“I have been involved in numerous days similar to this over my 20+ years of teaching and this is one of the best I have experienced.”
Roedean School
The One Day Film School – Online is a self-guiding version of the practical filmmaking workshop that runs in UK schools, enabling over 10,000 young people to make their first films since 2020. Once students are in groups, with a device for filming and editing, the rest takes care of itself.
Suitable for Years 7+, the Online mirrors the content and timings of the In Person workshop, containing the same sessions (see Course Content) and outcomes, as well as extra lessons like how to make sound effects – and fake blood!
Students are guided by pre-recorded video lessons (1 hour total) and practical exercises (5+ hours) to create a two-minute silent film (with music) which can be premiered at the school’s own black tie Oscars Night.
Here’s a sample video lesson: Fight Choreography Unit 2: The Hidden Angle…
Why book the Online rather than an In Person workshop? The Online is flexible – access is for 3 months, so there’s no rush to finish. Also supplied is the Teacher’s Survival Guide with helpful advice, tips, timings and FAQs. And we’re always on hand to help.
“We feel the online option works really well for the pupils as it gives us lots of freedom to build it into our Leavers programme and structure it around a busy school term. The help and support from the moment you register is excellent, and we have always found the resources brilliant and easy to work with. Pupils love this aspect of the Leavers programme and we can’t wait to get creating later this term”
David Finch, Assistant Head, Brambletye School
For schools looking to fill a whole term – as an after-school club, a GCSE drama component, or a boarders’ activity, we recommend our specially designed 10 Week course. Please contact us if interested in a 7 day trial to try before you buy.
Schools can submit films for the 10 Shot Film Awards which recognise filmmaking excellence in 125 leading UK schools. The judging panel is headed by Robin Kinsey, Vice President Marketing, Walt Disney Studios EMEA & UK – Marvel, Lucasfilm & 20th Century Studios. Find out more here.
Course Content
Film History
Fight Choreography
Camera
Screenwriting
Editing
Shiplake College have run the One Day Film School – Online since 2020 as part of their Year 10 Activities. Marcus Milburn, Head of Media Studies, explains why…
2024 will be Shiplake’s 4th year of One Day Film School – Online. Why do you re-book?
The One Day Film School has been a staple of Shiplake’s end of Year 10 activity week for the past few years because it provides everyone involved (students and teachers alike) with the opportunity to develop a range of creative skills using a package that is easy to follow, informative and a lot of fun.
What sets it apart from other Online courses?
I think a lot of it is down to the ease with which we can get set up. The web resources do not over complicate things and all staff members can deliver the module content, even if they have minimal experience of film making themselves. The range of activities keep the students engaged and they can use their new found skills to create some really interesting pieces of work.
What sort of feedback do you get from students?
They really enjoy the day as a whole. We usually run the activity with between 70-80 students and tend to have groups of no more than five or six so everyone gets the full experience and they can try different things out. Some of our Year 10 students already take a creative media course so this is a great way for them to consolidate their skills and it also opens up the option of A Level Media Studies to those who may not have yet considered it as part of their 6th Form study.
Do you host an awards ceremony, to show students’ films? Please describe the event.
We will always do a showcase screening at the end of the day. We are lucky enough to have a space with a big screen projector so it creates a very cinematic feel. We give out awards in a range of categories – Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Stunt and Best Film to name a few. It’s a brilliant way to round the day off and demonstrates to the students how much can be achieved in a relatively short space of time.
What would you say to a school who is considering booking the Online?
I would strongly recommend it. So many of our staff look forward to it and I think they end up getting as involved as our pupils do.
FAQs
What do I need to do to book?
The One Day Film School – Online is priced per student, so once numbers are confirmed we send a Confirmation email and invoice. To enrol participants, we require a spreadsheet (template supplied) with student names/school email addresses, as well as a start date.
What does the school need to do in advance?
Students need organising into groups (5-10) with a device (tablet or smartphone) for filming and editing. The Online caters for Apple and Android users. Once students log in, they watch a series of short video lessons then take part in practical activities. This can be done en masse, in groups or individually. We advise that a member of school staff familiarise themselves with the content beforehand – no previous filmmaking experience required.
What can the school do with students’ finished films?
An Oscars ceremony with a formal dinner attached is a great way to showcase students’ work and to give parents a glitzy event to enjoy. Our Oscars Night page will provide some inspiration. Schools can submit films for the 10 Shot Film Awards which recognise filmmaking excellence in 125 leading UK schools. The judging panel is headed by Robin Kinsey, Vice President Marketing, Walt Disney Studios EMEA & UK – Marvel, Lucasfilm & 20th Century Studios. Find out more here.
Are you interested in The One Day Film School?
ABOUT
The ONE DAY FILM SCHOOL
The One Day Film School is developed 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.
Flaticon images were used on this page.