No products in the cart.
Proud to be partnering with, and supplying actors to:
12 Months. Real Sets. Real Actors. Real Credits.
This is not a classroom filmmaking course.
It’s a working production pipeline, built to train filmmakers the way the industry actually operates.
Over 12 months, you’ll shoot regularly, work on live sets with trained actors, rotate through key crew roles, and learn directly from BAFTA-winning and BAFTA-nominated directors, editors, sound designers, cinematographers, and producers who are active in film and TV right now.
You won’t just learn how films are made.
You’ll make them – properly.
This is a professional filmmaking course built around real production.
Each month includes:
- One in-person weekend (hands-on set work with actors)
- Two online sessions:
- Edit review & technical breakdown
- Preparation for the next month’s shoot
- Continuous editing between months
- Monthly filming with trained actors (this is the spine of the course)
From Month 1, students are treated as crew - learning how a set actually functions, rotating roles, making mistakes safely, and building confidence through repetition.
A pre-course activity pack is issued before Month 1, covering:
- Film language & shot sizes
- Storyboarding basics
- Foley & sound fundamentals
- Set etiquette & crew roles
- Camera confidence: terminology, menus, formats
This ensures everyone arrives ready - and removes fear, jargon, and barriers early.
You Work With Actors - Every Month
Most filmmaking courses avoid actors. We build the course around them.
You’ll direct, shoot, record sound, light, and edit scenes with trained actors on set, every month - learning how real collaboration works.
You Learn the Full Set, Not One Job
You’ll rotate through:
- Director / Assistant Director
- Camera (Sony, Panasonic, Blackmagic, RED, ARRI)
- Sound & audio capture
- Lighting & grip
- Producing & set management
- Script supervision
- Editorial & post-production
This builds filmmakers who understand the whole machine, not just one part.
Industry Equipment. Industry Workflow.
You’ll train with:
- Cinema cameras across multiple systems
- Prime, zoom, anamorphic lenses
- Filters, gimbals, drones, LED & virtual production tools
- SDR / HDR workflows
- Professional audio setups
- Post-production pipelines used in real productions
You’ll also be introduced to CVP and real-world kit workflows used by working crews.
Editing & Feedback Are Built In
After every shoot:
- You return to edit your material
- Your work is reviewed in structured online sessions
- You refine cuts with professional guidance
- You prep technically and creatively for the next shoot
No “shoot it and forget it”.
You learn how footage becomes film.
Month 1 – Foundations, Crew Workflow & Confidence on Set
Weekend Focus
- Introduction to filmmaking workflow (pre → production → post)
- Crew roles explained through practice (AD, camera, sound, lighting, producer)
- “No silly questions” camera & filmmaking session
- Breaking down barriers
- Equipment basics
- What things actually do — and why
- Basic filming exercises with actors
- Introduction to editing workflow
Online (after Month 1)
- Edit review of first filmed material
- Prep for Month 2: framing, movement, shot intention
Month 2 – Camera Language, Framing & Movement
Weekend Focus
- Shot sizes, visual grammar & storytelling
- Camera movement: static, handheld, motivated movement
- Introduction to gimbals & stabilisation
- Shooting structured scenes with actors
- Understanding coverage vs intention
Online
- Edit review: framing, movement, shot choices
- Prep: lighting fundamentals & shaping light
Month 3 – Lighting Foundations & Shaping Light
Weekend Focus
- Demystifying film lighting: quality, direction, colour, contrast
- Light modifiers & shaping mood
- Balancing natural and artificial light
- Lighting actors for camera (skin tones, movement)
- Filming actor-led scenes with lighting focus
Online
- Lighting edit review
- Prep: sound, audio capture & location challenges
Month 4 – Sound, Audio & Location Reality
Weekend Focus
- Audio for video: dialogue, ambience, wild track
- Boom vs lavs, mic placement, monitoring
- Common on-set audio mistakes
- Location sound challenges & fixes
- Shooting scenes prioritising clean audio with actors
Online
- Sound edit review
- Prep: assistant directing & set efficiency
Month 5 – Assistant Directing, Set Management & Workflow
Weekend Focus
- Running a set properly
- AD roles, call sheets, scheduling, time pressure
- Crew communication & problem-solving
