:: TRAINING ::

Fluid Eye Productions deliver a range of training programmes to the industry and those looking to enter the film industry.

THE LANGUAGE OF FILM :: for new filmmakers

Date: 9.30am to 4.30pm, 4 & 5 April 2008

Venue: The Engine Shed, 19 St Leonards Lane, Edinburgh

Cost: full fee £135 / concessions £95

Tutor: Douglas Dougan MA MAIE

“If you want to learn to make movies, you should watch movies” (Martin Scorsese)

A course on visual storytelling and film technique. Anyone wanting to make films needs to understand the language of visual storytelling. Unlike prose or radio, film depends on images to tell the story – it is a “show, don’t tell” medium. This course will look at how stories are told on screen and look at the relationship between form, style and content.

Come and learn the essential building blocks of film stories and master key storytelling tools:

•  Narrative structure and plot
•  Modes of narration
•  Using the moving image to explore character and theme
•  Symbolism
•  Genre and narrative convention

We will also look at the key concepts of film technique and style:

•  Learn all about “the shot” – the key component of all films. Learn why to use specific shots
    at different moments in your story
•  Camerawork – find out how angles and movements tie into your narrative
•  Mise-en-scène: how to compose shots and what to put in them
•  Editing: controlling the flow of your narrative
•  Adding emotion through sound and music

We’ll look at both fiction and documentary film and how to create an effect on the audience.

There will be lots of film clips, discussion and practical work. By the end of the course, participants will have learnt how to construct a story specific to the moving image medium, master filmmaking techniques and put it all together to tell an effective story on film. This course is suitable for anyone looking to learn practical filmmaking skills or wanting to make a film. No previous knowledge necessary.