FIND YOUR VOICE
IT ALL BEGINS WITH AN IDEA
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Transform your ideas into a short film script WITH A BAFTA-WINNING FILMMAKER.
Creating a short film from an idea is a transformative and empowering journey. It begins with a spark—an image, a scene, or a narrative that only exists in your mind. As you develop it into a script, the abstract becomes tangible, taking its first steps toward reality. The journey from page to screen is filled with creative choices—casting, location scouting, and shot design—that breathe life into your story.
Filmmaking is collaborative, and there’s immense power in leading a team that shares your vision. Each person’s contribution enriches the film, making it more dynamic and complete than you could have achieved alone. After weeks or months of dedicated effort, the moment arrives when you sit in a cinema, surrounded by an audience, and watch your film come to life on the big screen. That moment is electrifying.
For actors, this process is especially empowering. The perfect role can be elusive, but why wait for it when you can create it yourself? This course is designed to help actors craft roles that fit them perfectly, allowing them to showcase their talents in ways that standard auditions might not offer. By writing and starring in your own short film, you take control of your narrative and create opportunities that highlight your strengths.
Seeing your idea, once just a fleeting thought, become a shared experience is profoundly empowering. It’s a powerful reminder of creativity’s potential—the ability to take something intangible and make it real, something that resonates deeply with others. This experience validates your voice as a storyteller, proving that the stories we create can transcend the confines of our minds and evolve into something truly impactful.
MEET YOUR TUTOR
Welcome to Short Film Foundry! I’m Colin O'Toole, a BAFTA-winning filmmaker, with Best British Short Film in 2018 for Cowboy Dave, a short that I both wrote and directed. The short film format is not just a stepping stone; it’s an art form that stands on its own, however, it does offer a powerful platform to elevate your career into feature filmmaking and television—whether you’re behind the camera or on screen.
Short Film Foundry was born out of a passion for storytelling and a desire to help others bring their ideas to life. As a short film and screen acting teacher, I’ve often had students and friends approach me with scripts brimming with potential but needing that final push. There’s nothing I love more than unraveling a concept, helping to expand and refine it into something truly compelling. This process is not as intimidating as you might think it is.
My short courses are designed to get you moving quickly, based on a method I’ve honed over the years. We focus on what really matters, guiding you past the common obstacles that can hinder the writing process. But it doesn’t stop at writing—we’re here to support you through production, offering advice and connections within the industry to bring your vision to life.
So, let’s start by getting that script written. It’s time to turn your ideas into a film that resonates, inspires, and opens doors. What seperates from other courses is that we ensure our students leave with a script to work with. Welcome to your next big step in filmmaking!
COURSE DETAILS
Each week, we'll dive into a crucial aspect of short film creation during one-hour Zoom sessions. From idea development to scriptwriting and revision, you'll gain the skills and feedback needed to shape your short film project. Join us for a focused and engaging exploration of short filmmaking!
Week 2: Idea Development and Evaluation
Students will present their initial film ideas, which will serve as the foundation for in-depth discussions about their potential as screen stories. Each idea will be examined to assess its viability for development into a compelling short film script. Through peer feedback and instructor guidance, students will explore the strengths and challenges of their concepts, identifying key elements that can be expanded or refined. By the end of the week, students will have a clearer understanding of which ideas are ready to be developed further and how to enhance them for a successful screenplay.
Week 1: Introduction to Short Film Storytelling
In this first week, students will delve into essential film references and how they align with the Short Film Labs course blueprint. This blueprint serves as a comprehensive guide, offering students a clear understanding of the foundational steps to take before beginning the writing process. Through discussions and analysis, students will explore proven strategies and techniques that successful filmmakers use to approach storytelling in short films. By the end of the first session, students will have a solid grasp of the best practices for laying the groundwork for their own short film projects
NEW!
Week 3: Story Treatment and Beatsheet Presentation
Students will present a detailed treatment and beatsheet for their short film projects. The treatment will outline the story, characters, and themes, while the beatsheet will break down the narrative into key moments. Through feedback sessions, students will refine their frameworks, ensuring their stories are well-structured and ready for scriptwriting. By the end of the week, students will have a solid foundation for their screenplay.
Week 4: First Draft Script Presentation
Students will submit and present their first draft scripts. Feedback will focus on key elements such as structure, dialogue, and character development. Students can continue the sessions in order to keep refining their scripts.
All it takes is one great idea.
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‘I’m overjoyed to have seen my vision come to life with the help of COLIN and HIS creative input and developmental skillset.’
Susannah Gale
‘Very much enjoying our sessions.’
Loretta Bogard
‘I have just had a 4 week screen writing course with Colin and I have to say it was absolutely brilliant.’
Jack Thrower
‘I've thoroughly enjoyed my writing sessions with Colin. He's really helped in bringing my vision for a short film to life.’
Ghena Badwar
CHOOSE A PLAN
Group sessions
£160
A maximum of three students per zoom group. Limited slots.
POPULAR
Flexible one-to-one sessions
£240
IT ALL BEGINS WITH AN IDEA
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IT ALL BEGINS WITH AN IDEA ✦