MAKE FILMS – 2019

LET’S MAKE ALL SORTS OF FILMS!

During this online course, I will share how I create my films, by taking you through my step by step process, so you can learn to make them too.

Each week, there will be loads of inspiration and a prompt to spark the creation of your film. We concentrate a different type of film each week, from Stop motions, Time lapses, Slow mo stories, Video portraits, Scenes From The Weekend, How-To demonstrations & Day In The Life films… to concentrating on particular shooting angles, so you can capture interesting footage to edit into these wonderful films… There are so many stories you can tell!. I’ll be sharing my process; the key points to guide you through your projects. It’s packed with information to get you creating.

What this course will do, is equip you to shoot amazing content and edit together the type of films you want to make. That could be films of your life and family, telling your story or you can make films to promote your business or brand e.g. make stop motions of your stationery products or time lapses of your surroundings or mini films of your events. There is so much scope for telling stories through video.

Your films can be any length, so they’re suitable for Instagram or YouTube/Vimeo, or to display on your blog/Facebook etc…. it’s totally up to you!

Every film you make will help you go on to create future films… with more knowledge, experience and confidence.

During the 10 weeks there will be the opportunity for you to create a weekly film, using any kind of camera… I’ll be sharing examples of films made with a DSLR, compact camera and on the iPhone…

Each week will focus on a different prompt or shooting & editing technique, which you will practice while creating your film.
There will be guidance for shooting, with tips & examples of what and how to shoot. The prompt is there to spark your creativity, through experimentation & play.
For the editing – You will have access to step by step tutorials on the basics of how to use iMovie on a computer and the mobile version. Then for each project I will show you film examples and how I approached editing, offering tips and tricks along the way.
The schedule – New project materials will be shared on a Tuesday, with our sharing day on Monday and the option to take part in the #minimondaymovies on Instagram, for those that are interested.
There will be the opportunity to create a film a week, however the number of film projects you complete is entirely up to you. I will guide and encourage you throughout the course.
Your finished film projects can be shared on Instagram or in a Vimeo community group and participants can ask questions within the course site. (There won’t be a Facebook group set up by me)
The course will run for 10 weeks – Next session begins Tuesday 16th Oct – (Registration will remain open for one week after the course starts)
Course materials will be available for a further twelve months after the course finishes.

Fee £177 – For currency exchange rates please visit – xe.com

For details about future courses, please join my MAILING LIST – The next session will begin Nov 27th 2018

What will I need?

To set aside some time to shoot and edit each week.
The ability to shoot photos and video. Any camera can be used. If you’re not that familiar with it, you’ll need time practice and play, as I won’t be covering all technical aspects of specific cameras. The shooting part of the course offers tips and guidance on how and what to shoot. Please feel free to use your favourite camera, whether it’s a DSLR, compact camera or even an mobile device…or a combination.
A computer with an editing program. You will get a great introduction to editing, showing you the basics and sharing tips in iMovie; enabling you to take the leap and discover more. Although I won’t be sharing tutorials in other editing programs, you are able and welcome to use them. A lot of the advice and tips can be used on different programs.
Access to the internet to view the course content. The course materials will be shared in my online learning site. Our community will be sharing their films on Instagram & Vimeo and members of the course can ask questions within the course classroom.
and lastly, but probably most importantly… a commitment to experiment, make films and have fun!

Some kind words about the course & examples of films made…

Testimonials from previous participants

I have LOVE, LOVE, LOVED this course so very much. What a refreshing, beautiful, inspiring course and instructor. It is packed with tips and tricks to take your filming skills to the next level. Each week offers a chance to grow creatively and gives you motivation to tackle some things you wouldn’t have tried on your own. Xanthe is practical, colorful in every way and insanely good at what she does. Jump in. You will treasure the journey it takes you on” – Kelly Wilis

“Learning more about film was a huge goal of mine in 2016 – and enrolling in this course was easily one of the best things I did to further my learning. I knew within the first week – that this course was something special. Not only is Xanthe full of incredible inspiration – her lessons are chock full of wonderful information – especially for those who are wanting to expand their knowledge in the film/video. (I now have a slight obsessions with #minimovies.) As an instructor – she is available, helpful and insanely supportive. I used to think films were slightly daunting and was overwhelmed with the process – Xanthe’s approach helps you tap into your creative self. In the past 10 weeks – I can safely say I have developed a true love for films and cannot wait to create more in the future.” – Allison Gipson

“I have been a student of Xanthe’s for several years and I absolutely love learning with her. From the very first class, she gave me tools to understand every aspect of the filmmaking process and (more importantly) inspiration to use in my own films. Anyone can give you the technical skills needed to make a film, but with Xanthe you have a creative teacher and guide who empowers and inspires beyond just the how-to. I gasp a little each time I watch her work, and it spurs me on over and over again to create my own time capsules memories.” – Deb Achak

“Make Films has helped me learn to see in new ways. Xanthe’s creativity, inspiration, and gentle nudges to capture the beauty of our every day lives is a gift that everyone should enjoy. I have learned so much about the importance of treasuring the simplicity of my life, as well as making sure I am a part of the films I have created during the Make Films Course.” – Katiusca Guzman

