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The story is the bedrock of any film. If you don’t have a good story, no amount of dazzling visuals or great editing will save you. I will teach you the basics of how to write an engaging story and help you develop your story idea to make sure it is something achievable. You will also learn how to tell that story visually through camerawork.
You will be directing actors who will play the characters you have written. As the director you will be responsible for getting the performance that best suits the tone and reality of the world you have created in your story. You will have to tell them what you are looking for and get them to be the character as you see them. It sounds scary and fun, because it is!
Editing is also known as the final draft of the script. There is a lot of room in the edit to play with the story and apply changes to make it stronger. I will go through how to use a free editing software, but I will focus more on the why you cut and how to make a strong edit. You will edit your footage with me there to guide you as well as answer any questions.
Equipment check
The basics of storytelling
Composition
How to tell a story visually
Shooting for the edit
Working with actors
Filming your own short with professional supervision
Q&A and summary Day
Introduction to basic editing
How do you tell a story through editing?
Using music and sound effects in editing
Supervised practical exercise: Editing of your short films
Show your short film!
Q&A and summary of both days
A camcorder, DSLR or mirrorless camera with video capabilities, or a phone that can shoot video (make sure to have enough space to record onto it).
You will also need a laptop for editing on Sunday.
Alex DePew has spent 17 years in the film industry as a Cinematographer and Gaffer, working on projects ranging from no-budget shorts, music videos, art projects, to ad campaigns for brands like Volkswagen, Loro Piana, and Adidas. He got his start in New York City, his hometown, and has shot all over the world. After moving to Berlin he found his passion for teaching and has taught hundreds of students over the past 9 years. Alex guides you through lighting craft with clarity and enthusiasm, making complex concepts accessible to all.
Alongside Klaus Salminen and Linda Paganelli, he co-leads the Berlin Film Community, now a registered e.V. and home to a community of roughly 17,000 filmmakers and film-lovers. Got questions about the workshop? Reach out at alex@berlinfilmcommunity.com.