Whether you want to be a writer, director, cinematographer, VFX artist or sound recordist this course is for you. In just six months you will graduate with a certificate in practical filmmaking from one of the top film schools in the world with a much more developed and well-rounded understanding of the industry and how films are made which will help set you up for a long and successful career in the industry.

The key aspects of the course are:

1. Over the course of the 48 classes you will focus on Screenwriting & Script Reading, Who Does What on set, Producing, Directing, Production Design, Cinematography, Production protocols and paperwork, Sound Recording, Editing, The Soundtrack, Visual Effects and Distribution & Exhibition. 
    
2. The course is taught by senior tutors from across the NFTS giving you unparalleled access to some of the best film teachers in the world.
    
3. Come to the NFTS for two intensive weekends of practical workshops with leading film and television makers.
    
4. Access to the NFTS intranet and resources and online masterclasses. Recent online masterclass guests include David Fincher (Seven, Mindhunter), Steve McQueen (12 Years a Slave, Widows) and Marielle Heller (A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood, Can you Ever Forgive Me?). 
    
5. Get advice from senior NFTS staff on now best to move forward with your career, present your CV, pursue your specialism or apply to the NFTS to do the MA.
    
6. If you complete this course and then successfully secure a place on an NFTS Diploma or MA, we will refund you half the certificate course fee on taking up your Diploma or MA place at the School.
    

You may be a recent BA graduate wishing to further their knowledge with access to NFTS industry specialists.  Perhaps you’re an up and coming filmmaker focussed on your area of specialism but wish to know more about other departments involved in the filmmaking process.  It could be you need to have an overview of the filmmaking process before applying to one of our specialist Diplomas or MAs.

This mainly on-line course, meeting via zoom once every Tuesday evening and Saturday morning, aims to help participants develop and discover their own strengths and areas of interest by drawing on industry professionals to discuss their work and their specialisms.

The course runs for 24 weeks with two online sessions per week, and two practical workshop weekends at the NFTS.

Course Leader

Course Leader Shakil Mohammed is an NFTS graduate who has written and directed a number of award winning short films.

Shakil will be joined by key tutors from across the NFTS in teaching the course and many of our industry friends and supporters will contribute to the course. NFTS tutors who will deliver taught sessions on the programme include Senior Tutor Myf Hopkins (Producer; The Last Tree) and Head of Editing Richard Cox ACE (Editor, Gentleman Jack).

Regular guest tutors at the School who have contributed taught sessions in the last 12 months include Sam Mendes (Director; No Time to Die), Walter Murch (Editor; The Talented Mr Ripley, The English Patient), Sarah Golding (Script Editor; Lady Macbeth), Nicholas Chaudeurge (Editor; Top Boy, Calm With Horses), Clio Barnard (Director; Dark River), Kim Longinotto (Director; Shooting the Mafia, Dreamcatcher).