Film Production – Case Studies

We interviewed two of the students to see how they’ve found the workshops.

Q - Did you have ay experience of filmmaking before you started this course?

Shana

"Never. I’ve never done film production before but I enjoy going to watch films. I’ve seen some films that I’ve thought maybe I could improve them, so when I saw this advertised I thought it sounded good. I’ve really enjoyed the course – it’s been worth it."

Steve

"No – this is the first time I’ve been involved in film production. I have sort of made movies myself using YouTube and using a green screen, and I’ve been using editing software but to be actually involved in a course where I’ve been tutored, this is the first time. Zebra offered me it so I just took advantage of it and became involved."

Q - Why did you do this course?

Steve

"I studied film history on a university course, so I know a lot of theory but I’ve not studied anything on the practical side. I have filmed before and people have giving me tips, but I thought I’d enrol on the course anyway. And now I think I’m a bit more confident to carry on and take it further."

Q - What was the most enjoyable thing about it?

Shana

"I think overall I’ve enjoyed everything. I think the best part is probably acting - I enjoyed doing that, but also looking at how you film, using the different angles, encouraging other people and perhaps saying “just try that again, maybe do it slightly differently”. To be honest we’ve had lots of laughs - I’m so glad they gave me the comedy role! I also enjoyed editing – it’s the first time I’ve ever seen that being done before and now I realise how difficult and challenging it is. But some parts can be quite easy, which made me think, “I can do that myself” so its given me a lot of confidence."

Steve

"I love films so I enjoyed everything. I think probably the most enjoyable is the actual filming but there’s time constraints and other things, but we had fun. We made a lot of mistakes but it was all team work and we really enjoyed it. I think maybe what I will enjoy the most is watching the final film – when its actually finished and done."

Q - Did you find anything difficult?

Shana

"I think the hardest part is probably editing because there was so much to learn in such a short time. We only had the afternoon to get it done and I didn’t have enough time to try myself so I encouraged other people to take part who’d got experience. That way it would happen a lot quicker and I thought it was better that I could just sit there and watched. Even so, editing isn’t easy – it’s quite hard."

Steve

"I knew the course was going to be hard work but I didn’t realise how hard it was going to be. There were distractions – people would walk onto the set and we had to re-film and also there was one scene when we were filming in the toilet, but the toilet was so small – we found that quite difficult. For another scene, we wanted to use the lift, but it wasn’t working. It was out of order and of course, we had to follow the time schedule so that was quite difficult as well."

Q - What skills did you learn?

Shana

"The skills I've learnt are how to do a script: you brainstorm ideas and then you put that into a script. Photoshop – looking at how you do that and how you can make good posters. I've really enjoyed the creative side of it, and also doing the filming – the use of different camera angles can make the character appear belittled, for instance, or help sets the mood of the scene."

Steve

"I’ve been involved in filming before but I didn’t really know what my role was previously. I think this course has identified that I enjoy directing and also that I need to plan my time better. Before I just used to film but the course has taught me I need to have structure to everything and try to do as much as possible in a short space of time. So you’ve done your scripts then you film and then edit… its made me realise that I need to be more organised and also I need to be thinking about being more creative in a shorter space of time."

Q - What are you next career steps?

Shana

"Well, I’ve always enjoyed this sort of thing as a hobby but since I’ve been on the course I’m aware that I have got some skills. I think my next step is to apply for a film bursary and if I’m successful then I may be able to create my own film and we’ll see where we go from there."

Steve

"I’m hoping from the experience I’ve gained that I’ve got the confidence now to approach the BBC or Channel 4, or any film company, and say to a director that I have got this experience and I have been on this course. Hopefully it will take me further. I would love ideally to be a director of my own film."

Q - Did you enjoy it?

Shana

"Yes, definitely. I’ve enjoyed everything."

Steve

"Oh yes, definitely. I know it’s been stressful, at times it’s been hard but I have thoroughly enjoyed it. Last weekend we filmed, and then it’s been good that this weekend we’ve been able to finish it off and then edit. When I was at work during the week, all I could think about was what we did the previous weekend and what I’d be doing this weekend so I’ve really, really enjoyed it. Yep, I’m addicted to films and I’ve realised that this is my passion. It’s my thing."