We have TWO in person filmmaking courses for 2024. One for beginners, and one for people wanting to take the next steps. Take a scroll down the page and see which one is good for you.
life in motion
Filmmaking for beginners
3rd OCTOBER - hebden bridge £295
10am - 4.30pm
LIFE IN MOTION is a one day course for photographers wanting to move into filmmaking
It combines technical know-how with creative inspiration helping you to create, shoot and edit your own films.
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This course is for you if you’re a photographer or a creative taking stills in manual, and you’re looking to make a move into filmmaking.
We’ve been running this course both in person and online since 2017 and we’re proud to have helped more than 300 new filmmakers take their first steps!
What to Expect:
Introduction to Filmmaking: Dive into the exciting world of filmmaking, where you'll learn the basics of camera operation, framing, and composition - setting the stage for your exploration into visual storytelling.
Understanding Storytelling: Discover the art of storytelling and how it applies to filmmaking, uncovering the essential elements that make a narrative compelling and engaging for your audience.
Basic Cinematography Techniques: Learn the foundations of cinematography, including shot types, frame rates, and camera movements to capture stunning visuals that breathe life into your stories.
Sound and Editing Essentials: Gain experience with sound design and editing basics, understanding how these elements contribute to the overall impact of your film and create an immersive viewing experience.
You will also gain access to over 4 hours of Premiere Pro tutorials for you to watch at anytime. From understanding the interface, making cuts and transitions, adding titles and music, editing with sound, and how to colour grade your clips. All this knowledge can be watched as many times as you like as a reference as you are working on your future films.
On the day you will develop a strong foundation telling stories in motion, learning from Sarah who has over 10 years filmmaking experience. Whether you want to make films for brands, families or weddings, or simply to tell your own story, we will teach you how to build a narrative into your film, and lean into your own unique style, alongside the technical skills you need to produce beautiful and emotive short films.
“‘Film, the missing piece to my storytelling tool kit. Learning filmmaking with Sarah was honestly one of the best decisions I have made. This new skill has not only been incredibly enjoyable to learn and bring into personal projects, it has transformed my business. Sarah has helped me to really hear sound, to see movement, details and light through fresh eyes.’”
Embark on your filmmaking journey with Life in Motion and unlock the tools you need to bring your unique stories to life. Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker, a content creator, or simply a film enthusiast looking to delve deeper into the art of visual storytelling, this course is your gateway to a world of endless creative possibilities. Many of our participants are now creating their own films and have incorporated it as a storytelling tool in their own businesses.
If this course sounds like the right course for you, please read our FAQs at the bottom of this page and then click on one of the links to book your place.
The course is taking place again on October 3rd, 10am - 4.30pm at The Town Hall Hebden Bridge.
Lunch will be provided as well as lots of tea throughout the day!
life in motion 2
FILMMAKING - THE NEXT STEPS
24th October - hebden bridge £295
10am - 4.30pm
You've taken the first step in your filmmaking journey with our beginner's course, or you have some other filmmaking experience. Now, get ready to take your passion for storytelling to the next level with LIFE IN MOTION 2. Building upon the foundations, this course is designed to elevate your skills and deepen your understanding of the art of filmmaking.
This course is also for anyone who needs to re-ignite their filmmaking spark. We understand that life can sometimes get in the way and we’re here to help you fall back in love with creating motion.
“Having completed Life In Motion - Filmmaking For Beginners, I was so excited when Sarah launched her in-person Life In Motion 2 workshop and immediately booked! Sarah is a fabulous teacher and is always willing to share her extensive knowledge and invaluable guidance. The opportuntiy to film with an artist in the afternoon was such a treat, giving us a chance to put our morning learning into practice. I’ve come away re-energised with my filmmaking, full of ideas and plans. Definitely a five star day, set in the wonderful surroundings of Hebden Bridge.”
What to Expect:
Further Techniques: Delve deeper into the world of cinematography, exploring more camera techniques and sound design to add depth and nuance to your storytelling.
Mastering the Art of Narrative: Learn the secrets of crafting compelling narratives that resonate with audiences, utilising advanced storytelling techniques to evoke emotion and captivate your viewers.
Building Your Portfolio: Learn how to create a standout portfolio that showcases your newly acquired skills, setting you apart and opening doors to new and exciting opportunities.
Practical Insights: Gain invaluable insights about how to approach a filming session as Sarah leads you in a shoot with an artist/maker. You will leave buzzing with ideas for your future filming!
Films can be a visceral experience. It’s not just about showing things, but about transporting the viewer somewhere. Feel the rough grass against your fingertips. Hear the sea pulling the shingle down the shore. Smell the woodsmoke, and wonder at the dancing dust flecks. We don’t just want you to shoot beautiful footage, but to also move your viewers by introducing emotion and real feeling into your films.
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““I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to learn and explore more about filmmaking. The kindness and generosity of Sarah seemed to spread amongst the group and so you always felt supported. It’s given me real confidence to keep going, keep practising and the importance of making the films WE want to make and see” ”
Life in Motion 2 is your definitive guide to mastering the art of visual storytelling. Join us and take the next step in your journey towards creating compelling cinematic films. Don't just capture life — bring it to motion. Enrol now and unlock your full potential in the world of filmmaking.
The course will be taking place on 24th October 2024, 10am - 4.30pm at The Town Hall Hebden Bridge. Lunch will be provided as well as lots of tea throughout the day!
Participant Lisa Soar created this film as part of our practical on the day with Hebden Bridge based artist Julia Ogden.
photo by Matt Radcliffe
Hello, I’m Sarah
Ever since I can remember I’ve seen the world in widescreen - a film playing continuously before my eyes. But it wasn’t until 2013, when I started making my own films, that I was able to finally capture what I was seeing.
