From Set to Screen: A Hands-On Short Film Workshop
Learn what it takes to bring a short film to life,
In this immersive, hands-on workshop, you’ll explore the fundamentals of short film production while actively participating in a live shoot. We’ll begin with an overview of essential pre-production concepts, including storyboarding and pre-visualization, to understand how a creative vision is planned before cameras roll.
From there, you’ll jump into production and help execute a short film designed specifically for the class. Working with live actors, you’ll focus on the behind-the-scenes process—learning how to set up and operate gear, shape lighting, and collaborate as part of a working crew.Throughout the session, the instructor will guide you through key filmmaking principles, including:
- Composition and camera placement for the most effective and cinematic angles
- The 180° rule and how it maintains visual continuity
- Shot design and intention, including when and why to frame a scene a certain way
- Coverage strategies to ensure you capture enough footage for a smooth and flexible edit
After the shoot, the instructor will professionally edit the film and share the finished project with all participants—so you can see how your work on set translates into a final, polished piece.
Perfect for: photographers, videographers, and creatives looking to gain real-world filmmaking experience, build confidence on set, and better understand the full production process—no prior filmmaking experience required.
Meet your Instructor
Scott Spears has been working in film and video production for over forty years. He started out working with Super-8. He has shot over thirty one feature films, numerous short films, commercials and music videos. Scott is a two time Regional Emmy Award winner, first for his cinematography on the short film, “The Birthmark” which aired nationally on PBS and as a producer/director on the Underground Railroad documentary, “A Higher Law: The Oberlin-Wellington Rescue of 1858.” He teaches filmmaking at Ohio State University and has taught three other colleges.