- Rotating AD-led shoots with actors
- Understanding how efficiency protects performance
Online
- Production flow & edit review
- Prep: lenses, camera systems & visual choice
Month 6 – Lenses, Cameras & Image Pipelines
Weekend Focus
- Prime vs zoom lenses
- Lens coverage & camera compatibility
- Working with Sony, Panasonic, Blackmagic, RED, ARRI
- Anamorphic cinematography (optical characteristics & use)
- Shooting scenes with intentional lens choice
Online
- Image & lens review
- Prep: genre-driven lighting & tone
Month 7 – Genre Through Lighting & Technique (Not Theory)
Weekend Focus
- Using genre to drive lighting & camera decisions
- Drama: naturalism
- Thriller: contrast & tension
- Horror: shadow, colour, restraint
- Shooting genre-influenced scenes with actors
- Maintaining realism under stylisation
Online
- Edit review: tone & consistency
- Prep: mobile filmmaking & hybrid setups
Month 8 – Mobile Filmmaking, Hybrid & Lightweight Production
Weekend Focus
- Mobile filmmaking as a professional tool
- Smartphones as A-cams / B-cams
- Lightweight rigs & fast-turnaround shooting
- Editing mobile footage into cinematic workflows
- Shooting actor-led scenes using hybrid setups
Online
- Edit review: mobility & storytelling
- Prep: casting & working fast with actors
Month 9 – Casting, Working Fast & Performance on Set
Weekend Focus
- Casting process (for filmmakers)
- Working efficiently with actors
- Audition-style shooting & fast decisions
- Directing under pressure
- Shooting scenes that prioritise performance & clarity
Online
- Edit review: performance & coverage
- Prep: final film development
Month 10 – Final Film Development & Pre-Production
Weekend Focus
- Script development & selection
- Location scouting
- Casting with actors
- Shot lists, storyboards, schedules
- Technical planning across departments
Online
- Review test footage
- Final prep for shoot
Month 11 – Final Short Film Shoot
Weekend Focus
- Full short film shoot
- Professional set environment
- Rotating roles across departments
- Real production pressure & problem-solving
Online
- Edit review & post-production planning
- Prep for finishing & delivery
Month 12 – Post-Production, Delivery & Industry Readiness
Weekend Focus
- Editing, sound design & colour workflow
- Festival delivery formats
- IMDb credits & professional wrap
- Career pathways & next steps
What Makes This Course Genuinely Unique
- Monthly filming with trained actors
- Continuous edit → review → reshoot loop
- Early exposure to real set roles
- Confidence with multiple camera systems
- Strong grounding in lighting, sound & workflow
- IMDb credits & future work pathways
Built to reflect how filmmaking actually works
Graham Culliton: “I was signed by RS Talent whilst on the course and landed a commercial covering the course fee. Now I am in development of a feature film with Reel Scene Productions.”
Paul Destafano: “Whilst on the course, Alex offered me representation and I secured a role on a Sky series shooting in South Africa for two weeks—in between the course. I didn’t miss class!”
Liban Adan: “Towards the end of the course, I auditioned for a role on Disney+. As I was still in training with The Reel Scene, I felt confident, current, and had the support from the team (represented by RS Talent). I secured a supporting lead role in a five-part series (released in June 2025)!”
Course structure
Duration: 12 months part time.
Location: London and Online.
Hands-On Filmmaking: Practical exercises and real-world production experience
Industry Mentorship: Learn directly from experienced filmmakers, directors, and crew
Final Project: Create, shoot, and edit your own short film for festival submission
12 Month Part time programme
Duration: 12 Months (part-time) In-Person Training: One weekend per month (hands-on set work with trained actors) Online Classes: Two online sessions per month – covering edit review & technical breakdown, and preparation for the next month’s shoot
Related courses
The Advanced Acting Training Course
8 weeks
Screen Acting Year Course
12 months
Acting Training Course
3 months
Week Intensive Acting Course
6 days
Some of our coaches
Charles Belleville
BAFTA-nominated Director / Editor / Writer
Tim Plester
Actor / Director
Colin O’Toole
BAFTA-winning Director / Writer
Lucas Young
Writer / Editor
Emma Lindley
Director
Richard Boon
Director of Photography
Nick Driftwood
Director of Photography
Gabriel Foster Prior
Director / Editor
Industry Insights & Networking
Attend expos, seminars, and exclusive film industry events.
