Discover how to turn real-life stories into engaging short documentaries using equipment you already have.

This practical 8-week course introduces you to the basics of documentary filmmaking using your smartphone or other accessible camera equipment. You will learn how to find a story, film people and places, record interviews, capture supporting footage and bring everything together through simple editing.

Designed for complete beginners, the course focuses on creativity, storytelling and confidence rather than technical filmmaking. No previous experience is required.

Over the course of eight weeks, you will explore:

• Finding a documentary idea based on a person, place, community, family story or subject that interests you
• Framing, composition and using natural light
• Recording interviews and clear dialogue
• Capturing observational footage, locations, details and natural sound
• Organising your footage and developing a simple story structure
• Basic editing, including combining video, photographs, interviews and sound
• Adding titles, credits and finishing touches
• Sharing and receiving feedback on your work

Throughout the course, you will develop your own short documentary project, with guidance and support from your tutor. The course concludes with an opportunity to screen and share the completed films with the group.

Who is this course for?

This course is suitable for complete beginners, hobbyists and anyone interested in telling real-life stories through film. You might want to document a family story, profile an interesting person, explore a local place or community, or simply learn how to create better video using your smartphone.

What will I need?

You will need:

A smartphone or lightweight camera for filming

A smartphone, tablet or laptop for editing. Classroom P.C's will also be available. 

Access to suitable beginner-friendly editing software

No specialist filmmaking equipment or previous filmmaking experience is required.

Final Project (Optional): A short personal documentary of approximately 2–4 minutes

Where suitable, learners may also have the opportunity to explore submitting completed smartphone films to the Dublin Smartphone Film Festival, an annual competition celebrating films made using smartphones and mobile devices. Participation would be entirely optional and would depend on the individual project and festival requirements.