a short programme over several sessions, or a more developed filmmaking project. The aim is to work with the school to create training that fits its particular requirements.

Students will gain more than just technical knowledge. They will develop practical filmmaking skills alongside creativity, communication, teamwork and the ability to make informed visual decisions. Depending on the course, they may also produce their own short film, scenes, photographs or other practical work. Most importantly, the training is designed to give students a better understanding of how professional filmmakers approach storytelling, make creative decisions and work together to turn an idea into something they can see on screen.