Belfast Film Academy

28/08/2026

PARTICIPANT CALL-OUT: DIY FILM CLASS – LEVEL 1

We’re back for our 13th academic year!

Would you like to make a short film in just 12 weeks?

The Belfast Film Academy is now accepting applications for its practical, hands-on DIY Film Class for beginners.

No previous filmmaking experience is required. Over 12 weekly evening classes and one full 12-hour production day, participants will work together to develop, write and shoot an original short film.

You’ll be introduced to:

Story development and scriptwriting
Casting and directing actors
Camera, lighting and sound
Locations and production design
Continuity and rehearsals
Film-set roles and production
Editing and post-production

You’ll become part of a working production team, try different cast and crew roles, and experience what it is like to make a film on a real set.

Starts: Wednesday 23 September 2026
Time: Wednesdays, 7:00–9:00 PM
Location: The ARC, 551–555 Lisburn Road, Belfast
Production day: Saturday 5 December
Duration: 12 weeks, plus a full 12-hour production day
Cost: £220
Age: 18+
Tutors: Larry Cowan and Thomas Po***ck
Places limited to 12 participants

All filmmaking equipment and course materials are provided. Once the film is completed, participants will also be invited to a special screening of their finished film on the big screen.

The course is suitable for complete beginners, people with some previous experience, or anyone who wants to develop practical skills, meet other creative people and enjoy the craic of making a film.

Delivered by the Belfast Film Academy in collaboration with Community Arts Partnership.

To apply, go to our website; https://belfastfilmacademy.com/diy-film-class-level-1 download and complete the DIY Film Beginners Sign-Up Form, then email it to:

[email protected]

Please share this with anyone who might be interested.

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New DIY Film Course Starts 23rd Sept

20/06/2026

G'day people of Facebook
Have you ever wanted to experience the excitement of being on a film set?
We at Lamb Films, are often asked by people how they can get on-set experience, and see how a film production works. Now here's your chance!
We're filming a teaser scene for our new comedy feature "Code Brown" Filming will take place in Belfast City Centre on 5th July, and we're looking for volunteers to appear as members of the press during a chaotic council press conference scene.
This is a great opportunity to:
💩 Experience a professional film set firsthand
💩Meet cast and crew
💩Learn how scenes are filmed
💩Appear on screen in an upcoming comedy project
💩Potentially even get a line of dialogue!
While this is an unpaid opportunity, food and refreshments will be provided, and you'll spend the day immersed in the craic and madness of filmmaking.
Interested? Fill in the form below and we'll be in touch:
https://www.cognitoforms.com/LambFilms2/CodeBrownExtrasCall

07/12/2025

All the craic from the 1st day filming on Neon Saints. 2 more days to film.

This short film was written by young people from south belfast with the guidance and training from Pamela Brown and Tony Macaulay

We have a 3 day shoot planned with Lamb Films

Neon Saints is community based short film in partnership with Community Arts Partnership with support from Community Foundation for Northern Ireland

06/08/2025

Tired of your family saying, "You should make a movie out of that story"? Well, now's your chance to actually do it! 🎬 New classes start Monday 8th Sept.

Forget boring online tutorials. Our 12-week DIY film course is a hands-on adventure designed for anyone aged 16+ who wants to go from "I have an idea" to "I made a film."

You'll learn everything from writing a script to yelling "ACTION!" and "CUT!" on a real set. And the best part? We provide all the gear, so you don't have to sell your kidneys to afford a camera.

https://crescentarts.org/courses/diy-film_beginners

Would you like to learn how to make a film in 7-weeks? In this practical and fun course, you will be introduced to every aspect of the filmmaking proc...

25/03/2025

Would you like to make films on your phone, learn a thing or two, meet some folks, have some craic?
Well it just so happens we are teaching that exact course!

Phone filming classes start in The Duncairn June 11th

Intro:
Our phone filming workshops transform your mobile device into a powerful storytelling tool. Learn essential techniques, from composition and lighting to dynamic camera movement and sound design.

Master editing apps to craft compelling narratives, and discover how to optimize your content for social media. Whether you're a budding filmmaker or seeking to enhance your online presence, our hands-on sessions empower you to create professional-looking videos with just your phone.

Week 1 - Mastering the basics of visual storytelling using your phone.
Intro to Phone Filming
Screening examples of Phone Films
Phone Camera Settings
Composition Rules
Using Natural Light
Lighting set up
Participants shoot short scenes using different compositions and lighting techniques.

Week 2 - Telling a story with your phone - Shots Types and Camera movement
Shot Types: .
Camera Movement:
Creating a Shot List and Storyboard
Participants shoot a short narrative sequence using a shot list and practicing camera movement.

Week 3 - Phone Film Audio : Sound Recording & Design
Built-in Microphone Limitations
External Microphones
Sound Design Basics:
Adding sound effects and music using phone apps.
Practical Exercise: Participants record audio in different environments and experiment with sound design.

Week 4 - Editing on Your Phone
Apps & Techniques
Introduction to Editing Apps:
Basic editing techniques
Colour Correction & Grading
Adding music and sound
Participants edit a simple short phone film using the skills learned.

Week 5 - Creating Engaging Content for Social Media
Understanding Social Media Formats
Creating Vertical Video
Adding Text & Graphics
Participants create engaging short-form videos for social media.

Week 6 - Advanced Phone Filmmaking - Film screening - quiz
Cinematic Techniques
Using Lenses & Accessories
Quizz
Screening of the classes films

Material requited: maybe you would need to pay for an app or two, a bit of printing, but not very expensive.
Young Filmmakers NI What's On In Belfast What's happening in Belfast Belfast performing Arts NewsN.I FilmmakersCommunity Arts PartnershipScannain.com Arts Council of Northern Ireland Belfast City Council
Link to book: https://theduncairn.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173659926

25/02/2025

🏀CASTING CALL🎦 Think the coach from Any Given Sunday
Do you want to act in a film, meet folks, have a bit of craic and the come back for a screening? 👀
Please pass this on to anyone you know who may be interested.

12/01/2025

🎬Would you like make a film in 2025?
🎦New Classes Starting Tomorrow - only a few spots left
Sign up here https://crescentarts.org/courses/diy-film_beginners
Classes on every Monday night 7.30-9.30 for 12 weeks
Course includes: A filmmaking production day and a screening

18/12/2024

Here's a behind the scenes look at our latest class film "Pain" The class acted and worked as crew in this short film written by A big thanks to and for all your help on the day, we could not have made it without y'all.

We will be screening the last 4 class films in the new year, so look out for free tickets to the big show. New classes start in Jan- link to book -https://crescentarts.org/courses/diy-film_beginners.

10/12/2024

Would you like to follow your dreams and make a film in 2025?
Date: Monday 13 January 2025 until Monday 07 April 2025
Time: 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM - Week:s 12 - Price: £150 | £138
https://crescentarts.org/courses/diy-film_beginners

Would you like to learn how to make a film in 12-weeks? In this practical and fun course, you will be introduced to every aspect of the filmmaking pro...

11/11/2024

Do you want to act in a film, meet folks, have a bit of craic and the come back for a screening?
Please pass this on to anyone you know who may be interested.