The ultimate online filmmaking course for 8-18s
The ONE DAY FILM SCHOOL
is now available online at just £49.99 for 12 months access, so you can make short films with family, friends – even pets – all year round, and create your very own film festival.
Our popular schools workshop has been developed into a home activity, available to young filmmakers anywhere – and not just for a single day. We’ll guide you through the whole process, from ‘Action!’ to your very own world premiere. You can even work remotely with multiple households.
Make unlimited films throughout the year using just a smartphone or tablet to shoot and edit, honing your filmmaking skills (like famous directors before you) and upload your mini-masterpieces for a global audience to enjoy.
Enlist family and friends as your cast and crew (adults can join in the fun, too!). Turn your home into a film studio. Make films for special occasions – a birthday, holiday or wedding anniversary – and create lasting memories while having fun.
COURSE CONTENT
FILM HISTORY
From the early days of film to the latest in special effects
FIGHT CHOREOGRAPHY
Learn how to make your own Indiana Jones-style fight scenes… and make your own punch sound effect
CAMERA
Use your smartphone or tablet like a pro, and tips and tricks to avoid common mistakes
SCREENWRITING
Discover the 3 key things every good script needs: how to tell a great story, create memorable characters… and make us care
TEN SHOT CHALLENGE
Make your own two minute short film with professional guidance
WORLD PREMIERE
Pop the popcorn, crack the champagne, sit back and enjoy your very own world premiere
PRAISE FOR THE ONE DAY FILM SCHOOL
‘It was SUPERFUN and I learned a lot about filmmaking’
Sofia
11’10/10 I enjoyed it a lot and my film turned out much better than I thought’
Will
16’I loved making my film, I’ve probably watched it 100 times’
Scarlett
14‘What I really enjoyed was fight choreography, and punching my dad (not for real)’
Max
13Passion for filmmaking starts early
12 months access
FAQ
What is the One Day Film School ?
It’s an online course for young filmmakers (aged 8+) who want to make a short film at home. Students are guided by video sessions and practical exercises to create a two-minute silent film (with music) which can be shared and enjoyed.
What are the minimum technical requirements?
A computer or device with internet connection, also smartphone or tablet with iMovie (iPhone) or PowerDirector (Android) for filming and editing.
Does it have to be done in one day or can it be spread out?
It can be done in a day or over a week – or months! Access is for 12 months, so multiple films can be created.
How much screen-watching is there? I don’t want them glued to a screen all day…
The course is a good mix of 50% watch & learn (screen-based), 50% practical (on their feet!).
How involved do I need to be?
The course is self-guiding, however there are in-video alerts where adult supervision may be required for practical exercises. Once booked, you’ll receive the Parent’s Survival Guide with all info.
Will it be disruptive?
For practical exercises, students need the ability to move around and film. Agree where (eg ‘garden only’ in advance). There’s no pressure to buy or do anything special, however you may wish to buy a melon for creating the punch sound for FIGHT CHOREOGRAPHY, although any fruit will work… or meat… or a wet cloth.
Is the content appropriate for my child?
The course is rated PG (Parental Guidance). If you’re unsure, we recommend reviewing beforehand. The shark scene from Jaws (FILM HISTORY: UNIT 5 – BLOCKBUSTERS) may be distressing for very young viewers and can be skipped.
My child is being homeschooled. Can they make a film by themselves?
Yes, provided they have a tripod (or something to rest their smartphone on) for the practical exercises.
My child wants to make a film with their friends who are in separate households – is this possible?
Yes! They can decide who’s filming what – and use a common object (eg apple) to link each shot. They then share clips and each have a go editing, then decide whose version they like best.
What do they do with their finished film? Is there somewhere they can send it?
They can upload films to YouTube, creating a film festival for family and friends to enjoy. We’ll show you how to export films so they can be shared.
What can go wrong?
Make sure you’ve received the confirmation email and are able to log in, that you have a functioning smartphone or tablet with edit software (iMovie or PowerDirector) installed, and enough free storage. A traditional video camera can be used for filming, though will require a computer for editing.
ABOUT
The ONE DAY FILM SCHOOL
The One Day Film School is created by Young Film Academy (YFA), the UK’s leading provider of filmmaking courses for 8-18 year olds. Each year, YFA helps over 7500 young people make their first digital films.