Connect with casting directors, producers, and cinematographers.
Opportunities to visit CVP and attend film premieres (e.g., Paramount Pictures events).
Start Your Filmmaking Journey Today!
This is more than just a course—it’s your launchpad into the world of professional filmmaking. If you’re ready to take your passion to the next level, apply now and become part of The Reel Scene’s thriving creative community.
Who Works With Us
DATES
10th – 15th October 2026
Filmmaking Course
Full price £11,495 deposit £950. Audition required.
LIMITED PLACES AVAILABLE!
FAQs
Who are the tutors?
Our tutors all currently work in the film and television industry. As well as our acting coaches, including Kevin McNally (Pirates of the Caribbean), David Schaal (The Office, The Inbetweeners),, Bill Ward (Emmerdale) and the director of Coronation street (ITV) Debbie Howard, Shobu Kapoor (eastenders/ polite society) we have many more acting coaches from all areas of the industry! Casting directors Lisa Beach Hollywood films such as Wolverine, walk the line, Horrible bosses) Uk casting Directors, film Directors and many more! Learn more about the acting coaches at The Reel Scene.
Who can apply for the course?
We accept English-speaking actors over 16 years old who have the right to study in the UK and are able to meet the financial obligations of the course. Because some of our workshops and courses can be quite intensive and you’ll be working with other actors and a variety of professionals in sometimes demanding situations, we require a online self-tape audition (scene provided) which will be reviewed before you can join the course.
Do I receive showreel footage?
We are one of the few professional acting courses that shoot scenes with our actors every month as part of our Screen Acting Year Course. We want to get you in front of the camera as often as possible, after all, that’s what acting is about! You’ll shoot scenes to practise the particular skills you’ve learned, and these scenes will be edited by our in-house professionals Editors who have worked on Television New Zealand, Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King), Sky Productions, feature films and many more! These scenes are crucial for you to learn about framing, continuity, performance, the effects of lighting and directing and much more. You’ll receive the edited scenes as files and unlisted YouTube links to start creating your reel - these can be discussed in your one to one on which scene to use for your reel. You will leave with a lot fo footage and the film to add to your REELS!
Do you offer payment plans or course financing?
Yes, we are FCA registered therefore we are partnered with BuyLine to provide a range of finance options spreading the cost of our courses over 1-4 years! we also offer in house payment plans – please visit the Finance Information page for details.
How are the classes scheduled?
The course runs over 12 months, with in-person classes held for three days each month: Friday evening, followed by full-day sessions on Saturday and Sunday. Sundays typically involve filming the scenes you’ve worked on during the weekend. In addition to in-person sessions, students access online classes and 1-2-1’s between months. A schedule is provided at the start, though some dates may shift due to tutor commitments.
Act now, pay later
Used responsibly, finance is a fantastic way to spread the cost of you purchase and can help you get what you want today. It is easy to apply as we have partnered with Buyline to help you, if you are in our studio or on the phone, just let us know you are considering our finance packages and we can talk you through the options. The application form takes a few minutes to complete, and the decision is instant.
Before you apply, please note that you will only be considered if you:
Are over the age of 18;
Are a resident of UK;
Have a valid email address and telephone number;
Have a UK bank account;
Finance is subject to your application, your financial circumstances and borrowing history.
International students
The Reel Scene welcomes English-speaking international students to our UK-based 6-Week Acting Course.
The Reel Scene is not a licensed Student visa sponsor and cannot sponsor visas. If you’re travelling from outside the UK, please check your visa position at gov.uk before booking.
International payments are accepted via credit card, PayPal, bank transfer, or cheque.