This practical filmmaking course equips students to write, plan, and produce their own short films, combining hands-on production techniques with in-depth exploration of film history and theory. Working in small, collaborative teams, participants engage in all aspects of filmmaking, from directing and cinematography to editing and scriptwriting. Supported by seminars, screenings, industry talks, and study trips—including film festivals—students gain creative freedom to develop projects across genres like fiction, documentary, and advertising, while building essential skills in self-promotion, finance, and distribution for a career in film, TV, and broadcasting.The program progresses through three years: Year one introduces foundational filmmaking processes and film history through team productions and critiques. Year two focuses on specialization, producing diverse works in fiction, documentary, and more. Year three emphasizes industry practices, larger-scale collaborations, and portfolio development to facilitate a smooth transition into professional roles.
Year one – Begin by exploring the role of filmmaker and the process of filmmaking. You will work across roles and gain experience to frame your understanding of the production process. Films are produced in small teams, and as a class, we watch our work in regular screenings with discussions. The craft and range of skills involved in the filmmaking process are underpinned by film history. You will watch, critique, and discuss some of the great filmmakers, movements, and practices of the last century. Year two – You will start to specialise and focus on specific production areas, forming more specialist production teams to support complete production cycles each semester. You will produce a wide and varied body of work across different disciplines, including fiction, documentary, and advertising. Year three – You will consolidate the practices of the previous two years, with a focus on industry practice and the specialisation of skills. You will work on larger scale productions during this year and collaborate across a production team, but also across multi-disciplinary teams. In addition, you will prepare an impressive portfolio of your work, methods of distribution, screenings, and workshops to support your successful transition into this exciting industry.
A local representative of Leeds Arts University in Singapore is available online to assist you with enquiries about this course.