“I have so loved the Make Films course. I learned so much and was inspired to really see what I could do with video. Each week, I was asked to step out of my comfort zone and to create a film that I might not have considered before. I take a lot of online courses and it is rare that I complete each and every assignment, but for this class I came out with a new video each week. I’m so glad that I did – without doing so I would not have discovered that I have many different kinds of stories to tell. Xanthe is a gifted teacher. Her tutorials are easy to follow and even though I’ve made and edited films before, I learned something new each time. I will take any course that Xanthe offers because she is so warm and encouraging. I loved every second of this class. I might even take it again just to continue to be inspired.” -Bree Hester

“Make Films is one of the best ecourses I’ve ever done. It’s full of content and guidance, with plenty of opportunities for questions and feedback. I especially loved that we were able to share our movies and learn from each other. Thank you so much Xanthe! You’re an inspiration and amazing teacher! I can’t wait to sign up for one of your other courses.” – Dörte

“When I signed up for Xanthe’s course I wasn’t sure how much would be possible using just my phone camera but decided to give it a try. I am so glad that I did. I have loved learning how to look at things differently and have found that it’s made me take time to stop and see the world around me. It’s been so rewarding to see what’s possible and fun to be part of a lovely supportive online community too. Ten weeks flew by – I’ll miss the course but will keep on learning and filming. I love it and am grateful that it opened my eyes and let me see what’s possible, has allowed me to capture special people and moments and has taught me how to make cupcakes dance.” – Juliet Simmons

And finally… Lovely blog posts by Karen & Katherine Lightner & Laura Pashby

Examples of films

SCENES FROM THE WEEKEND

circleofpines :: karenbhphotos :: locallovely :: sarahljohnstone

STOP MOTION

Kim Klassen :: Alexis Allen :: KatieJanew :: katherinelightner

DAY IN THE LIFE

AllisonGipson :: BonnieDuBois :: Francescarnyc :: lewesmap

SLOW MO

breehester :: tressavent :: celinabailey :: thisisjules

HOW TO OR DEMO FILMS

juliabarnickle :: Debram56 :: carojonesphoto :: fionaannal :: electricdaisyflowerfarm

VIDEO PORTRAITS

staceypotterphoto :: kellywills :: jsaad24 :: ashleybartner :: instannnnagram

TIME LAPSE

Coldatnight :: nancymoon :: katekenny :: lovelylittlememoirs

AMAZING, right?? I hope you enjoyed watching these special stories…

See all the other films here #makefilmscourse

Some questions that might be going through your mind….

How is this course different from Creating Time Capsules - your other course?

This course will cover some elements found in my previous courses, but the new materials have been developed specifically for this course, with a focus on creating little films, well suited for quick viewing and online sharing through the likes of Instagram, if that’s what you’re in to.

Take a look at this blog post comparing both of my main courses – www.xantheberkeley.com/which-online-course-do-i-recommend/

I've taken a course with you before, so I'm not sure if this new course will benefit me.

Even if you’ve taken one or some of my previous courses, this should still be a great course for you. Having a prompt each week can be really motivating to get back into the flow of making films.

10 weeks of creating films - I can't commit to creating a film each week

It’s really good to have a weekly challenge and focus, to stay inspired. It’s amazing how you can really improve your skills by committing to creating a film regularly. However it’s entirely up to you, as to how many you create. There’s no pressure to create a film each week. Obviously the more involved you are, the better.

I only have an iPhone or mobile device; can I make films with this?

Absolutely! Simple and brilliant films can be created with these devices. They’re great to play around with. There are many apps to aid film making and it’s often the camera we have with us most of the time.

I’ve never shot video on my DSLR, will there be technical advice for this?

I will be sharing tips on how I shoot on a DSLR, with the course materials focusing on composition ideas and shot lists. There will be plenty of encouragement to play and experiment with your DSLR, however the focus isn’t technical. There are plenty of technical tutorials available online, should you require it.

I have never edited a video before, will I be able to follow along?

Yes, I will share tutorials for working in iMovie on a computer and iPhone. All this information will definitely be enough for you to get started. I won’t be working in other programs but you’re welcome to use any editing program you are familiar with. Plus most of the tips are transferable.

Is there a set time to be in class? Do I have to stick to deadlines for the projects?

Everyone works at different paces and timezones, so there is no set time to be in the online space to view the course materials. I will be adding new materials for each weekly project on a Tuesday. You will be encouraged to share your film on a Monday, as it can be good to have a deadline to work to but it’s up to you when and if you complete your film.

I’d like to take part, but I don’t want to share my films online?

You are absolutely able to take part and not share any of your work. You’re welcome to be part of the group to view other members work, to get inspired and to ask questions, with no pressure to share…We will be sharing our films on Instagram & Vimeo, for those that want to.

I’m not sure I have enough time to create films?

Life is busy, with work and life commitments. I know this. But I know when I make pockets of time to do creative projects, the rewards are HUGE! A lot of these projects can be tackled in a small amount of time… how much time you put into the course is up to you. It’s always worth it!

If you have any further questions… pop me an email – xantheb@mac.com

Some of examples of the kind of films we’ll be making….

SCENES FROM THE WEEKEND