It’s been a long process since then, and one that I am still very much on. I don’t pretend to know everything about filmmaking, but I would like to pass on what I do. I want to teach you how to make films, but more than that I want to share with you the magic of filmmaking, and encourage you to fall in love with it as much as I have.
I’ve created this course along with my wife and business partner Suzi, for whom the footage of childhood holidays captured on a cine camera, and played on an old projector, is interwoven with her real memories from an early age.
Together we’ve been in our photography business for more than 14 years, with 10 of those including filmmaking. We’ve made films for Getty, and had some of our clips broadcast on national television. We’ve also created countless films for families and brands, and filmmaking is now over 50% of our business.
You can see the evolution of our filmmaking on our Vimeo channel.
LIFE IN EMOTION
DATE TBC - hebden bridge
Discover the Art of Personal Filmmaking - Unveil Your Story, Frame by Frame
Registration is coming soon
Welcome to Life in Emotion where we believe that every story is worth telling. Our 6 month immersive programme is designed to empower you to bring a story you’ve been itching to tell to life through the art of filmmaking. With a perfect blend of in-person guidance and online support, we're here to help you capture the essence of your experiences and emotions into a film.
Sarah has been embarking on personal film projects this year and knows some of the barriers that we all face when we are creating something so close to our hearts. Sarah now wants to share her insights with a small group and help you to uncover the essence of the story you want to tell, and bring it to life.
photos by Matt Radcliffe
Your Film, Your Story: Craft a film that resonates with your personal narrative or that of someone close to you. We’ll dive deep together into the art of visual storytelling and create a cinematic experience that reflects your perspective and voice.
How It Works: Our blend of in-person workshops and online modules allows you to tailor your learning experience to fit your schedule. Join us for 2 in-person sessions, one at the beginning of the programme and one at the end. In the final session, you will be sharing your film along with your fellow classmates. You’ll engage with Sarah and your fellow filmmakers, and dive into online modules at your convenience, offering you the flexibility to learn at your own pace. We will also have monthly live chats and within the programme, you will have a one to one conversation with Sarah about your project.
Experience the Magic of Hands-On Learning. Life In Emotion doesn't just focus on theoretical knowledge—it's about learning through practice. You'll receive real-time feedback, exchange ideas with like-minded individuals, and immerse yourself in an environment that fosters creativity and collaboration.
Build Lasting Bonds with a Supportive Community. Life in Emotion isn't just about the course; it's about the connections you make along the way. Our online platform provides a space for you to engage in meaningful discussions, seek advice from Sarah, and share your progress with a supportive network of fellow filmmakers. We’ll encourage you to push the boundaries of your storytelling abilities.
Make Your Story Unforgettable Enrol soon and embark on an unforgettable filmmaking journey that will not only equip you with the skills you need to bring your story to life but also foster a deep appreciation for the art of filmmaking. Let your story unfold with our 6-month filmmaking course, blending in-person and online experiences to help you realise your cinematic vision.
Join Life in Emotion and make your mark in the world of personal filmmaking.
registration is coming soon
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“As a photographer and mother, I spend my life capturing photographs of my children, but it never felt enough. I needed more. I wanted to hear and see movement. I wanted to be transported back to a time. I needed to add something that really resonated with me as a mother. Being able to capture film was really a personal journey before business journey. Within minutes I was totally hooked. There has not been a better business decision that I made than to learn film. We are so busy being parents that we forget to stop and soak this time in. Whilst photographs can provide beautiful art for the walls in your home, film provides that warm hug on a cold day. It somehow takes your hand and leads you back into the past. There's not a day that's gone by that I regret learning how to film.” CA
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Tor joined us on one of our online runs of Life In Motion, and she created this film below about her partner Caroline, and why she keeps returning to the sea.
“Sarah and Suzi have curated a wonderful course that brings so many different but like-minded people together in a supportive bubble of learning. It has the perfect amount of everything (content, knowledge, inspiration, insights, advice, personality, camaraderie, encouragement, support) all neatly packaged into a safe space that encourages play and creativity”. Tor
FAQ
I’m not a professional photographer. Can I still take the courses?
Yes, as long as you’re familiar with your camera and confident shooting in manual mode. The courses are designed for those who take photographs in manual, but you do not need to be in business as a photographer.
What equipment will I need?
A camera, DSLR or mirrorless, with video capabilities (please note that some older models cannot film slow-mo - see more below), a camera strap, and a pen and paper if you like taking notes!
We will be demonstrating all editing in Premiere Pro. There are other editing softwares available, but we won’t be able to offer specific support on these.
Is my camera good enough?
If your camera has video capability, yes!
We don’t know all cameras so please have your manuals handy. There will be prep-work before the course to generically set up your camera to begin filming.
We’re not able to give specific camera advice, but of course we will help where we can.
How do I check my camera can film slo-mo?
Some of the older DSLR models sometimes have restrictions on the speed you can film at. If you like the slo-mo feel to some of our films, and some you may have seen other people posting, we film at a particular frame rate to achieve this look. In your camera’s Movie settings, you will be able to check the frame rates available to you. There may be numbers like 24fps (frames per second), 25fps and 30fps. If your camera has 50fps and/or 60fps this means you will be able to achieve that slow look.
What about editing software?
We will be demonstrating using Premiere Pro
When will you be running the course again?
We will be running all of the courses later in 2024.
Will I learn to make films like you?
You will learn to make them like you!
If I change my mind after registration can I get a refund?
All payments are final, but if your personal circumstances change then please do get in touch.